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New Pattern - Traveling Checkerboard
Introducing our newest pattern - the Traveling Checkerboard! The zipper pocket on the back creates convenient checker storage making it easy to take on the go.
I am passionate about encouraging the use of handmade items with kids, especially my own. When they choose a handmade toy or blanket over a store bought one it makes all my hard work seem worth it! So I'm always looking for ways to bring more handmade items into our home, but in a practical, useful sort of way. (Hence the Bucket Tote, the Floor Pouf, you'll notice there's a trend there!) That's where this pattern came from. My kids love to play games, and the classics like checkers never get old. And of course Chess! This game board is ready for it all, and I love the zipper pocket on the back. No more searching for the missing pieces!
Our pattern walks you through the ins and outs of every step, from strip piecing the game board to installing the zipper. You'll have a beautiful checkerboard ready to gift or enjoy with your family in no time!
Here's a run down on the supplies you'll need!
1/4 yard of two fabrics for the squares of the game board (small non-directional prints or solids are best)
1/4 yard border fabric
2/3 yard batting
18" plastic zipper
2/3 yard backing
2/3 yard zipper pocket lining
Have you ever had trouble keeping your fabric lined up when you install a zipper? It happens because the fabric is stretching and the zipper isn't, which makes for long crazy tails of fabric and a wavy zipper. Well no more! I've found some tips to help you. First, applying a fusible interfacing will help stabilize the fabric. On the Traveling Checkerboard pattern this also acts as stability to the game board. If you would prefer to not have the added stiffness on your project, you could cut the interfacing into small strips and only apply it in the seam allowance. Another trick I used to ensure proper zipper installation was to baste it in place with a fabric glue stick. Between the interfacing and the glue I only needed a couple of wonder clips to keep things in place as I sewed them!
Notice those beautiful wooden checkers? Well we couldn't have you all making checkerboards without finding you the perfect checkers to go with them! We've found these amazing two toned wooden checkers that nest perfectly on top of each other so you can collect all the kings! They are packaged in sets of 24, 12 of each color, ready to be gifted or enjoyed with your new Traveling Checkerboard. You can find them in the shop or online right here. We are excited to include this on our gift making list for the holidays this year! It's so much fun to pick just the fabric for each game loving person on your list. And wouldn't it make a great gift for a teacher's classroom?
We know you believe in handmade as much as we do, that's why we love you so much! We hope you have a blast making the Traveling Checkerboard and sharing it with the people you care about.
Here's the fabric details on the game boards pictured!
Squirrel Checkerboard:
Add it up in Bananas
Squirrels in Yellow
Hot Pink 18" zipper
Camping Checkerboard:
Geo Drops in Denim
Brown 18" zipper
Happy Sewing!
Roxanne
