"Suppers on the Porch"..Fun-ctional Table Decor'..Phase 3

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well and you're having kind weather. I watch the national weather every morning and this has been a crazy start to Spring. My prayers are with everyone going through difficult times. As y'all know by now I'm obsessed with this fabric collection "Porch Swing" by Riley Blake Designs. The 10" squares have such a variety of prints & hues that it makes these Birds Sing! The Spring Bird Icon Templates & Octagon Templates by Missouri Star Quilt Company are super easy to design with and great quality. In this phase I will be showing you the "baby bird." This is an option but he's so stinkin cute that I hope you incorporate it into the design. You will be making 5 Octagon Sq's in total...4 Bird Sq's & one fun-ctional centerpiece in Phase 4. I was only going to make 2 birds, but they were so much fun that I made 4 :-) I staggered them in different areas by their "Mommas" & was pretty pleased of how it all came together. I'm just here to guide & inspire you so use your creativity & have fun. If you need supplies pop on my link to MSQC to save 20% off $50. or more for the month of April from MSQC. Browse their website for inspiration with their great tutorials & daily deals. The "Doan Ladies" are always creating something special & they will definitely inspire you & keep you in stitches! I thank y'all so much for following & hope you're having as much fun as I am. I love to do my own "give-a-way" to show my appreciation for following me so please follow me on Instagram & Facebook. I just gifted a "Car Coaster & Quilting Traveler's Luggage Tag" & a sweet quilty-friend from Pennsylvania won...that was exciting.  Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Here's all you do...

* Select 4...10" squares for backing.

* Place large Octagon template on right side of fabric & trace around template w/your preferred method.

* Rotary cut on the lines. 

* Repeat for all 4 squares. Set aside.

* Do the same method for your low-loft batting & insul-bright. Set aside.

Sweet Scrappy Baby Birds...

* You will make the baby birds the same way as the large Scrappy Birds. You can use your scrap pieces from your large bird or give them a different look by using the 1" strips that were set a side earlier. I used the 1" strips and pieced in the same color fashion as the Momma bird. I love this look because baby birds don't have all their color yet :-) Make as many as you desire and set aside once finished.

* Preparing your blocks for a-play-que & quilting...

Note...If you choose to only "a-play-que) your block then layer only the batting. If you choose to a-play-que & quilt within your block then layer batting and backing (right side down)

* Position your Large Bird & Baby bird within your block as desired.

* Pin in place or use a bit of washable fabric glue to adhere or your preferred method.

Tip...I spray my birds with "Faultless Premium" starch before I a-play-que my items when using the raw-edge method. This helps me to not have frayed raw edges when sewing. Plus sewing with the "crazy stitch" helps as well. I align my sewing foot to the edge of the design for the outside stitching then center the stitch on the line when doing the "crazy stitch" within the birds. I always do a test to adjust the stitch width if necessary. All machines are different so jot down your stitch used if you jump between machines like I do :-) 

* A-play-que your birds or quilt as desired. I used Aurifil 50 weight black #2692.

* Repeat this method for all 4 Bird Octagon Squares.

Finishing...

* Layer backing square ...right side facing down.

* Then your Octagon Birds square...right side facing you.

* Starting at upper right corner...fold border under 1/2" inch finger press.

* Repeat this step in a "clockwise motion" until you reach back to top.

* Flip square over and using the same clockwise method...tuck in the border in half to close the raw edge. Pin or clip as you go to secure.

* Carefully flip square over & top stitch to secure. I used the "crazy stitch" it grabs the backing pretty well to secure the fold on back, but you do what works best. 

* Repeat this method for all 4 Octagon Bird Blocks.

Tip...I placed my Octagon Template within my square as a guide to make sure I was keeping the shape as I folded border over. It's not perfect but I was pleased with the outcome :-) remember have fun...no quilting police on my blog :-) 

Here's a "Peek" of my 2nd block & how I alternated the background fabric. This fabric is so inspiring so have fun & create away!

Check back soon for the Fun-ctional Center Piece 

Octagon Square,

Cat

"Suppers on the Porch" Fun-ctional Table Decor'..Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well. I'm so excited about this sweet table decor that I'm actually going right to the directions. I've had a blast with the templates from Missouri Star Quilt Company and the "Porch Swing" fabric by Riley Blake Designs is stunning. I love it when fabric makes the design & in this case it really does. The scrappy birds are so sweet and just wait until you see what's coming soon. I might have gotten a bit carried away. But that's what I do...I love sharing fun & easy projects with y'all. In this phase you'll be making "branches" for the birds to perch on. No worries if you haven't tried this step before...super easy. Trust me :-) You will also be adding the "scrappy border" to the Octagon Square. I love this part because you get to pick and choose from the lovely fabric collection as desired. My O.C.D. (only Cat does) kicked in a bit so don't over think it...the scrapier the better. Just have fun! If you're just joining the scrap-a-long don't forget to use my link to MSQC to save 20% off $50. or more on supplies for the month of April. I hope you're having as much fun as me making this "fun-ctional table decor." Thanks so much for following!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

Here's all you do...

* Take one of your bird's background 10" sq. and trace round Octagon template on right side of fabric using your preferred marking method.

* Rotary cut on that line.

* Repeat for all 4 Octagon Bird background squares. (set aside)

Making the Branches...

* Select one dark green and one light green 10" squares.

* Sub cut on a 45* angle into 1" strips & 3/4" strips.

Tip...cutting on a 45* angle gives the fabric a stretch if you want to make branches bend easier.

* Fold a strip in half (wrong sides 2gether) press...then fold in the raw edges & press to secure edges.

* Do this for all strips...you might not use them all :-)

* Now take one octagon square and position branches on right side of fabric as desired.

* Pin to secure if desired.

Tip...I positioned my bird within the Octagon square to get a "visual" of where I wanted my branches to be :-) I also used a dark and light green strip on each square to give the branches a different color. This is where you can get creative & have fun! :-)

* Do not adhere bird....this will happen in next Phase :-)

* Top stitch on branches to secure.

* Repeat for all 4 Octagon Squares.

Scrappy/Border/Binding...

* Select 8 10" squares as desired & rotary cut each in half to have a5 x 10" strips.

* Select one strip from each and set the others aside.

* Take one 5 x 10" strip & sub cut into 2 x 10" strips...set the 1" strip aside.

* Take your Octagon square w/ right side facing you & starting at one side sew a strip with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press & trim even with shape of Octagon.

* Going in a "clockwise" fashion,,,keep adding borders as above until you have reached back up to the top of the Octagon.

Note...you're going Cat...this is a wide border.... yes but you will be turning the strip over later for my easy border/binding method :-) you know me...less-stress-quilting, :-)

* Repeat this step on all 4 Octagon squares.

* Sneek-Peek of what it will look like on next phase :-)

Check back soon for Phase 3,

Cat

 

"Suppers on the Porch"...Fun-ctional Table Decor..Phase 1

 Hey quilter's....happy Tuesday! I wanted to always say that....we laugh all the time because when you retire sometimes you don't even know what day it is....sad but true :-) That's one of my goals! Well I'm excited to share Phase 1 with y'all of "Suppers on the Porch." I'm having a blast of how easy this scrap-a-long is coming together. Sometimes I feel when you are sewing/piecing gorgeous fabric together it motivates you to finish the project faster. At least for me anyway. I love this collection " You have 42...10" squares in stunning hues & prints that are already coordinated for you. Seriously y'all, as a designer half the time is spent coordinating fabric. Well in Phase 1 you will be selecting your fabrics from this gorgeous collection for 4 birds...5 Octagon Sq's that will become the "Fun-ctional Table Decor." The 5 sq's are individually pieced & quilted then once finished you lay them in a row to form a decorative table runner. The "center square" is actually more functional than the other 4 as it will become a "trivet" for hot/cold items to set on when entertaining. The center block is where you will be using the insul-bright insert. Later you'll have the option of making smaller trivets that coordinate for entertaining. I'm breaking the steps down for you so bear with me if it seems a bit daunting at first. I want you to use all this stunning collection :-) Once you start the "Scrapin' Like Crazy" technique you'll want to make more of my upcoming projects using this technique. It's super fun & therapeutic & no paper-piecing! You know me "I'm all about Thread and Fabric Therapy!" If you need supplies my link to MSQC will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of April. Thanks so much for following & have fun!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Partner

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

(Supplies listed on previous post)

Here's all you do...

* Organize the fabric squares by prints & hues (aren't they gorgeous?)

* Select 5...10" sq's for the Background fabric ( 1 is for the center block)

* I alternated my background prints from light to dark (My O.C.D)

* Select 9 of the small prints & rotary cut in half to make Two...5 x 10" pieces.

* Select one of each 5 x 10 inch prints...set the others aside for later use :-)

Making the "Scrappy Birds"

* Take 1 of the 5 x 10" piece and cut into 4 off centered pieces (this step is so fun & therapeutic)

* Repeat this step for all 5 x 10" squares...set aside into piles.

Tip...hold your large bird template to get a "vision" of how you would like your bird to look. As I was piecing my scraps 2gether I would then lay my bird template on top of the pieced fabric to guide me in which direction to sew the next piece on. Sew much easier than paper-piecing :-) Also I "flipped" my Large Bird Template over to make 2 birds in opposite directions. 

* Sew your scrap pieces w/ right sides 2gether....using a 1/8" seam allowance if possible (less bulk) & finger press seams flat...trim away access fabric before sewing the next piece.

* Save those scraps :-) :-) :-) 

* Using your Bird Template as your guide sew enough pieces together to form his body. 

* Press seams flat before next step ;-)

* Using a erasable pen/pencil of your choice...position the bird template on the right side of your scrap fabric piece & trace around the bird template. 

* Carefully cut on that line using sharp scissors. 

* Repeat this fun/therapeutic step to make 4 "Scrappy Birds"

You will later raw edge "a-play-que" around the birds :-)

Check back soon for Phase 2.

Cat

Project Peek of the Week..."Suppers on the Porch"

 Hey y'all...hope you had a great weekend. I've been enjoying my new pattern "Suppers on the Porch" & I'm so excited to share w/y'all. I love the 10" fabric collection "Porch Swing" by Riley Blake Designs that I recently received from Missouri Star Quilt Co. The fabric hues & sweet birds inspired my design. I love birds...I love to hear them sing...my fondest memories are with my grandson always telling me what birds pop up for the season. I enjoy gathering outside & eating. It's a very relaxed way to entertain that I feel everyone enjoys. My design "Suppers on the Porch" is a "Fun-ctional Table Decor" for entertaining. This is such a fun project using the MSQC templates "Spring Icons Bird & Octagon Lrg. Med. & Sm Templates. You will definitely enjoy this "Scrap-a-long" if you love birds as much as I do. It's super easy & my technique is very therapeutic too. I like to call it my "Scrapin like crazy" :-) You will be doing some fun "a-play-queing" too! I'm listing the items needed & you can save 20% off $50. or more for the month of April from MSQC. Also wanted to share that we "giveaway items" w/ MSQC on Facebook & Instagram so please follow me so you don't miss out. Well, I hope you're ready for a "Fun-ctional Scrap-a-long" this week." Thanks so much for following & talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Here's all you need....

* Riley Blake "Porch Swing" 10" pkg. from MSQC

* Spring Icons Bird Templates & Octagon Templates (Sm, Med. Lrg.) by MSQC

* Coordinating thread ( I use Aurifil 50 weight )

* Low-loft batting

* Insul-Bright

Talk soon,

Cat

Happy National Scissor Day & Give-a-Way!

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is off to a great start. I'm thrilled to share this giveaway with you to celebrate National Scissor Day from Missouri Star Quilt Company. MSQC sent their affiliates us "Amelia 8" Scissors" one to keep & one to giveaway. Sew exciting! All you need to do for my giveaway is Follow my "Ihearditthroughthequiltvine" page (link upper right on home page) & all the details are listed on today's post. I'll be giving a way one of these awesome scissors. You have until 4-14-24 by midnight to enter...open to U.S. residents please. All info is listed to enter. These scissors have a 5 Star Rating...textured non-slip handle provides a comfortable grip...super-cute reusable packing for storage & on the go crafting...plastic sleeve for protection....so lightweight & sharp cutting edge that I recently cut through the Lemon Canvas fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics with ease. Trust me,,.with my "arthritic fingers" that' s very important. I used them left & right-handed too! I hope you pop on over to my Facebook page & enter to win. This would make a great "Mother's Day gift...Birthday or just because I love you". My link to MSQC will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of April. Thanks so much for following & check back soon for more fun & exciting times ahead on "I heard it through the quilt-vine blog!" Talk soon :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Scrap-y Garden Apron..."Left-over Lovin' w/Art Gallery Fabrics"

 Hey quilter's...it's finally Friday! Well here's a  super fun project for the weekend. You know just in case you don't have anything to do already. :-) Y'all, I had a left-over piece of this gorgeous fabric from making the Aprons & I had to make something that was practical too. My scrap piece was only 23 x 28 & I turned it into a "Scrap-y Garden Apron" for my daughter. Oh my gosh...I'm pretty happy with how this came together so fast & easy. No pattern used,,,I just winged it :-) But I will say the canvas fabric by Art Gallery Fabrics makes the design. I'm in love with this fabric & I definitely see making more gifts from this gorgeous fabric in my future. This gardening apron would make a great Mother's Day gift or birthday gift or any occasion...it's sew cute! If you are lucky to have a scrap piece of fabric a bit larger than I would probably make my straps longer. I used what I had but will say it still tied great. As always adjust the size to your needs...it's that easy! Oh, before I forget...please follow me on Facebook tomorrow (Saturday)...we have something special happening w/Missouri Star Quilt Co. Speaking of MSQC ....my link will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of April. I hope you make this super easy garden apron for someone special or you :-) Thanks so much for following & talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Scrap-y Garden Apron & Chuck loves it too!...

Note....Finished size is 12 x 20 1/4 ...adjust instructions to your "scrap piece" :-)

* Rotary cut scrap to 15 x 22 1/2

Sides & bottom hem...

* Fold over 1" to the back & press. 

* Fold in half again...press...top stitch on front to secure fold.

Tip...I do a "double seam" for reinforcement plus gives a "professional look" :-)

* Repeat step for both sides & bottom hem.

Top Band...

* Fold over fabric 2" to back side & press. 

* Fold under 1/2 " press.

* Top stitch on front (makes the 1 1/2" band) double seam for that professional look!

Note...Pic below is the back side of apron of how seams align :-) Fabric super easy to sew!

Straps...

* Rotary cut a 3" x 22 1/2 scrap piece (or to your desired length)

* Fold in half length wise & press.

* Fold sides in 1/4 " to hide your raw edge. Press.

* Top stitch on front to secure fold. Double seam when stitching if desired.

* Sew straps to left/right side of apron. Align the straps w/the mock waist band on wrong side of apron...Pin or clip to secure. Sew seam on front & reinforce seam as you start/stop. Double seam to reinforce the straps plus still keeping that professional look as well. :-)

Pocket...

* Rotary cut 8 x 17" from scrap.

* Fold over sides 1" to back side of fabric. Press.

* Fold in half again to secure raw edge & top stitch on front. Top stitch on front to secure fold.

* Repeat same step for bottom hem.

* Align pocket as desired on apron front. Pin to secure.

Tip...I folded the apron in half for centering & aligned the pocket w/the apron bottom edge.

* Starting at upper right of pocket. Top stitch around pocket to secure to apron. Double stitch to secure & keep the professional look :-)

3 Individual pockets...

* This is a personal preference. I made 3 individual pockets to hold gardening/cell phone items.

* All you do is divide the pocket as desir3ed &  mark w/ a disappearing pen/pencil

Tip...I marked 2 lines 5" in from left/right side which gave me 3 pockets :-)

* Sew on that line...back stitch at top/bottom to reinforce pockets. 

* Erase lines per manufacturer's directions.

Well, you did it! I hope you enjoyed making this "fun-ctional" project. If you're giving as a gift, you can stuff items in pockets...super cute gift! :-) 

Of course, I had to add "Forget Me Not Seeds"...carrying on the tradition of what my late Mother-in-law did to me...I'm sure you read in previous post of "quilting it forward." :-) 

Thanks for following & check back soon for more "fun-ctional projects." 

Talk soon,

Cat

"Better Together Aprons"...You're Never 2 old 4 Mother/Daughter Aprons!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great week & hopefully enjoying spring weather. Geez this has been a crazy start to spring. Prayers for everyone having a difficult time. I wanted to share with y'all this fun & easy pattern by Missouri Star Quilt Co. Oh my gosh it's super easy to follow along plus the pattern is very versatile. Just change up the fabric & adjust the size for Mother/Son aprons too. I made one for my daughter and me too. We might be a bit "older" now but you're never 2 old for matching aprons. I can't wait to pack mine along when we get together and have fun in the kitchen. As you can see in the pick the Sage Yuma Lemon Canvas fabric is the perfect complement especially if you love lemons like we do. This fabric by Art Gallery Fabrics is so easy to sew with that I made the straps out of the same fabric. Of course, you can buy the cotton twill tape which is stated on the pattern project supplies. But I love when fabric quality is great that it inspires me to "step out of my comfort" zone. That was my goal for this year...not to rush a project & to challenge myself and learn new techniques. I hope you make this super easy apron pattern. It would definitely make a great Mother's Day gift.... Graduation gift...Birthday gift or just "Because I Love You." Don't forget to make one for yourself too :-) You save 20% off $50. or more for the month of April on supplies w/my link from MSQC. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more "fun-ctional projects." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

"Better Together Aprons" pattern by Missouri Star Quilt Company...

Chuck loves his apron too :-)