GREAT FAST & FUN 4-H PROJECT..."SOMETHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN"

Hey quilters....hope all is going well. I wanted to share this fun easy project that is an excellent gift idea for a b-day present...Mother's day....house-warming or for any special occasion. It's a "Hot Pad used for serving dishes while entertaining." You'll learn "Sew Many" techniques for the beginner quilter or for us "Seasoned quilters/seamstresses", you'll get a head start on your Christmas projects...(12-Mos. of Quilt-Mas) & a great "Stash Buster". You'll get to make this project from home & being a former 4-H Leader, I fully understand time-saving projects. This is a "quilting it forward" for me. My sweet friend gave me this block last summer and it was all hand quilted from her mother-in-law. She knew I love to collect old quilts and blocks and she thought I could do something fun with it. Well, she recently purchased a new home so I thought what better way then to "give it back" as a house-warming gift. I wanted to compliment the original design by "keeping it old school" with sweet antique style fabrics & simple quilting techniques. Quilts back in the day so to speak were primarily used for warmth....now quilts are an amazing work or art. The "New" is this block is all sewn & appliqued with Aurifil thread. If you don't already know this excellent thread Facebook Alex Veronelli. Aurifil thread has so many color hues & weights for all  your sewing projects. I will post pics with instructions along the way to make this project fun & some "unforeseen quilt-bloopers." Before starting any 4-H project make sure you meet all project requirements through your county extension office.  As always...email me if you have any q's. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,
Cat
cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com
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Here's the original block and finished Hot Pad...

HINT....if you don't have a old block to start with just "fussy cut" a 7x7 inch square from your favorite fabric design.

Here's all you do...
*cut border strips 1 1/2 x 12 inches of your coordinating fabric (about 8 strips)
*using the "Log Cabin Method" sew one border strip to top of block (right sides of fabric together)...cut threads...finger press seam & square up border using a rotary cutter with original block.
HINT...if you are using "light print fabrics" make sure you have the right sides together when laying border strips (trust me) :-)
* Sew right border on and use same method above...trimming and squaring up as you go.
*Sew bottom border then left border using same method above.
*Continue with same method above until you've sewn two complete borders on making the "Log Cabin design"
*Iron block and square up at this time if needed.
*Your block should roughly be 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 at this time.
HINT...if you are using "light print fabrics" make sure you have the right sides together when laying border strips together (trust me)

Leaves...
Rotary cut a 3 x 9" strip of your leaf fabric.
Cut same size strip of "Heat n Bond" fusible light & following manufactures directions fuse to wrong side of leaf fabric.
Trace the leaf design on the paper side of heat n bond lite...cut with paper scissors (not your fabric scissors)
HINT...I have scissors and rotary cut scissor marked for sewing and paper so I don't get confused. Keeps your scissors sharper and blades last longer as well. I put my dull blades in a "plastic Nutella jar" great safe way to store before throwing away.
I also have a separate Iron used for fusing and use a re-usable pressing sheet to help keep my iron clean.

Applique....
Now is the time to applique around your leaves and flower motif if it's not already done. If you are new to appliqueing ask an adult to help teach you this fun technique. All sewing machines have a applique stich along with a specific foot attachment to make this technique easy. Always remember to do a sample square if you are first learning this technique.
HINT...make a sweet "Mug Rug" as a gift to practice your applique techniques. You can use the same method that you are currently learning for the "Hot Pad", just in a smaller scale.
Remember...while appliqueing....coordinate your thread with your fabric if needed. If you are new to sewing ask an adult to teach you how to change threads & bobbin thread if needed.

Now let the fun begin...
Rotary cut backing fabric & batting ( I use low-loft batting for less bulk) the same size as your block.
Lay block and fabric backing "right sides together"
Place batting on top of fabric
Sew a 1/4 inch seam around square leaving a 3" seam opening (this will be used to turn block inside out)
Reinforce your seam openings while starting & stopping. I like to pin my 3" opening a different direction to help with starting & stopping...see pic below of pin direction and fabric layouts.

Turn block inside out.../Press & Measure block.
HINT...at this time make sure all your seams were sewn (except 3" opening).If not turn outside in and sew the seam you missed. No Problem! See pic...happens to us all :-)

HINT...use a #2 Pencil eraser to smooth the layers together inside the block & to straighten corners, or use your best tools ever...your fingers! (That's why I make a 3" opening to help get inside block to smooth fabric.

Now cut a piece of "Insul-Bright" about a 1/8" smaller then your block size.
Tri-fold insul-bright and insert into the 3" opening.
Using your pencil eraser carefully smooth insul-bright to fit your square.
Take your time with this step.
Press with Iron to help with the bulk before quilting.
Fold in sides of your 3"opening together inline with your seam.
Hand stich opening with coordinating thread or use washable fabric glue to enclose opening.

Now you're ready to get creative with your block!
HINT...choose your decorative stitches you wish to use. On a scrap piece of fabric practice with the stitch width & length until your get your desired stitch. I have a pad/pen in my top drawer of sewing machine to write down the stitch settings while sewing. This is a great tip especially if you turn off your machine before finishing your project. Another trust me! :-)
*I appliqued the log cabin seams just as I sewed it to compliment the block design. Do the same if you wish.
Aurifil 50# 4093 was used for appliqueing the log cabin stitching & leaves.
Aurifil 50# 3910 variegated thread used to outline stitch two rows around center flower.
I kept the quilting simple to compliment the original block.

Care instructions...due to this being a "hot pad for serving dishes"...food spills may occur....fully recommend to spot clean when possible...if laundering is needed place pad in a laundry mesh bag & machine wash cold on delicate cycle....air dry...iron if needed.

I hope you enjoyed this project & feel free to send pics or email me any q's....
Remember....sewing & quilting is fun....it's your project...get creative & enjoy every moment!