Happy Labor Day & a Project Sneak Peek!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a restful Labor Day. Today is extra special because it's also my grandson's birthday. I wanted to give you a "sneak peek" of a project happening this month. This will be the second project...first is a super cute runner that starts this week...wink...wink. But the second involves this awesome T-shirt from Missouri Star Quilt Company. It actually states, "Quilters are peacemakers' which is totally true, but "Chuck" must be homesick. Notice how he thinks we're "pie makers" He must miss everyone's baking @ Missouri Star Quilt Company. I also noticed Chuck invited a friend with a cell phone. Hmmm....they must have "text'd" during the recent Hurricane. Well maybe I should make Chuck something to keep him around. We have a busy month ahead celebrating Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash! Although my projects are "fast/easy" yet-functional due to my health reasons it sure is nice having a "helper" keeping me in line! The link below is for another month of savings from Missouri Star Quilt Company. I'll be featuring "Quilt Town" 10 x 10" squares along with their complimenting yardage and thread. Oh my gosh y'all...this fabric collection is stunning! Scrap-a-longs start this week on blog. Thanks so much for following & have a restful Labor Day!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

15% off ( 1 x use) until September 30th

Link:

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine (or click on link upper right of blog)

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

*Lots of thread and fabric therapy on my Baby Lock Jazz II :-)

Come Celebrate Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash!

 Hey quilter's...hope everyone is doing well especially after the hurricane. We did better this time than with "Ian" Today I'm excited to share that September starts Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash! Oh my goodness...what monumental time for them. If anything, I ask is you view how their family run business all started and how they became who we all know and love today. I can truly say not only do they have wonderful supplies...customer service but they are a dedicated family to serving others. This month "Chuck" and I will be featuring designs using their "Quilt Town" fabrics & threads. Pic below shows the 10 x 10" square pack along with coordinating yardage & thread. I'll be shing "fast & easy" fun-ctional decor for entertaining plus a sweet design for your sewing room featuring a MSQC T-shirt all sewn/quilted on my Baby Lock Jazz II. I'm super excited and please check out their gorgeous fabric collection on their website plus use your 15% off discount too! I thank you so much for following and like they say..."Let the Quilting Commence!"

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

15% off ( 1 x use) September 1-30th

w/ link below or click on upper right of blog

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Paid Partnership with MSQC

Scrap forward 2 Fall...."Scrap-a-ble Stack-a-ble Sunflower Trivet" 10" center!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a wonderful weekend. It seems lately that I always talk to y'all about the weather first...well...can't help it...have you been watching this crazy weather! Oh my gosh...I know it's "Hurricane Season" but this is nuts already. First my prayers to everyone for strength during this time. Yes, that includes me. I thank everyone for the calls...texts already and yes we're preparing for the worst. The one thing I can definitely say with this crazy "temporary move" to Florida is that "you don't mess with mother nature!" I've learned even a "tropical storm" is just as damaging. So yes....Im prepared...snacks...thread & fabric are secured :-) It's a funny thing if you have a Cat. My sweet "Lottie" named after my late grandmother knows somethings up when I start putting things into protective bags. If you ever go through this, putting items in sealed storage bags is wonderful. I use Ziplock freezer bags for small items & those large storage vacuum bags for large items. Large plastic tubs are great as well. I know it's not going to help one bit it my house gets blown away but least I know they are a 'bit protected." Lord give us strength! Well,,,enough of the weather...right? Oh my gosh let's get back to why I called this design "stack-a-ble." I know my projects are smaller these days mostly due to my personal health reasons of limited sitting/standing but...they are "fun-ctional." The one thing I've learned in my design career is that if a design is not functional for your family's needs, then it's not practical. Sure, it can always look awesome but if it doesn't accommodate your needs then whets the point. To me anyway :-) Oh my gosh y'all my spell check just lit up like crazy...cataract surgery is not coming fast enough :-) or maybe it's my arthritic fingers :-(...anyway...the center of the "sunflower" is also a "trivet".... roughly 10" depending on your prairie point placement. Stack-a-ble because they stack on top of each other when not using which makes the "fun-ctional decor." Also, great space saver if you have limited storage. I will give you a "heads up" you'll be seeing some more designs with "prairie points." Seriously they are so cute and super easy & fast to make which I love! The directions below are just like the 13" Sunflower in previous post. I will be reflecting back to the original post/design but stating the sizes needed to accommodate this sweet sunflower trivet for the center. Well, wish us all prayers and strength while prepping for another beast. I thank y'all so much for following me & I hope you've been able to get some supplies you've wanted from Missouri Star Quilt Company with the discount. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com (fast & easy recipes)

Link in upper right of blog for 15" off (1 x use) from Missouri Star Quilt Company...code QUILTVINEAUG 23 will appear to click on at checkout. 

Paid Partnership with MSQC

I hope y'all can download video...it was my first try :-)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut backing fabric and Insul-bright using medium octagon template by MSQC

* Rotary cut your top fabric plus 2" (this will be your binding/fold later)

Tip...I used a ruler to mark out 2" from my template to help guide when rotary cutting.

* Layer backing fabric...right side down then insulbright

* Top fabric...right side up (facing you)

* Position within the center of sunflower

* Pin at top to secure...carefull flip over...remove pin.

* Starting at top...Fold border in half then fold in half again to make a finished seam on back.

* Pin or clip.

* Continue same method to the right until all corners are folded back.

* Finger press if needed and pin or clip as you go.

Tip...I use my spinning mat from MSQC to help with rotating the block...Less stress on your back too!

* On front of block...top stitch or stitch in the ditch w/ coordinating thread.

* Back stitch to secure & remove pins as you go.

Tip:... I position my "needle down" on my Baby Lock Jazz II for easier pivoting at corners. If your machine doesn't have that option make sure your needle is in down position before pivoting at corners to secure your block before rotating at corners :-)

Prairie Points...

Note...I used the rest of my Sunglow chips from previous trivet then added coordinating scraps from Chroma by Deborah Edwards for Northcott...they coordinated perfectly!

First row...

* Make 8 prairie points ( 4 light & 4 dark)....see large trivet post to make prairie ponts :-)

* On front of block...starting at top...place prairie point just within the top at seam line...position prairie points with right side of opening...pin.... continue same method tucking prairie points within the next until all 8 are positioned/pinned...alternating colors.

* Top stitch on raw edge of prairie points...remove pins as you go.

Second row... 

* Make 8 more prairie points and stagger them with points out within the first row.

* Sew as same method as above.

Third row...

* Rotary cut your fabric to 4 x4 to make prairie points a bit smaller. This will make a 3.5" prairie point.

* Make 8-9 prairie points or as needed for your center.

Position the same way as above within center of block....but do not pin.

Sunflower center...

* Rotary cut your center fabric & heatnbond lite to 6 x 6

* Fuse to wrong side of sunflower fabric following manufacturer's instructions.

* Trace center of sunflower using small octagon template on paper side.

* Carefully rotary cut around template.

Tip:...I wanted my center a bit smaller so I folder my octagon in half and rotary cut in a 1/4"...do the same if you wish.

* Place in center of Prairie points and using the octagon shape as your guide...reposition any prairie points to make sure all raw edges are "tucked" within the sunflower center.

* Remove paper backing off sunflower center & position again on top of sunflowers...carefully fuse in place following manufacturer's directions on hearnbond lite.

This step allows you to re-position the prairie points if needed before fusing. Less-stress-sewing/quilting! :-)

* Top stitch with coordinating thread on sunflower center which will secure all prairie points.

* Quilt as desired.

I used my "quilting foot" on Baby Lock to help quide me when accent quilting the center of sunflower.

Helps when using coordinating thread :-)

Well, I hope you enjoyed this scrap-a-long for your fall entertaining.

Keep following for more fast & easy scrap-a-longs for your holiday entertaining.

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Tip of the Day!..." Baby Lock 1/4" quilting foot!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your Sunday blessings to y'all. I've had a quiet weekend. I know a lot of you are wondering why I preach "thread and fabric therapy" & less-stress-quilting. Well, when you take "muscle relaxers" like I do for back pain it tends to make me a bit goofy. Due to my level of pain, I don't share large "scrap-a-longs" because I cannot do them anymore. But I love sharing fast & easy technique and if you've noticed I usually state an advanced technique to challenge yourself. I don't want you to get "bored" with my fun & easy designs just because I have health issues now. I do love fast & easy projects myself...it's rewarding & if you're new to sewing/quilting it's a great motivation. I'm not going to give up on what I love...just need to do it in moderation. If you've seen my previous post, then you know that I actually set a "timer" to make me stop...yup...I'm up to about 10 minutes. Seriously....it does stink getting "old-ish" and we take what is given to us as we age but don't give up on what you love. We need to take our "minds" off our pain even if it's just a "few minutes." Projects that used to take 30 minutes not take "days" to finish but we just gotta keep going" Thread and fabric really helps. These day's I'll take a minute or two of relief:-) Well I wanted to share a "quick tip" with y'all that will help you especially when "quilting within the sunflower" trivet. I have the Baby-Lock Jazz II & with that pretty beast comes a "1/4 inch quilting foot & a 12" throat space." I love this even on my small projects. I use the 14" foot to help guide me when adding quilting rows. Sometimes when you're using "coordinating threads" you can't see your previous lines. Or at least I can't due to my "cataracts now." :-( The 1/4" quilting foot is awesome to help quide you. I would suggest that when you are coming closer to the corners to slow down and try to line up your stitch length with the corners. One good thing about coordinating your thread with fabric that if you make a "oopsie" most likely it won't be noticeable. Plus, if you're like me my "seam-ripper" is your best friend! Well, I hope this tip helps you to make your sewing/quilting days easier. Remember...there's no "quilting police" in my sewing room...it's all about "less-stress-sewing/quilting" "thread and fabric therapy"& sharing fun projects together. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest.

You still have until August 31st to use your 15% off ( 1 x use) from Missouri Star Quilt Company.

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine (link at upper right of blog)

Code QUILTVINEAUG23 will automatically appear for you to click on at checkout :-)

Paid partnership w/ MSQC

"Scrap Forward 2 Fall"...Scrap-a-ble Stack-a-ble Sunflower Trivets!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is going well & the weather is being kind. I'm sure y'all are ready for fall weather especially due to this hot summer most of us are having. I thank God for A/C every time I come in from the outside heat. I wanted to start my fall scrap-a-longs with y'all showcasing items from Missouri Star Quilt Company. Oh my gosh y'all...I'm in love with these Octagon templates. I ordered them in the small, medium & large. I love the quality & they have been a blast to use! I used the large Octagon for the backing & insul-bright then the medium to help square up the "prairie points along the way" & the small for the center of the Sunflower. Absolutely perfect for rotary cutting on your fabric. Speaking of fabric...hello...the Stonehenge Graduations Brights "Sunglow Chips" had so much color variations that it made staggering the color hues in "prairie points" perfectly. I used all of the 5 x 5 sq's in pack except 9 so i'll be incorporating those into a smaller trivet. I love it when you can make something "fun-ctional" and no fabric waste. Win..Win...for me especially with my "temporary downsizing" of my quilting room. :-(  Sometimes you don't realize what you miss until you "down-size." Although it's amazing what you can store in "dining room cabinets"...:-) :-) :-) Anyway, hope you enjoy this "scrap-a-long: as much as I am... the fabric colors sure do get me in the mood for a "Pumpkin Spice Latte." Make as many as you desire...lay them as a centerpiece in a row on table & "stack" them for easy storage! Don't forget you still have time to pop over to Missouri Star Quilt Company to enjoy your 15% off ( 1 x use) ...link below will take you directly to site & you'll receive your discount at checkout. Enjoy entertaining with this super cute trivet!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com (fun & easy recipes for your quilting retreats)

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine  (MSQC link in upper right of blog for discount)

Here's all you need...

* MSQC Octagon templates (sm. med. & large)

* Aurifil 50 weight thread ( 2134, 4150, 2235, 1140)

* Northcott Fabrics Stonehenge Graduations Chips ( Sunglow Chips)

* Northcott Fabrics ( Ombre slate-brown)

* Northcott Fabrics (Shimmer 20258M) center of sunflower...love this fabric :-)

* Insul-Bright

Here's all you do....

Note: directions are for approximately 13 x 13" Trivet for entertaining. :-)

* With your large octagon template...rotary cut brown fabric for backing & insulbright

Tip: I did not use a layer of batting due to the 3 layers of prairie points for protection. Do what is best for your entertaining needs.

* With large octagon template.. Rotary cut your top fabric plus 2"...this is extra for your binding/fold later. Less-stress-quilting :-)

Tip: use a ruler to help mark your 2" line from octagon template.

Pic below is using medium template, but same idea with large octagon template. Forgot to take pic using large template :-(

* Layer backing fabric (right side down)

* Insul-bright

* Top fabric right side up & centered within the block

* Pin at top 2 secure.

* Carefully flip over & remove pin.

Border fold...

* Starting at top...Fold front fabric over 1 "....finger press...then tuck in 1" to form a finished fold.

* Pin or clip to secure

* Continue same method going clockwise following octagon shape until all corners are folded/pinned.

Tip: Spinning mat is wonderful at this step. :-)

* On font side of Octagon fabric...top stitch at border hem to secure fold on back of block.

Tip:  I use my pressure foot as guide & position my needle in the down position (if have on your machine) when pivoting corners....remove pins as you go.

Prairie Points...

* First lay out your "chips" to see all the color variations of this stunning collection.

Note: you will be laying from outside to inside with 3 layers of prairie points. I also staggered my squares from light to dark...well as much as possible anyway :-)

* Choose eight 5 x 5" squares.

* With right side facing down on pressing mat...fold in half diagonally (point to point)

* Fold in half again forming the "prairie point triangle"

* Press

* Repeat same method for all squares.

* On front side of octagon block...starting at top...position your prairie point within the block with points out and opening to the right.

* Pin to secure.

* Continue this method clockwise and inserting next prairie point into the opening.

* Repeat steps until all 8 are positioned within the square.

* Top stitch on raw edge of prairie points with coordinating thread.

* Row 2...

* Same method as above.( 8 points again)...alternating colors and staggering points within the shape creating a sunflower design with points out.

 3rd Layer...

* Make 8 prairie points with same method as above.... alternating colors and positioning closer to center following Octagon shape.

Tip:...this is where I used the "medium octagon template" to help keep my prairie points in line before pinning.

4th Layer...

* Same method as above but I made 9 prairie points for the fullness. Also, I used the small octagon template to help position my prairie points forming the octagon design.

* Pin but do not sew yet :-) you know me..I have a easy method :-) 

Sunflower center...

I fell in love with Northcott Shimmer by Deborah Edwards...accented the sunflower design perfectly!

* Rotary cut shimmer fabric to 6 x 6" square.

* Rotary cut heatnbond lite just shy of 6 x 6" square.

* Fuse insulbright to wrong side of shimmer fabric following manufacturers directions.

* On paper side...rotary cut around your small octagon template. 

Tip:...place octagon in center of sunflowers and adjust any prairie point ends if needed. Your sunflower center should over your unfinished edges of prairie points. This is why I didn't want you to top stitch them yet. I actually had to adjust mine a few times :-)

Remove pins.

* Tear away paper off back of small octagon...position on prairie points and carefully fuse following manufacturer's directions. This method secures your prairie points before topstitching. :-)

* Top stitch around center with coordinating thread & a-play-que...quilt as desired.

I did a few rows of quilting using my 1/4" quilting foot on my Baby Lock Jazz II as my guide.

Remember...have fun....less-stress-sewing/quilting :-)

I hope you enjoyed this fun-ctional sunflower trivet for your fall entertaining. Keep following for more "scrap-a-longs"

Talk soon,

Cat

Scrap Forward 2 Football Season...."Football Pockets & Prairie Point Hem"

 Hey quilter's...hope your day is going great. My prayers are with my Texas family but thanking God the storm "looks" o.k. One thing I've definitely learned with my temporary move to Florida is that you never take mother nature for granted. Yesterday we had a "mild wind gust" & power went off for 3 seconds. thank God for surge protectors. But as we all know...Tis the Hurricane Season...I much rather be in "Football Season." :-) Well, I hope you are enjoying this fun-ctional apron. As stated in previous post you can use the same pattern and just change your fabric for any Holiday Entertaining. I always like to say, " One Design...Sew Many Ways!" As a designer I love to incorporate fun & easy techniques when entertaining. & decorating. It's always great to hear someone say "hey, where did you get that?" Then they grin...Oh yagh, of course you made it. :-) There's nothing more special than hearing that and making gifts for others. I don't do as much as I used to especially now with my back issues and this is one reason why I love sharing "fun-ctional" scrap-a-longs with y'all. It gives me to share what I love with you & encourage new quilters with my easy techniques. I usually have an advanced tip to encourage you along the way & my tips. Which usually means I've made the mishaps,,,,oopsie and now preventing you from doing the same. Believe me I could post several...thank God there is no "quilt police" in my sewing room. But as I always say...less-stress-quilting. The main thing is we do what we love & if it doesn't turn out exactly as I wanted then it has "character." I thank you so much for following and have to say I'm super excited to share more fun-ctional scrap-alongs for the upcoming Holidays real soon.! Remember you still have time to enjoy 15% off ( 1  use) until August 31st from Missouri Star Quilt Company. Link in upper right of blog under sites I love. The link includes discount when you check out. Sew convenient. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com (great recipes for Quilter's potlucks)

Here's all you do for " 3.5" Football Pockets or Coaster"...

Tip:...Pocket can be easily enlarged. Just adjust your backing/ batting & binding strips * Insulbright if doing coasters accordingly.

* Use your brown (already fused scraps) from football trivets or...

Rotary cut brown fabric & heatnblond lite to 2.5 x 2.5

* Fuse to wrong side of brown fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* Using your "mini peel template" trace around template ( I use a pencil) on paper side of fabric.

* Carefully cut on traced line...make a slight curve at corners to form football.

Set aside.

* Rotary cut from green fabric two 3 x 3" squares

* Rotary cut from white fabric two strips 2 x 3"

* Sew white strips to green square with right sides together to top/bottom using a 1/4" seam allowance...Press & square up if needed. 

* Rotary cut from white fabric 2 strips 2 x 5 3/4" 

* Sew to Left/Right side of block as above.

* Press & square up if needed.

Note:...these white strips become your border/binding in later steps. :-)

Repeat Steps for 2nd pocket.

Adding Footballs...

* Peel of paper baking and position football corner to corner on diagonal within center of square on green fabric (per design)

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat for 2nd Pocket.

Adding Bands...

* Use your previously fused scraps from white fabric or...

* Rotary cut white fabric 3 x 3" and heatnbond lite. Fuse to wrong side of white fabric following manufacturer's directions. 

* Rotary cut 4 strips (just shy of 1/2") x 3" or to your desired width. I adjusted my width of strips. 

* Position strips within football & mark lines with a pencil to form curve. See pic.

* Carefully cut & fuse to football following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat for both pockets.

* Rotary cut tear-away stabilizer to 3 x 3"

* Place on wrong side of block and "a-play-que" around football as desired.

Tip: I use a small stitch length & needle down when stitching. Change thread hues as you go :-)

* Repeat for both pockets.

* Carefully tear-away stabilizer

Border/Binding

* Rotary cut backing/batting to 3.5 x 3.5....insul-bright if doing coaster :-)

Directions for 1/2" borders...

* Layer football block facing down...then batting...backing fabric (facing up/you)

Note: if doing coaster layer the insul-bright. 

* Clip at top 2 secure

* Carefully flip over & starting at top...fold over binding 1/2"

* Fold over again to make a finished fold on backside. Pin or clip.

* Top stitch on front of block,,,corner to corner to secure fold on back.

* Repeat for bottom border then left/right border.

Repeat same steps as above for 2nd pocket,

Note,,,if doing coaster add the "insul-bright lining when layering fabric pieces."

* Position pockets as desired on front side of apron.

* Top stitch around pocket from corner to corner leaving top open.

* Reinforce at start/stopping points

Now you can stop here but I'd love for you to make those adorable "prairie points" :-)

Prairie Point Hem...

* Rotary cut from white & green fabrics 5 x 5" strips then subcut into 5 x 5" squares.

* Make as many as needed for your apron size. I made 13 :-)

* With square right side down,,,fold in half diagonally...then fold in half again to for points.

Tip...I press my points to help keep their shape when pinning to apron :-) 

Also, if you would like "smaller prairie points just make your squares smaller...I recommended a test block for your desired size.

* Starting at center bottom of apron...layer the prairie points on your "sewn hem line" as your guide :-) with the right side of your prairie points open. Layering to the right inserting the prairie points as you go. Pin to secure and use your cutting table to help keep the points in line. 

* Repeat for left side of bottom hem apron but reverse the opining of points to the left and keep inserting prairie points as you go. 

* Topstitch to secure prairie points to apron.

* Then stitch again using your pressure foot as your guide another seam line to secure. Plus, it gives your apron a finished professional look :-)

Well, I hope you enjoy your "fun-ctional apron for all your football entertaining this season!

Please keep following for more fun & easy holiday scrap-a-longs!

Talk soon,

Cat

Scrap Forward 2 Football Season..."You'll Score w/this Fun-ctional Apron!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend. It went a bit fast for me but always thankful for not horrible rain during this season. I want to share with y'all before I get on to the next scrap-a-long. Missouri Star Quilt Company made it so much easier to receive your 15% discount ( 1 x use)...all you do now is click in my link and you will automatically receive the discount at checkout. I also have it in my "links I love" at the upper right of my blog for more convenience. Plus, I have to say have you seen their new fabric lines. I'm thrilled to be sharing a new design soon with y'all. I love shopping & Partnering with MSQC, they are a family-owned company with great customer service. For me that's a win..win! Speaking of winning...did you see this super cute apron? You will definitely "score" w/this fun-ctional apron when entertaining,,,tailgating or great dorm gift. You'll still be using the same fabric from previous Football designs but if you need supplies the coupon for 15% off ( 1 x use) is still valid until August 31st. The apron is super easy & fun-ctional with a "football cell-phone pocket"....here's the "kicker"...I'll also be sharing how you can turn the "pockets into a coaster" as well. The design is very easy & can be "tweaked" for any size.  I'll be challenging you a bit with the advanced steps of the pockets plus those super fun "prairie points." The pattern below is for sm/medium. but here's a "tip already." Take a "kitchen towel" wrap it around your waistline to get a visual of the size stated below. Then you can adjust the direction's if needed. Yes, you guessed it...that's actually how I came up with the dimensions. You know me...less-stress-sewing/quilting! So, grab your supplies and let's get ready to have some "fun" when entertaining this football season. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Note: the directions below are for a finished 15" (length) x 27" (width) apron...adjust if needed.

Also, you'll be using the fun Mini Peel Template by MSQC for the pockets/coaster :-)

You'll be using your scraps from Northcott Fabrics 'Stonehenge" your NFL fabric & using your coordinating thread. I love a project that you use what you already have! :-)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut NFL fabric & lining ( I use muslin) to 16 x 28.

Tip:...make sure your "NFL design" is squared up before cutting :-)

* Pin or clip with right sides 2gether.

* Mark a 5" opening with your pins (this will be your opening for turning inside/out)

Tip:... I double pin my opening to make sure I don't forget and remove pin and sew on through. :-) You know me when I "share a tip" it's because I've usually experienced it :-( Just saying! :-)

* Sew with right sides 2gether using a 1/2" seam allowance. Pivot at corners w/ (needle down) making sure you leave the "opening."

*Backstich at start/stopping points to reinforce your seams.

* Turn inside out...finger press fabric in @ opening.

* Press on right side of apron.

* Top stitch a 1/4" seam allowance all around aprong. Use your presser foot as your guide. 

Tip:...This will secure your opening plus give your apron a very professional finished look.

Band...

* Rotary cut white fabric 3" x width of fabric or to your desired length.

Tip:...I wanted the bands to wrap extra-long so I used the method below...do the same if you wish. 

* Join 2 strips w/ right sides 2gether and draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.

Note: it will look like a "backwards L" :-)

* Sew on that line using a small stitch length.

* Rotary cut a 1/4" away from the stitched line.

* Flip over and press...they should line up. Repeat as many times needed for your length.

* Trim away the cute "dog ear"

* Fold band in half w/ right sides 2gether. Press

* Mark/pin a 7" opening (for turning inside/out later)

* Sew from corner to corner about a 1/4 " seam starting/stopping @ opening & reinforce at start/stopping points.

* Turn inside out. Finger press opening...press band.

Tip: I used a "loop turner" to turn inside out. Yes you will fight a bit with it and get a bit mad during this process but it's sew worth it! Yes you could just do a finish seam/fold and top-stitch to secure if desired. My home-ec teacher is probablly yelling at me in heaven right now. Sorry but I'm all about less-stress-sewing/quilting :-)

* You will roughly h" to 1 1/4" width band.

* Place band on right side of your apron Pin 2 secure.

* Using your presser foot as your guide...top-stitch around band securing it to apron.

Tip:...you can fold apron in half to mark your center point before pinning band. 

Also, I know some of y'all are saying...why didn't she use a "fusible interfacing" in the band. Well, you can but I did not due to the small width of the band. The layers of the fabric along with the placement on top of the apron secured it for me. Do what is easier for you. 

Well, ya did it!!! Seriously this is such a fun/fast apron for all your Holidays...just change the fabric!

Now here's the "kicker"...you just finished the "basic apron" & you can stop here if desired, but I'd love for you to try the "football pockets" & or coasters & those super cute "prairie points." :-)

Either way you'll score when wearing this "fun-ctional" apron when entertaining this football season!

Check back soon for the "advanced pockets/coaster & prairie points"

Talk soon,

Cat