Lit-up 4 Santa!...Phase 3

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great Friday. This week flew for me. I love it when I don't have any doc appts. in a week just home PT. I never thought I would admit to that...for sure! Well, I'm embracing for a crazy weather weekend and if you are too my prayers are with you as well. I wanted to go ahead and post phase 3 of the design. You never know how the power will be affected. Plus, it will definitely be a fun step if you are stranded inside due to rain. I love making "bias cut strands." They are so much fun to work with...making curves...etc. If you're not familiar with a bias cut it allows you to "stretch" the fabric to make the curves. You cut a 45* angle which gives you the stretch in your fabric. Because I'm a bit stingy with this stunning fabric by Moda I just cut a square at a time to not waste any. I love how the Platinum Ombre Flurries was perfect for the strands. If you're following my design, then do a square at a time and only fully secure the strands that you won't be carrying over to another square. This is why I fully recommend "layout out" your design to get the feel of how you want your "strands" to connect to the Christmas Bulbs. Due to my design being a baby quilt I did a "X" at the top of the bulb to symbolize a bow. You can always make it look like it "tucked" into the top of bulb then do decorative stitching at the top. You know me it's a fun project so get creative and have fun. I am trying to get this finished for a gift this year, but this is just the first of many projects to come. We'll be having a year of "Quilt-Mas Cheer" in 2024 so save those scraps. If you're like me sewing with Christmas fabric brings me joy and takes my mind of pain for a few minutes. Hey, I'll take a minute or two without pain! :-) Oh, one item that I forgot to mention that helps this design come together is playing your favorite Christmas music. I know sounds weird, but it keeps me calm when I'm sewing. If you get stranded in house due to weather and still have shopping to do see my previous post on making small gifts. You will definitely use up some of those scraps :-) Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Making the 'Strands"...

* Rotary cut a 13" square from Moda Ombre Flurries Platinum. Press if needed.

* Make a 45* cut...then using your ruler make another cut 3/4" wide using your first 45* cut as your guide. Continue this method to make as many cuts as possible. I did a lot of strands and repeated this method twice. I made my strands look a bit "twisted." Remember it's your quilt so have fun and make as many as you like :-)

* Carefully press each "strand" in half.

Tip...Make as needed to not waste fabric :-)

* Per design layout...layout strands like you are connecting the bulbs from end to end. I started at top and made a curve wrapping around but do what is easy for you. 

* I then did a decorative zig zag stitch using Aurifil 50 weight # 2615 to secure the strands only on the areas that I would not be connecting to another block. This might seem tedious but it's a lot easier maneuvering one block when stitching then a whole pieced quilt on your sewing machine. 

Tip...I made my "strand tails" a bit longer. You can always trim them as you go.

* Once you get the idea of how your strands will flow throughout the quilt & your appliqued parts that you can to each block then you can start sewing your squares together.

* I started with one row at a time being careful not to sew the "strand tails" that are loose.

* Sew blocks with right sides together & using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Tip...you will have "bulk" from the batting so take your time and adjust your machine if needed. 

* Carefully press each seam open on back.

* Per design I did one row at a time being careful to follow the design layout. See pic below.

Note...I started the layout of blocks on my guest bed...then on the floor by my sewing machine. A design wall would be great to keep the blocks in order...:-) 

Connecting Strands... 

* Once you are happy with your design then you can sew your rows together being careful not to sew the "loose strands" or the "tails."

* You will use a 1/4" inch seam allowance and follow the same method as piecing the blocks.

* Now you can "connect the strand tails" to the next block. This is the step I'm currently doing. No pic yet...wanted y'all to continue yours without any delays on my part :-) 

Remember...take your time with the decorative stitching on strands...use a tiny stitch length for easy maneuvering. If you pinned like I did just be careful to remove pins before sewing...trust me :-)

Have fun & talk soon,

Cat

Lit-up 4 Santa!...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your day if off to a great start. I know that I'm hoping for a warm day with no surprises. But who knows in Florida. I've learned to take one "minute" at a time these days. I hope y'all are having fun starting this super sweet Christmas quilt. I've stated in previous posts that it will be a baby quilt and as of now roughly 40 x 40. You can see with design that you can easily enlarge the design to your needs. This is a baby gift  so I'm keeping the size pretty basic, but I love how she can use it as she gets older. That sounds so weird cause she's just a few months old. Time does fly y'all. Anyway, this phase consists of appliqueing your small Christmas lights and snowflakes using the templates by Missouri Star Quilt Co. I'm sure you can make your own designs, but these templates are so much fun to use and a great price as well. Just like with the large Christmas bulbs you'll be doing the same applique technique and accent quilting with coordinating thread. Due to it being a "quilt-a-long" and not fully quilting to the back I did accent snowflakes within the ornaments with Aurifil thread. The same concept as the large Christmas bulbs. Not only are they super cute but it's also a easy way for securing the ornaments as well. This is a fun & easy project so have fun putting your own spin on it! Remember save your scraps because we're going to have a fun year with Quilt-Mas Cheer in 2024 :-) Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note: I made 5 Small Snowflakes & 14 small Christmas lights per my design. But have fun & let your creativity shine! 

Lit-up 4 Santa!...Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well and you're having a great start to a non-hectic week. I guess we can all pray for that especially this time of year. My heart goes out to the tornado victims. I can't even imagine going through a tornado, Hurricanes are enough for me. It does make you realize to make everyday count. I saw a sign on a truck yesterday that really moved me. It stated every day is a chance for a new beginning. Absolutely true. I used to tell my daughter what happened yesterday can't today because we're already aware of it...seems so true to this day. Anway don't mean to ger mushy but cherish today and take the time to bring joy into your lives. Holidays are hectic and I to have to remember I can't do all the things that I would like but that's o.k. too. I'm still here driving everyone nuts :-) Well I hope you're as excited as I am with this sweet Christmas quilt. I stated in previous post of the items needed but what I did not state correctly was my quilt will be only 40 x 40. I uploaded the design from EQ8 and you can see the basic design and you can see how easily it would be to enlarge just by adding more borders or even more rows. It's pretty basic but appliqueing the Christmas bulbs & Snowflakes is what brings the design together with that awesome fabric. I wanted a white background to make the fabric pop, but you can definitely change the design to your preference. I did test the dark fabric just to make sure it didn't run but most of the time buying quality fabric that doesn't happen. Also, i changed one of the "bulbs" to a different location from previous pic...see if you can find it :-) My O.C.D. kicked in...yup...that's me! Anyway, with Phase 1 you will be rotary cutting your white fabric & low-loft batting and appliqueing the large Christmas Lights. I did raw-edge applique with a light fusible web on the large bulbs and then heatnbond lite on the small lights and snowflakes. I will give you a hint....definitely check your layout before fusing to make sure you have all going in your desired direction. Also, when appliqueing use a tiny stitch length for easier pivoting. I purchased a soft blanket for the backing due to only "tack quilting" so please allow enough yardage for your backing as well. Remember this is the first of our "Quilt-Mas Cheer all year in 2024!" I'm excited and I thank y'all so much for following.!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Design is 40 x 40...easily enlarge if desired.

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut from your white fabrics ( I alternated my two patterns throughout the design)

*  Rotary cut  (14) squares 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 

* Rotary cut ( 4) squares 4 1/2 x 9 1/2

* Low loft batting the same.

* Lay your squares out per design.

Note:...following squares need to be sewn together if following my layout before you applique Christmas Lights. Sew together using a 1/4" seam allowance and right sides 2gether .Press.

Row 1...squares 3 & 4

Row 2...squares 1 & 2...and 4 &5

Row 4...squares 4 & 5

* Rotary cut from your accent fabric (Moda) 6 x 9 1/2 and low loft fusible web. Fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions. Repeat for all 7 large Lights.

* Using the large Christmas Light template from Missouri Star Quilt Co. trace around the teal and turquoise fabrics on the back side of paper.

Tip...if you want to Precisely position the snowflakes like I did then use a erasable marking pen or pencil and trace on the front.

* Cut online with a small pair of scissors for easy maneuvering.

*  Lay out on squares per design or create your own.

* Fuse to right side of squares following manufactures directions.

Tip... I used my t-Shirt pressing cloth from MSQC to protect my iron, Follow manufacturer's directions.

* Lay low loft batting on back side of each square. Pin or clip to secure.

* Applique around each Christmas light with coordinating thread or your preferred method.

Have fun!

Check back soon for Phase 2,

Cat

Lit-up 4 Santa!...Fast n Furious Christmas Quilt!

 Hey quilter's...happy Monday to y'all. I'm sharing a fast n furious "Christmas Scrap-a-long" with y'all. I was recently inspired when I received the Christmas Nesting Templates by Missouri Star Quilt Co. I love these templates and the quality is great. I had also ordered fabrics for another project but when I started looking at the fabrics and seeing the "snowflakes" my design brain went another direction. I love it when fabric inspires your creativity, don't you? I will be making a 40 x 40 baby quilt but you can easily enlarge if needed and have the time. I still can't believe how fast this year went by...and yes the reason why it's called "fast n furious." My time is limited at the machine due to my back and that is why I mostly design small projects now. I decided with this one that I could sew as you go....quilt as you go...curse as you go ...sorry Santa but when you fuse heat n bond lite to your iron it's a bit messy and ...I know no excuses :-) Anyway....I practiced making "snowflakes" with the Charm Pack Challenge and i loved how it gave a spin on the old traditional of "tacking a quilt." Seriously y'all if you are running out of time...like me...tacking with these fun snowflakes is a great time saver. I'm stating a quilt as you go due to I will not be traditionally quilting through the backing of the quilt. I will be accent quilting and raw edge a-play-que on the decorative light bulbs and snowflakes. The "strings" holding all the bulbs together will also be added at the end. Again less-stress-quilting :-) So grab your Christmas fabric & join me on this fun Christmas project. Remember this is the first of many of my 12 months of Quiltmas Cheer all year in 2024! Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* Nesting Templates of Christmas Light & Snowflake by Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* White Tossed Star fabric by Missouri Star Quilt Co. ( 1 yrd)

* White Snowflakes (Hue) by Timeless Treasurers

* Moda Ombre Fluries Metalic Snowflakes  ( 1/2 yrd, ea) of

Turquoise..Teal...Platinum

* Scraps from Patric lose "Glam" for Northcott Fabrics

* Scraps from Banyan Batiks "Keatan"

* Backing fabric ( I used a soft Christmas throw that I purchased)

* Low loft Batting

* Heat n bond Lite

8 Coordinating thread...I used MSQC white 50# when piecing and Aurifil 50# thread for applique & quilting. ( # 2615, 2800, 

* Pieced and quilted on my Babylock Jazz 11 and my Janome!

Note...Pics below for inspiration....the Quilt-mas fun begins tomorrow!

Cats Christmas Charm Pack Challenge....cont.

 Hey quilter's...thanks for popping back for the continuation of the Holly Jolly Tree Farm Trivet. I wanted the last project of the Charm Pack Challenge to be a "stash buster" and y'all know Chuck was on scrap duty. I shared with him some thoughts that I wanted, and I believe he did a great job :-) The Holly Jolly Tree Farm Trivet is a gift to my daughter Nichole. They have always wanted to tree farm & I always wanted a Bed & Breakfast that would be decorated for Christmas all year. I know a bit much but it's still my dream :-) In the meantime I will just do my Christmas scrap-a-longs all year but I'm hoping this trivet design inspires my daughter to keep following her dreams. She has a wonderful husband, and they encourage each other to achieve their goals & my grandson too. They believe in hard work is a reward and coming from a mom...Gege...words can't explain how proud I am. I hope this charm pack challenge inspired you to make sweet gifts to share with your friends and loved ones. I know it will be on my Christmas bucket list for Next year. Maybe I might make a runner...pillow...who knows but it's fun to get creative and make as many gifts as possible possible. I still can't believe we made 24 gifts from one Charm pack. I love the Holly Jolly collection by Urban Chiks for Moda fabrics. Enhancing all designs with 50# Aurifil thread & 50# thread by Missouri Star Quilt Co. just made this project a breeze. Well keep following for another fun scrap adventure that starts Monday. I'm super excited to share this one!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note...remember just add on more borders if you'd like a larger trivet :-)

Here's all you need for the Holly Jolly Tree Farm Trivet ( 5 1/2" square)

* Holly Jolly charm scraps

* Tree cookie cutter

* heat n bond fusible web or your preferred method for raw edge applique

* White scrap fabric ( I used Quilt Town Stars by Missouri Star Quilt co,)

* Accent thread ( I used red & white 50# Aurifil thread)

* White 50# thread by MSQC ( I pieced square on my Janome)

* cup of coffee :-) :-) :-)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut from white scrap fabric 5 1 2 x 5 1/2 square for front.

* Draw a 1/4 " line all around square on front side using your preferred erasable pen. This is your guide when placing trees to stay within the square :-)

( I use one that disappears with the heat of an iron)

* Fuse heatnbond lite to the back of your scraps following manufactures directions. Pre-test scraps to make sure the tree cookie cutter will fit within,

* On the paperside of fusible web...trace the cookie cutter. Carefully cut out and fuse to front side of whte square following manufacturer's directions on fusible web.

Have fun get creative...fussy cut the presents and bows like I did or come up with your own Christmas design. 

* Border/Binding/Quilting...

* From white scrap fabric rotary cut 2 strips 1 3/4 x 5 1/2 and sew with right sides together using a 1/4 " seam allowance to the top/bottom of square.

* From white scrap fabric rotary cut 2 strips 1 3/4 x 8 and sew to left/right sides of square using same method as above. Press & square up.

* Rotary cut low-loft batting to 5 1/2" square and place behind square...pin or clip as desired. 

* Applique or quilt as desired. I did fun accent stars in red and straight line stitching in a small stitch length for easy pivoting around trees...bows etc. Do the same if you wish.

Rotary cut white accent backing fabric & insulbright to 5 1/2" square.

Layer backing right side facing down

* Insulbright then batting if you didn't quilt in previous step

* Then square right side up (facing you)

* Finish the trivet using the same method as coaster/trivet in previous post. 

Well, you did it! You made another sweet gift for the Holiday's. Remember these designs are so easy to incorporate for any season throughout the year...just change the fabric per decor :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Christmas Charm Pack Challenge...Christmas @ the Cabin & Holly Jolly Tree Farm!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great week. I can't believe it's Friday...seriously, this week flew by! I love it when I'm thinking all day long that it's Wednesday & it's actually Thursday. So, you're probably when I'm combining 3 gifts. Well, there you go. I decided to combine because these gifts are super easy to make, and it might inspire you to make a few over the weekend. I'm all about sweet but easy homemade gifts for the Holiday's. I had a sweet conversation yesterday with a neighbor and we both agreed these small gifts such as a coaster or trivet are gifts 2 remember all year. We all drink some sort of a hot beverage and every time they use it fond memories of you will be in their hearts. You don't have to tell them how easy they were to make :-) The designs are very versatile...easily enlarge by adding on more borders and change the fabric for any season. You know me...1 design...sew many ways! Plus, as you can see in pics, I did some fun accent stitching. I love a small project. It really gives me the chance to have fun and try some new applique stitches that I normally don't use. I hope you enjoyed this Charm Pack Challenge with me and please keep following for a very exciting gift that starts Monday on blog. Well, here's a hint...remember my previous post with all those adorable Christmas Templates by Missouri Star Quilt Co.? Yes...we are going to have a blast so keep those Christmas scraps out :-)

Recap on how many gifts we made from One Holly Jolly Charm Pack by Urban Chiks for Moda...

8 Santa Gift Card Bags...5 Mug Mats...2 sm Trivets & 4 med. Trivets & 5 Dog Treat Stockings...y'all that's 24 gifts!!! I think this might me my new Christmas Challenge every year! :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note: for the Mug Mat & Trivet you will need same supplies. Just like in previous designs.

No waste & saving money :-) For the Tree Farm Trivet you will need Heat n Bond light or your favorite application for raw edge applique. 

Christmas @ the Cabin Mug Mat or small Trivet (5" square)

Here's all you do...

* Fussy Cut one Poinsettia Charm Square to  3" square (save scraps)

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 x 3 of accent fabric.

* Sew with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance to top/bottom of square. Press.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 x 3 1/2 sew to left/right side of square using same method.

* Press & square up if needed (square will be 4 x 4 :-)

* Rotary Cut from one Stripe Charm square...2 strips 1 x 4 and sew to top/bottom of square using same sewing method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 stripe strips 1 x 4 3/4 and sew to left/right side of square using same sewing method.

* Press & square up if needed....roughly 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 square

Border/Binding/Quilting...

* From White accent fabric ( I used Quilt Town Stars by MSQC) Rotary cut 2 strips 1 3/4 x 4 3/4 and sew to top/bottom of square using same sewing method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 white strips 1 3/4 x 7 1/4 and sew to left/right side using same sewing method.

* Press & square up if needed.

Note: due to using "insulbright" for hot/cold protection this is where you can do some fun accent quilting without the extra bulk of the insulbright. Just add your low loft batting & rotary cut to approximately 4 1 /2 square. 

I did fun accent quilting with red & white 50# Aurifil thread.

* Rotary cut backing & Insulbright to 4 1/2 x 4 1/2

* Layer...backing right side down

* Insulbright & batting if you haven't already used when quilting.

* Then square (right side up-facing you)

Border/binding technique...(used for all 3 items)

* Starting at top...fold over border leaving a 1/4" seam on front.

* On back fold border in half again to make a finished fold.

* Pin or clip 2 secure.

* On Front...top stitch in seam line (the ditch) to secure binding fold on back. No worries if parts don't catch...touch up with washable fabric glue :-)

* Repeat same method with bottom border then left/right border

Note: after I secured all sides I then went back and did some "crazy accent" stitching with white Aurifil thread. Do the same if you wish.

I hope you enjoyed making this super fun & easy project. Plus, what a scrap buster too :-)

Christmas @ the Cabin Trivet (5 1/2)

* Fussy cut Poinsettia to 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 square.

Note: the more "scrap strips" of different fabrics you use enhances the log cabin design.

* Rotary cut 1 border....1 x 3 1/2 and sew to top of square with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Rotary cut 2nd border...1 x 4 1/2...sew to right side of square using same method as above.

* Rotary cut 3rd border...1 x 4 1/2...sew to bottom of square using same method as above.

* Rotary cut 4th border...1 x 4 1/2 sew to left side of square using same method as above.

Press & square up if needed ( 4 1/2 x 4 1/2)

Borders w/ corner squares... 

* Rotary cut 4 squares 1 x 1 from different scrap pieces.

* Rotary cut 4 strips from different accent fabrics 1 x 4 1/2

* Sew 2 squares to one strip at each end (per design) and sew with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance...press set aside.

* Repeat for same method for bottom border.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 x 4 1/2 and sew to left right side of square. Press.

* Now lay your 2 corner squares to top/bottom of center square.

* Sew top row to center square with right sides 2gether using a 1 /4" seam allowance. 

* Sew bottom row to square using same method. Press & square up if needed.

Border/Binding/Quilting...use same sewing method as previously stated in mug mat/sm trivet.

* From white accent fabric rotary cut 2 strips 1 3/4 x 5 1/2 and sew to top/bottom of square. Press.

* From white accent fabric rotary cut 2 strips 1 3/4 x 8 and sew to left/right sides of squares.

Quilt as desired or finish with same technique as the mug mat trivet technique.

I love this design. It brought back many memories of our Colorado Cabin Trips plus this was the very first block I taught myself. A log cabin hold dear to my heart :-)

Thanks for following and I'll post the Tree Farm on next post...this was a bit lengthy :-)

Talk Soon,

Cat

 

"Chuck & Jazz...BFF's 4ever!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your day is off to a great start. I had to share my sweet morning, Suprise. The weather "dipped" into the mid 50's last night in Florida & I will admit it was a bit of a shocker. But when I saw these 2 I had to take a quick pic. I did startle them a bit but needless to say they are still snuggled in these adorable sleeping bags. Jazz came with a note that she "Sews and quilts" but seriously she is amazing. She made these sleeping bags from my stash of Christmas Magic collection by Patrick Lose for Northcott Fabrics & Santa Paws by Doborah Edwards for Northcott Fabrics. What is so stinkin adorable is she left an opening for "Chucks tail." Oh, my word...Jazz is the best! Well as usual I could find no instructions to share so I'm going to have to wing this one too. I know she pieced and quilted with my Missouri Quilt co. 50# thread because she left a bit of a thread mess behind. I can see she did a basic grid pattern when quilting hers which is clever on a time crunch. Plus, it looks like this is her "signature design" on her previous sleeping bags. Again, clever because it's fast but super cute. But Chucks is a bit smaller, and I carefully measured to not wake him. His is roughly 5" wide x 5 1/2 long. So we all know by now to add your 1/4" seam allowance when rotary cutting. Chucks is not quilted just pieced which is perfectly fine. Jazz must have ran out of time or seen Chuck shivering so she hurried up. :-) I just love how "Jazz" coordinated their fabrics. I do believe they are going to be Best Friends 4ever! I love waking up to see what these 2 have been doing all night long. Thanks for following and I'll keep you posted on their journey 2gether!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note...see previous post for sleeping bag instructions :-)