Teach the Kiddos 2 Sew this Summer..."Havin' a Grand Square Summer" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's..hope your week is going great. I can't believe how hot it is already across the country. Honestly freeks me a bit with Hurricane season but trying to keep positive. I keep hearing my dads last words to me "don't get upset over things you can't change." Oh how those words are so true. So this summer I'll be sharing with y'all inside & outside projects. So depending on your weather situation I've got you covered. If the kiddos are "bored" well jump on this super cute and easy quilt design. If you're havin' great weather I'll be "Stitchin' @ the Lake." Also a super fun "stitchin' project" will start soon for your family vacation time. Trust me,,,we wont be bored. :-) In my previous post (yesterdays) I started this quilt design with y'all. Well...this morning I was looking at the design & a few projects came to mind. Depending on you or your child sewing level this block would make a georgous pillow. The finished square is 12" and most pillow forms are usually 16" or 18" so you would just need to add borders to achieve your desired size. In fact...don't be a bit suprised if I share one with y'all. I love this block design. It's super easy and I love how it gives a bit of a modern flair. One reason why a pillow would be a fun starter project for kiddos. Just coordinate your fabric selects with  their bedroom colors or your home decor. I will mention again with this block that pressing is the key. I use the words "scooch" your seams together but most quilter's use the term "nestle" your seams together. Either way you'll be matching your seams when you sew your rows together. Also if desired you'll be learning to fussy cut around fabric to achieve the second center star design. I love it when a printed fabric allows you to create a second design! Remember to have fun...don't stress. No quilting police on my blog or sewing room. :-) All my supplies used are from Missouri Star Quilt Company and my link will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of July on most sewing/crafting/quilting supplies. Thanks so much for following & keep checkin' in with me for fun summer projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

Note...you will repeat the steps for all blocks. Alternate your fabrics in blocks if desired (see previous post) or make them the same...either way you will achieve a 'secondary design" once you have sewn your blocks 2gether. Make as many blocks to achieve your desired size. 

* Press your fabric before rotary cutting.

* Always use a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Using a square ruler & your preferred erasable marking pen/pencil.. "fussy cut" around the Star design on Missouri Star wide back fabric if desired.

* Rotate the direction of the Stars to achieve the Second Star design if desired.

* Rotary cut to a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 suare for the center of the block.

* From same gray fabric rotary cut 4...2 1/2 x 4 1/2 rectangle strips.

* Rotary cut 4...2 1/2 x 2 1/2" squares.

* From white (accent fabric or charm pack) rotary cut 4...4 1/2 x 4 1/2" squares

* Rotary cut 4...2 1/2 x 2 1/2 " squares.

* Per design...sew a white/gray 2 1/2" squares together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Sew a 2 1/2 " grey rectangle strip with right side together to the left side. Press towards the rectangle.

* Repeat this step for the 4 corner units of the block.

Tip...Per design...lay out your squares to make sure you have them all going in the correct direction. :-)

* First / Bottom row...

* Sew a corner unit with right sides together to the left/right side of 4 1/2" center square. Press towards the center.

* Repeat for the bottom row.

Center row...

* Sew 4 1/2 " squares w/right sides togehter. Press seams away from the center square.

* Sew the rows together matching seams as you go. Press.

Block finishes to a 12 1/2 x 12 1/2" square. Includes 1/4" seam allowance once you join blocks 2gether.

Repeat for as many blocks as desired for your size quilt.

I hope you enjoy making the "Grand Square" block. It's repetitive but I love how it makes the "secondary block"...how fun! :-)

Tip...I like to "lay out my blocks" as I'm sewing them to make sure I'm achieving the desired size/design. Then I "number" the blocks to keep them in order If you don't have a "design wall" a floor works wonderful too. This just helps with a "visual" plus it motivates me to finish :-) 

Remember I'm piecing right along with you so check back soon as I post my progress. Plus I'll be sneaking in some other fun projects too for y'all. 

Talk soon,

Cat

"Teach the Kiddos 2 Sew this Summer"....Havin' a Grand Square Summer!

 Hey quilter's....well here we go...it's Summer and it's hot already. So we're hosting fun "Scrap-a-longs" this summer to keep us intertained. I'm excited about the first of many summer project series of "Teach the Kiddos 2 Sew this Summer." I'll be teaching this super fun & easy block called the "Grand Square." It looks intimidating but it's really fun. I learned the block design while doing the Summer Strolls Triple Play Block fo the Month. I fell in love with this block of how it makes a "secondary square" with the fabrics. The design is very clever and only looks hard. My kind of block :-) I will be doing a baby throw but the pic below is for a throw. The design is very versatile...adjust your size by adding more squares...coordinate fabrics for any decor. I'm using the Tossed Missouri Star medium gray 110" wide backing along with Quilt Town Tossed Missouri Star White and complimenting with the 2024 Kona color of the year "Julep." You could even make design in just 2 complimenting fabrics for more of a subtle design if desired. Honestly. you can't go wrong with this fun design. What I love about the design is you are making one block...changing up the fabric if desired so it's a great beginner project. Sometimes just learning to sew/quilt a fun block even though its repetative makes learing to quilt fun. I'll be starting you off with the simple instructions for the block and you choose how small or large you want your quilt to be. Just remember to adjust your yardage to accomodate your size. I like to have more yardage than less. It's always nice to do a complimenting pillow with scraps or even scrap piece your back. I'll most likely be sewing a few strips together for my backing. I love the wide backing by Missouri Star Quilt Comapany. As you will see in a pic that just rotating the fabric when fussy cutting gave my block a whole new dimention. I'm very excited to start the Summer off with a fun project together. Please use my link to Missouri Star Quilt company to save 20% off $50. or more for the month of July on most sewing/crafting/quilting supplies. Don't forget to check out their daily deals and tutorials too! Endless-quilt-a-bilities. Thanks so much for following! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC 

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links on left of home page)

"Havin' a Grand Square Summer"...

Throw is 54 x 54 w/ 12" Finished size blocks....adjust to your desired size.

Yardage listed for a "baby throw" 42 x 42....adjust your fabric per your desired size.

* 2 1/2 yards of Tossed Missouri Star Medium Gray 110" wide backing

* 2 yards Quilt Town Tossed Missouri Star White fabric

* one charm pack of Kona Color of the year Julep. 

* Low loft batting

* Coordinating thread.

* Ruler to "fussy cut" stars.

Note....I highly recommend pressing your fabrics before rotary cutting. The ironing board cover by Missouri Star Quilt Company is great!

Sew grab your supplies & catch up when you can...we start sewing tomorrow ;-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Another Awesome Monday w/ "At Home with Misty!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your Monday is off to a great start. It seems the weekend always goes too fast. I try to keep a postive vibe to start a new week. Well...I will admit I've truly enjoy Mondays now. I love how every Monday, Misty Doan will host a awesome design tutorial w/ "At Home with Misty." Ya'll know how much I love Missouri Star Quilt Company but I also love their awesome "free tutorials." This weeks design is a super cute throw called "Heart Flower Throw"...the pattern below is available on Missouri Star Quilt Company's website & Misty's tutorial. If you need supplies my link to MSQC w/save you 20% off $50. or more on most supplies for the month of July. Yup...they extended the great discount. I hope you enjoy her tutorial & check back soon for more inspiration that I have planned for y'all. Let the Summer Fun begin!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cats "Spook-tacular Entertaining" Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...Sunday Blessings to y'all. Hope y'all summer is off to a great start. I love it when I miss a "text" from my grandson that he saw a "30 Bluebirds" when traveling. He knows how to grab his Gege's attention. I think we all play a "traveling game" to entertain us while driving. He must have been thinking of me a lot because we usually count different licence plates of states or the usual 'slug bug" which was my daughter's favorite. Whatever your plans are I hope you sneak in some sewing/quilting w/ a younger generation. I truly believe in quilting it forward. I love seeing posts of a young child learning to sew/quilt/ It's amazing of how the "younger generation" has really gravited to this wonderful technique. I know for me it's very therapeutic.I'm exciting for the month of July. I'll be featuring designs to "teach the kiddos" to sew...Stitchin' @ the Lake & some fun designs & tips when traveling. We'll also be featuring a "Christmas in July" taable runner that is super cute! Of course all items are from Missouri Star Quilt Company and my discount will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of June. I'll feature "sneak peeks" a long the way for you to take advantage of the discount featured for the month for supplies. I know you're probably wondering why I'm sharing a "Halloween design" already but have you noticed this fabric collection. Oh my gosh...the "Little Witch" collection by Jennifer Long "Sew a Story" for Riley Blake Designs is super cute! I couldn't wait to get my "Witch On." :-) Plus I was waiting for some yardage to arrive for my previous "Sweet Land of Liberty" quilt. The "Spook-tacular Trivets" for entertaining are super easy & a great way to teach a beginner to learn the "Log Cabin" design. Plus you will learn to "fussy cut" using the Missouri Star Octagon Templates. Please use supervision with children when using a rotary cutter. Trust me...I've been in a rush and have regreated it later. Slowing down and enjoying the process is probably a first to teach someone. :-) Well today's phase is very fun as you will be "fussy-cutting" your favorite parts of the Little Witch fabric. I did "rotate" mine when to give a different direction as I display the design for table decor. The fabric is sew pretty that I'm sure you will have a blast with this project. I have a 'huge" Halloween project that I'll be sharing soon using this fabric collection along with fabric that I've inherited. So no worries about what to do this Summer...I've got you covered! Thanks so much for following and keep checkin' in for fun projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

Note...directions are using the small octagon template.for the small trivet.

* Fussy cut your desired area of Little Witch fabric using the small octagon template for the center.

* Rotary cut strips 1" x 4".to start then ..5"...6." as you sew or your desired accent border. 

Note...I used a 1/8" seam allowance on following.

* Start in upper right corner...sew a strip using a 1/8" seam allowance w/right side together.

* Press...square up to the Octagon design.

* Rotary cut your next strip to desired length sew as above and continue in a clockwise design until you reach back to the top. 

Tip...I cut my strips longer to make it easy and square up as I'm sewing.

* Second border do the same as above with your desired fabric & start at the same right corner to achieve the log cabin design.

Border/Binding...

* Rotary cut your strips 1 1/2 x 5...then make strips longer as you sew. Start in the same upper right corner...sew using a 1/8th in seam allowance and press and square up as you sew.

Note...strips are wider for my Border/Binding technique that you fold to back later.

* Repeat these steps for as many small trivets desired. I made two to accent the 3 large trivets.

* Measure you octagon square before adding the border/binding strip. Add a 1/2 " to that size.

This will be your size to Rotary cut your insul-bright...batting/backing.

* Lay backing fabric...right side down.

* Insul-bright

* Batting

* Octagon square right side up (facing you)

* Pin to secure.

* Quilt as desired w/coordinating thread.

Tip...I like to quilt in the ditch around the center to secure then do fun decorative stitching accenting the Octagon shape. 

Note... Once you have achieved your desired design then fold your "border/binding" strip to the back leaving a 1/4" binding on front of block...fold in again to secure the hem on back using the directions below.

* You will start in the same upper right corner and fold/secure with pin/clips until you reach back to the top of the octagon trivet.

* Stitch in the ditch on front of trivet to secure you fold on back. 

* Repeat for all of your desired small trivets.

Large "Spook-tacular Trivets"...

Well now you do the exact same concept for the runner trivets but you use the "Medium Octagon Template" as you fussy cut your center design.

* Follow the same directions for your borders and the border/binding technique.

* When you get to the rotary cutting of your insul-bright...batting and backing cut to your oactagon size or use the Large Octagon template as your guide then trim to size needed. I found that to be a bit easier.

* Repeat for all 3 Octagon Trivets or your desired amount.

Note...this is the first Phase of my "Spook-tacular Entertaining." The second Phase will come later using the "free download" design "Batty Mantle" by Windham fabrics but I will be making it as the table runner for the Spook-tacular Trivets. So download the directions so you can get your spooky fabric while it's in stock. I guess I'm not the only one that like's to get their "Witch on" :-)

Check back soon for more fun & exciting projects!

Cat

Cats..."Spook-tacular Entertaining!" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all have restful weenkend plans. It's been a bit crazy already here seeing the "weather" already brewing in the tropics. So I thought...well then I'm going to "brew-up" some spook-tacular sewing this weekend. Truth be told...I recently received the "Little Witch" designed by Jennifer Long for Riley Blake Designs. Oh my gosh...this is such a fun & cute design line that I couldn't wait to start some fun-ctional spooky-designs for entertaining. I just received my backing fabric for the "Sweet Land of Liberty" design so in the meantime of pressing the yardage I'll have some spooky-fun. If you're like me decorating for the Holiday's brings me joy. I love to decorate my "coffee bar area" for the season. It's probably to make me happy but every now and then a friend will pop in for coffee. I design 'fun-ctional decor" so you can make the design and use where you would like in your home. The design can also be used when dinner entertaining due to they are "trivets" used with Insul-Bright. If you follow me you will notice I use a lot of this product for the function. The trivets are super cute when not in use then they will hold hot/cold items when entertainig. Plus they stack easy for strorage. That's a must these days due to my limited space. The trivets are Phase 1 then later we'll be doing Phase 2 with a "free-download" from Windham Fabrics "Batty Mantle." I will be featuring the pattern in a "table runner" instead w/ the "Spook-tacular Trivets" in the center. I wanted to give you a visual of what is to come :-) Seriously, check out the free-download so you can coordinate your fabrics while they are in stock. I know the "Little Witch" collection is going fast! You can purchase the fabric collection from Missouri Star Quilt Company and my link w/save you 2-% off $50. or more on most products for the month of June. We have a lot going on starting in July so keep checking back. I'll be doing two series "Stitchin' @ the Lake" & teach the kiddos 2 sew this Summer along w/some super cute & fun projects. Thanks so much for following & let the Summer Fun begin!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

Here's all you need...

* Missouri Star Octagon Templates (Small, Medium, Large)

* Little Witch Charm Pack by Jennifer Long (Sew a Story)

* 1/4 yard each of coordinating fabrics Witches hat (Magenta & Pumpkin)

* 1/2 yard of Moda Bella Solids Black for Binding/backing.

* Coordinating thread Aurifil 50# (2692, 2235, 2582) 

* 1/4 yard of Insul-bright

* 1/4 yard of low-loft batting

Note...You will be "fussy-cutting" using the Octagon Templates for the center of each Trivet. Super fun way to get the exact center & you can use the scraps later for the border strips. No waste in my sewing room :-) Below is a "sneak-peek" of the design that starts tomorrow. It's super easy & fun. If you don't already have this adorable fabric then catch up when your order comes in. :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Jenny Doans Signature Series Tool !Set!

 Hey quilter's...hope you're week is off to a great start. I'm excited to share w/y'all that Mrs. Jenny Doan's Signature Series Tool Set is ready for orders. Oh my gosh y'all...this is the sweetest...fun-ctional tool set I've ever seen! The Doans legacy of how the family started Missouri Star Quilt Company is really remarkable and inspirational. Then comes along the "love story" of the tool set. You need to view their stroy of the tool set..."box" that was a sentimental gift from her husband, Ron. This special gift inspired Jenny's Signature Series Tool Set. The story will warm your hearts and bring you to tears...it did me anyway. I love a true love story! This is a limited-edition aqua metal toolbox & collection is a tribute to Jenny's passion and resourcefulness. The toolbox is embossed with the Missouri Star Logo and fetaures Quilt town floral fabric-lined inserts, magnetic lid for pins and needles and elastic straps for needle packs. The tools come in an elagant subtle peach color, crafted from German-grade steel, etched with Missouri Star symbols, ensuring durability and precision. You will dive into quilting-bliss with this toolset! Plus be the envy when you carry this into your next quilting retreat...quilt club mtg or.....when you join me on my New upcoming Series...."Sticthin' @ the Lake!" Yup...we're taking stitchin' outside :-) This "toolset" is perfect for taking by the lake...stitchin' outside...and your items will not blow away! Love it! The tool set includes the aqua metal toolbox, 8" scissors, 4" scissors, a 2-in-1 seam ripper, stilleto combo & rotary cutter. We all know when Mrs. Jenny designs a special item it sells out quickly. My link to Missouri Star Quilt Company will take you to the site...it's featured on their home page for easy ordering. My discount link does not apply towards the toolset but it sure does on other exciting items. Y'all...this would make a great "Graduation gift....Birthday gift...or just becasue I love you." Don't forget you so we can stitch together by the Lake this summer! Pics below show how super-cute & fun-ctional toolset. Thanks so much for following and check back soon for a "sneak-peek" of Teaching the kiddos to Sew this Summer. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting From My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC 

Link w/save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of June on most products for all your sewing/crafting/quilting needs.

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

America...Sew Beautiful "Sweet Land of Liberty" Phase 5

 Hey quilter's...hope y'alls weekend is off to a great start. I've been playing w/my EQ8 software "the electric quilt". I love this quilt design software. Super easy to learn & I actually have advanced myself with their software from the very beginning. Not saying I'm techy...believe me but that's how easy their software is to follow along and has programs within to teach yourself. I uploaded the panel deisgn within the borders of this quilt design for accuracy when rotary cutting. I know Missouri Star Quilt Company sells the software too :-) It's always fun to challenge yourself and learn new skills especially when it comes to quilting. I always try to state exact measurements on designs but you should always measure your squares as well. Sometimes fabric stretches and that will give you a different size. I'm posting today's phase just in case y'all are ready for your border/binding/quilting. I prepared mine for quilting but I'm waiting on my backing fabric to arrive. I love Missouri Star Wide Backs so much that I decided to apply the gray fabric as my backing as well. I was going to scrap my back but I love how the quilt is coming a long so I decided to spurge a bit and go for it. Plus...my discount link to MSQC saved me on the fabric too. Win...win :-) Due to the length of the quilt design you most likely will be piecing border strips together. It is not hard at all and actually fun. My late mom-in-law used to piece her scraps together for a long scrappy border. Great use of scraps for sure. Also...depending on your level of quiling you might decide to quilt first..square up then add borders. I like to add my border strips then quilt up to the seam line. For me that's easier due to quilting on a domestic machine. Whatever way you decide on the technique is super easy to do. I'll be sharing a "spook-tacular" design next week while I'm waiting on my backing fabric to arrive. Plus a sneak-peek of the project "Teach the kiddos to sew this summer." I'm loving the design and can't wait to share it with y'all. Lets just say "I've got your back." hint...hint :-) Wishing all the father's a great weekend. Mine is in heaven so I'm sure he's doing what he loves...fly fishing! Thank y'all so much for following and if you need supplies my link to MSQC w/save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of June. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC 

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

P.S. don't forget to enter for the "Cuddle Fabric Give-a-way" :-)

Tip...Pressing is the key when joining strips for borders...I love my ironing board cover fom Missouri Star Quilt co...the quality & thickness of padding is perfect plus it's super cute :-)

Piecing Border/Binding Strips together...

* Measure your quilt top and take the longest width & length to get an "idea" of how many strips you will be joiningg together.

* Press fabric before rotary cutting strips.

* Rotary cut strips 2.5 x your desired length. 

* With strips right side together make an "L"...and draw a diagonal line across from corner to corner (note direction in pic)

* Pin to secure if desired.

* Sew on that line...Fold strip over to make an even line...press...trim away extra bulk on back to seam line.

* Repeat same method as you join strips 2gehter for your desired length.

Tip... I make mine longer and then square up later after sewing on to quilt top.

Joining Border/Binding strips to quilt top...

Note....the strips are "wider" due to folding over later to back  making a finished border on front with my border/binding technique. Do the same if desired.

* Join strips to top/bottom of quilt w/right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press and square up.

* Repeat same method for left/right side of quilt.

Prepare for quilting...

* Measure your quilt top. Press your backing fabric to that size plus a few inches extra to allow for shrinkage during quilting.

* Rotary cut your batting using the same measuring method.

* Place backing fabric w/ right side down.

* Batting

* Then quilt top up (facing you)

* Pin to secure and quilt as desired. 

* Remember to remove pins as you quilt :-)

* Use the "ironing board trick" if you need help with weight of quilt when quilting :-)

Note...you are one step ahead of me so have fun!

Tip...I like to quilt in the ditch around center of quilt to secure my layers together...then I smooth the fabric and quilt outward to sides. But you do what is easier for you. I will be accenting around the beautiful floral design on panel with coordinating Aurifil thread :-)

Once you have finished quilting...fold your border/binding strip to the back leaving a 1/4" border on the front. (start with top/bottom then left/right side) Fold binding in half again to secure and quilt in the ditch on front side or secure with hand stitching on back. 

Remember to have fun...this is the exciting part...quilting and getting creative with stitches & thread colors to enhance the design.

Check back soon as I'll be showing my quilting progress once my backing arrives :-)

Talk soon,

Cat