Happy National Embroidery Month! Featuring... "Ingrid's Wildflowers" by MSQC!"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. If you're like me...you might be dabling in a couple of projects...I know..just a couple :-) Well...I love embroidery and will admit I just started embroidering again last year. So many people told me that it helps with stress and anxiety. I know my sewing has always been my major stress relief. Even in Construction Design I always had a sewing project that I was working on for that reason. But I will admit that embroidery has been a blast & I do love how convenient it is to pack up and take with you. I purchase the Ingrid's Wildflowers embroidery kit last year by Missouri Star Quilt Company and I incorporated the embroidery designs into a "Hexagon Heirloom Fun-ctional Table Runner." You can view my previous post starting 3-20-24. I had such a blast with this embroidery kit that I then purchased the Enchanted Christmas Embroidery kit. I'm sure y'all saw last Christmas of how I made ornaments for my daughter. I love the MSQC embroidery kits...they are a blast...excellent quality & directions plus they inspire your inner creativity. The Ingrids Wildflowers Kit is on sale & my link above right on home page will take you to MSQC website. Well once you're there you will notice a sweet new design thats "buzzing" around :-) Seriously y'all...I've truly enjoyed embroidery...it's been a wonderful go to for me when I just want to take a moment and re-charge. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Island Batik Gift Bag..."Phase 2"

 Hey quilter's...happy Super Bowl Sunday! Yup...today's the day where I multitask...sewing...snacking & football. Well mostly sewing and snacking but that's o.k. too. But when you have a Grandson that is heavy into sports you definately need to be able to comment back on plays with him. This is probably the only time when I'm glad to live away then he can't see what I'm actually doing. :-) I do like to get him a bit rowled up...I'll deliberately start commenting on the oposing team. I'll text him and if he ignors my text then I know it's working. What...you think that's mean...seriously y'all he is the biggest jokester...he boobie-traps the house when I vist so this is just some minor pay backs as I like to say :-) He does get his homor from my late dad so in his defense it's heridatory. O.k. just to let you know how lovely he can be...last Christmas he "taped" the toilet seat so when I get up during the night...we'll you know the rest of the story...then he taped his Halloween mask to the shower...yup...just gotta love the dear boy! :-) Geez! Anyway...today I'm sharing part 2 of this super cute gift bag. I'm in love with this fabric collection & supplies needed are previous post. I know this sounds weird but some fabrics you just want to 'hug" them because they are so stunning. Surely I'm not the only one? :-) You will notice some advanced steps but do what is best for your skill level and machine. Sometimes I will use  another machine because it handles the bulk a bit better. The interfacing that I use is low-loft (thin) for that reason. These are gift bags so I didn't make them stiff. But if your machine handles a stiffer lining then do what is best for you. I know some of y'all already have certain brands/items that you prefer so incorporate as needed. I like to inspire you with designs but please do what is comfortable for you. I'm thankful for y'all following along and I'll be sharing more fun & easy projects soon. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Sallie Tomato Affiliate

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

Island Batik Gift Bag...

Here's all you do...

Bag sides...

* From white background fabric rotary cut 4 (2 x 7) rectangles. (great time to use scraps) :-)

* From fusible interfacing cut four the same 

Tip...rotary cut a bit small as in previous steps to preven glue seepage.

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

* Sew strips to left/right side of front and back bag pieces using a 1/4" seam allowance...right sides together.

* Press

Advanced.step..top stitch if desired.

Bottom of Bag...

* Rotary cut 2 white background fabric (2 x 10) 

* Rotary cut 2 from interfacing the same & fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* Sew to bottom of front/back bag  with right sides togehter using a 1/4 seam allowance.

* Press

Advanced step...top stitch if desired

Top band...

* Rotary cut 2 (2 x10) of red/tangerine fabric strips

Note...I did not use interfacing due to folding over in later step. Less bulk :-)

* Sew to Top of front and back pieces with right sides togehter using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press

Note...no need to top stitch..you will do in later step... less stress quilting :-)

* Place front and back pieces with right sides together and starting at top corner sew using a 1/4" seam allowance...pivoting at ends... back up the other side but leave top open.

* Turn right side out....isn't it forming like a bag :-) sew fun!

Advanced step...before turning right side out you can box mitor the corners if desired. I do mine about an inch...it gives a professional look plus helps it stand a bit better :-)

Note...at this point you could totally be finished just by turning your band over half and top stitching all around to secure but...I recently started lining my bags to not see the seams on the inside. I know it's a bit O.C.D. but this is a fun project to try a new technique on a smaller scale especially if you advanced to "handbag making." Hint,,,pop on my Sallie Tomato link for inspiration :-)

Advanced step...

Lining...

* Rotary cut your lining fabric to your bag size ...Mine was roughly 10 x 18 1/2

* Fold in half w/ wrong sides together and sew a 1/4" seam allowance on sides.

* Turn right side out and press if needed.

* Position lining within bag with "wrong sides together. "

* Tip...when you "look into" bag you will not see your unfinished side seams :-) 

* Position the pieces together...matching sides seams and pin or clip if desired.

* Fold top band in half (both bag and lining togehter) to secure the edges.

*  Fold in again to achieve your desired band width.

* Finger press & Pin or clip to secure as you fold.

Tip...I did a 1/2" band to coordinate with my strips. My O.C.D. "only Cat does" :-)

Tip...I like to remove my "free arm" on sewing machine to make top stitching easier.

* Top stitch around band on right side with coordinating thread.

***Aurifil #2235 coordinated perfectly w/ fabric ***

Well you did it! You can use the bag as is without handles or...

do my cute advanced step. I love how Island Batik ties that come with your "stamp" 5" squares. I thought wouldn't it be a fun way to incorporate them into handles. I just pressed them...gave them a bit of starch...cut them to my desired length...fold ends in to close raw edge and positioned them within the inside of bag...pinned to secure and top stitch on the front to secure the handles. I did reinforce a few times to secure. I just love how it shows how much "I love Island Batik" :-)

Either way you just made a super cute gift bag that is 100% Re-gift-able using the stunning Island Batik fabric. Hope you enjoyed this fun project!

Talk soon,

Cat

Island Batik Gift Bag..."Phase 1"

 Hey quilter's....happy Saturday! Hope y'all had a great week. I tend to get a bit excited about Saturday's...not because it starts the weekend but I'm usually sharing a project. As y'all know by now I love Island Batik fabrics. My late mother-in-law shared the same addiction with me which actually was pretty cool. What my "stash" didn't have I could usually find a compliment in hers. If y'all read my post last year of her passing and how she hid "forget me not" seeds in her Batik stash pile then you totally understand. I will admit that was pretty clever and going to pass that one on :-) I also wanted to challenge myself this year...break out of my "quilting box." I love to create new techniques but also know I better have a follow-up tip to share as well. Yes, my tips are usually from a mistake although some are just fun. I recently posted a tip on my Facebook page about using a "seam ripper." Yes...a seam ripper is highly recommended for this basket weave technique. Not only did it make the weaving easier...actually gave me an extra hand so to speak but it gave me more respect for the one thing I hate to use. Sometimes I don't keep it out..my theory is "If I don't see it...I won't need it."...yagh...still working on that theory. :-) Well in Phase one I'll be sharing some products with y'all that I love and use. I always say..."do what's best for you." If you already have a product you know and love then incorporate that into the instructions. I will not that please check out the "Sunlit Garden" collection by Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations for Island Batik fabrics. This collection is stunning and was my inspiration to create a basket weave gift bag. I will give y'all a hint as well...I have a great home decor item coming soon using this collection too. So l thank y'all for following and keep checking back for more fun & easy projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Sallie Tomato Affiliate

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

Island Batik Gift Bag...

Note...bag is roughly "8 x 8"...easily enlarge if desired :-)

Here's all you need...

* Scraps from Sunlit Garden by Island Batik  (Red Tangelo & Teal) 

* Scraps of Missouri Star Quilt Town Stars White

* MSQC 50# thread (white)

* Coordinating Aurifil 50# thread (2235)

* MSQC Sew Light Fusible Adhesive (double sided)

* Pellon Fusible Fleece (one sided low loft)

* Rotary Cutter w/ Pinking sheer blade & standard blade.

* Seam ripper ;-)

* Dritz Mighty Steam Iron

* Oliso Iron

* Island Batik ties for optional handles but fun! I love how I can finally incorporate them :-)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut 2 squares 7 x 7 of White fabric for Bag front and back. 

* Rotary cut Fusible fleece the scant 7 x 7" and following manufacturer's directions fuse to the wrong side of each 7 x 7" white squares. Set aside.

Tip...I use a pressing sheet to protect my iron and cut the fusible fleece a tad bit smaller to prevent glue seepage. Do the same if desired.

Strips...

* Rotary cut from Red Tangerine/Teal fabric a  5 x7" square ea.

* Rotary cut from Sew light fusible adhesive 2 squares "scant" 5 x 7" squares. (same glue tip as above)

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

Tip...another reason why I love Island Batik...you can't go wrong :-) Fabrics are hand dyed and appear on both sides!

Note...read the prewash instructions that come with the Batik fabrics if desired. 

* With your teal & red tangerine fabric squares & using your rotary cutter w/ pinking blade do a "clean 

up" cut on the right end of square then subcut strips 1/2" wide.

* Repeat method for both fabric squares.

Note...you will have a few extra strips so I peel off the backing as I go...do the same if you wish but remember...save those extra strips ;-)

* Place your white front bag square on pressing mat if desired and take one red/tangerine strip (peel of fusible backing) and center within your square (pin at top if deired to secure)

* Then continue same method with red/tangerine strips 1/2" apart.

* Using the "basket weave method" place your teal strips using your "seam ripper" to help scooch over and under for each row. Use the same method of spacing 1/2" apart if desired. 

Tip...I did not bring the strips to edges to prevent the bulk when sewing sides...I left a 1/4" seam allowance. :-)

* Repeat same method until you achieve your desired basket weave design. 

Note...I like a heavy basket weave but if you find this daunting then space your strips farther apart. I don't think you can go wrong...remember to have fun...less-stress in my quilting room :-)

* Following manufacturer's directions fuse your strips. Remove the pins before fusing ends.

* This is why I love the "Dritz Mighty Steam Iron"..great for those small spaces.

* Repeat this method for your bag back square.

I hope you enjoyed creating this step of your super cute Island Batik bag. Remeber these bags are 100% re-gift-able so your reipient will enjoy keeping or sharing! Plus you are using your scraps in a very u-nique way!

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Island Batik Gift Bag...basket weave"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. I've been having a blast with this collection "Sunlit Garden" by Jennifer Thomas for Island Batik. I love fabric that inspires creativity! If you know me...I love to make gift bags that are 100% Re-gift-able. You can read previous posts of how this all started due to my sweet Grandson Davin last Christmas. Well...I like the bags to be unique so the bag is a gift itself to the recipient. So todays post is a "sneak peek" of the bag I'll be sharing this weekend & a tip that I found very useful. I love a "basket weave" but it looks intimidating...to me anyway. So I had to come up with a tip to make my life easier and yours ;-) Here's the funny..."you'll be using your seam ripper!" What...a fun way to use a seam ripper! Seriously y'all in the second pic below you will notice that I used pins to secure the first strips then when I  started weaving the second weave...I use the "seam ripper" to help "scooch" the strips over and under. Once I secured the strips as desired I then used my "mighty steam iron" by Dritz due to the small space. Worked perfectly and made this sew easy! I believe you just might see some more "basket weave" projects in the future ;-) I will post more Saturday of this technique as Phase 1 starts on another fun and easy project using the stunning Island Batik fabrics. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Sallie Tomato Affiliate

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

Island Batik love..."Sunlit Garden"

 Hey quilter's...happy Friday! This morning the sun peeked early so I thought what a perfect morning to share a "sneak peek" on this stunning collection of "Sunlit Garden" by Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations for Island Batik fabrics. I'm in love with the color hues...prints in this collection. The colors are stunning and just makes you want to hug the fabric. Yes...I said it! Seriously y'all...I know that when you're shopping fabric you come across a collection that you just want to 'hug it." Yup...totally agree :-) I think the only reason we don't because somebody will think we're nuts. Well...once you get this fabric you can hug...snuggle all you want in your sewing room. It's so beautiful and will definately bring you a ray sunshine and inspiration for your next project. I wanted to give you a 'sneak peek" because I will be featuring this collection soon with some fun projects. I love fabric that makes you feel warm inside especially when we're still having some cold days. I hope you check out this collection and love how it inspires your inner creativity. I'll also be sharing some fun "unboxing" tomorrow by Missouri Star Quilt Company along with a fun "give-a-way" too! More details coming soon :-) Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Sallie Tomato Affiliate

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

Island Batik "Sunlit Garden"...

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Why I love Missouri Star Quilt Co. Sew Light Fusible Adhesive"

 Hey quilter's...hope your doing great. I feel like frosty the snowman when he starts to "thaw" out. It's nice seeing sun again even for a short time. I will never gripe about the heat again :-) I wanted to share this tip with y'all that is a time-saver and scrap friendly. Y'all know how I love to make gift bags and honestly this technique will work on most crafting projects. A lot of bag patterns have you lining fabrics...turning right side out which creates you needing to close the opening later. Well...I save my small scraps of Missouri Star Quilt Co. Sew Light Fusible Adhesive for this purpose. Sometimes they are so small that I keep them in a plastic bag. Those tiny pieces of this amazing adhesive is perfect for those openings. The adhesive is double sided wich secures the fabric then you have the opetion of top stitching. It doesn't glue up your needle...very lightweight and great for sewing and crafting projects. I do recommend testing your fabric if you havene't used this amazing product. It's a great time-saver especially while working on small projects that are hard to position under your needle. Just follow the easy manufacturer's instructions and you're good to go! Seriously y'all...you can position those tiny scraps within your area so please don't throw them away :-) My pic below shows how I used the tiny scraps to enclose the opening while making the Holiday Bags that are 100% Re-gift-able. Love using the stunning Banyan Batik fabric "Pin Dot Floral". The information is on my previous post of the fabric and how I put a spin on the pattern "Nicholas Bag" by Sallie Tomato. You can view products with my link to the right on home page. I hope this tip helps you with your sewing/crafting projects. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more fun projects for the upcoming holiday's. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Sallie Tomato Affiliate

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

MSQC Sew Light Fusible Adhesive...

"Make your Holiday's Sew Special w/ Island Batik Gift Bags!"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're weekend is off to a great start. Well the weather is cold and you might need to stay in so I thought this fun & easy "scrap" project would be a perfect time to share. If you'r like me and you have leftovers from 5" stamps of your favorite fabrics..."Island Batik" Pin..Dot..Floral that you just need to use. Yes...this fabric collection is stunning. I had some left over squares from a previous bag that I had made for a graduation gift. I thought with the Holiday's approaching this fabric would be perfect for some fun & easy Easter Bags. I wanted use the 5" squares and incorporate the small Nicholas bag from Sallie Tomato. I love her handbags/gift bags...the patterns are easy to follow that you can either rotary cut to the directions or incorporate 5" scraps to the directions. My gift bags are a tad bit bigger due to using as much of the 5" squares as possible. I will say I used all my squares of this stunning collection to make 2 bags and then lined them with Missouri Star Quilt Company Quilt Town White Stars fabric. Another one of my favorite fabrics ;-) I love using scraps. I also love giving a gift that is "re-gift-able." You can view/purchase the Nicholas Bag pattern as a download for your instant sewing project this weekend. I love the small bag size...you can "stuff" it with great quilting tools. The pic below shows how the MSQC 8" scissors & Rotary cutter...the Sallie Tomato Essential Creasing & Turning tool....Aurifil thread fit within and would make a great gift! Oh don't forget to leave room for your favorite chocolate & Chuck! My links to Missouri Star QuiltCompany & Sallie Tomato are on the upper right of home page for more sewing supplies & inspiration. I hope this inspires you to create a special gift bag for your Holiday's. Plus...your're using and sharing your favorite fabrics with othes! Win...Win...Thanks so much for following & check back soon for more fun & easy project inspiration. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Sallie Tomato Affiliate 

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

Island Batik...Pin Dot Floral Gift Bags...

Inspired by the Sallie Tomato "Nicholas Bag"...

Tip...Once you have downloaded the Sallie Tomato Nicholas Bag pattern follow the great instructions or rotary cut your 5" squares as desired then sew them using a 1/4" seam allowance until you get the size per instructions on pattern or your desired size/design. My bags are just a tad bit bigger 'cause I kept sewing strips together. Couldn't leave any Island Batik Fabric behind :-) i incorporated the simple 4 patch design which is also a great way to teach a beginner quilter too.  This Nicholas bag pattern is super fun & sew versatile. Make gift bags...hand bags using the same pattern & just add straps or handles. Sallie Tomato instructions come with a great tutorial to watch to make your sewing easy. View the website for more fun & easy patterns for all your sewing needs. Enjoy!