Cats Tip of the day!..."Table Runner 2a Mock Roman Shade"

 Hey quilter's...Sunday Blessings to y'all. It's a bit quiet this morning so I wanted to quickly share a fun project that I recently finished in my bathroom. I have one of those small long windows that have the privacy glass. I wanted something decorative on the window without the price. I've designed and made many custom window treatments but I wanted simple with texture. Recently, I was shopping in the home goods area in Walmart and saw the textured runners by Mainstarys. I have one on my dining table from another store and I love it. So here's the excitement...it's lined already & the length was perfect at 14 x 72 and my window was 13 1/2 x 40 L. Hmmm,,.I thought what do I have to loose...well 20. bucks if I mess it up.. :-) Seriously as a designer even a "Mock Roman Shade" is expensive so I went for it! It's not perfect but I'm not either but I absolutely love it! Who would have thought something so easy would make a huge difference in a window plus it's fun-ctional as in super cute because it's "Mock" which means it doesn't move. I did start out by "tacking" the folds using Aurifil 50# thread on my Brother sewing machine but realized that I didn't even need to do that step...I just used the industrial glue below. Yup...no sewing required y'all but I did use my "Olga" 45mm rotary cutter from Missouri Star Quilt Co. You do need that for sure for trimming. So if you have one of those weird window sizes give this a try. Thanks so much for following and talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Here's all you need...

* Table runner

* MSQC "Olga" 45mm rotary cutter

* Tension Rod

* E6000 Clear Industrial strength glue

* Quilter's Clips

Here's all you do...

* Measure your window width and length...depending on your width you might not need to shorthen the sides of runner :-)

* Add 6" for the top of valance

* Add 6" per each mock fold desired.

* Carefully rotary cut your desired length on one end only leaving a "fringed end" for decorative purpose. My runner was thick and that's why I highly suggest a strong rotary cutter.

* Fold over the side edges to back side of table runner to your width if needed.

* Glue with E600 and clip to secure.

Tip...if you have a cat like I do...make sure they can't get to it...the smell attracted mine :-)

* Once dried...Fold "back" the cut end of runner to the "back side" about 6" for the Top of Valance.

* Glue the raw end only to the fabric lining which leaves an opening for tension rod later... clip to secure.

* Once dried...make folds/ about 4" in length and a 2" secure tuck then "glue" at the tucks on front of runner to secure...use your clips to secure whild drying.

* Continue this method for all of your desired folds...creating the "Mock Roman Shade"..leaving the "fringe" at the end.

Tip...I started my first "mock fold" about 3/4 of length of window...clipped...then worked my way down..so I could get a "visual" of the desired number of folds before I glued. ..this way I was able to adjust the length if needed. You know me...less stress :-)

* Once dried...remove clips add in the tension rod at top and position within your window.

* Seriously y'all,..easy...and you saved money :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Tip of the day!..."Bobbin thread Friend!"

 Hey quilter's...it's Saturday & that means a weekend start to sewing...right? Well, I hope "sew" anyway! I've been stitching up my next fun,,,fast-n-fab scrap-a-long using precuts and need to share this technique with y'all. I've been sewing for many years...too many to mention :-) but nobody taught me this technique. As a quilter we all know to "pull up the bobbin thread" before we begin so we don't have that hot tangled mess on the back. But...I'll be the first to admit it took me a while to get the hang of that technique. So here's my tip of the day that has helped me sew much...I "pull up" the bobbin thead on my Brother sewing machine as I'm piecing. Yes...practice makes perfect! Now when I'm ready to "quilt" my project it comes second nature to me. Now my "bobbin thread is my best friend" instead of that hot mess on the back. This is a great technique for new beginners to practice as well. Y'all know me...I'm all about ...'Less stress quilting" ...I believe in sharing the Joy of sewing and quilting so I hope this tip helps. Thanks so much for following and check back for some exciting events coming soon. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

*Also a "sneak peek" of a fun...fast-n-fab gift idea coming soon using Lumin Fabrics Precuts :-)

Cats Tip of the day!..."Monday Machine Maintenance"

 Hey quilter's...hope everyoen had a great weekend. I've been wanting to share this tip with y'all that is a life saver for me. Seems that Mondays roll around too fast and I spend most of the day catching up and preparing for the week. I don't know about you but "I" need to have reminders lately. Yes...most of them are a bit quirky as I've gotten older but it works. I "try" to remember that Mondays are "Maintenance Mondays" on my sewing machine. I've been using my Brother sewing machine a lot and I want to keep it working great. But....my arthritic fingers limit me sometimes. Afew weeks back while removing the screws from the plate I dropped one into the mechanical area of my machine. Needless to say I spent a lot of time trying to get it out...yup that noise you might have heard was me! Oh my gosh...my fingers couldn'[t pick up that screw to save my life. What a rude awakening it was too admit. So I thought I need something magnetic to hold the screws when I remove them so this doesn't happen again. Well...if you're like me you love the cute "needle minders" & I have a few from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Now I immediately secure the screw on the back of the needle minder while I'm cleaning my sewing machine. Yup...might sound a bit quirky but it works :-) I even took a few pics for y'all this morning while doing my maintenance and will say..."Life went a lot smoother!"...wishing y'all a great week and check back soon for a fun...fast-n-fab...scrap-a-long! Hope this tips helps :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Happy Earth Day! Upcycle a Canvas tote!

 Hey quilter's...happy earth day! This is such a fun day seeing everyone's creativity recycling...upcycling and taking a part in preserving our country. I always get excited when my daughter sends pics of what the kiddos are creating at school. Well recently part of our Missouri Star Quilt company affiliate April program we received a MSQC canvas tote and Welcome to Quilt Town 10" precuts. Our challenge was to create a unique bag using the precuts. First of all may I say the prints and color hues on this new collection is super cute. The fabric was sew inspiring to decorate and turn a standard canvas bag into something unique. Of course I had to add one of my favorite quilting templates the "mini orange peel." Plus witht this fun design I was able to incorporate many prints from the collection. I love 10" precuts. It gives you cuts from the collection to create and design with. If you're limited in space like me this is a great space saver. too. I know sewing on a canvas bag can be a bit intimidating so I fused the leaves using MSQC double sided fusbible adhesive. I did have a bit of fun on the back of the bag using the fun fabric quotes. I love fabric that inspires creativity! I also made 2 pockets sewn on my Brother machine using 50# Aurifil thread and secured to inside of bag with double sided velcro dots. Again...super easy! This is such a fun project and would make a great project for the kiddos too. They can learn some sewing techniques and create a unique bag to tote their items for thier summer advaentures. I plan on taking mine to the lake for some rest and reading my Quilter's World magazines. I hope this project inspires you to create your own tote for carrying items to quilt guilds...summer adventures or the grocery store. Endless tote-a-bilities! Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Upcycle a Canvas tote...

Here's all you need...

* Canvas Tote from MSQC

* Welcome to Quilt Town 10" precuts from MSQC

* MSQC Sew light fusible adhesive (double sided)

* MSQC Mini Peel Template

* Aurifil 50 weight thread # 3910

* No sew velcro dots

* Quilter's World magainze & Chuck! :-)

Here's all you do...

* Select 10" precuts as desired and subcut strips 2 x 10.

* Rotary cut fusible web to same size and fuse to wrong side of fabric strips following maufacturer's directions. 

* Using mini peel template trace on paper side of backing and cut out shapes.

* Fuse as desired on canvas tote following maufacturer's directions.

* Get creative and have fun :-)

For the back of canvas tote...

*  Select 10" printed squares as desired.

* Fuse MSQC fusible web in same method as above.

* Carefully cut out words and design as desired.

* Fuse to bag following manufacturer's directions. 

* Fun & easy!

Advanced option....creating inside pockets...

* Per each pocket,,,

* Select from your previous scraps two printed squares and sew with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance along sides and bottom only.

* Press a 1" fold to the wrong side of fabric on the top only and then fold again to secure the raw edge.

* Top stitch on right side to secure

* Turn right side out and press if needed.

Tip...I made a divider pocket by sewing a seam down center of pocket...do the same if you wish.

* Repeat same method for 2nd pocket.

* Position the dots on back side of pockets following manufacturer's directions and place as desired on inside of tote.

How fun...you just upcycled a ordinary canvas tote and personalized it to your needs!

Check back soon for more Fun...Fast & Fab projects,

Cat

Got Aurifil Thread? Just Breathe...Lake Home decor

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great week. I've been playing w/ Aurifil thread and having fun with some accent quilting on this fun project. I love how this kitchen towel was so inspiring for me. The words "Just breathe" really hit home when I saw this super cute towel. The words may seem simple but if you have anxiety those words can help get you through the day. I preach "thread and fabric therapy: a lot here on my blog. I wish words could express how sewing with Aurifil thread relaxes me. Sometimes it's not how large your project is that brings joy. This simple kitchen towel was turned into wall decor just by wrapping it onto a canvas frame. Yes...a simple art cnvas. I recently finihed accent quilting the towel using 50# Aurifil thread on my Brother sewing machine and I'm so pleased of how it turned out. Accent quilting with Aurifil thread is very relaxing and therapeutic for me. Sometimes I get in a rut and worry about finishing a project that I forget to take the time and "Just Breathe."...embrace the negative but be proud of what I've accomplished. If you are new to accent quilting or meandering then going with a pre-printed design is super fun and easy. Accenting around designs on fabric or in this case a towel is perfect project for a new quilter. Not only are you learning a new skill but you are creating home decor that is unique. You would layer your fabric or printed towel just like you would for quilting. After you have quilted with your Aurifil thread then wrap it onto the canvas and secure as desired. I did staple in places but my arthritic fingers fought with me so I tacked with industrial fabric glue. It's a great fun project to get the kiddos to design and make their own room decor too. I hope this project inspires your inner creativity. Remember it is the small things in life that really make a difference. I know seeing this on my wall inspires me to keep doing what I love! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

"Just breathe...Lake Home decor"...

Here's all you need...

* Aurifil 50# thread

* Canvas 7 x 14

* Printed design on towel or fabric

Got Scraps? Fun...Fast n Fab "Lake Garden Flag"...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope the weather is being kind and you're having a great week. I love seeing the pics on social media where people are still getting snow. I don't know about y'all but this has been the craziest "Spring," I'm just praying the rain stops for those to recover. One thing I've learned living in Florida is "Mother Nature is unpredictable." As I like to say..."It's always Sunny in my sewing room." :-) Well today I'm sharing the final phase of this fun lake garden flag. In my previous post I mentioned it could easily be turned into a wall hanging if desired. I love a design that inspires you to make it unique to your needs and home decor. I've had sew much fun designing this flag in EQ8 that it inspired me to create more! So keep following...you never know what my "quilting brain" will create. As I mentioned in previous post that I have a "tip" to preserve your garden flag due to the fabric. I use Scotchgard outdoor fabric protectant even on the garden flags I purchase. The sun will damage fabric...we all know that and just because an item states it's been weather treated doesn't mean it will last forever. So. I take a preventive measure and spray my flags before using them. Yes...I always test first so it doesn't bleed and most of the time a purchase flgs design is double sided. Again...test your fabric scraps before you spray your "unique" garden flag. Also the pillow form that I use is a outdoor pretreated garden pillow. Most of the time you can find them at your local "W" store for around $5...to me that's a bargain! Yes..I spray those too...I guess it's my O.C.D. "Only Cat does" :-) but they do last longer! Well...I thank y'all so much for following me on this fun journey and check back soon for more "Fun...Fast n Fab" projects. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Lake Garden Flag...Phase 2...

"I love how the morning sun shines on the Lake...so peaceful" although it was a windy day :-)

Here's all you do...

Note... Press and square up your quilt block if needed after you've finished quilting.

Adding Letters...

*Yes...you can purchase pre-fused letters if desired but I love to make my letters from the fabric scraps I'm using to add that extra touch :-)

* Fuse to wrong side of  scrap piece desired...Sew Light Fusible adhesive (double sided) using a pressing sheet to protect your iron if desired. Trace your letters on paper side of fusible adhesive (not some letters need to be reversed) 

* Carefully cut out around letters and fuse to quilt top as desired.

* Once you have your letters positioned on quilt top.

* Fuse following manufacturer's instructions.

 *  "a-play-que" around letters to secure. I used Aurifil 50# thread...compliments perfectly!

Adding Borders...

* For a finished 1/2" border...rotary cut your lime fabric 1 x 10 3/4 (or your width) and sew using a 1/4" seam allowance with right sides 2gether to top/bottom of quilt block. Press and square up if needed.

* Rotary cut from lim fabric 1" x 16 and sew as above to left/right side of quilt block using same method as above.

Binding...

Note...this is a where you bind your quilt block as desired. I like to do my border binding technique on small project. I rotary cut my strips wider to fold back leaving a 1/4" seam on front and top stitch in front of quilt block to secure. No it's not the traditional method but it's sew easy for me....as I alway's say..."you do what works best for you" :-)

Check back soon for more "Fun...Fast n Fab" projects!

Talk soon,

Cat

Got Scraps? Fun...Fast n Fab "Lake Garden Flag" Phase 1

 Hey y'all....hope your week is off to a great start. I'm loving this morning...the wind has slowed down a bit. I've been trying to take pics of the Lake Garden Flag which is the second part of "Got Scraps" series. We've had winds the last couple of days and it almost made picture taking impossible. I do laugh when I see pics of quilts blowing in the wind on Instagram. Sometimes its funny then other times it's nuts and you just take the best of the worst ;-) I didn't notice while taking one of the pics that I had an admirer. Yup...a pretty good size gator was just hoping I'd fall in for his "morning snack." Funny story...I almost did and I gave a new meaning to the term..."stop...drop and roll." My pride was hurt more than anything and then I couldn't stop laughing. Oh the life we lead :-) Well...as you can see by the pic below the flag was blowing a bit but I managed to catch a some what good one. The Lake Garden Flag has been a blast using the scraps from Sunlit Garden for Lumin Fabrics by Jennifer Thomas. I love it when fabric inspires creativity...don't y'all. I always wanted to design my own garden flag and EQ8 software makes it super fun & easy. The flag is 12 x 16 plus 2" tabs and I pieced and quilted in Aurifil 50# thread. I had such a fun time making the garden flag that I'm pretty sure their will be more designs coming your way. I'll be sharing my tip on preserving the flag on next phase. This is a fun...fast n fab project that can even be turned into a wall hanging if desired. You'll be making "Scrappy Half Square Triangles" so this is a great beginner project too. So grab you're scraps and lets make a "unique" Garden Flag together!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Lake Garden Flag...

Here's all you need...

* Scraps from Sunlit Garden by Lumin Fabrics ( Island Batiks) 

* Coordinating Aurifil thread

* Ruler for squaring up Half Square Triangles

* Low loft Batting

* MSQC Sew light fusible adhesive (double sided for letters)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut from Floral Vne White 6 1/2 x 10 1/2 (set aside)

* From Teal/orange fabrics rotary cut   nine  3" squares.

* Place one teal and one orange with right sides together and draw a diagonal line from corner to corner.  Sew a 1/4" seam on both side of line. Rotary cut on drawn line. Press towards darker side.

* Using ruler...square up to a 2 1/2 in square.

You will have 2 "Scrappy Half Square Triangles.

* Repeat same method for all squares.

* From white and teal fabric rotary cut a 3" square from each and sew as above. You only need 1 set.

* Per design...lay your white center with the "scrappy half square triangles."

* Sew your scrappy half square triangles in sets with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Per design...join the sets together to make the right and bottom rows.

* Join the right scrappy half square triangles to the center. Using 1/4" seam allowance. Press

* Join the bottom row matching seams as needed. Press.

Tip....I join in sections due to matching seams as I sew. It's easier for me but I always say do what is easier for you. :-) 

Check back soon for Phase 2,

Cat