"BOO-ville!" Mystery Spook-a-long...Finale!

 Hey quilters...happy Saturday & "BOO-ville!" finale. I'm thrilled to share my final stage of "BOO-ville!" with you. I've had a blast sewing/creating with the BOO BASH collection by Lumin Fabrics. I love it when fabric inspires creativity, but little did, I know what else it inspired. The design is full of fun, family Halloween times with my daughter's family and especially my grandson. He loves Halloween and especially scaring his "Gege"...me! We loved to shop at the Halloween stores together because they always had it set up for scaring Gege. When he was little his favorite thing to say way "it's not going to scare you Gege." Hmmm....yes, I fell for it every time. These fun memories will always be dear to my heart in hopes he continues these memories with his family one day. But little did I know that "BOO-ville!" would be the first of many traditions designed on a quilt. I'm excited to share that starting mid-September we'll be hosting "Traditions" a Christmas Quilt-a-long. I love designing quilts to pass down for generations, quilts that you can personalize to your family traditions is my new series. I hope you enjoyed "BOO-ville!" and you're at the final stage of where you get to put your own spin on the design. You can easily enlarge the design just by adding additional borders or a wide border like I did. I'm currently quilting mine with "spider webs" so wish me luck. My wide border stated additional words "TRICK OR TREAT" and "OCTOBER 31 SPOOKY" all using the Accuquilt Classic 2" Alphabet and Numbers/Symbols die. I've had a blast creating with Accuquilt and will admit using the die cut machine saves sew much time. I thank y'all so much for following a long on my creative sewing journey. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"BOO-ville!" finale...

Tip...press your quilt top before you add your borders. Measure the length and width in 3 areas to get the overall size that you'll be cutting your strips. Square up if needed but be careful of not cutting into the design. I always cut my strips longer than what I need then square up after sewing. Less stress. If you need longer strips than what your fabric measures just miter join your strips to desired length. 

My design will have a finished 3" border so I rotary cut my strips 3.5 to the width and length that I needed and the 2 corner squares are 3.5 x 3.5 for a finished 3" square. I joined my top/bottom strips first then added the corner squares to the left and right borders then joined to the quilt top matching seams. All using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

Once you have achieved your desired border then do a overall meaure of quilt top for your backing fabric and batting cuts. I always add an additonal 4-6 inches to allow for any shrinkage during quilting.

Once quilted...press if needed and square up.

Bind as desired.

Enjoy snuggling up with your family memories!

Talk soon.

Cat

BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long....Clue #5

 Hey quilters...happy Saturday! Hope you're weekend includes sewing. I hope y'all enjoyed the "Songbird Blog Hop" featuring Jennifer Thomas new collection "Songbird" designed for her by Jerry Khiev for Lumin Fabrics. I fell in love with this collection and I'll be sharing soon a fun and easy project using my sweet scraps. You know me...no scrap left behind :-) Well today I'm sharing the final rows of "BOO-ville!" This design is sew versatile and can be easily enlarge just by adjusting your borders to your desired width. I used the "Purple Branches Batiks" from the Boo Bash collection by Lumin Fabrics for my border and backing. I ordered 2.5 yards and now I wished that I ordered more. I realized after I pieced my borders that I needed a tad but more for the backing so now I'll be doing s fun scrap-strip-piecing on the back. But that's o.k. and why they say..."always buy more than what you need." Or in my case..."what I thought I needed." :-) It happens. One thing I've learned on my quilting life's journey is that you learn to adapt and sew on! Well by now you've probably came up with your own spin on this Mystery design and maybe even your own time saving tips. I've previously shared some tips that I found to help especially when fusing letters. I had fun designing this spook-a-long that it inspired my next Mystery Christmas Quilt-a-long that I'll be sharing soon. As always, I'm sew thankful that you are a part of my sewing and quilting journey. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville....Clue #5...

Beginner....

Note...prepare letters using same method as previous steps & sewing.

* Row 8...position the word "CREEPY" to left side of top within your squares.

  ... Position the word "HAUNTED" to far right side of quilt within your squares.

* Row 9...position the word "SPIDERS" to left side of top under the word "CREEPY"

... Position the word "HOUSES!" far right of top under the word "HAUNTED"

Row 10....10 scrappy squares.

After you have fused and a-play-qued your letters...press and sew your rows together using a 1/4" seam allowance sewing right sides together...I did clip my rows together one at a time to secure while sewing. 

Press and square up if needed and be thinking what size border you would like. For me it usually depends on how much fabric I have at this stage. I love to do a scrappy pieced border but this time I'll be sharing next week of my advanced border that I had a blast designing. I feel that borders compliment the over all of the design. 

Well, you're almost done!

Advanced....

Note...prepare letters using same method as in previous steps and sewing.

* Row 15...10 scrappy rectangles

* Row 16...1 scrappy corner square. 1 scrappy rectangle...3 orange rectangles with word "CREEPY"...1 scrappy rectangle...3 orange rectangles with word "HAUNTED"..1 scrappy rectangle...1 scrappy corner square.

Row 17...10 scrappy rectangles

Row 18...Same as row 16 but words "SPIDERS" under "CREEPY" and "HOUSES" under "HAUNTED"

Row 19...10 scrappy rectangles

Row 20...1 scrappy square...9 scrappy rectangles...1 scrappy square

Once you are happy with your design then sew rows with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press and square up if needed. 

You're getting closer to the finish! Now be thinking of what size border you wish to add. This is when you can easily enlarge the overall size of the quilt and get creative. This is also a great time to use any scraps too. I'll be sharing my advanced border next week too.

Talk soon,

Cat

Songbird Blog Hop..."Day 9" Me! "Heart 2 Read"

 Hey quilters.... well it's my day of the Songbird Blog Hop and I'm excited to share with you my design "Heart 2 Read." First, I want to mention how honored to be part of this inspirational blog hop featuring the "Songbird" fabric collection designed for Jennifer Thomas by Jerry Khiev of Luman Fabrics. All of the previous designs have been absolutely amazing, and we have one more day to go. I just love how fabric inspires creativity. The Songbird collection is full of adorable birds...flowers and foliage on hues of pinks, purple and blue. I will admit. The fabric is so beautiful that I hardly could cut into it. I'm sure we've all been there. I knew from the moment the fabric arrived what I wanted to design with the collection. Showcasing all the collection in a large heart using fat quarters of each print so I decided on large strips for a fun and scrappy design. I fell in love with this beautiful collection that I designed a coordinating bag "Heart 2 Read" to hold reading books. The overall design was inspired by my sweet memories of reading with my daughter as a child. It didn't matter what time of day or location she wanted to read. Even at a very young age she would make up her own stories as she was turning the pages. Once she learned how to read it was non-stop. Those memories of reading with my daughter will be forever in my heart. The Child's throw finishes out to 36 x 39,5 but can be easily enlarged for an adult size throw just by adding borders. I used "flippy corners" on the quilt design and coordinating tote using Foundation Neutrals by Island Batik/Lumin fabrics in Sprinkles and back in Floral Batik. It's a simple design but I love how the stunning "Songbird" fabric collection shows. I hope you're enjoying this inspiring blog hop and you still have time to enter for a fat quarter bundle of Songbird over on  https://curlicuecreations.blogspot.com along with a pattern of your choice by Jennifer Thomas featuring Songbird fabrics. I thank y'all so much for following along on my sewing journey. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Heart 2 Read....

I used Aurifil 50# thread (2520) for the entire process of piecing/quilting and a-play-queing around the letters on the coordinating tote. The color hus compliment the Songbird fabric collection perfectly and it also was a subtle color on the coordinating neutral batiks. I did accent quilting within the individual rows then 1" rows accenting the over all design of the heart. Simple but fun!

I used the Accuquilt Classic 2" Alphabet and Numbers/Symbols fie for the wording coordinating tote.

Thank y'all for joining me today on the Songbird Blog Hop. 

Talk soon,

Cat

 

 

BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long...Clue #4

 Hey quilters...happy Monday to everyone. It's a fresh start to a new week and setting some needed goals for me anyway. Right now...don't laugh or judge but I have 5 projects going on in my sewing room. Yup! Plus, I've been up since 4 a.m. because tomorrow is my day of the Songbird Blog Hop. I am super excited to share my project with y'all but also want to show my gratitude to be part of this amazing team of designers that have already featured fabulous designs. Y'all know me by now...I love to design patterns in hope to inspire others to get the quilting bug. I share techniques from beginner to advance along with tips that might keep you from making the same mistakes as me. :-) My design brain does not stop...it never has but this is what brings me joy. This past week has been a blast seeing everyone's creativity and we're all using the same fabric collection. It's just amazing of how fabric inspires everyone in different ways. You will definitely know what I'm talking about once you see this stunning collection. You can still enter to win a fat quarter bundle of Songbird on curlicue creations blog https://curlicuecreations.blogspot.com. Today features Leah of "quilted delights" www.quilteddelights.com and I can't wait to see what she has created. Well, I hope everyone is have a great time with "BOO-ville" Mystery Spook-a-long and today I'm sharing Clue #4. This clue is also a tip of what I use to help touch up my letters if they don't adhere perfectly. I love the EPP Clear Glue Stick Pen. It's used a lot for paper piecing, but I use it for touch ups. It's perfect for all my designs using fusible letters. I purchased the glue pen from Missouri Star Quilt Company and so glad I did. I think these would make a great gift to a fellow crafter or better yet a stocking stuffer. It's that time of year to start thinking of Christmas gifts. Well...I thank y'all so much for following and please check back tomorrow for my special day of the Songbird Blog Hop. Oh did I mention...you're getting pretty close to finishing the main design of "BOO-ville!" Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long...Clue #4

Songbird Blog Hop Inspiration!

 Hey quilters.... hope your weekend is off to a great start. I'm having a blast following Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations blog hop featuring her new collection "Songbird" designed for her by Jerry Khiev of Lumin Fabrics. This blog hop is full of inspiration featuring talented designers all designing with this beautiful fabric collection. I've highlighted a few of the amazing designs below but pop on over to curlicue creations blog of all the previous designs & all the details. You will also see that Jennifer is giving away a "Fat quarter" bundle of this fabulous collection along with a pattern of your choice featuring her new designs w/ Songbird. I'm in love with the color hues and beautiful prints of Songbird and I'm so inspired by everyone's creativity. I'll be sharing my designs on Tuesday the 18th featuring the Songbird collection as well. What an exciting week so far & hope you're following along. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Songbird Blog Hop link...https://curclicuecreations.blogspot.com

BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long...Clue #3

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week & enjoying the "Songbird Blog Hop." I just love a blog hop seeing everyone's designs all using the same fabric collection. Today is day 3 so pop on over to curlicue creations blog to view all the details. All the quilt designers are listed to follow a long on their special day and don't forget that I'll be sharing my design on the 18th. Plus remember to enter for a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of "Songbird" plus a pattern of your choice of Curlicue Creations featuring this stunning collection.  What an exciting month already! We have the Songbird Blog Hop & my "BOO-ville" Mystery Spook-a-long. I'm having a blast with this fun collection "BOO BASH" by Lumin Fabrics. Today I'm sharing clue #3 with you and a ghostly reminder that you're getting closer to the end. :-) Here's a hint...my design is a "lap/throw" size but as stated previously you can easily enlarge just by adding more borders if desired. The design is very versatile for you to put your own creative spin on it. The instructions below are for the beginner and advanced stage so follow along as desired. The "Mystery Spook-a-long" allows you to sew at your own speed so don't stress. After all Halloween is several weeks away. Not fast enough for me! I thank y'all so much for following a long on this sewing journey with me. Talk soon

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville Mystery Spook-a-long Clue #3...

* Prepare fabric for strips for letters as desired. Using the Accuquilt die cut out the letters/symbols stated above following manufacturer's directions. Set aside.

Hint...I used the purple fabric for the words HOCUS    & GOBLINS! then Black fabric for POCUS! GHOST......:-)

Beginner...

* Row 6 & 7...on left side fuse the words HOCUS then POCUS! underneath then on the right-side fuse GHOSTS ...& GOBLINS underneath. 

* A-play-que as desired

Set aside.... you're getting closer :-)

Advanced...

Tip...I found it to be helpful to sew the orange squares together as stated for each word using a 1/4" seam allowance then fuse the letters within the strip. Remember to use a ruler to guide/position the letters/symbols a 1/4" from top/bottom of strip for your 1/4" seam allowance later when sewing rows 2gether. I then a-play-que around the letters before sewing the rest of the squares together as needed for each row.  This helps me so I don't have so much bulk when a-play-queing the letters. :-)

Note...all rectangles are rotary cut 2 1/2 x 5" except corner squares are 2 1/2 x 2 3/4.

* Row 11...3 orange rectangles w/ words (HOCUS) 3 scrappy rectangles, 3 orange rectangles w/ words (GHOSTS) sew using a 1/4 seam allowance...press/set aside.

* Row 12...1 scrappy corner...9 scrappy rectangles,1 scrappy square...sew in same method as above...press/set aside. 

* Row 13...3 orange rectangles w/ word (POCUS!) 3 scrappy rectangles, 4 orange rectangles w/ word ( & GOBLINS!) sew in same method...press/set aside.

* Row 14...1 scrappy square, 9 scrappy rectangles, 1 scrappy square...sew same method...press/set aside.

You're getting closer!

Talk soon,

Cat

Songbird Blog Hop...Day 2!

 Hey quilters...hope your week is off to a great start. I love a "Blog Hop"...seeing how fabric inspires different creativity among designers. I will admit this fabric collection "Songbird" designed for Jennifer Thomas of @curlicuecreations by Jerry Khiev of Lumin Fabrics is so inspiring. The beautiful bright color hues and the sweetest prints of birds...flowers & foliage will inspire your next quilting project. Today feautures Connie of Free Motion by the River that created a beautiful deisgn of placemats. I love how the fabric shines and her design is very creative and fun. View Connies blog for more information and view all her other amazing projects. This is a very inspiring blog hop and I hope you enjoy! Well...check back tomorrow for another clue of my "BOO-ville!" Mystery Spook-a-long. I thank y'all so much for following a long on my sewing journey. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Songbird Blog Hop day 2...

https://conniekresin.com Free Motion by the River