"Scrap-a-long w/me in 2023!" Santa Bells are Ringing! (pattern directions coming soon!)

 Hey quilter's...Merry Christmas to all! It's a quiet one here...first time away from my daughter's family but I'm going to cherish the reason for the season. I wanted to give you a "sneak peek" of what's to come in 2023 so don't put away those Christmas scraps! That's right....Quilt-Mas all year in 2023! The Christmas season brings me so much joy, so I decided to quilt my stress away all year with Christmas scrap-a-longs. You know me I'm all about thread therapy so 2023 should be a great year and I hope for y'all as well. I'll be sharing a few different "scrap-a-longs" that are so versatile for any holiday decor...just change the fabric. Of course, they will be quilted with my favorite Aurifil thread :-) The quilt pattern below is designed in EQ8 (the electric quilt co) and you can see just changing the fabric choices creates a different design. "One design...Sew Many Ways!" You'll be using a lot of your scraps because they are only 2x2" squares. I'll be showing advanced techniques along the way & Mini projects using the same design. Great gifts for a less- stress year! Well, I hope you have a great Christmas and check back soon for fun & easy gifts and decor to make your 2023 quilting projects quilt-tacular! :-) Merry Christmas!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours

Cat

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Note...pattern directions coming soon!!!!!

Sneak Peek..."Holiday's w/my Gnomies"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great "Christmas week." Hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. This year has flown by for me and that is why I wanted to "introduce" just one of my "Scrap-a-longs" for 2023. I love gnomes...my family loves gnomes...in fact I've never met a gnome I didn't think was adorable. So, I decided to incorporate one of my fav's into a fun and easy "scrap-a-long" for 2023. You can see in pic that he's my "Coastal Gnome" and if you still need a last-minute gift just follow the directions below then pop over to previous post and complete if you wish. You would be finishing as the "Snowflake Mug mat for Mrs. Claus." If you know me by now, you'll be using your "scraps" which I'm excited about. I'll be showing different ways you can turn the same design into easy & fun gifts. I used a cute little gnome cookie cutter, but you can draw your own if you wish. I have two sizes that I'll be using throughout the year...hint :-) I love the random scrappy background, but you could do a solid piece of scrap if you wish. Less-stress-quilting in my world :-) Remember this is just "one" of my "Scrap-a-long-w/me" in 2023. So don't put away your Christmas fabric. We're going to have a great "Quilt-Mas" all year! Enjoy & Merry Christmas!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

*Scrap fabric ( I used Glam & Banyan Batiks by Northcott Fabrics)

* Coordinating thread ( I used Aurifil 50 weight #3910, 2235, 2588, 2260, 4093)

* Fons & Porter 3" finished side hexagon ruler

* Gnome cookie cutter

* Heat n bond lite

* Sulky light weight tear away stabilizer

* Insul bright for hot n cold mug mat or trivet

Here's all you do...

* Scrap sew your background fabric at random using a 1/8" inch seam allowance for less bulk. Finger press as you go.

* Once you achieve desired size...iron and square up using the hexagon ruler. 

Tip...I used my small Olfa mat to "spin around" while I was rotary cutting around hexagon ruler.

* Now fuse heat n bond lite to wrong side of your scrap piece of fabric for gnome following manufacturer's directions.

* Trace around your gnome cookie cutter on paper side of fabric.

* Carefully cut out gnome and fuse to right side of scrappy hexagon following manufacturer's directions. 

Tip...I drew a "oar" for my coastal gnome design. Hint of what's to come this year :-)

Continue to fuse the same way on scrap pieces to get your desired design. 

* Using your lightweight stabilizer on back side.... applique as desired using Aurifil thread. :-)

* Carefully tear away stabilizer once done & follow previous post if you decide to "now" make a mug mat for a great gift. 

* Well, I hope you had fun with the "sneak Peek" of this fun "Scrap-a-long w/me in 2023!"

Christmas Blessings y'all!!!!

Gift 4 Mrs. Claus..."Glam Mug Mat"

 Hey quilter's...hope your holiday shopping is going great. I love Christmas...not just the "gifting of a homemade gift" but the Christmas spirit and joy in the air. I was shopping yesterday and a man out of the blue said, "Have a Blessed Christmas." That kindness is wonderful. You never know how something so simple effects a person. I won't be going to have Christmas in Texas this year, so his kind words put me back into reality. The reason of the Season. Well on that note...I personally believe that behind every great man is a great woman. Yup...we can't forget Mrs. Claus. So, I'm sharing a sweet & easy gift for you to leave for Santa to take back to Mrs. Claus. I think she will love the "sentiment" of a homemade gift to use all year! This "scrap-a-long" is so much fun you might make a few extras :-) It's called a "Glam Mug Mat" due to the glam fabric designed by Patrick Lose for Northcott Fabrics. I love combining scraps with different textures 2gether. You get such a unique design. I combined scraps of Keetan by Banyan Batiks for Northcott fabrics as well. Plus, y'all know me...it's pieced and quilted with my favorite "Aurifil thread." The design is very versatile. Just change the fabric for any season. Great fun & easy gift for beginners too. It's about 7" ish mug mat. Mine got a little "wonky" cause I didn't ser my seam correctly when I took a break and came back to finish. Note...always check your settings if you walk away from your machine before you begin again...it happens. ;-( So, let's get started & make this sweet "glam mug mat" for Mrs. Claus!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

Aurifil thread ( I used 50 weight #2780

Snowflake scraps from Northcott Fabrics, Banyan Batiks & Patrick Lose, glam

Backing Fabric

Batting

Insulbright lining (hot/cold)

Sulky light weight tear-away stabilizer

Fons & Porter 2" finished side Hexagon ruler

Here's all you do...

*Using your hexagon ruler..."fussy cut" your snowflake design using a rotary cutter. I positioned mine off center but do as you desire. 

* Rotary cut your border strips 1 x 6. This will give you 1/2" borders. I did a random scrappy design with my strips, but you can definitely do your strips as desired. It's your design...have fun with it! :-)

* Starting at top of hexagon square...with right sides together....sew a strip using a 1/4" seam allowance. Use your hexagon ruler to square up as you go. Keep adding border strips, finger press as you go until you get your desired size. I did 2 rows of border strips to add a "unique scrappy design" for Mrs. Claus :-)

Tip...I use my Olfa mat to use as a "spinning mat" as I rotary cut around hexagon ruler. Sew easy :-)

Border/Binding...

* Rotary cut your border strips 2 x 6 or your desired length. The 2" width will give you a 1/2" border on front and enough fold for a finished binding on back. 

* Sew in same method as above...finger pressing as you go. 

Tip...what I do at this point is "iron/press" a 1/2" binding fold to the back. I start at top and fold/press at each side until all sides are incorporated. This will give you a crisp design on front plus it's a "guide" for you to rotary cut your backing/batting & insulbright. in the next step. #less-stress-quilting! :-)

* Now rotary cut your backing...batting & insulbright to this size :-)

* Layer your hexagon block right side facing down

* Insulbright

* Batting

* Starting at top...use that "pressed fold" and fold to the back and tuck in creating a finished seam on back. Clip or pin as you go. Remember to make sure you have the 1/2" binding in the front. Continue for all 6 sides of hexagon. I use "clips" so I can secure in areas that might be a bit more difficult. Just remove clips as you are sewing :-)

This pic made me laugh so hard...reminded me as a child of my mother walking around with those colored sponge rollers in her hair...oh my gosh I would die when she would pick me up at school with those in her hair....crazy memories! :-) :-) :-) 

* Now starting at top sew in the ditch of the binding strip of hexagon until all binding seams are sewn. 

This will secure your "binding fold" on the back. No worries if you noted a part of seam on back that didn't catch...just use a touch of "washable fabric glue" to secure :-) it happens!

* Your almost done...I quilted in the ditch around the hexagon center with coordinating Aurifil thread. You can do the same or quilt as desired. 

I hope you enjoyed this fun & easy "scrap-a-long".

Stay tuned,,,I have one more fun & easy gift coming soon. This one is a sneek peek of my "coastal gnome scrap-a-long" this coming year!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

"Quilter's Gift idea....4-n-1 Machine Quilting Ruler"

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going great and your holiday gifts are coming along. I wanted to share a quilting ruler that I recently purchased from www.missouriquiltco.com. I am obsessed with this ruler designed by Natalia Bonner with Piece N Quilt. She is an award-winning quilter and has many "you tube" videos showing how this wonderful ruler is used. I quilt on a "domestic machine" and I love this "mini ruler" due to my space. I also use this ruler to "mark" my quilting lines. This ruler has so many possibilities and at a great price for a gift idea. Throw in a "spool of aurifil thread" and you just gave a perfect gift to a quilter. I hope this gift idea helps you and remember check back next week. I'll be sharing the "sweetest" gift for "Mrs. Claus". Let's just say have your "snowflake Christmas scraps" ready! :-) This "Christmas scrap-a-long" is so easy you'll probably make a couple and finish that quilt gift list. In the meantime, have a great Quilt-Mas weekend! Cat

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"Give the gift of Christmas Charm"

 Hey quilters...hope your week is going great. Well as promised I'm sharing some ideas for your quilting friends. I love batiks and charm packs. You get such a variety of fabrics and if you're in a limited space like me "now" it's perfect. I love to order "charm packs" at missouriquiltco.com. Not only do they have wonderful sales, but their customer service is great. For me that's wonderful. I've recently ordered quilting tools for myself that I'll be sharing soon but what a inexpensive gift...a charm pack. If you pop on over to their website, you'll see all the wonderful Christmas sales going on. Below is just a few of my fav's from Banyan Batik... Island Barik...and Moda. Oh my gosh, seriously, plan on spending a few "moments" searching their site...they have lots of "goodies" to choose from. If you're wanting to create a gift basket throw in a spool of my favorite Aurifil thread. Lots of thread hues and weights to choose from as well. I know I would be thrilled with a thoughtful gift like these plus they are inexpensive. I love to keep a few "charm packs" on hand for that moment when I realized that I forgot someone's special day. Well. I hope this gift idea helps you out with your quilt gift giving season. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

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"Quilt-Mas Blessings"

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well and you're enjoying the Christmas countdown. I will admit this morning when I noticed the "date" that I kinda panicked. I usually have my Christmas countdown on display but this year I decided not to ;-) For some odd reason it was giving me anxiety! I usually have my "Christmas Candy" finished by now and I haven't....I even limited my decor to help out. But staying focused and remembering the "reason" for the season. I'm one of the "goofy" people that still love to send out Christmas cards. There is something "nostalgic" about sending and receiving a Christmas card. So, with the Holiday approaching fast I wanted to send "Quilt-Mas Blessings" for us all to have a less-stress Christmas & may your bobbin never run out of Aurifil thread in the meantime! Remember to keep checking in for my Christmas "Suprise"...save those Christmas scraps! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"Tis the Season 4 Quilt-Mas!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are doing well. Can you believe it? It's December 1st....oh my gosh! Let the countdown begin as they say. I for one would love just a few more weeks but I did accomplish to finish the main gift.  Yagh...there's always a "first." Last year I determined that I was not going to be the "grinch" siting at the sewing machine the night before Christmas. I kept my handmade gifts simple but sweet this year. Decided it's ok to purchase a few things even gift cards. When grandkids get to a certain age, they are a bit difficult to purchase for so this way they can get what their hearts desire. I am thrilled to mention that soon I'll have a "surprise" that we'll be doing all year 2gether. I've been working on the design in EQ8 so I'll be able to show "options" for y'all to choose from. Oh, one hint...keep your "Christmas scraps" out! Yup...that's all y'all get for now :-) Well, don't let the "Christmas Countdown" take away your cheer. Remember to savor every moment and enjoy the festivities that are all around you this month. I'll be sharing some great "quilt gifts" this month along with some other tips so keep checking back. 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cats Tip of the Day!..."Lights...Camera...Action!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. The weekends are never long enough and it's hard to kick-start into Mondays for me anyway. But it's Thanksgiving week so I'm thinking a lot of y'all are home with your loved ones. Most schools are out during this time, so I wanted to first wish everyone a great...safe...shopping for Thanksgiving essentials. I say that on a serious note. I was shopping this weekend and could not find "apple pie spice." First, I was upset then I thought "way cool more people are baking these days!" Plus, the lines are so long. If you have "kiddos" plan on entertaining them in line. My heart went out to a family.... I remember those days of waiting in line & my daughter would want every candy bar. Oh, my goodness, I was exhausted by the time I was checking out. Funny story, my grandson continued the "tradition" but with Cheetos. He was the most hilarious "little guy" when we'd enter a grocery store. It was like he was entering "Cheeto-ville." Finally, after several times of shopping I just realized...here's your Cheetos...eat them while we are shopping & your "Gege may end of going to jail 'cause you're eating them before I paid for them. Oddly enough it didn't matter because he was one happy grandson! Well on that note enjoy every moment with your loved ones. Time does fly by fast. Being a "Gege is awesome" but does seem like yesterday my daughter was little & now she's a school counselor. Wow!

 Well, today's tip is due to "My Crazy Scrapin' 1/2 sq. Triangle Technique." Yes, I did a spin on my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique that was recently featured on auribuzz.com. First what an honor that was to be featured. Although recently with my "design brain" I took that technique to another level. You can see the technique in precious post "Cats Christmas Pepper-mint Crunch" table square. When you are "scrap-piecing" with my techniques you will never have 2 squares the same. There's no paper-piecing and each square is so unique. So "therapeutic" of seeing how your fabrics come 2gether. But it can be a bit challenging on figuring out which direction you want your squares to go. Actually, not a bad thing cause technique is crazy-fun! But recently while I was auditioning my squares...fancy word for playing with them...I forgot which design that i originally liked. It happens at my age especially when you have so many choices. I kept spinning my squares around...noticing the fabrics might have been too close together. Then realized I should have been taking "pics" using my phone. Oh, my goodness...again another easy tip to share. Y'all might already be doing this tip but I never used my phone when auditioning my squares. I take pics of my techniques along the way to share with y'all but this tip helps me tremendously. Not only can "swipe" to see your blocks you put together but the clarity of seeing the fabrics together helps as well. Sometimes your "lighting" might not enhance the color hues in your fabrics. This actually happened in my recent table square. I had too many reds together. This technique is extremely helpful due to my technique using scraps. You have so many choices...hence the word "action." Also, if you're "stumped" you can text some options to a "fellow quilter" for suggestions. Anyway, hope this tip helps and what a fun way to "introduce" a child to quilting this holiday season. Every child loves to take pics and you can inspire their inner creativity with piecing and designing quilt blocks. I wish y'all a Blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy every moment with your loved ones. 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note...the 2 pics below we're my fav's. I love how one square looks like a "Christmas Tree." Alway's a surprise with my techniques :-)

Thanks for following and check back soon for another "Fun Christmas gift 2 make"

Stay safe, 

Cat

Scrap-a-long w/Cat..."Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square" Phase 2 & finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well & you're ready to have some more "thread n fabric therapy." By now you've decided on a trivet or table square. Either way, you will have a "unique" one-of-a-kind trivet or table square for entertaining or a great gift. My hope is to inspire quilters of all levels to know you don't have to stress yourself to have a "creative design." With my technique you get that unique design without the stress of paper-piecing. I have nothing against paper-piecing, but my "quilter's brain" goes a different direction :-) I love this technique. It's very versatile and you can view previous post of the original design using "Scrap...Crackle..Pop!" technique and make a "Christmas Table Runner." Just follow the pattern directions and use "Christmas Scraps." I'm excited to share in this Phase we'll be doing "directional borders." View my previous post for my easy tip! The Holidays are approaching fast and to help with less-stress, my designs are focused on "Holiday Entertaining" & "Great Gifts." But just keep following cause I'm super excited about my 2023 Pattern Line. Here's a hint, I'm even forcing myself out of my "Quilter's Comfort Zone." :-) So, let's finish our Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square 2gether!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

Adding Borders...

 Border Strip #1...(Patrick Lose "Sparkling Stars")

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1" x 6.5" for top/bottom of block.

* Sew starting at top...with right sides 2gether and a 1/4" seam...sew strips per design.

* Press and square up if needed (scraps can stretch)

* Now rotary cut 2 strips 1" x 8" and sew to left/right side using same method as above.

Tip...alternating fabric strips in different colors shows the interesting design of "directional borders." Just remember to sew in the same directional sewing for each border you add :-)

Border Strip #2 (Northcott Fabrics-Banyon Batiks) 

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 7.5" for top/bottom and sew same method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 9.5" for left/right side of block...following same method. 

Tip...I fully recommend to always press your strips as you sew. This will give that crisp design w/out the stress :-)

Border Strip #3 (Patrick Lose "Glam")

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 9.5 for top/bottom side of block...following same method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 11" for left/right side of block...following same method as above.

Border strip #4 (Patrick Lose "Glam")

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 11" for top/bottom side of block...following same method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1/5" x 13" for left/right side of block...following same method as above.

Tip...at this point if you desire to have a larger table square just continue to add more border strips following the same sewing directions.

Border/Binding/Quilting...

Note...you will be rotary cutting a wider border strip due to my border/binding technique. Also, once you have sewn your 5th border on you will then applique or quilt your block due to using the Insul-Bright. I prefer to not quilt over the Insul-Bright on a large-scale project, but you can totally do so if you wish. It does give a bit more "poofy" appearance to the block when you do so. :-)

Border # 5 (border/binding) Deborah Edwards "Santa Paws"

* Rotary cut two strips 2" x 13" for top/bottom of block. Sew in same manner as previous border.

* Rotary cut two strips 2" x 16 for left and right side of block. Sew in same manner. Press block.

* Rotary cut your batting & tear-away stabilizer to 12.5 x 12.5

* Layer quilt block with right side facing down then batting & stabilizer

* Pin or clip to secure but remove pins as you go when appliqueing or quilting :-)

* Applique or quilt as desired. I used contrasting Aurifil thread on the fabric in some areas using a decorative stitch. I love to "crazy-quilt" around squares. Crazy quilting was one of the first quilting techniques that I learned as a child and it's a "classic technique" in my opinion. Also, no need to applique or quilt in 5th border due to it folds back in later step & becomes your "binding." :-) Remember it's your block...get creative & have fun! 

 * Carefully "tear-away" stabilizer when finished. 

Border/Binding technique...

* Rotary cut your backing fabric to 13" x 13" and insul-bright.

Note...I used Patrick Lose "Christmas Magic"

* Layer backing fabric (right side down) then insul-bright, next block (right side up-facing you)

* Now starting at top, fold over border to back leaving a 1/4" border seam around block on front. Fold over in half again on back and tuck in to secure the fold. Pin or clip as desired. Now "stitch in the ditch" on front of block and this will secure your fold on back as well

. 

Tip...I love to do a "decorative stitch" to make sure I catch seam on back plus it's pretty :-)

* Repeat same method with your bottom border then left border then right. 

Take your time...this part is a bit bulky due to sewing through all layers. 

YOU DID IT!!!! You completed a unique-one-of-a kind design. Isn't it the Sweetest-Scrappiest- FUN-ctional-Magical Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square ever? Well, maybe that's a bit much but I do hope you enjoyed this scrap-a-long. I appreciate y'all following me and doing these fun projects with me from the comfort of your home. Keep following for more fun & easy Christmas projects. 

Stay safe & Happy Quilting,

Cat

Scrap-a-long w/Cat..."Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's ...hope y'alls week is off to a great start. If you need a little "fabric therapy" to get you through the week,,,I've got it for you! Allow me to introduce my new twist on my recent "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique. Yes, I did it...I actually did a spin on my own technique...you will use more scraps and hopefully get a little more "thread and fabric therapy" as well. The technique is called "Cats Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangle-Technique." Before I begin, let me share how this twist came about. It's "Hurrican Season", technically that should sum it all up but with my anxiety during this season and my "quilter's brain,' let's just say this technique happened. :-) This was definitely a "stress relief" recently! The funny thing is while scrap-piecing the technique I then realized "wholly smokes" how versatile this technique is. Again, with my technique there is no paper-piecing,,,no 2 squares the same...super scrap friendly & therapeutic. I will mention that I'm obsessed with this technique so just letting y'all know we have lots of fun scrap-a-longs ahead in 2023. So, while you're pulling your scraps 2gether please keep in mind that you can use the same design & technique with other fabrics for any decor season. This table square is very FUN-ctional due to you will use a piece of Insul-bright for any hot or cold item placed on square. A decorative centerpiece for entertaining or give as a great gift. I will also share a tip along the way where you can stop and make a "trivet" if you don't want to do the table square. Please keep in mind it's only 13 x 13 so you could easily enlarge just by adding more borders. Endless possibilities! I did accent quilting with Aurifil 50 weight thread in red/green and did I mention this adorable Christmas fabric is by Northcott. I love red/green peppermints during the Christmas season, so this design makes me happy, and I hope you enjoy it as well. So, grab your Christmas scraps and let's make another fun gift 2gether! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* Aurifil 50 weight thread (Red #2260) & (Green #2885)

* Christmas scraps! (I will note design/pattern name as we go) 

* 4 inch square up ruler (I use Nifty Notions)

* Fons & Porter 1/4" seam ruler (optional but is wonderful)

* Spinning mat (optional but is very convenient...see my previous tip to make your own)

* Insul-bright (insert for hot/cold items)

* Sulky tear-away lightweight stabilizer

Here's all you do...

* Scrap piece your Red/White Christmas fabric 2gether at random and finger press/trim seams to an 1/8th if possible...less bulk

Note: I used Northcott Banyon batiks (reds) scrapped w/ Deborah Edwards "Santa Paws" & Patrick Lose (white) Sparkling Stars

Tip...remember the more scrap pieces you sew 2gether the more interesting your square becomes:-)

* Press & square up to 4 x 4-inch block

* Repeat the same method with your green/white fabrics

Note: I used Northcott Patrick Lose (Glam) & white is Patrick Lose "Sparkling Stars"

* Now the fun begins :-) With my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique, featured on www.auribuzz.com you would have one solid square and one "scrappy half-square triangle." Now with my new "Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangle Technique you will do the same half-square triangle technique but you will as follows...

* Place w/ right sides 2gether one red scrappy square on top of one green scrappy square.

* Draw a diagonal line down through block and sew a 1/4" seam on each side of diagonal line.

* Rotary cut on that diagonal line. Press & square up to 3 1/2" square.

* You now have 2 red/green "Cats Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangles" Again...no paper-piecing & no 2 squares the same! Seriously take a look at how "crazy" your square is & no paper-piecing! :-)

* Repeat same step to have 4 squares.

* Now sew top 2 squares w/ right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam. Press.

* Do same for bottom 2 squares.

* Now following design pattern, join the square 2gether at center using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press & square up to a 6.5 x 6.5-inch block. Again, is this totally crazy? Look at your block...you created this "hot mess" with no paper-piecing! I don't know about you, but I love a design that looks like I pieces all those points together but without the stress. You know me...less-stess quilting! 

Tip...note the "pin" at top...audition your block and decide which direction you prefer and pin it. This is very important when adding "directional borders." You can see previous blog tip for more info. :-)

Here is your option....you can stop here and add borders and you will have my "trivet" design in previous post or continue on for a "FUN-ctional Table Square!" 

Talk soon for Phase 2!

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Pin for Directional Borders"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great weekend. I wanted to share a quick tip & a "sneak peek" of this week's project. As promised, it's another great gift for the Holiday's. First of all, you know me it's all about sewing with great quality thread. I'm obsessed with Aurifil thread. I've never had a "thread breakage" and for me that's a great testimony. Along with that great thread you need great quality fabrics. Yes, you may pay a bit more for these items, but your projects and time are worth it! So today's tip is for my project "sneak-peek" for this coming week. I'll be sharing my New-Advanced-Technique on my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique. Yes, I did it. I took my onwn design a made "Crazy Scrapin' Half-Square Triangles." The things a "quilter's brain" comes up with during the stress of another Hurricane. I have to say with my "therapeutic technique" it was well needed. Well take a close peek of the block below. You will see a "quilter's pin" at the "top of block." This is an old school tip that Oma shared with me several years ago and has been very useful throughout the years. With my design you will be adding directional borders. Very simple but you definitely need to keep your directional sewing the same for the design. So, taking a moment to pin the top of your block before adding borders will help you to remember to start at that side of block first. I know seems simple but trust me it's super important and a great time saver. Who wants to use a "seam ripper" if you don't need too :-) Also, if you've noticed in the design all the yummy Christmas Scraps. I used scraps from Northcott fabrics. Scraps from Banyon Batiks along with fabrics by Patrick Lose "Glam, Sparkling Stars, Christmas Magic" & Deborah Edwards "Santa Paws." The design is called "Cats Christmas Peppermint Crunch." I love red/green peppermints during the Holidays and this fabric line complimented the design perfectly. You'll be making a fun-ctional table square. :-) So, gather your "Christmas Fabrics" & your Aurifil thread for another fun "Scrap-a-long w/Cat" this Holiday Season. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Scrap-a-long w/ Cat..."Pumpkin Spice Latte' Trivet" Phase 2 & Finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is off to a great start. I woke to a beautiful fall morning with a "touch" of a Fall breeze. Wasn't much but I'll take it! :-) I do miss fall in Texas. You could see the leaves changing and just the smell in the air with the Pine Tress was wonderful. The month of November seems to go so fast and before you know it Christmas is here. I've been trying to keep up with my gift making this year. I decided to do "smaller" projects that are still memorable but less stress to finish. So, between now and Christmas I'll be sharing these fun & easy projects to make your gift-giving season less-stressful as well. But come January we'll be doing some fun seasonal quilt-a-longs. I'm excited of next year's projects but for now let's finish this cute fall trivet. I'm always stating with my projects "one-design-sew-many-ways" but it's absolutely true. The trivet is scraped pieced in fall colors, but you could do the same design in any fabric to match any seasonal decor. I love how this is a sweet fun gift to make as well. Call me "old school" but there's nothing more special than a handmade gift. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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*Border/Binding/Quilting

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5 x 6.5...sew w/ right sides 2gether to top/bottom of your square.

   Press & Square up if needed.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1/5 x 8.5...sew w/ right sides 2gether to left and right sides of your square.

   Press & square up if needed.

Tip...I do my border/binding technique where you fold to the back of your square and then top stitch. You can make your strip width wider if it's easier for you when folding. I'm usually working w/ scrap pieces, so I tend to make useful of the strips...do what's easier for you.

*Tip...due to using the Insul-bright insert, I quilt the top as follows. I've quilted on the Insul-bright in previous projects but for this one I'm added on later. Do what's easier for you...this tiny block I didn't want to have all the bulk ;-)

* Rotary cut your batting to 6 1/4 x 6 1/4

* Rotary cut your tear-easy stabilizer to 6 1/2 x 6 1/2

Layer as follows...

Tear easy...then batting...then quilt top right side up (facing you)

Pin or clip to secure.

Quilt as desired.

Remember..."tear-away" stabilizer carefully when finished quilting :-) Lightly press if needed.

Tip...I did some outline quilting of the "orange peel" design using the 4-n-1 ruler by Piece N Quilt with 50 weight Aurifil thread in # 2235. The squares are tiny, so I set my stitch length to smaller stitches to make my pivoting easier. If you don't wish to do this technique you could always do a outline stich or quilt in the ditch. It's your trivet so have fun and try a new technique due to the small scale it's a great time to practice. 

Border/Binding technique...

* Rotary cut your "backing fabric" to 6 1/4 x 6 1/4

* Rotary cut your Insul-bright to 6 x 6

* Layer...Block...right side facing down...then insulbright then backing fabric (right side facing up/you)

Tip...Clip or pin at top to secure as you flip over. 

Starting at the top...

Fold over border and only leave a 1/4" binding on the front...finger press...fold over again to secure your fold on the back side and pin or clip in place.  

Repeat same method for the bottom of block.

Top stitch on the front or "quilt in the ditch" and this will secure the binding on the back. No worries if it's not perfect on the back. I use a washable fabric glue to secure areas that didn't catch with thread as needed :-)

Repeat same method for left and right border.

Well, you finished another great "unique" project. I love this technique cause no matter how you piece it your blocks are always different. For me..it's fun and very therapeutic...seeing how different the squares are when piecing with my technique & using your scraps.  Check back soon for another fun fall project with Aurifil thread & Northcott Fabrics. Google their thread & fabric lines.... absolutely stunning & great quality! 

Talk soon, Cat

Scrap-a-long w/ Cat..."Pumpkin Spice Latte'" Trivet (Phase 1)

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. I love this time of year and wanted to share a sweet design paying contribute to my favorite fall coffee..."Pumpkin Spice Latte'." Recently I was going through scrap pieces from Northcott fabrics and fell in love with this Banyon Batiks collection. They have stunning batiks and these color hues just spoke fall to me. I incorporated a new way to achieve my  "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique in a different block version. You will sew the same way as previously but follow the design layout to achieve the block design. Again, no paper-piecing...no 2 squares the same with this technique and the more scraps you use the more interesting your blocks appear. The design is only 6,5 x 6,5 and quilted with 50 weight Aurifil thread # 2235. I love how the thread complimented the fabric perfectly. I used my new 4-n-1 quilting ruler by Natalia Bonner for Piece N Quilt for the "orange peel" quilting in the squares. I absolutely love this ruler! It was perfect for small quilting, and I can't wait to try it in a larger scale. As you know by now with my designs you can easily enlarge the design if you desire. Just add more borders or make the border larger or use the same design layout and make your squares larger. Endless possibilities while you are using up your tiny scraps! This project was so easy and makes great gifts too. This trivet is so versatile when you use insul-bright. You can use a cold or hot dish to rest on and it's decorative as well when entertaining. Well...it's that time of year so keep checking back for more fun/easy projects for the Holidays. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

*Fall scraps from Northcott Banyon Batiks

* Coordinating Aurifil 50# thread (2235) 

* Warm & Neutral low loft cotton batting

* Insul-bright (needled insulated lining for hot/cold items)

* Sulky leightweight tear-easy stabilizer

* 4-n-1 ruler by Natalia Bonner for Piece N Quilt (orange peel quilting)

Here's all you do...

* Scrap sew your light-medium Northcott prints 2gether w/a small stich length and trim to 1/8" seam allowance (less bulk)...finger press as you go along.

* Make 2 sets...press and square up to 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in squares.

Rotary cut 2 orange fabric squares and 2 brown fabric squares. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the solid square. With the scrappy square, right side up...place the marked square on top. Pin. Sew a quarter inch seam down both sides of the diagonal line. Rotary cut down the marked line. Press to darker fabric, trim off dog ears & square up if needed. You will now have a set of "Scrappy half-square triangles" Note they are not the same :-) Repeat same step to have 2 sets for center block.

* Following pic below....for top row...sew 2 half square triangles together w/right sides 2gether and a 1/4" seam allowance....finger press

* Repeat for 2nd row

* Join top to bottom row using the same sewing method. Press and square up to a 3/5 x 3/5. This is your center block.

Tip....Mark "top" if desired.

* Set in Side Triangles. Using the same method make 4 sets of orange/brown half-square triangles & 2 sets of your "scrappy-half-square triangles. 

Press and square up if needed. 

Layout per design below.

*Following design...Sew top row squares together with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Finger press as you go & square up if needed.

* Now sew row 2 & 3 half square triangles 2gether. Then join to center block with right sides 2gether.

* Sew row 4 squares together using same sewing method.

Tip....I mark my rows w/a pin and number them as I go...mostly to keep my pattern direction correct :-)

* Join row 1 to rows 2&3 then sew to row 4 using the same sewing method. 

* Press & square up if needed. You now have your "scrappy center block" :-)

Check back tomorrow for Phase 2...border/binding...quilting & finishing! 

Thanks for following & talk soon!

Scrap-a-long w/ Cat "2cute 2spook" Table square!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a blessed Sunday. I was hesitant on posting the table square design due to it being so late in the month. But with this design and most of my designs you can flip it to any season just by changing the fabric. If you've noticed my designs are featuring the technique that designed, "Scap...Crackle...Pop!" I love this technique, it's very therapeutic and you're using those tiny scraps. There is no paper piecing involved and you achieve a unique design due to no 2 squares are the same. It's very addicting once you start seeing those scraps being used that sometimes you toss. I am excited to say we'll be doing some fun Fall & Christmas designs soon. But that is why I decided to share the Halloween table square. You can totally change out the Halloween fabric and use your Fall or Christmas scraps to achieve a gorgeous table square for your holiday centerpiece. Mine roughly finished out to 15 x 15 but again you can see by pic below you can easily enlarge if because I'm using the same design concept. I like to say "1 design...sew many ways!" I made the center squares the same as the "trivet" in earlier post and I just added more 3" blocks in accent fabric, added a couple more candy cane squares &.some fun Halloween fabric squares accented each corner and again did the random scrappy candy cane border. I did the crazy spider-web quilting and crazy stitch quilting in the candy corn squares with coordinating Aurifil 50 weight thread. The directions are basically the same as the "trivet" just adding more squares pieced together and just following the directional pattern of each square in design. I mostly wanted you to see how fun & easy it is to take a simple block and just do some creative accent blocks to enlarge the design. Sometimes even I get caught up on trying to be perfect but it's the simple designs that are super cute and less-stress to make. If you're like me....it's the thread & fabric that brings a design together and then accenting with some fun quilting. Due to the hurricane I'm a bit behind on projects so wasn't able to do some crazy quilting on the candy corn scrappy border but that's o.k. too. I'm slowly learning in my young old age you just need to deal with what life brings you. Anyway, give the design a try with different fabric. It's a fun design to practice piecing your squares together with matching points together too. Well, as always, I appreciate you following me and please check back soon for a design that I'm super excited about featuring Northcott fabrics. Beautiful fabrics to incorporate for Fall & Winter entertaining. Check out their website...you'll see what I'm talking about :-) I have seasonal scrap-a-longs coming in 2023 that I'm super excited about as well. Those have been super fun designing especially during Hurricane season. Helps keeps me focused. Well, have a great week and check back soon. This gal is excited about Fall :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Scrap-a-long w/ Cat..."2cute 2spook Trivet" Phase 2 & finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going great. We're finally having sunny days and no rain. Due to the coolish weather the humidity is much better and those of you with arthritis like me know how happy that makes me! Gosh,,,it stinks getting old, but we have to keep going and somehow keep doing what we love. Baby steps but that's why I designed..."threadnfabrictherapy!" Every day is a journey when you're in pain for whatever reason but sometimes it helps to have a "therapeutic out." For me...it's always been designing and with my limitations now it's been a relief to design quilts and share what I love...hoping to help others along the way. Well....the trivet will be completed in this phase but remember with my designs you can always change up the fabric in the design for any Holiday. I love how Aurifil thread complimented the fabric design with the candy corn squares & my crazy spider-web quilting. I'm not a "spooky" Halloween person...never did like haunted houses as a child and definitely not as an adult. My grandson laughs and tells me that it's not real Gege...I just laugh, what I don't want to tell him is that your Gege will have nightmares for weeks. Ha! Anyway, keep following 'cause I have a really fun fall design coming soon that is so easy and super scrap friendly. Now let's get started on finishing this trivet for your holiday entertaining. 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Instagram @ ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Here's all you do...

* Press your accent fabric ( I used black Fairy Frost by Michael Miller) 

* Rotary Cut your border fabric strips and sew as follows...

  (1) Rotary cut 2 strips 1 x 6.5 and sew w/ right sides 2gether to top/bottom of block using a 1/4 " seam allowance. Finger press as you go.

   (2) Rotary cut 2 strips 1 x 7.5 and sew w/ right sides 2gether to left/right side with a 1/4" seam allowance. Finger press as you go and square up if needed. Iron before adding scrapping borders in next step

Tip: at this stage your block should roughly be 7.5 x 7.5. This is where you could skip the scrappy border and just do another sold strip if desired but would love for you to try it...super fun! 

Advanced scrappy border...

* Randomly piece your scraps in the candy corn fashion using a 1/8 in seam allowance (less bulk) & finger press as you go.

Tip...I roughly do my strips a bit longer then needed then square up as I sew...do what's easier for you.

* Now press your strip and rotary cut to a 1 1/4" inch width This includes a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Due to the "stretch" sewing scraps together this is what I recommend...I rotary cut my strips a bit longer than the size of block as I go....this is why I'm not stating exact strips measurements. Fabric will stretch along the way using scraps so just square up as you sew for less-stress quilting ;-)

*Sew top border to square with right sides together and press/square up.

* Repeat step for bottom and then left and right sides.

Again...if you omit this step just add a 3/4" border with coordinating scrap fabric.

Border/Binding strips...

Rotary cut your strips as follows...

2 strips 2 x 9 and sew to top/bottom of block with rides sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

2 strips 2 x 11.5 to left/ride side in same fashion....press and square up if needed

Tip...do not worry about your border being wider then backing due to this is where you will later do my border/binding technique (fold back)

* Rotary cut batting and tear-away stabilizer to roughly 9.5 x 9.5

* With block (right side facing down) Layer block...batting then stabilizer. 

* Pin in place and quilt as desired. I did my crazy-spider-web quilting which is so easy...no precise web quilting...I just drew a diagonal line from center of triangle to outside and pivoted a half circle as I sewed. Mimicking a spider web. You can do a precise web design if desired, but this was a fun way to achieve the same concept. You can use a wipe away pencil to mark your design first to follow along while sewing. It's your design just have fun! 

Repeat for all purple half-square triangles.

Carefully tear-away stabilizer when finished.

* Rotary cut your backing and insul-bright to 9.5 x 9.5 and layer as follows.

* Back fabric w/ right side down

* Insul-bright

* Block facing w/ right side up 

Fold borders over in this method....first top/bottom then left/right using steps below.

* Fold border over to back side leaving a 1/4 seam allowance on front.

* Fold over again and tuck in to make a finished seam on back side of block. Pin or clip to secure.

* Top stitch on front of block to secure the binding on back side. (less-stress-quilting)

Tip...I do this for all my projects unless I plan on it being "judged" then I would do a traditional method.

Once you have achieved this step then you can "crazy-quilt" around the candy corns & border or quilt as desired. 

You now have a unique trivet for your Holiday entertaining. Using the insul-bright insulated lining you'll be able to set a hot or cold item on your trivet. If you get a spill and need to wash, I would just "spot clean" and "air dry". Hope you enjoyed this fun project and check back soon for my fun fall designs. 

Have a great Halloween!

Cat