Cats Tip of the Day! Tip to get ready 4a "Spook-tacular Scrap-a-long!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your Friday is off to a great start & ready for the weekend. When you retire some days just seem to "run-2gether" which can be a bit embarrassing at times. I've enjoyed sharing my "Scrap-Crackle-Pop!" technique and hoping it's been "therapeutic" for you as well. I'm a bit addicted to this technique so of course had to step it into some holiday fun! :-) Yes...small projects and actually great inexpensive gifts for the Holiday's as well. You're using your "scraps" and most likely you have the supplies already...win...win...:-) In a few of the designs you'll be "scrapin' small quarter square triangles" so I wanted to share again this technique to make this project easier. You know me by now I'm all about less-stress-quilting! I know if you are a beginner quilter supplies can add up quickly and gadgets are so tempting. I for one have to "control" myself :-( still working on that! So, here's an inexpensive tip that I do to make these triangles easier to trim. If you are fortunate to have one of those fancy "spinning mats" then this is just an extra fun tip for you :-) But, I do this.... I place my small "Olfa Mat" on top of my larger cutting mat and spin it around when rotary cutting the half-square triangles w/ my square-up-ruler. Makes trimming easier and safer. I still to this day am extra careful using a rotary cutter and this technique assures me the quality of a clean cut plus the safety as well. Plus, not to mention if you have "back issues" like me you are not stretching over to rotary cut...every bit helps with back issues :-) Also, the Fons & Porter 1/4" ruler is wonderful to help mark your half-square triangle lines. I have 2 sizes and use them always to mark my squares. For marking lines, I use a "dritz water soluble marking pencil" Again...great gift idea for a "beginner quilter" :-) Oh, did I mention you'll be doing some "crazy-spider-web-quilting? So, grab your "spooky-scraps.... your coordinating aurifil thread" and get ready for a "spook-tacular scrap-a-long" coming soon! Thanks for following and please share the love of quilting w/others! Cat

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Karen Miller Orange Peel Grid Quilting Design - Continuous Curve on a Domestic Machine

Hey quilter's....hope your week is going well. I have to share one of my favorite all time quilt designs "orange peel" and it's tutorial by Karen Miller with Redbird quilt co. Oh my goodness...her quilting is amazing....so fun to watch her tutorials and easy to follow. She quilts with Aurifil thread, and you can see the quality in her designs using this thread. I've been sewing and quilting for too many years to state, and I can only "imagine" being this talented. She quilts on a "domestic"...yes a domestic no longarm here! She is my "quilt inspiration" & I hope you enjoy this tutorial. She has plenty more as well. Have a great week & keep following for a "fun & spooky quilt-a-long" coming soon!

Quilt Blessings from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Scrap-Humor....when you're "quilting" & you get asked..."what's 4 dinner?"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. Had to share a little "scrap-humor" to get you through the week. I think we've all had this moment of getting interrupted in some way while quilting. What's hard for me is that I have to "limit" my sewing/quilting time due to my back limitations. Well, not that I don't mind interruptions sometimes when you get in that "quilting groove" as I like to say & then stop it's frustrating. For me anyway :-) Recently I even had a "rotary cutting incident" when had to go do something else :-( It happens...but I did learn due to this mistake that if you are sewing "squares" 2gether and for some reason your seams aren't matching up...there's a reason. In a soon-2b-project that I will be sharing I must have not trimmed up 2 of my accent blocks before piecing and quilting. Yes...I did it! It happens...In the "construction world" that would not work...in the "quilting world" I'm saying that table square has memories :-) Seriously, what else can I do when you've quilted it and then see an "oopsie." So now I have a "sticky pad" by my projects to remind me where I stopped on the project to prevent "oopsies." Don't get old quilter's...I'm blaming my "memory loss" on my meds :-) :-) :-) Anyway, I usually have a snappy comeback when getting asked what's for dinner because honestly, he doesn't care but this time I said "scraps" instead of "leftovers." Again...it's the meds', right? :-) Well...the pic below is showing my soon 2-be scrap-a-long. The "sneak-peek" features 50# aurifil thread, scraps from Moda, Michael Miller Fabrics & Hoffman Batiks, Actually, looks like a pretty good "high-fiber" diet to me! As promised small projects for the holidays are coming soon so keep following. Thanks for "scrapin'-a-long w/me" & please share the love of threadnfabric therapy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

email q's cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

Follow on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Pop on over to my "cooking blog" for some easy & healthy recipes to make while quilting!

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!..." Love Fons & Porter 1/4" Seam Marker"

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going well. I wanted to share this tip that I love and use constantly when marking my "scrappy 1/2" and 1/4" triangle blocks. I posted this tip on my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop" scrap-a-long but wanted to "re-fresh" for my upcoming projects. My "smaller" projects that I'll be featuring soon still incorporate my fun technique of the "scrappy half-square triangles." The holidays are approaching a bit fast for me & I love to give a "handmade" gift. So, my "soon-2b-designs" will of course incorporate "scraps" & all pieced/quilted w/ aurifil thread. We all know by now how much I love this thread. It never lets me down with the quality & so many weights and color hues to coordinate with any project. My "Scrap-Crackle-Pop!" design is so versatile & therapeutic and it's featured on my previous posts if you have seen already. My "scrapin' technique" is also featured on auribuzz.com. Check it out when you can. My goal is to help others with thread and fabric therapy through the love of quilting So keep following for more "scrap-a-longs." Have a great quilting weekend!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Post any q's in comment section & I'll be happy to answer to the best of my knowledge :-)

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Tip....when using "scraps" we know they have the tendency to stretch so I press first...rotary cut my square and this ruler helps mark your diagonal lines for a great ponts on your triangle piecing! Just sew on marked lines...rotary cut down the middle of the lines.... press to the dark side and it's perfect :-)

Scrap...Crackle...Pop! Scrap-a-long...Phase 5 (Border/Binding/Quilting) :-)

 Hey quilter's....hope you're doing well. We're at Phase 5...so exciting! I have to say that I was thrilled when I came to this stage of piecing. It's wonderful when you can see your hard work to start coming together and using scraps! This phase is totally up to you of how you would like to finish your runner. I always mention to people even when I was designing homes that it's your project...it needs to be in your comfort zone. On the other hand, for me, I still had tons of scrap pieces that I knew needed to be used. So, with my runner I did my "Scrappy border technique." Trust me it's easy & have to say just as rewarding as piecing the scrappy blocks 2gether! I do recommend having your iron nearby or you can finger press as you scrap piece. Either way you decide my border/binding technique is pretty easy. But before we begin, I would like for you to gather your fabric for your backing & batting. I had to piece my backing into two sections due to the length of the runner. Not complaining cause, I had some coordinating batik fabric...love! Just remember while piecing for your backing to make sure your "seam" is pressed flat, so you don't have a bulge when it comes time to quilt. Anyway, I've truly enjoyed this scrap-a-long with y'all and keep following 'cause I have plenty more "smaller projects" for the holidays. :-) Please continue to share the love of threadnfabric therapy with others. So, let's get this runner finished! :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Note: I will post pics for the advanced technique of scrappy border 2nd.

Here's all you do for a standard Border/Binding...

* Press your fabric & rotary cut your strips 2 1/2 times the top/bottom sides of your runner.

*Sew with right sides 2gether, using a 1/4" seam allowance your top border first then your bottom border and press.

*Now rotary cut your 2 1/2 strips to the length of your left and right border and sew 2gether using the same method as above. 

*Rotary cut your backing and batting roughly to this size minus an inch all around. This gives you enough for your border to fold underneath later after you have quilted. If you are not comfortable cutting at this point, you can always cut your pieces larger then carefully trim away after quilting. Do what method is great for you. 

*Now pin 2gether all layers to get ready for quilting. I did accent quilting and straight-line quilting complimenting the direction of the blocks. Meandering would also be a great way to quilt the blocks.

Tip: if you would like some "quilt inspiration" google Karen Miller @ www.redbirdquiltco.com

 Her quilting techniques are so amazing and inspirational. 

Either way have fun!!! 

Once you have achieved your desired quilting now you can finish your border/binding technique. 

Here's all you do...

Starting at the top, fold over your border a 1/2...finger press and fold in again to form a finished seam on back of quilt. 

Pin or clip. Top stitch on front in the border seam. This will secure your binding on the back

.

On the front side, quilt in the ditch by your border. This will secure the fold on the back side :-)

Now do the same method with your bottom border then left and right border. 

This will give you a finished 1/2 " binding for your runner. You can always adjust as desired...add more borders if you wish but just end with this technique for a easy finished binding :-)

Well, you did it! I hope you enjoy entertaining with this beautiful-unique-scrappy-runner!

Here's all you do for the "scrappy border"...

*Lightly press your scraps.

*For the top & bottom border and right-side scrappy border piece as follows...

*  Rotary cut scrap pieces a bit larger than a 2 1/2" width. With right sides 2gether mark a 45* line

 on your fabric and sew on that line. (Notice strip direction in pic below)

* Trim to a 1/8th inch seam allowance from that sewn line if possible. 

* Add on another scrap piece and continue "scrap-piecing" until you get the width plus 1" of the length of runner top. Press and trim strip to 2 1/2 " wide.

*With right sides 2gether, sew scrappy strip to top using a 1/4 seam allowance.

*Press and square up the sides.

*Continue this "scrappy border technique" for the bottom border then the right border. 

For the left border the scrappy-border angles are revered so notice the position of fabric strips in pic below to achieve this design.

Sew 2gether your scraps using the same method as above and sew strip to left side of runner with right sides 2gether following same steps as above. Press & square up if needed. 

At this point your runner will look similar to pic below. This technique will give your design a very unique finish plus you're using more scraps ;-)

Now following the steps in previous directions of "standard border/binding", prepare your backing and batting fabric, pin or clip all pieces 2gether to prepare for quilting. Quilt as desired and see quilting tips in previous section. Just remember to have fun! :-)

Here's a view (above) of how I followed the triangle angles for straight-line-quilting. "No judging" my eyes are getting a bit old :-) Not perfect but sure was fun!!! The quality of aurifil 50# thread will make any quilt look stunning! I love how these thread hues compliment the fabric :-)

 Now you're ready for the border/binding step. :-)

Follow the same steps in section above for "standard border binding" Just remember to start at top then bottom, left then right. Once you have achieved this step you will have a "one-of-a-kind-unique-scrappy-border," (See pic below)

I loved how this step complimented the "crackle" in the scrappy-squares. I hope you enjoyed this "scrap-a-long" and continue to share the love of threadnfabrictherapy! Keep following for more designs using this technique. The holidays are approaching so I'll be sharing fast & easy gift-giving ideas and you'll be using your scraps! 

Thanks for following & save those scraps! :-)

Scrap...Crackle...Pop! "Scrap-a-long" Phase 4

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well w/ this fun & therapeutic scrap-a-long. A little "humor" just in case by now you're wondering if there is an ending in sight. Well, yes there is and you're almost there! In this phase we'll be doing some "fun" piecing therapy of finally sewing the squares 2gether to form the "sections" in the design. So, if you notice the design and I hope you used the tip of printing it out, you will see the design has 5 sections. Well to make this easier I will be sharing the instructions "1 section @ a time for less-stress-quilting! :-) Also, my tip for this phase is to set up an "iron station" that will be near you as you sew. This is so important...less-stress on you and convenient. I do "finger press" as I go but for the overall of piecing rows 2gether I do take the time to heat press. Please remember that your squares may not come 2gether perfectly due to the stretch of using fabric scraps. That is totally fine...don't stress...that's the fun on this blog...we have no "quilt police" showing up :-) :-) :-) I know by now you are ready to start piecing the blocks 2gether so lets get started!

Thanks again for following & please share the love of thread&fabric therapy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Here's all you do for "Section 1"

* On a rotary mat or flat surface (easy to transport to machine) lay section 1 squares as per design.

*You will sew 2gether in rows, w/ right sides 2gether & using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* First row sew 2gether as per design

* Second rows 2 & 3 you will sew your side squares first then sew them to the left/right side of the "pinwheel square" your original block #1

*Row 4 you sew the same as row #1.

Tip: Now take your mat with your rows to press them all before sewing together. 

*Sew row 1 to row 2 then 3 & 4 matching seam lines as you go. Remember don't stress :-)

*Press and Pin #1 

Congrats and now were on to Section 2 :-)

Here's all you do...

*Layout squares per design.

*Sew squares 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance & right sides 2gether as follows...

*Sew row 1 together...finger press seams as you go or heat iron

*Sew row 2 together using same method as above

*Sew row 3 together as above.

Press/Iron before sewing rows 2gether.

*Now sew row 1 to row 2 and then sew row 2 to 3. Remember all using a 1/4" seam allowance & matching seams as you go. 

*Press & Pin #2 :-)

Here's all you do for Section 3...

*This section is the same as Section 1 but reversed. So, you will use the same method but use the printed design as your guide to follow correct placement of the accent half-square triangles & squares. 

*Press & Pin #3 :-) "you're doing great!"

Here's all you do for Section 4...

*Same method as Section 2 but reversed. Please reference design layout before sewing squares 2gether.

*Press and pin #4...you're doing great!!!!

Call me crazy but aren't these Scrappy quarter square triangles cute? I just love how now 2 squares are the same using this technique.

Here's all you do for Section 5...

* In this section you'll be using the same method as Section 1. Please reference the design due to your 

accent squares are placed differently. 

* Once you have completed this block section press & pin #5 :-)

Well I hope you're proud of your achievent so far. Now we get to sew all the sections 2gether. 

We're getting closer y'all!!!! :-)

Here's all you do...

*First make sure you lay all your sections in correct order. Use your floor like I did if needed. One perk

of keeping your floors clean :-) Remove original marked pins as you go.

*Sew section 1 to section 2 w/ right sides 2gether and using a 1/4" seam allowance. Matching seams  and pin/clip as desired. 

* Sew section 2 to 3 same method as above.

*Sew section 3 to 4 same method as above.

* Sew section 4 to 5 same method as above.

Now you have "officially" completed the basic design of the runner. Press and what I like to do is only pin #1 at the top so when I get ready to sew on my borders my runner is in the correct direction.

 

I hope y'all are excited 'cause next step is my border/binding technique and quilting :-) No worries it's easy...you know me...less-stress-quilting! See ya back soon!

Scrap...Crackle...Pop! "Scrap-a-long" Phase 3

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well and you're enjoying this scrap-a-long. I love a scrap design that is versatile, so I'll be sharing some smaller projects soon using the same technique. We're already in August which seems crazy for me, and some "mini scrap gifts" would be great for the Holiday's. So, keep following for small projects soon. If you're like me, you're probably ready for some "rotary cutting therapy" by now. There is nothing more rewarding than to take "scrap fabric" and rotary cut into squares. I feel rewarded re-purposing something that usually gets thrown away but not here on this "scrap-a-long!" In this phase we'll be piecing our 3 1/2" half-square triangle blocks and getting ready for phase 4 of sewing squares 2gether. This is why my "tip" of printing out the design is so useful at this stage. You can reflect on design to make sure your fabric choices are the same before rotary cutting/piecing 2gether. Thanks again for following & please share this scrap-a-long w/others. My goal is to help others with thread & fabric therapy. So, let's get scrapin'!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram @ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Note: If you have any q's for me, please leave in the comment section & I'll do my best to help :-)

For 3 1/2 " accent half-square triangles.

Here's all you do...

*Press your scraps first.

*Rotary cut your dark fabric to 3 7/8 square's (total of 6)

Tip: this is the same dark fabric used in previous 6" block (per design) 

Remember using scraps your fabric will stretch a bit.

*Rotary cut your medium-colored fabric to 3 7/8 squares (total of 6)

*Now using the same method in previous post for half-square triangles, make a total of 12 half-sqauare accent triangles. (per design)

Tip: I'm not a "fan" of a 7/8 cut, especially using scraps due to the stretch so I rotary cut my squares to 4" and then after the half-square triangle technique, I press and "square-up" with a ruler to a 3 1/2" block. You know me less-stress-quilting!
 

For 3 1/2 " solid accent squares...(scrappy background)

Here's all you do...

* Press your scraps...

*Rotary cut 18 of your light fabric into 3 1/2 " squares. 

*Rotary cut 24 of your medium fabric into 3 1/2" squares.

This will give you the "scrappy background" when piecing 2gether later. 

Now the fun begins...per pic below...layout your blocks

This part is "so rewarding".... step back & look at what all you achieved so far & no two blocks are the same :-)

Now you should have the following total of squares before we start sewing 2gether.

(3) 6 1/2 x 6 1/2" scrappy triangle squares

(6) 3 1/2 x 3 1/2" scrappy quarter-square triangles

(12) 3 1/2" half-square triangles

(18) 3 1/2" light fabric accent squares

(24) 3 1/2" medium fabric accent squares

You don't need to be as O.C.D as me but it does help :-)

See ya back soon for Phase 4...when we'll have some "sewing therapy" this part is exciting!

Scrap...Crackle...Pop! "Scrap-a-long" Phase 2"

 Hey quilter's.... hope y'all are having fun with this "scrap-a-long" & using up your scraps. If you're like me you're probably noticing that your "scraps are growing," That's right and a great thing! You will finally have a way to use all those "tiny scraps" in this next phase. My design uses the left-over scraps from your previous scrapin' blocks you made in Phase 1. Again, you will notice that no 2 squares/blocks are the same. That's the beauty of this technique. Not only is it therapeutic with seeing how unique each square is but you can't mess up. No paper-piecing involved...just scrap-piecing as you go! You create a unique-one-of-a-kind design with your fabric choices. Remember if you want more of a "crackle" then add more tiny scraps :-) My first pic is actually a "tip" that I want to share. Due to rotary cutting a small square, I made a "spinning mat" to safely rotary cut the fabric. You may already have one of those spinning mats but if you don't this is a great inexpensive way to achieve the same effect. I used a small "Olfa" mat on top of another cutting mat and spin it around while I am using my 4" square up ruler. So much safer and no reaching around to rotary cut the fabric. You know me...less-stress-quilting.  Hope you enjoyed this tip & lets get Scrapin'!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Phase 2...3 1/2" quarter-square triangles

Here's all you do...

*Iron & Rotary cut your medium dark fabrics into a 2.5 x2.5 " square. You will need 2 squares for each block.

* Now sew 2gether those tiny scraps (I use a 1/8" seam allowance) and finger press/trim as you go. Piece enough to form a 2.5" square. 

* Iron and "square up" to a 2.5" square, carefully using a rotary cutter.

* Now using the same method as in Phase 1, you will draw a diagonal line across your solid square using the Fons & Porter 1/2 sq triangle ruler. Or your preferred method. 

*Now place right sides 2gether and sew a seam on each side of the marked lines. 

*You will rotary cut down the center of the sewn lines forming two "2 in scrappy-half-square-triangles"

* Repeat this process one more time to achieve 4 "scrappy-half-square-triangles"

* Now lay your squares per design (note the direction of the triangles)

*Sew your top to pieces with right side 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance...finger press

*Sew your bottom two pieces with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance...finger press

* Now join your top and bottom pieces with right sides 2gether forming your 3 1/2" scrappy 1/4 square triangle blocks. 

By now are you noticing of how "unique" these blocks become. Trust me, this is so therapeutic of how unique each block becomes. You never know where a "pop" of color will appear! So fun & easy!

* Now repeat this process to form all six 3 1/2" scrappy quarter-square-triangles.

Tip...pin/number your blocks per design layout :-)

*At this point you have achieved all the scrappy blocks and I want you to stand back and be proud. Now on our next phase we will have a bit of "rotary cutting therapy" as I like to say. For me there is nothing more fun than cutting scrap pieces of fabric into squares. Maybe it's my O.C.D. "only Cat does" but here's a sneak look of what we'll be doing next!

Thanks again for "Scrapin'-a-long w/me!" Cat

Scrap...Crackle...Pop! " Scrap-a-long" -Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...are you ready to get scrapin'?  As you can tell, I'm so excited for y'all to "Scrap-a-long w/me," I hope you read my previous post of how this technique all started. It's amazing of how something so simple can be so rewarding! I decided to share this design in phases to make it easier especially for the beginner quilter. I for one sometimes see a design and think no way! I also feel the best advice to share is to start out on a small project if you are new to the fun quilting world. I will be sharing tips along the way and designs on how you can create several items using this fun technique. I believe in "less-stress-quilting" and this technique is so easy & rewarding. You will never have 2 blocks the same. It's really impossible if you truly "scrap it." That's the beauty of this design...you never know where a "pop" of color will show up! You will see how each block as it's pieced 2gether creates a "mosaic" design, hence the "crackle" name. Some squares you can have up to 6 different fabrics showing. It all depends on how many "scraps" you sew 2gether creating the fun "crackle-pop!" It's so "therapeutic" seeing how the blocks all come 2gether & you're using your scraps! For me...that's a win! I pieced and quilted using Aurifil 50 weight thread and scraps from Hoffman Batiks & Michael Miller Fairy Frost. The pattern is so versatile...change the fabric choice per your design. (1 design...sew many ways!)  It's designed in EQ7 so you can print the design for inspiration along the way. So, let's get Scrapin'!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Pinterest/Facebook & Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Scrap...Crackle...Pop table runner is 14 x 56 designed with 3" squares w/an "advanced tip" of a scrapin' border.

Here's all you need...

Scraps of your favorite fabric choice. 

Thread to compliment your scraps ( I used Aurifil 50 weight #2710, 1320, 1126)

Rotary Mat & cutter

Fons & Porter half square triangle ruler

4" sq. up ruler (I love Nifty Notions cut for the Cure)

Your preferred marking tool for fabric (I use an erasable pencil by Dritz & a erasable pen by Frixion)

Here's all you do...

*First lightly press your scraps. Scrap pieces will stretch as you sew and pressing first helps for a crisper piecing. (my O.C.D. only Cat does!) :-)

For a 3 1/2" square & Finished block  6.5 x 6.5 (Section 1 & 3)

*Get ready for some "therapeutic fun"...Sew scrap pieces 2 gether at random. 

Tip: I use a 1/8" inch seam allowance when sewing together and use scissors/cut as I go then finger press seams before adding your next piece of scrap fabric. The more "scrap pieces" you sew 2gether...the more "crackle-pop" you will achieve :-)

*Press with iron & use a 4" square-up ruler and rotary cut a 4" square

*Rotary cut a "solid" scrap piece of fabric.

*With "right-sides 2gether" draw a "diagonal line" across and sew a 1/4" seam on both sides of line. I love my Fon's & Porter 1/2 sq. triangle ruler for this :-)

*Rotary cut on line, which makes 2 "Scrapin' 1/2 sq. triangles" that no 2 are the same. Isn't that easy & fun! 

*Repeat process twice to make 4 squares for a 6.5 x 6.5 block.

*Lay 4 squares per design (carefully note your angles)

*Sew 2 squares right sides using a 1/4" seam allowance 2gether for top row (finger press seams)

*Sew 2 squares right sides using a 1/4" seam allowance 2gether for bottom row (finger press seams)

*Now join your two rows 2gether (per design) using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

*Tip...I printed my design out in EQ7 before piecing o reflect on while sewing squares 2gether :-)

*Press & square up if needed. You now have a "unique" 6.5 x 6.5 block :-)

*Tip....mark #1 (see pinning tip on previous blog post)

*Repeat same process for block #3 (per design) and pin #3 :-)

*For block #2... (center 6.5 x 6.5 block) you will do the same process as above but note the direction of 1/2 square triangles are reversed (per design)

*Press & Pin #2

*Isn't this fun of how different the blocks come 2gether? :-)

Tip...due to the nature of using scraps the fabric has a tendency to stretch. So don't stress...sew blocks 2gether as you can...remember this is fun & therapeutic :-)

Hope you enjoyed Phase 1. See ya back soon for Phase 2 :-)

*In phase 2 we will be sewing the 3" quarter sq. triangle blocks. We're doing all the "fun" scrapin' triangles squares first then we'll rotary cut the scrappy accent blocks and piece 2gether. This way it's less stressful & easier to follow along. You know me...less-stress-quilting :-) 

Scrap...Crackle...Pop! ..."The Story behind the Technique"

 Hey Quilter's.....I;m so excited to share this technique & how it came about. A few years ago, my sweet Grandson Davin gave me a "quilt block" for Christmas of a "fish" he drew in his art class. Oh my gosh, have to say, "the sweetest gift ever!" (pic below) But here's the funny..."he told me to make whatever I wanted too with his block...a pillow...wall hanging...just get creative...Gege." At first, I was excited then the pressure came about of how I was going to compliment his creativity. He always shines with his art and sports, so I knew that whatever I did needed to be awesome, like him! I started pulling my "scraps" to compliment his design and thought of our special memories of going to the beach in Texas. Living away has been difficult for me and I had no idea of how this "technique" would be so "therapeutic." I love scrap quilts & half-square triangles, so I combined my 2 fav's and started playing. So I started "scrapin'" my half-square triangles. The Batiks from Hoffman Fabrics allowed me to achieve the "ocean" of how the water hues stagger as you go deeper. I had only one block, so I didn't want to take away from his design or quilt on his block so I "crazy stitched" each individual square with Aurifil thread 50 weight. I love how the thread enhanced the color hues in the Batiks. This technique allows you to create a design that "no 2 blocks are the same1" It's amazing of how just piecing scraps 2gether with the half-square triangle technique become so "therapeutic and rewarding. "You normally would achieve this design through paper-piecing. Later on, this technique helped me overcome some of my biggest obstacles in life...retiring early due to health problems was not in the plan. I have a bone & muscle disorder and side effects from medicine has been challenging. Everyday tasks became a challenge...depression & anxiety set in. I knew something had to help me take my mind off the negative. I resorted back to this technique of how therapeutic it was. This is how "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" came about. Little did I know that a sweet gift from my grandson would help me get through some of challenges in my life. My goal is to introduce this technique and hopefully help other's that might be going through a similar situation w/"Thread & fabric therapy." So, lets get Scrapin'!

Follow on blog for "Scrap...Crackle...Pop! I will feature as a "scrap-a-long" in Phases with easy techniques/tips along the way w/ an advanced "scrappy border." Come join the fun!

 Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"A healthy snack to eat while Quilting"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great weekend. I had to share this healthy snack with you. They are "Study-Pops" for my grandson Davin and so d'lish. I thought. Why not share w/y'all because they make a great healthy snack. I guess for us quilter's we can call them "Quilt- pops" :-) Maybe I should share the sweet story of what is going on with my Grandson He's always thinking of ways to make me happy (not the previous posts of his school art turned into a quilt block for me. Well with the recent passing of my dear dad we all realized that life is very precious. Cherish each day! We love to cook together so I thought of doing a "cookbook" for him that he'll have when he goes off to college. (note he's only 11) But here's the kicker...it was supposed to be a surprise but that didn't last long so he takes this "idea" to a whole different level. He asked me to make my recipes healthier. Yes...I know...he's 11...but he eats healthy and works out due to his sports routines. Well, after laughing for several minutes, I did accept his challenge of making my recipes healhi-r. Anyway, on my cooking blog I'll be posting recipes along with stories of him and I cooking. I hope our journey will inspire you to take the time and "write down' your recipes as you are cooking. It's so special to find a recipe from a loved one and what better way to keep their memories cherished. We all do it with a quilt and have to say there's no better memory to cherish than a quilt pieced with Aurifil thread & a recipe from a loved one. enjoy!

Keep following for my soon-2b-fun-scrapin'-quilt-a-long!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!...my new QBF...disappearing ink pen!

 Hey quilter's...hope your day is going great and you have plans for a fun quilting weekend. I have to share this fun "disappearing ink pen" by Frixion for fabrics that I've been using lately. It's my new QBF "quilt best friend" Y'all may already use it but if not it's amazing. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first. The thought of writing on a quilt or fabric that you've worked hard on was a bit hard for me. The quilt shop owner actually did a test for me on "white fabric." I was probably the biggest dork when I got so excited when it worked. I'm sure y'all are going "hello they've been around." Yes...I know. Again, it freaks me out a bit. Needless to say, I bought three to use on different fabric colors. I do recommend always doing a test before on a piece of scrap fabric that you will be using. But don't waste a large scrap of fabric...we need those :-) seriously speaking she just used her iron and applied heat and it went away. I still use my "old school" method of the pencil marking lightly and I do love Dritz quilting pencils but just had to share this option as well. I probably wouldn't use as a "quilting outline" due to you never know how things react on fabric. I use these for marking my "half-square triangle" due to you rotary cut on the marked line and don't see it. I've heard there is a bit of "controversy" with these pens so again test first If anything...what a fun "magic trick" with kiddos :-) I guess I'm getting you ready for my "big reveal soon." :-) Thanks for following and have a great weekend!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

email q's cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

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https://cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Scrapin' quilt-a-long..."the Sweetest Gift Ever!" Phase 2 & finishing!

 Hey quilters...hope y'alls week is going great. I've had so much "joy" quilting my grandson Davin art block. Oh my gosh, I did not realize his "tiny" detail in his art until I started quilting. His tiny windows and how he staggered the towers is amazing. He was only 9 at the time of this artwork.He is now going into the 6th grade and every year he amazes me even more with his creativity in art & his school and sports ability. As you can tell, I'm pretty proud of this young man and my heart is still full :-) I love how aurifil thread compliment his art. All I did was do outline quilting 'cause I didn't want to take anything away from his design. Aurifil # 2692 (black) complimented his design perfectly. Plus, I just got a "2 thumbs up" on a text from him. Have to say...that's all this Gege needed! Well, this was a fast/easy quilt-a-long but stay tuned for a very exciting adventure ahead! Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

*At this time, you have already quilted your block, and this is where the "Border/binding" technique comes into play.

Tip..."finger press" due to the nature of the "fabric"

*Fold back your "top border" 1/2 ' to bak of block and finger press. Then on back of quilt fold in again creating a secure fold on back when you top stitch.

*Finger press....clip or pin as desired.

*Top stitch or quilt in the ditch on front of block w/ coordinating thread. This technique gives you a finished border plus easy binding...you know me...#less-stress-quilting! :-)

*Repeat this method for the bottom...then left border then right border.

Now take a look at the "quilt art" you just finished! I know mine isn't perfect but I'm pretty please. After all, I just did got at "2 thumbs up." I love that young man!

Cats Scrapin' quilt-a-long..."The Sweetest Gift Ever!" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's.....hope everyone is having a great day. It's that time of year when we get geared up for the Holidays. If you're like me...thinking of a different and perfect gift can be daunting. I usually try to make my gifts homemade...personalizing in some way. Well,,,I have to share my sweet grandson did exactly that for me! He turned his "school art" into a "quilt block" for me for Christmas. Wth our crazy move to Florida, I had packed it safely and needless to say I just found it 2 days ago. Here's the funny....I safely packed it with my sweaters. Seriously no wonder I couldn't find it! My Texas sweaters have not been worn in 2 yrs. Even when I visit my family, I pack lightly so finding his art was a true blessing for me. He previously had done one of his art pictures into a "quilt block" for me that I will be sharing soon 'cause it became my "new technique." He knew how excited I was, so he did it again. It's so precious seeing his art detail grow. He's so thoughtful and always thinking of ways to make his "Gege" happy. I'm sharing this as a quilt-a-long and hoping to inspire others for a great gift idea. You can almost turn any photo into a "quilt block" and personalize the design using your scrap fabric. Win...win for me! I used Aurifil 50 weight thread 2692, 3910, 2582, 2780, 2260 & scraps from Hoffman Batiks & Michael Miller Fairy Frost to compliment his creativity. The "quilt block" is 6 1/4 x 8 1/4 so I will be making a wall hanging and one day he can have it back! :-) This is a fun & fast quilt-a-long so...Let's get scrapin'!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook,,,Pinterest...Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Here's all you need...

*Photo quilt block

*Scraps to compliment your photo & fabric to accommodate the size of block for your backing.

*Battting 

*Thread to accent your design (you know me...it's Aurifil thread!) :-)

Tip...before we get started...due to the nature of "photo fabric" please do not get heat from an iron on or near your precious block...I carefully used a pressing sheet to cover when I needed to iron close. :-)

Here's all you do...

*Trim your photo block sides to a 1/4" with a rotary cutter & ruler...(carefully) :-) They usually come with a white trim around your photo.

For 1st Border...

*Rotary cut strips to "frame your picture"...I did a 1/4" border but do what works for you. 

rotary cut strips per your square...

Ex...mine are 3/4 x 6 1/4 for top/bottom & 3/4 x 9 for left/right border.

Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance strip to top of square (right sides together) then your strip to bottom of square....finger press & trim, square up as you go.

Now sew your left/right strips using same method above. Pic below shows the first border of "black fabric" framing the pic. 

2nd border...

*For a 1/2 " border...Rotary cut strips 1" by the size of your block.

Ex... mine are 1" v 7 for top/bottom and 1" x 9 3/4 for left/right border. Follow same steps as above and trim/square up as you go.

Border/Binding...

Tip...this strip will be larger due to my border/binding technique...use your preferred method but you know me...it's less-stress-quilting! :-)

For a 1/2" border...Rotary cut strips...2" per your block.

Ex..mine are 2" x 7 3/4 for top/bottom and 2" x 12 1/2 for left/right borders.

Sew using same method as previous steps. 

Tip...I reversed the color order of the fabric strips...do the same or get creative...it's your design :-)

*No worries about the strip size because we "fold back" later after quilting :-)

Carefully using a pressing sheet...press only your fabric strips. 

*Roughly fold back your border strip a 1/2"...measure your block and rotary cut your backing fabric and batting to this size. Finger press back out as you layer your backing (right side down) batting then block (right side facing you)

*Pin or clip and quilt as desired. I will be quilting in the ditch and straight-line stitching following his design. The more I look at his design I see how creative he was with all those tiny specks throughout his design, My heart is full with this project!

Tip...I used a "new needle" before quilting the square due to the nature of the fabric block. 

Have fun quilting & check back for Phase 2! ;-)