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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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

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!