Happy Memorial Day!..."Quilt it Forward"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are spending your day honoring your loved ones and all who have served our country. Today is a special day coming from a Military family. Words cannot express the gratitude that I have for all that has served and is still serving our country. My dad was in the war and this was his favorite Holiday....remembering and honoring all who helped make this country what it is today. My son-in-law (ex-Marine) served two tours in Iraq and needless to say my grandson is growing up respecting our country as well. If you have a chance today to "listen" to someone's story...honor them...cherish those memories. Now as an adult, I wish that I could bottle all those stories up cause it is true you do tend to forget as you get a tad bit older. As you may have read in earlier posts we recently lost our "mom-in-law." One of my favorite quilts of hers was the one pictured below. She was quite the quilter and won numerous awards & I just loved her precise piecing. I admired the quilt below for many years. The 4x4 in "stars" are accented with "one-inch blocks along with 1 x 2" in flying geese"...oh my lord...tiny..tiny...piecing. Oh course I love the "scrappy design" If you look closer you will see the most recent "quilt it forward" item that i found. Yes...she knew i loved her "batik stash" so hidden amongst her gorgeous batiks was the seed packet "Forget Me Not"...oh my gosh...tears when I found this but then laughed . I have to admit she knew we'd need a laugh or two sorting all her "stash." Well, I hope today is memorable and you spend it however you desire. Have a Blessed one and check back soon for more "scrap-a-longs" this summer!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cats Tip of the day!..."Quilt-it-Forward"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend.. This "Mother's Day" was happy tears for us due to the recent passing of our "Mom-in-law." I'm blessed to be a Mom....Gege so wanted to enjoy my day but also cherish her memory as well, so we went to her favorite restaurant on the Lake. But have to say I think it's mine too now...that view was breath taking. People even "drove" their boats to the restaurant to eat. How fun & convenient is that! Although I've enjoyed our time in Florida helping her, it's time to get back to our "Texas Roots." Pray the market drops so this can happen. It's definitely still a sellers' market :-( Anyway, as I've mentioned in previous posts Ann was quite the quilter. She won many awards...participated in quilt quilds from Indiana to Florida. She quilted for over 45 years, I'm sure. Along with all that glory came "tons" of quilting items that I inherited. I'll be honest. I was so overwhelmed. She left "secret notes" that I'll be sharing later and gave me a "pecking order" as she called it towards the end when she wasn't feeling well. I do wish I paid a bit more attention but that is hard to hear. I did put the pressure on myself due to wanting to carry out her wishes in a very respectful manner. Mom "Ann" was also my "quilter in crime." I'm a quilter as well so inheriting her items...UFO's "unfinished objects/projects" when I have many of my own to complete was over-whelming! My sister-in-law took a few that she would finish, and she kept her sewing machine and table in the family so that was wonderful. But I have to say it didn't even make a dent. Mom believed in only buying quality. She told me why would you spend all that hard work on making something for it to only fall apart. So use the best quality fabric and thread. She loved Aurifil thread...Madera & Sulky....anything and everything by Fons and Porter...Quilt in a day along with collecting "Quilt Magazines" and lots were "signed" when she saw the Quilter's in person. So I decided instead of stressing....."Quilt it Forward." Gift....donate items in her honor and that's what we've been doing. We donated tons of items to our quilt club (pics below).for them to make items for local charities...gifted items to new quilters to help start them on their "quilting journey"...donated tons of craft items to the local resale shop that helps homeless in the area & I'm still gifting her legacy forward. I know I'm not the only one that has inherited "quilting items" but maybe the tips that I'll be sharing of "Quilt-it-forward" might help if you are ever in the situation as well. Don't stress...quilt their legacy forward. For me it's the best way to cherish her memory! Keep following for more tips a long the way that I'll be sharing along with my "Scrap-a-longs!" Talk soon.

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cooking blog.....www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Scrap Fishin'..."Scrap-a-long Pillow"...Phase 4 Finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great week. I'm excited to share "the scrappy fish" are ready to go swimming! In fact...they almost did this morning! Oh my gosh, sometimes I wonder how I manage to get myself in certain situations. I was at the dock this morning trying to take a great pic of the pillow before the sun got to bright. Well, needless to say these scrappy fish attracted a very large fish that jumped up at the doc and about knocked the pillow and Aurifil thread into the water. It was probably more of "me" due to I jumped and hit the pillow and thread! I'm still blaming it on the fish...ha! Our lake is full of gators so thank God nothing fell in but I'm sure it was pretty funny if someone was watching. I guess the good that came out of this is not all the large fish are caught in our lake :-) Anyway...on to the pillow! In this phase you'll be finishing the pillow with a "bi-fold' back. You'll see why I love this technique. I used my "Christmas at the Lake" pillow that was 16 x16 to use as my "pillow form." I hate storing seasonal pillows. This way you're not taking up storage space by using the same pillow and just change the "pillow cover" per season. "1 Pillow...Sew Many Ways!"...win...win..for me! Plus with my "advanced technique" you'll be using more of your odd scrap pieces with a "scrappy back." So let's get started so your fish can go swimming too! Keep following for more fun & easy "Scrap-a-longs!" Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Scrappy Bi-Fold Back..

Tip: "Audition" your back scraps. I truly believe your "back fabric" should be just as pretty as all the hard work you did on the front of pillow. When you have tons of odd scrap pieces this is a great creative way to use them as well I love how my scrap fabric from Deborah Edwars "Shimmer" by Northcott Fabrics complimented the fabric & Aurifil thread perfectly! For a new quilter this will give you the chance to practice your straight line stitching/piecing. Mine isn't perfect due to my odd scrap pieces but I'm happy! Remember less-stress-quilting & have fun!

Here's all you do...

For your bi-fold back you will Scrap sew your pieces together with right sides 2 gether using a 1/4 " seam to achieve two pieces as follows. Remember to rotary cut your scrap strips & press as you go.

One 11 x 17

One 13 x 17

* on 13 x 17 scrap piece fold over 1' seam allowance to wrong side of fabric and press

* Fold and press in half again to form a secure hem when stitching. Press

* Top stitch on that fold using a 1/4" seam allowance to secure.

* It will be approx. 12 x 17

Repeat same method with 11 x 17 scrap piece.

It will be approx. 10 x 17

* Now lay fish block facing you and with "right sides 2gether" place 12 x 17 piece on top of block to left side of fish block with raw edges 2gether.

* Then place your 10 x 17 scrap piece to right of fish block with "with raw edges together.

Note: This is where your "fold" will overlap so I "double pin" at the folds to remind me to "reinforce those seams by back stitching. This will help secure your stitching when removing the pillow form when needed. 

* Now your "mock border" comes into play :-)

* Starting at one side of pillow sew a 1/2 seam allowance all around your pillow carefully stitching through all layers of fabric & pivot at corners.  I take my time at this step :-)

* Now from that sewing line sew another seam about a 1/4" in (towards raw edge) all around your pillow. This may seem "daunting" but this again reinforces your original seam on pillow.

Turn pillow inside/out. Press if needed. Insert your pillow form

You did it! You just created a "unique" scrap-fishin' pillow that you can't find in a decor store!

I hope you enjoyed this "Scrap-a-long" & keep following for more fun/easy projects!

Talk soon,

Cat

...

Cats Scrap Fishin' "Scrap-a-long" Pillow Phase 3

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well and you had fun "a-play-queing" all those cute fish in previous phase. I know it might have been a bit tedious if you "segmented" your fish, but I love how you get a different design using one template. Also working on a small project it's fun trying new techniques especially for a new quilter. I feel more people would learn to quilt if projects didn't seem so intimidating. I was blessed to grow up in a family of crafters but still as a child I started on a small scale with techniques. As an adult I'm all about fun...fast projects. Ha! I guess that's why my designs are geared toward the new quilter but with advanced techniques along the way. I taught 4-H in the past & kiddos want a fast result when learning. I have to say my "adult friends" are too! But it is always fun to "challenge" yourself learning new techniques. :-) Well in Phase 3 we'll be doing "scrappy borders" which I love using those odd scraps of fabric. I do need to apologize in advanced for my pics. The pics made the borders look a bit wonky but it was the "camera operator"...aka...me :-( Anyway, remember it's your pillow so have fun...get creative! Keep following for more "Spring Scrap-a-longs!"

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookingandecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Note: Before we start adding borders "carefully" trim away the extra backing/batting even with your center block. You don't need the extra bulk when adding borders. It was cut larger to help stabilize your block when a-play-queing and quilting :-)

Scrap Border #2 (3/4" finished)

* Rotary cut 2 scrap strips 1 1/4 x 13 1/2 for top/bottom border.

* With right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance sew strips to top/bottom of block.

* Press & square up if needed

* Rotary cut 2 scrap strips 1 1/4 x 15 for left/right border. Sew using same method as above.

Scrap Border # 3 ( 3/4" finished)

* Rotary cut 2 scrap strips 1 1/4 x 14 3/4 for top/bottom border (sew as above)

* Rotary cut 2 scrap strips 1 1/4 x 16 1/4 for left/right border (sew as above)

Mock border for bi-fold

This border is added to give the bi-fold pillow technique a bit more secure when sewing to block in next phase :-)

* Rotary cut 2 scrap strips 1 x 16 for top/bottom of block (sew same as above)

* Rotary cut 2 scrap strips 1 x 17 left/right border of block (sew same as above)

Note: your block should be approximately 17 x 17 for the next phase of adding backing for bi-fold pillow. Again, it's a bit larger than your 16 x 16 pillow form because I do a double seam for reinforcement around the block. It helps to secure edges when turning inside/out :-)

Less-stress-quilting :-)

Check back soon for the finishing of this fun "Scrapin' Fish Pillow" Here's a hint...I "challenged myself" to use "more odd scrap pieces" so I did a "scrappy strip backing." Yes! Can't wait to show you :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Great gift 4 Mom or any Quilter"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is going great. Mother's Day is approaching so I wanted to share a great gift idea for "Mom" or any quilter. As I've gotten a bit older :-(...I truly appreciate a tool that fits comfortably in my hand. I have arthritis in my hands along with a severe muscle disease and 'rotary cutting" can really take a toll on my hands. I recently received the "Ergonomic rotary cutter" by Olfa from Missouri Quilt Co and I am so impressed with the quality. Not only is it light weight but it fits so comfortably in my "arthritic hands." It glides along when rotary cutting fabric with hardly any stress on my fingers. It's designed for the comfort while rotary cutting with it's "Ergonomic handle. "Even if you don't have "arthritic fingers" give this rotary cutter a try. If you're like me any tool to make my quilting easier is great. Well speaking of a tool that makes quilting easier...I also received the 360* 8" Rotating cutting Mat by Omnigrid from Missouri Quilt Co as well. Oh, my goodness...I love this mat! Not only does it make my "squaring up" easier when rotary cutting all those "HST's" that I do a lot of but the size is so convenient. I have it right beside my sewing machine when piecing those "scrappy-triangles." Win...win for me! I really believe in thread and fabric therapy. If I can take my mind off my pain even if it's just for a few minutes, then I'm all about sharing tools that might help you as well. I'm not going to give up on what I love to do...I've just come to realize I just need to do them a bit differently. :-) So I hope these gift ideas might help if you're still pondering a "gift 4 Mom or any quilter." The upper right side of my blog has a link for your convenience. But don't forget to throw in a spool of Aurifil thread too. I know I'd be thrilled! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats "Scrap Fishin'...Scrap-a-long" Pillow Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend and enjoying Phase 1 of "scrap-a-long." In this phase we'll be doing some fun quilting and piecing of these cute fish using the "mini peel template" by Missouri Quilt co. I had so much fun using this template. It's very versatile and if you make your fish a bit larger like I did all you do is do some curve piecing. Sew easy! I use a "flexible curve" to achieve the waves on my block, but you can definitely "free hand" them or just do curve quilting on your block. Many rulers have a curve end so check out your "quilting tools" you many already have on hand.   You'll "a-play-que" around your fish once you have your background piece quilted. I love the background fabric "Graduation Chips" by Stonehenge for Northcott. It's perfect for the different hues in the water. The Banyan Batiks color ways were perfect for the different colorful hues of the fish. The 50 weight Aurifil thread hues compliment the Batik fabric perfectly. Remember this is your project so choose your favorite color scheme to coordinate with your home decor. I wanted a bright accent fish pillow, so the Batiks coordinated perfect! I'm breaking the steps into Phases so it's easier for a beginner quilter. You know me...less-stress-quilting! So let's get scrapin' Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Preparing the block for quilting...

* Rotary cut a "mock piece" of fabric 14 x 14 ( I use muslin) :-) for backing

* Rotary cut low-loft batting to 14 x 14

* Layer backing fabric (facing down)

* Batting

* Block (right side facing you)

* Pin or clip as desired to secure block when quilting

Note: the backing fabric and batting will be a bit larger. You will trim later once quilted. 

 Now let's make some waves!...

* Mark your curvy lines using your preferred method. I love the flex curve. A bit "old school" but great!

* Quilt on line as desired.

* From that first line...drop down using your presser foot as your guide and quilt second row following the precious curve line.

* Do as many rows as you wish using this same method.

I quilted in odd number of rows for a wavy design :-)

Tip...I did not quilt block all with waves due to adding fish in next step. You can always go back and quilt more if desired. 

* Press your block before next step if needed.

Now let's get "Scrap Fishin!"...

Following design for inspiration. "Audition" your scrap pieces for fish. I drew the large by hand but you can do all small fish if desired. Use your preferred method of light-weight stabilizer...following manufacturer's directions...fuse to wrong side of fabric. On paper side of fabric trace around your "mini peel template" to make fish design. Carefully cut online. Per design, you can make your fish all solid or "challenge yourself" for the "advanced step" & cut them into curves per design. This also makes the fish larger using the same template. :-) Remember it's your pillow get creative at this stage and have fun!

I also did my fish in odd numbers. As a designer, making a design not so perfect ads more character to a design and it's more "eye appealing." Definitely a conversation piece! 

I traced on paper using the mini peel template to lay out design (see pic below)

Once you have your desired design. Fuse your fish to background fabric following manufacturer's directions. 

Tip: I use a pressing sheet to protect my iron from any fusible glue :-)

* Applique around your fish with coordinating thread. Play with your decorative stitches or do a staright stitch following the outline of the fish.

Tip...I use a small stitch length to make "pivoting" around fish outline easier :-)

Have fun...get creative & check back soon for Phase 3...

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats "Scrap Fishin'...Scrap-a-long" Pillow Phase 1

 Hey quilter's....it's Saturday! You can relax...do what you love and start "scrapin' w/me" ;-) As you know by now when I post a "scrap-a-long" I'm usually one step/phase ahead of you. Well....because these stinkin' cute fish are so much fun, I'm not that far ahead of you. I'm having a blast coordinating Aurifil thread with the batik fabrics and just taking my time "a-play-que-ing" each little fish. I always suggest to push yourself out of your comfort zone especially when piecing/quilting a small project. This pillow is definitely a great project for a beginner quilter. You can definitely adjust the directions to your comfort zone, but my advanced tips are never difficult. I've quilted for many years but as I've gotten older my projects are a bit easier and less stressful. I'll be sharing "advanced tips/techniques" along the way. So please even if you only do one fish have fun experiencing some new techniques. Remember it's your pillow unless you gift it forward so have fun! The pillow will fit a 16x16 inch pillow form, but design could also be a wall hanging as well. Endless "scrap-a-bilities". Remember my main tip when using scraps is to press them before rotary cutting. It's a bit tedious but you'll be glad you did. Also, don't stress when scraps get a bit wonky... Less-stress-quilting. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

EQ version :-)

Phase 1

Here's all you need...

* Stonehenge Graduation Chips by Northcott Fabrics (Indigo Chips for background) or your preferred background fabric scraps & scraps from Pebbles & Daisies for border

* Coordinating Aurifil thread ( I used 50 weight #2710) 

* 

Here's all you do...

*Rotary cut (16)  3.5 x 3.5 in. squares (per design)  or a 12.5 x 12.5 background fabric. But please do challenge yourself with some fun/easy piecing. ;-)

Tip..."audition" your squares to how you would picture the color hues in the water. Stonehenge graduation chips gives you lots of color hues to play with ;-)

Following design...

* Sew row 1 squares w/right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. finger press as you go.

* Sew rows 2.3.4 in same manner as above. 

* Iron and pin rows 1-4 

Tip...i do not have an "automatic thread cutter" on my machine so I only cut the bottom threads of squares when piecing & leave the top threads about 2-3 inches. This helps me keep the direction of the squares when piecing :-) 

* Per design sew Row 1 to Row 2 with right sides 2gether...using a 1/4" seam allowance matching center seams as you go. Don't stress :-)

* Then Row 2 to Row 3 then Row 3 to 4 using same method as above.

* Iron & square up if needed.

Block will be approx. 12.5 x 12.5 

Adding 1st Border...

Tip...we are doing this step now because it helps to secure block before Phase 2.."sneak peek above" :-) 

* Rotary cut 2 scrap pieces to 1 x 12.5 for Top/Bottom border.

* Sew strips to Top/bottom of block with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press & square up if needed.

* Rotary cut 2 scrap pieces to 1 x 13.5 for Left/Right border following same steps as above.

Your block will be approx. 13.5 x 13.5 

* This will achieve a finished 1/2" border when we add additional borders later. :-)

Tip...this is a great time to use those beautiful scraps for the borders :-)

Well, you did it!

Check back soon for Phase 2 :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Sneak Peek....Cats "Scrap Fishin' ...Scrap-a-long"

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well & your weather is being kind. This weather has been crazy. Well, if you're like me and going to have a bit of rain this weekend... this sneak peek might brighten your weekend. As you can tell I love this sweet "mini peel template." It's so versatile and with my scrap-a-long you'll be taking this template to a whole new level. I hope you've purchased it 'cause I'm having so much fun coming up with different designs with just one template. Endless quilt-a-bilities! This scrap-a-long you'll be making a 16 x 16 pillow...with fun & easy techniques along the way all quilted & "a-play-qued" with Aurifil thread. Designed in EQ8 for accuracy. So, grab your batiks....your aurifil thread & lets "a-play-que" 2gehter this spring!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Template by Missouri Quilt co (link upper right on blog)

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Aurifil 50 weight #2615...Plays well w/ others!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend. We had quite the stormy one but dogged the tornados. Crazy weather lately. Well as y'all know by now I'm pretty obsessed with Aurifil thread. But wanted to share my "New Quilting Best Friend." Sometimes when "scrap piecing" which is mostly what I do you end up changing out your top thread quite a bit. We'll let me make your "quilting life" a bit easier. Recently I ordered Aurifil # 2615 Aluminum. I ordered the mini spool to "audition" the thread hue with my recent scrap-a-long. I am thrilled to say that I will be ordering the large spool! I love this this thread hue "aluminum. It's perfect...not too white...not too beige...not too dark...it's a perfect compromise for about any fabric scraps. I recently used it to quilt around my "orange peels" on previous design. I love piecing with batiks. They have so much color hues within a tiny piece of fabric, and it gives me joy to use as many Aurifil threads as possible when quilting. But it sure is great when you can find a "neutral color" of thread that totally plays well with others! You can pop over to right side of my blog to click on Aurifils website & Missouri Star Quilt Co. to view more of this great quality thread. Keep following for my next fun "scrap-a-long" using the "mini peel template" by Missouri Star Quilt co. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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