Cats Tip of the Day!..."Re-purpose Patio Cushions"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great weekend. Well Summer is officially here, and boy is it hot. I've been cleanings, freshening up my patio furniture and have to say in Florida it's a all-year chore. The humidity here is horrible and if you have a "Florida room" your furniture takes a beating. In Texas we called them "Sunrooms" :-) Anyway you call them cleaning outdoor cushions is a chore. My cushions we're getting a bit faded but still in great shape. I've recently priced new cushions to update my furniture but I was shocked with the prices. So I thought well I recently did a design using beach towels for pool and lake and thought why not do the same. Although my O.C.D. kicked in and had to run to 2 stores to get all the towels I needed but I'm happy with the results. Now when needed I just take off...wash & put back on. I saved money and have a "great look" & it actually cheers me up with the colorful design on beach towel. You can view my previous post on June 3-4th for the instructions. You will be doing the same technique but on the bottom of seat cushion as well. I did lay the towel on my cushions and marked where I would be "tucking" in the center to secure. I used Aurifil 50 weight thread for durability. I'm sure they will get a lot of washings here in Florida! There are all sizes of beach towels so measure your cushions before you go shopping to purchase the correct towel. Pop on over to Aurifil thread or Missouri Quilt Co. if you need sewing supplies. Link in upper right side of blog.  I hope you give this time-saving tip a try!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Teach the kiddos 2 Sew/Quilt this Summer..."Fun Wall Art" Phase 2 & Finishing Tip"

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well & your Friday is off to a great start. We've had crazy weather here in Florida, but I guess it's the "season." I for one do not sew/quilt during a storm. Yes, I have surge protectors, but it freaks me out! ;-) My cat "Lottie" will hide under my bed during lightening and trust me if I could fit I probably would too! Anyway....I hope y'all are having fun creating your quilting design and you may have already completed it but here's a tip if your not at the finishing stage yet. I could not "staple" my towel to the back of the canvas due to my staples. I need to get "stronger staples" probably industrial strength to go through the canvas. Well that was a bit frustrating for me cause I don't exactly live close to a hardware store. So this is why my finished design has not been posted. :-( Coming soon though! I also wanted to share that I previously stated to start at top and work your way down in sections when quilting. My pics below show why I shared that tip. Yes. it's a bit daunting changing your top threads to coordinate as you go but it does enhance the design. I suppose you could always quilt with a neutral thread to avoid this and depending on your design you might have been fine. I usually don't share the back of a design but had to show how fun thread accents your design. I really found this project to be very therapeutic. :-) Well needed now that hurricane season started! Also recently seen some stunning fabrics that would be so much fun with this technique. They would make great accent pillows for your kiddos room or your home decor. I always preach "less-stress-quilting" but tweak any of my tips & techniques to your skill level. I'll be sharing more projects soon & if you click on the "follow" button at top of blog you'll get notified right away. I thank y'all for following and allowing me to share my tips and designs with you. Enjoy your summer sewing!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

* Trim away any extra batting & stabilizer

* Start at top and secure your design to the back of the canvas. You may need "10" more fingers to help secure as you go so don't hesitate to ask for help :-)

* Then secure at bottom...smooth design as you go...then sides.

* Carefully trim away any extra fabric if needed to avoid bulk if hanging on wall. :-)

I hope you enjoyed this project & check back soon for more!

Teach the kiddos 2 Sew/Quilt this Summer! "Fun Wall Art"....Phase 1

 Hey everyone....hope y'all are doing great and weather is being kind. The heat is horrible already across the country. I plan quilting projects so when weather is crazy I have something to do. As y'all know by now I believe in thread and fabric therapy. I live in pain, and I know there are many of us that do. I even set my "kitchen timer" to 10 minutes when quilting. Don't laugh...I even have an old post stating this tip. Great tip if you have back issues like me. The timer is a "friendly reminder" to get up...stretch...and walk around. Anyway, I hope you have purchased your towel or item you are going to quilt. I should mention that many fabrics have patterns that would stunning enhanced with thread. If your still needing your item to be quilted this would be a great time to take the kiddos on a 'field trip" to your local quilt store. Let them explore the fabrics...so many designs and textures to enhance their creativity. Well before we get started on preparing your towel or item for quilting, I want to share this fun tip. I love to play with my "stitch length" on machine when quilting. It may not be the "proper" thing to do for professional quilters but their is no "quilt police" in my quilting room. :-) You achieve different textures...dimensions doing this technique and it's totally fun! I use a "small" stitch length when quilting around the small areas. This helps when "pivoting" then once I achieve the look, I then adjust my stitch length longer and quilt away. You can see the results in the pics below. Also, I use a "open toe foot" when quilting this project." This helps to see/follow the directional design on pattern. If you are a "experienced quilter" then pop your "quilting foot" on and have fun! This design is teaching basic quilting and getting comfortable with your machine. If you want to "step out of your comfort zone" then have fun meandering....stippling...endless "quilt-a-bilities" Advanced step later by accenting with beads and different thread textures after you've quilted. As I always say..."It's your project...get creative & have fun!" 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note...see previous post for your supplies needed. You can click on upper right of my blog, and it will take you to their websites if you still need supplies :-)

Here's all you do...

* Layer stabilizer

* low loft batting

* Towel (right side facing you)  or your preferred fabiric

* Lay on top of your canvas to achieve the desired quilting area.

* Pin around area to be quilted or mark with chalk...I do both so I still have the marked area when needing to remove pins when quilting.

Tip....I quilt about an inch away from the desired quilting area. This will allow you to have a quilted area when you wrap your towel around the canvas later. Plus...it's a great "start/stopping area" :-)

Preparing to quilt...

* Depending on your machine & your item to be quilted you may need to change your needle to adjust to your project. Practice on a area that you wont see :-)

Tip...I started at top of my "quilting area" so I can smooth the towel and adjusted my pins as needed while quilting. 

In pic you can see that I followed the design on towel when quilting :-)

I changed my thread as needed to accent the color hues in towel. I can always count on Aurifil thread to compliment all my quilting projects!

* Quilt in sections....take your time & have fun!

Check back soon for Phase 2 & finishing!

Blessed quilting,

Cat

Teach the kiddos 2 Sew/Quilt this Summer...."Fun Quilt Art"

 Hey quilter's...hope your summer is off to a great start. I wanted to share this fun & easy project with y'all. I purchased this 'kitchen towel" 2 yrs. ago from Bealls. It's been one of those "quilt someday projects" & I guess it's "someday."...finally! I've just started quilting it and have to say it's super easy & very relaxing. Y'all know I'm all about fun & easy projects...less-stress-quilting and this is a great project to teach kids the basics of "straight line quilting." Yes, you can definitely meander away for advanced quilter's! You'll be learning basic quilting but also a fun advanced technique that I love to do by adjusting my stitch length when quilting to give your design a different dimension. I know...sounds simple...yes, it is but super fun. I love using Aurifil 50 weight thread. The quality is amazing and so many color hues to choose from. Pop on over to their website or Missouri Star Quilt co if you need some thread to coordinate with your towel. As you can see by pics below...this is a "sneak peek." I do know if you want to do the same Heron design it is still available on Beallsflorida.com. I will admit any fun design on a towel will work great. So grab your towel...coordinating thread & lets have fun sewing 2gether this summer!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* Kitchen towel of your choice

* Coordinating thread ( I used Aurifil 50 weight #2815,1320, 4093, 2615

* Artist Canvas 7 x 14

* Low-loft quilt batting

* Tear-away stabilizer

Have fun picking out your towel design & check back soon for sume fun & easy quilting!

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Rip it...Rip it Good!"

 Hey quilter's ....hope your week is off to a great start. As we know by now I'm all about "less-stress-quilting." Well....had to share my new "QBF" quilter's best friend! I will be the first to admit "ripping out seams" is so upsetting...total waste of time & especially thread. But when I saw this "lighted seam ripper by "the Gypsy quilter." my heart actually skipped a beat. Well felt like it anyway. I thought now way...a lighted seam ripper! I have to give it a try! I ordered it from Missouri Quilt Co & couldn't wait for it to arrive. I know...sounds weird but I've been ripping out seams from some squares that I recently "inherited" so this item was perfect. Not only does it fits comfortably in my hand but I can see the stitches! Oh my gosh y'all...if you have bad eyes like me ripping out stitches is a pain. The light "high lights" the stitches for easier removal plus you're not removing more than needed. It comes with a protective cover and battery. What a great gift this would make for a beginner quilter as well. I shouldn't be so excited about ripping out seams but have to say "I do have bit of fun now!" Also, in pic below is another great gift to find on Missour quilt co is the great wool mat. Oh my gosh how did I live without one of these. This was recently inherited...gifted to me....I was told to make sure that I kept her wool pressing mat that she did purchse from Missouri Quilt co & I'm so glad I did. Not only do I think of my mom-in-law every time I'm pressing but it makes pressing perfect seams a blast. I'm obsessed w/the pressing mat & mini peel template too! I guess they are all my new "QBF's"...:-) I hope you try some of these items to make your sewing/quilting projects less stressful. Check back soon for my next "Scrap-a-long."

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Hello Summer!..."Teach the kiddos 2 sew" Beach Towel Tutorial Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great weekend. It's rainy season here in Florida. I will never complain again about the dry heat in Texas. I can't wait to get back to Texas as y'all know by now. When you have arthritis, the humidity is horrible for your muscles and bones. Plus, in Texas is a very sweet Grandson....main reason to get back of course! :-) So, pray the housing market slows down so I can get back :-) Well...in meantime lets finish this fun beach towel tutorial. You can choose to make both pockets or whatever is easier for you. I love the "scrappy pocket" but had so much for making the vinyl ribbon pocket too. Remember have fun & enjoy your "unique beach towel". Check back soon for more fun & easy summer projects. Here's a hint...we'll be doing some "quilting art." That's right....we;ll be getting a little "art-c soon" :-) Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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UPDATE:  Before you decide on what "pocket" you make...please note with using "vinyl" which is a great fabric it does not "play well with your dryer in my experience anyway" So... either "hang dry" your towel or use "velcro dots...strip" to remove your pocket from towel if you decide to use dryer. I've gotten so used to letting my towel "air dry" that I didn't think of this step. Either way to adhere pocket works great. You can also omit the vinyl if desired and just use another scrap piece of cotton fabric as your lining instead. My apologies for any inconvenience. Cat

Here's all you need for 7 w x 6 .5 L  "scrappy duo pocket"

* Aurifil 50 weight thread to coordinate with fabric scraps ( I used 

* Coordinate your scrap strips as desired ( I used scraps of Banyan Batiks & glam by Patrick Lose)

* Rotary cut your Scrap strips to accommodate 7.5 x 7 or your desired pocket size 

(includes 1/4" seam allowance)

* Sew strips w/ right sides 2gether...finger press as you go until you reach your desired pocket size.

* Iron & square up if needed ( 7.5 x 7)

* Rotary cut your backing (I use muslin scraps) to 7.5 x 7

* Place your scrap piece and muslin with right sides 2gether and sew a 1/4 seam allowance around square leaving a 2" opening for turning inside out. Reinforce at start/stopping point.

* Turn inside out...press out corners (I use a pencil but don't poke through fabric) fold opening fabric even with pocket.

* Press if needed

Tip...don't worry about opening...you'll be top-stitching in a minute :-)

* Rotary cut 2 clear vinyl pieces tp 7 x 6.5 or your pocket size

* Place pocket (backing facing you) then your 2 vinyl pieces on top. Pin or clip leaving the top open.

* Top stitch a 1/4" seam starting at right side...continue around square...pivot at corners & back up to the left side...reinforce at start/stop point.  Leave the TOP open. 

* You now have a "duo pocket"

Tip....I inserted a piece of paper between the vinyl to keep them sticking together :-)

* Pin to desired area on beach towel/

Tip...I placed towel on chair & chaise lounger to measure where I wanted pocket positioned. So, your towel will fit for both if needed :-)

* On upper left/right side of pocket...sew to towel about a 2" line securing pocket to towel.

Reinforce at start/stopping point

Tip...I used my seam on pocket as my guide. Remember your pocket will hang down from towel so don't sew totally to towel (that's why I only did a 2" seam" :-)

You now have a "scrappy duo pocket" for all your summer gadgets....:-) 

Well....you can stop here...or make 2 pockets as above or follow to next step for my easy vinyl pockets!

I love having two pockets...it balances the towel plus you can hold more items conveniently right beside you when relaxing by pool..beach...or lake! Just remember to place your pocket in same area as previous side ;-)

Here's all you need for Vinyl pocket...

* Clear vinyl to your desired pocket size ( mine is 6.5 x 10)

* Ribbon 1.5 wide

* Coordinating thread ( I used Aurifil 50 weight # 2235 & 1320)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut your clear vinyl to 13 x 10 and fold in half. lengthwise to make a 6.5 x 10 inch fold.

* Fold your ribbon in half and insert your vinyl between ribbon all around the pocket leaving the top open. I did a one inch fold over at each side (top) to secure raw edge of ribbon. At bottom corners do a "miter corner" and clip/or pin to secure all around pocket. 

* Top stitch on ribbon all around sides of pocket (leave top open) about a 1/4" in. to secure ribbon to vinyl with coordinating thread. Reinforce at start/stopping points.

* Top stitch another seam around ribbon with coordinating thread. This will help secure ribbon to vinyl.

This is why I loved the stripe ribbon...not only is it cute but stripes make a great guide when sewing :-)

You know me less-stress-quilting or in this case sewing :-)

Tip...place a piece of paper between vinyl. For some odd reason vinyl sticks together easily. Do this while sewing. Your items when placed later will keep that from happening :-)

* For a "duo pocket"...sew a seam down center of pocket or leave open for one large pocket. 

* Now position pocket to beach towel as desired following same directions as "Scrappy duo pocket."

Tip....I positioned my pocket in same area so pockets would hang the same on each side of beach towel. 

Note: once you have pocket sewn to towel...I then did a "secure stitch" by hand with Aurifil 50 weight thread on top where the divided line was previously sewn by machine. This will help with weight once you add items to your pocket. You could always secure with "no sew" adhesive dots if desired. 

Well I hope you enjoyed this project. Go show off what you already made this summer. Relax & have a great summer but check back soon for more fun & easy projects.

Summer Blessings,

Cat

Hello Summer! "Teach the kiddos 2 sew w/ a fun beach towel tutorial" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's ...hope your summer is off to a great start. I can't believe summer is already here. I'm a "Gege" now but I remember the days of trying to come up with interesting things to do with my daughter. I always had a sewing project for those "rainy days" when we couldn't go outside. She actually inspired today's project. We love going to the beach but she also loves pool side activities with my grandson. I'm sure y'all know of how a "beach towel" will blow if you're not "parked on it" :-) So this fun project is such an easy hack in phase one but if you know me I had to do advanced steps by adding a "scrappy dual pocket." This is such a great way to teach the kiddos basic sewing w/a fun...fast project. Yes, I know they want to be outside so trust me this will be rewarding & useful. They will be so proud to have a "unique beach towel" & be able to tell their friends they made it as well. :-) This is also a great gift idea & great project for adults as well. I purchased the towel for less than 6 bucks....I used my scraps from Northcott fabrics & did all the sewing with Aurifil 50# thread for extra durability. You can do the basic technique to secure the towel to a chair or chaise lounge or the advanced techniques of the "dual pockets." Yes...each pocket is "dual" to hold your summer items secure. & convenient right beside you! I love how the fabric & thread matched my towel perfectly. You can pop over to their sites on the upper right of my blog if you need to purchase any items. I absolutely love the quality of Aurifil thread....the great fabrics by Northcott, I used scraps of Banyan Batiks & Patrick Lose). If you need any supplies check out Missouri quilt co...great selection of sewing and quilting items. So....grab your "beach towel" & your kiddos and let's have a great summer sewing 2gether! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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

Here's all you need...

* Beach towel

* Aurifil thead (50 weight for stability) I used #2235, 2588, #1320

* Scraps from Northcott fabrics (Banyan Batiks...Glam by Patrick Lose Studios)

* 30* Triangle ruler (optional but great for beginners)

Here's all you do...

* At the top of your beach towel, fold the towel with right sides 2gether so you'll be sewing your seam with the "wrong side" facing you.

* I do a 7" fold which works great for a chair or lounger.

* From that fold at tip mark (pin) a 2" starting point. 

* From that point draw a diagonal line to the bottom of the folded towel. You can use a 30 degree triangle ruler or just "wing it"...remember less stress quilting :-)

*Sew on diagonal line...reinforcing at start/stopping point for added strength.

* Repeat steps for left side.

* Turn inside out & you now have a fold that will hold your beach towel securely on a chair or lounger

PLUS you just taught a child the basics of sewing! 

I can see them now running to the pool & showing their friends what they already made this summer :-)

OR>>>.

Encourage them to check back for 'Phase 2" and make the advanced Dual pockets to hold all their summer gadgets ;-)

Either way your off to a great start teaching a child to sew this summer!

Enjoy & check back soon for Phase 2,

Cat