No "Tricks" with this Pillow!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend. I'm playing "catch-up" after my eye surgeries. Yesterday was the first for me....I sewed a bit without using eyeglasses. You don't realize how bad your eyes were until you have Cataracts removed. Seriously...looking back I don't know why I waited so long to have my eyes checked. I only have 2 more days of eye drops and that's probably the hardest thing of the whole process. Everyone told me it's a "simple procedure" and yes, I probably freaked for nothing :-( My doctor was explaining the process and I said, "please don't or I won't show up" :-) I have learned throughout my life that certain things I am on a 'don't need to know basis." Anyway...I'm sure by now y'all have finished your "Trick or Treat" pillow. I had several comments of how you can flip the design for all Holiday's. Just change the fabric and the center wording. You know me..."1 Pillow...Sew Many Ways!" I started this concept recently when "temporary downsizing" with the move to Florida to help my mom-in-law. When packing I realized that I am a "decorative pillow hoarder." In my defense it's the "designer" in me. I was moving into a home half the size plus giving up my quilting room. Yes, that's how much I loved her...plus not being able to just drive to see my grandson. It was a hard choice, but no regrets just can't wait to get back to Texas! Well one of the biggest reasons for this pillow slip concept was lack of storage. I know a lot of us have this issue, so I wanted to help with designing some fun decorative pillows for the home. I do have one important issue to share with y'all is that I learned that not all pillow forms are created equal. After doing some basic accent quilting around the "party points" on the pillow design and basic quilting in the ditch...it was time to sew that long overdue pillow  2gether. Well, let me back up a minute.  We all know the sweet pillow that I did with the "fish." I love that pillow so much that I keep it out. Yup, totally botched my own pillow concept. But that's o.k. It was a family vote :-) So I went to some pillow forms that I recently inherited with my mom-in-laws passing and grabbed a 16" pillow form and "tried" to stuff it in my pillow slip. Boy, was I shocked. Needless to say, after trying 3 different pillow forms from different manufacturer's I decided to just wrap a smaller form with quilt batting for the meantime. Seriously it was o.k. cause due to my surgeries it's not like it was out for the whole month of October. I do have a "tip" to share a long with this "mishap" When purchasing a pillow form try to buy the one that has a "zipper." Then you can adjust as necessary by removing or adding the "stuffing." Most of my "pillow slip designs" are for a 16" pillow form. Oh, and if you remember this pillow design was using a "kitchen towel." Yes, you guessed it I already purchased my next spooky kitchen towel for next year. Let's just say it will be a bit witchy :-) Again I thank y'all so much for following and having patience throughout my surgeries. One good thing with my downtime I actually finished my next "Christmas Srap-a-long" that I'll be starting soon. I've been working on these designs throughout the year. I've been stating that I'll be hosting a Christmas scrap-a-long all year and it's finally going to happen. Plus, if you're not Christmas crazy like me all you have to do is change the fabric to compliment your decor. I do try to keep things practical but this one is really going to be fun! Below is a pick of my pillow with Chuck from Missouri Star Quilt Co. I believe he's ready for some "treats." :-)  I wish y'all a fun & safe "trick or treat" night and check back soon for more scrap-a-longs! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (link on upper right of blog)

Note...Follow on cooking blog for a fun & fast appetizer before trick or treating or anytime!

* I love how "Quilt Town" fabrics from Missouri Star Quilt Co. complemented this design perfectly. It's the same fabric used in my previous designs of the "runner." You know me..."1 design...sew many ways!" 

How to Make a Hello Pumpkin Quilt - Free Quilt Tutorial

Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going great. I had to share this super cute fun fall quilt by Missouri Star Quilt Co....Misty Doan. I love fall & seasonal quilts to display for each holiday. It reminds me of home, and I feel there is nothing more welcoming than a quilt. You will love how fast this quilt comes together and Misty just talks you through every step. Her talent is amazing and truly shines with this fall design. This will definitely be on my top quilt faves! As y'all know by now I love Missouri Star Quilt Co....family run business & great customer service. I have a link on upper right side of my blog to take you directly to their site. They have just about everything you need for your sewing...quilting..crafting projects. Thanks so much for following and check back soon for my next holiday scrap-a-long. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram (link upper right) Facebook & Pinterest

Cooking blog: 

https://cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!..."I got your Back"

Hey quilter's...hope your Friday is going well. I wanted to share a tip that has been a lifesaver for me with back issues. I'm sure a lot of us "lean" more than we should while rotary cutting our squares especially when "squaring up" our blocks. Recently I received the Omnigrid 360, 8" rotating cutting mat & Olfa's ergonomic rotary cutter from Missouri Star Quilt Co. The rotating mat is a perfect size even to have beside your sewing machine. I love how I'm not bending over so much to trim blocks. It's "sew convenient" and you will have less stress on your back by not bending/stretching over so much. I also love the rotary cutter. It fits perfectly in my hand even with my arthritic fingers. You can find these products on MSQC website. I have a link to their website on the upper right of my blog for convenience. They have "daily deals" for you as well. I hope this tip helps you. I for one know it's very frustrating when you're in pain and still trying to do the things you love. I believe in "thread and fiber" therapy even if it takes my mind of pain for just a few minutes :-) Well thanks so much for following and stay tuned for my next Holiday Scrap-a-long!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram (link upper right)

Facebook & Pinterest

Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

All Treats in Quilt Town..."Towel 2 Pillow"...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. I had a good laugh yesterday while looking at my calendar for the week. Oh my gosh...doc appt. doc appt....doc appt. Seriously, don't get old. :-) I preach "threadnfabric" therapy for a reason. Designing...sewing 7 quilting has always been my passion. No matter what was going on I knew that I could find solace in designing.  Although I'm not designing homes anymore due to my health, I do find comfort more in designing quilts. It still gives me the relaxation that I need when in pain. I know a lot of us are trying to find ways to relieve pain even if it's just for a few minutes. I do find "doodling" to also help with anxiety and stress. They even sell "doodling quilt books" at craft stores that you can color in. I know...we do go back in time :-) But will admit it's great. My late mom-on-law bought me one a few years back when she noticed my health was taking a turn. Her being a retired nurse suggested coloring to help with anxiety. boy was she right! If you don't have a "doodle book" just make one yourself or grab a child's coloring book. Trust me...you'll be a bit surprised of how a few minutes of coloring can help take your mind off pain. Also, a great gift if someone you know if recuperating from surgery. Well on with Phase 2 of this super fun hack. I thank y'all so much for following and having patience with me during my "down time." 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook...Pinterest & Instagram (link upper right of blog)

Note: if you are not "quilting" your square then google "Bi-Fold Pillow" instructions if you want to jump ahead, or you can view my post on my "fish pillow." Just remember my instructions are for a 16" pillow form so adjust your sizes accordingly for your back fabric cuts. But I hope you're going to do some fun accent quilting. I always say small projects are a great time to practice your quilting skills :-)

Here's all you do...

* Per design...sew top border to center square with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press

* Sew bottom border as above. Press & square up if needed.

* Sew Left border to center matching seams if possible with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Sew Right border same method as above.

* Press & square up if needed.

My block is 16.5 x 16.5

Preparing to quilt...

* Rotary cut your lightweight batting & stabilizer roughly 2" larger than your block. This will help stabilize your block when quilting and you can "square up when finished quilting."

* Layer stabilizer then batting and quilt block right side up.

* Pin or clip as desired.

Now have fun accent quilting around your design. Just remember to remove pins or clips as you quilt. I like to start at top and "smooth" fabric as I go due to quilting on a domestic machine. Just remember to have fun maybe even play with decorative stitches and thread hues. It's a fun small project so get creative and put your own spin on it! Enjoy!

Oh, if you need any supplies pop over to Missouri Star Quilt Co. Sign up for their emails so you can receive info on their "daily deals." :-)

Talk soon,

Cat