Cats Tip of the Day! "Sew Needed Christmas Clean-up!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are enjoying Christmas. It's been a memorable one which this Gege loves. I wanted to share a quick tip with y'all before we start putting those Christmas scraps to good use. I've been sewing up Christmas...trying to get gifts finished...going from one project to another...and neglected something very important. Yup...it happens! You can see by the pic below that it really doesn't take much to create "fabric dust." I alway's clean my machine under the bobbin plate...change needles between projects or as needed while sewing. I do a yearly maintenance with my local quilt shop but I was in a rush and neglected something sew important. It's shocking of how fabric lint can slow down your machine. I was sewing...heard growling...adjusted everything that I can think of then finally removed the bobbin plate. Oh my word. Found the source. So my tip to you is take a moment and add this step of taking a soft brush that usually comes with your machine and carefully remove any lint collected while sewing. A simple step can save you money in the long run. My machine is running smoothly...ready for our next "Scrap-a-long" together which I'm sew excited to share soon with you. I hope you find this friendly reminder useful...I know a lessoned well learned in my sewing room. Well..rest up...enjoy your Christmas Joy because we have some fun projects ahead. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Sew Clever Charm-pack Scarfs!

 Hey quilter's...Sunday Blessings to y'all. I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone that we only have "10" more days until Christmas. Geeze! It's funny as you get older and the countdown gives me anxiety 'cause I'm still making presents. Well...remember I promised "Quilt-Mas Cheer all Year in 2025?" This is exactly why! So I wanted to share this super fun but fast gift idea with y'all. This concept is "sew clever"...I used the "Farmhouse Flannel III" charm pack by Primitive Gatherings for Moda Fabrics but if you're in a rush just cut some scraf fabric into 5" squares. I had a blast making these for the family. I'm using 2 charm packs...divided the prints into light and darks and then ordered a yard and a half of the corrdinating prints for the backing. You can "google" the tutorials on Charm Pack scarfs if desired. Basically you use as many squares for your desired length of scarf and sew with right sides together....2 at a time then sew the rows 2gether until you get your desired length. Your backing fabric will be the length of your scarf. You sew with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance and leave an opening at one end for turning right side out. I pressed mine and you can either do a top stitch to close the opening or use a washable fabric glue to close the ends together. You will be shocked of how fun the tutorials are to watch too.  I made the kiddos pretty simple. They are more of a grab n go warm scarf,,,not a fashion statement although I think they are super cute ;-) Scarfs can be of any length..just depends on whom you are making one for or yourself. You can definately add bling on ends if desired. I will give this one tip....Lay out your 5" squares before sewing. Then you can adjust if some prints are similiar before sewing. I have one more set of 3 to make with the lighter prints! I hope you try this concept if you're in the need of a gift to make. I love a gift that is thoughtful and very needed in this crazy weather we're having. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Farmhouse Flannel III Charm-pack Scarfs...

Quilt-Mas Blessings!

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. I cannot believe we are already counting down the days until Christmas. This year has flown. I guess it is true time flies when your stitchin' up Christmas! If you're like me you need more stitchin' time but I had to tell myself yesterday to be calm and remember to enjoy the season. We all love to make handmade gifts for our loved ones to cherish. So no matter what I had to remind myself it's from me "you" and they will be happy. Well...hopefully I wont have to put a work in progress note attached this year :-) I've been making ornamets this year from the fun Christmas kit from Missouri Star Quilt Company. I'm making half this year and will finish the other designs for next year. I am excited about the new designs that I'll be sharing with y'all in 2025. I love designing home decor so we'll be making fun projects from beginner to advanced. Just a fun hint...save those Christmas scraps :-) Well here's to getting those Christmas gifts finished & great week!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Tis the Season 2B Scrappy! "Gingerbread Man Template by MSQC"

 Hey quilter's....it's finally Friday! I hope y'all have sewing plans for your weekend. If not...these little guys might inspire you to break into your scraps. I fell in love with this adorable "Gingerbread Man" template by Missouri Star Quilt Company. He's only 3" x 4" and it's a clear template to "fussy cut" with your scraps. I'm making "scrappy gift decor" and he's the first of many to come! Every year I try to make something fun & easy but "cute" that can be re-gifted. I get the biggest kick out of everyone's faces at Christmastime when they see what I've made with my scraps. The scrap fabric is Ketan "root beer float" by Banyan Batiks for Northcott Fabrics. I had a strip left over and it was perfect to get two gingerbread men. The fabric is perfect and you don't even need to embellish him unless desired. I did a simple blanket stitch around the edges and formed a loop at the top. These would make great decorations on gifts...trim your tree.. grab your scraps...sew many possiblities! The weather is starting to get a bit nippy so this would be a fun and easy project for the kiddos too. It's fun way to introduce them to learn embroidery using a simple blanket stitch. Wishing everyone a safe and warm weekend and check back soon for more Holiday inspiration. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Here's all you need...

* Holiday Icons Gingerbread Man Template from Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* Scrap fabric of Ketan "root beer float" by Banyan Batiks for Northcott fabrics.

* Sew light fusible adhesive "double sided" by Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* Scrap piece of felt for backing.

* DMC embroidery thread "Ecru"

Here's all you do...

* Fuse sew light fusible adhasive to the wrong side of your fabric scrap following manufacturer's directions.

* Trace template on paper side of fusible adhesive.

* Carefully cut around design.

* Trace around template on felt. 

Tip...I used a heat erasable pen due to marking on felt can be a bit tricky. :-)

* Following manufacturers directions fuse the fabric and felt together using a Pressing sheet to protect your iron if possible.

* Cut enough embroidery floss to make a loop and blanket stitch around the little guy :-)

* Starting at top...make a loop using the "Blanket Stitch"...you just make the loop to your desired length then pull the strand throught the fabric. Little trick my gram taught me years ago :-)

* Then continue the blanket stitch all around the design until you end up back at top.

* Secure by hiding a simple knot on back or your preferred method.

You did it...super simple but aren't they cute? I may need to get some more of this fabric! I love a fabric design that inspires your creativity! Just think...it all started with this fun Gingerbread Man template and finding the perfect piece of scrap fabric :-) Plus the instructions are the same...we'll just be using the fun Holiday Templates and using our scraps! 

Check back soon,

Cat

Enchanted Christmas Embroidery..."Ornament #4"

 Hey quilter's.....hope y'all are having a great week. Things are getting a bit 'festive" in my sewing room. I actually displayed my "Quilting Santa" this week. When he comes out I know time is running out :-) I've been having a blast with the Enchanted Christmas Embroidery kit by Missouri Star Quilt Company. Making the ornaments for my daughter has been so special. They aren't perfect but definately stitched with love. I was recently asked how I was making them so sturdy. Well....I purchased the Holiday Variety Pack 5"  Felt  Squares by MSQC. The black felt was a scrap piece and it highlights the designs perfectly. The kit comes with instructions to make a quilt...holiday decor...endless quilt-a-bilities. I did challenge myself a bit with this ornament. I wanted to accent the design so I "carefully" trimmed around the design. Yes, I admit it was a bit scary. I was a bit nervous especially after you've embroidered the design. But do as you wish. Either way they will be stunning. I love a design that even when I'm not perfect it still looks fab! I also changed it up a bit due to incorporating the vintage buttons in the design. Y'all this kit is sew much fun & therapeutic! Stitch the designs as provided or get creative and personalize it to your desires. If you're just now following this fun Christmas journey with me please revert back to the first post for all the supplies needed. I hope y'all are having fun stitchin' your Christmas gifts. Thanks so much for following and talk soon! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Enchanted Christmas Ornament #4...

"You are Sew Amazing!"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great weekend. I'm actually "trying" to get a jump start on some Christmas decorating. Every year I decorate my sewing room to keep me in the festive spirit. I'm also one of "those" that play Christmas music all year while sewing. Yup...that's me! I am thrilled about one thing...I won't be taking the Christmas decor down. I've decided if I'm sharing Christmas Cheer all next year than I definately need to keep the "Spirits Bright." :-) I don't know about you but I love Christmas music...it makes me happy and relaxed and keeps me focused on the things to be thankful for. I did receive my "Countdown to Christmas" box w/ Mrs. Jenny Doan a few weeks ago and have to say it's driving me nuts! I opened the box and it is full of wrapped gifts. Everyday from December 1st you will unwrap a gift that was thoughfully picked for you by Mrs. Jenny. I'm super excited but will admit I was the little "Christmas Mouse" that unwrapped the gifts under the tree and then wrapped them back :-) My daughter nor grandson inherited that horrible trait but will admit my sweet grandson will drive me nuts of wanting "hints" of his gifts. He drove me nuts last year and I told him if he didn't stop they we're getting returned to the store. He goes..."what store Gege?" Silly boy...I guess he has my Christmas genes after all :-) Well in the spirit of Christmas I'll be sharing some items that I love from Missouri Star Quilt Company. This super cute mug "you are sew amazing" is one that I absolutely fell in love with and put on my Santa list! Sometimes in life I just need to be my own "cheerleader" and what better way to start my morning with a cup of coffee in this adorable mug. I'm hoping Santa reads my blog so he knows how much I love this mug :-) Well...in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season please remember to take time for yourself. Take a moment to have a cup of coffee...relax and remember..."You are Sew Amazing." I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more Holiday inspiration and gift giving ideas. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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"Press On"...Scrappy-Happy-Tote!

 Hey quilter's....hope you're having a great week. Do you ever fall in love with a fabric "sew much" that you can't handle the scraps lying around. Oh my gosh...that is exactly what happened with this fun & super cute fabric "Press On" by J. Wecker Frisch for Riley Blake Designs. I previously covered my "Inspiration board" in a previous post with this adorable fabric. I love and collect antique irons. It's a bit nostalgic for me due to remembering my dear Grandma using one. I had a scrap piece that was a good size and I kept pondering on what to do with it...well...I decided to make a "tote" to put my pressing tools in that I take to quilt meetings. I actually made this the week before the recent hurricane and had to pack most of my "sewing/quilting" room in tubs just incase my roof flew off. Geez...thank God it didn't but I'm just getting my room organized again and decided to go ahead and share this fun tote with y'all. I love it when you can take a "scrap" piece of fabric and make it into the most fun-ctional item ever. I've been wanting a bag to take items in that wouldn't fit into my "Quilter's Project Case" by Missouri Star Quilt Co. I say fun & easy due to all my bags are pretty much made the same way. I don't get fancy...just fun-ctional :-) :-) If you've noticed on previous post that I've made "Gift Bags" that are 100% Re-gift-able for the Holidays and the process is the same. It's super easy that I almost didn't share this bag but I had too...the fabric is sew adorable!!! If anything I'm hoping that my "Scrappy-Happy-Tote" will inspire you to grab a piece of fabric and make something for yourself. I will say...wouldn't this make a great Christmas gift too? Tis the Season y'all :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Items that I love to take to "quilt meetings"...

* Drits Mighty Mini Iron

* 8" Wool pressing mat

* 8" Omnigrid Spinning Mat

* Amelia 8" Scissors by MSQC

* Olga Rotary cutter by MSQC

* Sallie tomato Essential Creasing & turining tool

* Lighted seam ripper (yes I would love to not need it) :-)

* Aurifil 50# thread (Black was used to quilt bag)

* MSQC 50# thread white...always love to share :-)

* Chuck....he goes and inspires everyone!

Here's all you need...

* Scrap fabric of "Press on" by J. Wecker Frisch for Riley Blake Designs

* Scrap fabric for lining & handles ( I used Bella Solids black by Moda)

* Pellon Fusible Fleece to stabilize fabric

* Aurifil 50# thread in black or your desired thread hue

Here's all you do...

Note....please read my "Christmas Tree Jelly Roll bag" for instructions on bag making...:-)

and I used a 1/2" seam allowance for stability when joining fabrics 2gether.

* Press & Rotary cut your scrap fabric to desired size adding in your 1" all around for your seam allowance.

* Mine was roughly 14 1/2" x 27"

* Rotary cut your Pellon Fusible fleece to same size & lining fabric.

* Following manufacturer's directions carefully fuse fleece to wrong side of fabric.

* Quilt as desired.

* Square up if needed.

Tip...I used Aurifil 50# black and did accent quilting between the fabric design. Nothing famcy but added that extra touch :-)

* Follow my easy bag making instructions & make your "handles" to the size you desire. I wanted a long handle to sling the bag over my shoulder :-)

Tip....I would love for you to "challenge yourself" and make the "box pleat corners" on bag. The instructions are very easy on my bag making post & gives extra stability to your bag plus a very professional touch as well. 

My bag rougly finished out to 12 x 12 1/2 and as you can see it holds a lot :-)

I hope you grab your favorite scrap piece of fabric and make yourself a fun-ctional bag to use or make a great gift for someone. The design is very versatile...just change the fabric for the gift you're making. Who wouldn't love an extra tote plus your using scraps :-) Win...win!

Talk soon,

Cat

Enchanted Christmas Embroidery..."Snowflake Ornament"

 Hey quilter's...it's Finally Friday & hope y'all have fun plans for some Holiday stitchin' this weekend. I'm having a blast with this stunning kit "Enchanted Christmas" keepsake embroidery kit by Missouri Star Quilt Company. The kit comes with 5 different projects in 2 & 3 color variations....the designs are a peel & stick which is a washes away after you've embroidered. Each individual design is so stunning but very easy to follow. You can follow the kit instructions as you embroider you get creative and make yours even more unique. As you can see with my previous posts I'm making "ornaments" for my daughter to hang on her tree. We always try to get to gether for Christmas but just in case she'll have these to hang. I'm also hoping my sweet grandson will inherit them one day too. I do believe it is the little things that we cherish so dearly and what better time than "Christmas" to make something for your loved ones. I changed up the color pattern on the "snowflake" due to she has 2 trees that she decorates in different color ways. I'm having a blast with this kit, it's very realaxing & fun! I do believe the kit is still available but you know how great items sell out fast. I can't beleive it's Novemeber 1st. Christmas is not that far away so I hope your gift making is going great. I know that whatever you make it is stitched with love and will be cherished. Thanks so much for following and have fun!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Enchanted Christmas "Snowflake Ornament"...

Note...all supplies needed are in "Christmas Tree Post"

Here's all you need...

* 4.5 circle template

* DMC white embroidery thread (blanket stitch around edges)

* White 5" square from MSQC Holiday Pack for backing

Here's all you do...

* Follow instructions within kit or get creative :-)

* Following instructions remove adhesive...

Tip...I carefully pat design between paper towels

* Hang & let completey dry before cutting circle.

Note...Pic below is after it has dryed.

Tip...I then add my french knots :-)

* Carefully mark/cut around design using circle template.

'

* Repeat for white felt backing.

* Place two pieces togther...clip & blanket stitch around edges or your preferred method.

Tip...leave an opening at top to insert the "ornament hook" ...then stitch around hook to secure.

* Embellish as desired. I did a sweet vintage button for the center that resembled a snowflake.

Get creative & have fun!

Talk soon,

Cat

Enchanted Christmas Embroidery..."Cardinal Ornament"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. I can't believe Christmas is two months away. Oh my gosh y'all. If you're like me the day after Halloween is when I usually start to freak. For some reason when I start to put up more fall decor and break out the Thanksgiving items it starts to get real. I have been working on Christmas presents all year...a little at a time but still have lots to do. Are y'all like me...every year I say I'm going to have everything finished early. Hmmm....well hopefully next year. Well during this recent hurricane had days of "downtime" which made me think and re-group some things. I have recently decided to showcase more fun & easy designs on my blog this coming year. I will be featuring "Christmas Cheer all Year" & a "sweet suprise" coming soon. The designs will not be complicated and you will always have an option to try a "advanced technique." So hopefully in 2025 will get some great gifts finished throughout the year so next year's Christmas won't be so hectic & "kuddos" to you if you're already about finished. :-) I am getting better...but definately "baby steps." I am lovin' this "Enchanted Christmas" keepsake embroidery kit by Missouri Star Quilt Company. The designs are so detailed but easy to embroider. If you read my previous post you can see how I'm turning the designs into "ornaments" for my daughter. Most of the time we gather together at Christmas but just in case 'I'm missing"...ha!...we'll still be together when she hangs the ornaments. I'm hoping that one day my sweet grandson will inherit the ornaments. I alway's say it's the "little things" that we cherish most and these ornaments are such a delight. The kit is still available ton MSQC website and will say that it would make a great kit too. I'm not doing the designs in order...just selecting the design as I go. But this "Cardinal" design is so near to my heart. My family loves Cardinals. The quote goes...."everytime you see a Cardinal someone from Heaven is thinking of you." I'm hoping these ornaments bring joy to my family every year. The steps are the same for each ornament. The Tree was the first post so please reflect to the instructions as needed. I will not any different items or techniques that I did along the way. I've also incorporated a sweet vintage button in each design as well. These designs are so inspiring so have fun & put your own spin on them. I thank y'all so much for following and keep checking back for more fun & easy Holiday projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Enchanted Christmas "Cardinal Ornament...

(Note...main supplies needed on Tree Ornament post)

Here's all you need...

* 4.5" Circle Template

Here's all you do...

* Follow the instructions in the Enchanted Christmas Pattern...

* After your design has completely dried,..carefully trace around design using the circle template.

* Carefully cut on line.

* Do the same for your felt backing.

* I chose the red 5" square from the Holiday pack from MSQC.

* Blanket stitch around edges with DMC green....clip to secure while you embroider & don't forget to 

place your ornament hook at top & secure within before you finish :-)

* Most of all....have fun!

Can't wait to share the next design with y'all :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Enchanted Christmas Embroidery "Tree Ornament"

 Hey quilter's...hope your having a great weekend. I'm doing some well need "stitch therapy." I love embroidery. It helps me relax and very therapeutic. I recently ordered the "Enchanted Christmas" keepsake embroidery kit by Missouri Star Quilt Co. I loved the designs and it comes with five different projects in 2 and 3 color variations. I knew right away what I wanted to make with the kit. It would be perfect to make individual ornaments for my daughter to hang every year at Christmas. We alway's try to be together at Christmas but you never know what might arise. So these ornaments will keep us together even when we're apart at Christmastime. Plus I'm hoping that one day she'll pass them on to my grandson. They are not stitched perfectly but they are stitched with love. I will say that I've recently realized that certain stitches are a bit easier than others. I had to laugh cause for some reason a "straight stitch" isn't that easy for me. Maybe it's my age....shakiness of the hands....the eyes...who knows :-) I know that completing all the designs might not happen this year so I won't be doing them as numbered in the kit. The kit comes with 25 festive designs and some I will give as gifts too. I hope you join me as I show you how fun & easy it is to make "ornaments" for your Holiday gifts or decor. I'm embellishing each ornament with my collection of old vintage buttons and each ornament is "blanket stiched" around the edges. I'm using black felt for my background fabric and I purchased the 5" felt squares Holiday pack by MSQC. The kit comes with everything else you need to get started & the instructions are super easy! I'll be sharing tips as I complete each individual ornament along with the items used. Oh did you notice that super cute "needle minder." I love it and love Cardinals so it was perfect suprise in the kit! I hope you join me on this fun Christmas project. So let's get this Holiday Season started 2gether!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Enchanted Christmas Tree Ornament...

Here's all you need...

* Enchanted Christmas Keepsake Embroidery Kit from Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* 5" Felt Squares Holiday Pack from Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* Scrap Black Felt

* 6" hoop (optional...kit comes with a hoop but I preferred a smaller one for the ornaments)

* DMC embroidery thread (green for the blanket stitch)

* Ornament hooks

* Vintage buttons or embellish as desired.

* Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut a black felt background fabric to 7" square.

* Follow directions on kit to adhere design to fabric and embroider as suggested.

* Once your design is embroidered...follow directions within kit for adhesive removal.

Tip...I did not do my "french knots" until after I removed the adhesive and my fabric was completely dry. I also used paper towels to pat dry my square then let hang over night to dry.

* Once dry....I added my "french knots."

* Using a "Triangle ruler"...carefully rotary cut around your design to form the tree.

* Do the same on a Felt back ground square.

* Position your ornament hook at top or desired & secure w/ "clips"

* Blanket stitch around edges or your preferred stitch. 

* I then used "Aleene's" glue to secure the vintage button.

Hmmm,,,I wonder what design I'll choose next :-)

Have fun & talk soon,

Cat

Enchanted Christmas Embroidery kit..."Sew therapeutic during a Hurricane."

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well. We've been a bit overwhelmed lately with 2 Hurricanes back to back. We've had  no major damage and praying for everyone during this difficult time. Words cannot express enough of how terrifying the power of mother nature. My heart goes out to the family for strenth and prayers for healing. I for one have anxiety...yes even at my age, And will admit living in Florida and hurricane season may have something to do with it :-) I know I preach all the time about 'thread and fabric therapy." Well...I'm a true testiment folks. We had no power for days...but not complaining due to the devistation still going around. But sometimes you do need to find some relief to get you through those moments. I received my "Enchanted Christmas" kit by Missouri Star Quilt Company 2 days before the hurricane hit, I was so stressed during this time that I actually embroidered by "sunlight." Well..when we had some sun. Yes,,,I will admit my stitches probably could use some tweaking but I'm looking at memories stitched in the designs. I purchased the kit to make "ornaments" for my daughter's family to hang every year. We love Christmastime. So I thought what a fun way to always be with her at Christmas even when we're apart. If you have the opportunity please pop on over to MSQC website and check out this stunning kit. It comes with different patterns from quilts to home decor. I'm thrilled with the quality of the kit and it would make a great gift too. If anything I've realized in life is "sometimes it is the little things we cherish most." I'll be featuring "ornaments" using the designs soon so grab your kit and lets create Christmas memories 2gether. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Enchanted Christmas kit by Missouri Star Quilt Comapny...

Jelly Roll Gift Bags...100% Re-gift-able! "Small.. Holiday Tree Farm"

 Hey quilter's...Happy National Jelly Roll day! I love it...a day to celebrate and be thankful that some clever person...sliced up georgeous fabric for us to get the whole collection w/out speding a lot. Don't you? I don't have a lot of space and a Jelly Roll is perfect. I get strips of the stunning collection without all the bulk. Plus there so many fun pattern designs using a Jelly Roll. The Jelly Roll gift bag that I'm sharing w/y'all today is a "small size." It finishes out roughly at 5.5 x 7". It's a great size for gifting small items such as the Joyful Holidays Charm squares by Robert Kaufman & the Missouri Star Quilt Co. Template Handle...which I love! I'm all about "safe cutting." This template holder is great for especially if you're teaching a new beginner to use a rotary cutter. Plus this size does not use a lot of the Jelly Roll fabric which is great. The bag is called "Holiday Tree Farm" due to my family loves Christmas Tree Farms and it's using the Holiday Tree Nesting Template (3" x 3.5") by Missouri Star Quilt Co. The concept to make is the same as the Medium Size so you'll be reverting back to that post until you get the concept of how fun & easy these bags are to make. :-) I will be posting the different strip sizes used but the supplies are the same for each bag unless otherwise stated. I quilted the bag with Aurifil 50# thread Red (2260) and q-play-qued around the tress w/ Aurifil 50# thread green (2885). These bags are sew fun & easy and who wouldn't love a gift bag that is 100% Re-gift-able! :-) Thank y'all so much for following and check out Missouri Star Quilt Company's webiste for all the fun Birthday Bash celebrations & deals. My link to MSQC is upper right on home page. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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Jelly Roll Gift Bag Small 5.5" x 7"...

Here's all you do...

* Select 4 Red strips ( I chose red to make the green trees stand out)

* Rotary cut each strip to 2.5" x 15"

* Select 3 as desired

* Select 1 for ends and rotary cut that strip only in half lengthwise.

* Sew strips 2gether using the same method as "Medium Tree Bag"

* Press

* Your strips will be approx. 8" x 15"

* Rotary cut your fusible interfacing to this size and follow the same steps as "Medium tree Bag."

* Quilt as desired.

Scrappy Trees...

Note...I wanted my trees very scrappy...but join your strips as desired. Just make sure your "tree template" fits within the strips :-)

* Select 2 strips ( one light green & one dark green)

* Rotary cut each to 2.5" x 9"

* Rotary cut each strip in half lengthwise...1/1/4 x 9"

* Stagger the strips from dark to light or as desired.

* Sew together using the same method as your "Medium Tree Bag" & rotary cut your MSQC Sew light fusible adhesive to this size. Use the same method for fusing the adhesive to your strips.

* Trace around your tree template on paper side of adhesive.

* Cut out & fuse following the same directions on Medium Size bag.

* A-play-que as desired.

Note....your bag will be finished out in the same fashion as the "Medium Size Bag" but using the following sizes for the "Lining & Handles."

Lining....rotary cut fabric to 8" x 15"

Handles...

* Select 1 coordinating strip.

* Rotary cut in half lengthwise...

* Rotary cut one strip in half lengthwise

* Follow same method for sewing strips as directed on Medium Size tree bag.

Note...Yes you can make your handles out of ribbon but why not use these stunning strips and make a perfectly coordinated bag :-) plus it's sew easy!

Enjoy filling your bag w/goodies :-)

Talk soon for more fun sizes & gift inspiration,

Cat

Jelly Roll Gift Bags..100% Re-gift-able! "Large w/ Jenny's Signature Apron"

 Hey quilter's...Monday Blessings to y'all. This past weekend wen't a bit fast for me. Before you know it O' Saint Nick will be popping down the chimney! Every year I always say that I'm starting my gift shopping early. Well, for once I am! I'm excited to share these "Jelly Roll Gift Bags" w/ y'all. They are super easy and fun to make. You can really get creative with your embellishments or do simple accent quilting and a-play-que like me. I don't think you could go wrong with this stunning Christmas Batik collection "Joyful Holidays" by Robert Kaufman. You will be making the bags in the same manner as previously stated in posts and adjusting the size of the strips per bags. The method is the same y'all. Before you know it you will be making them w/out referring back to the original post :-) They are so much fun to make that I'll be incorporating the same concept into Birthday bags...Weddings...or any occassion. Who doesn't like a "handmade" gift that is "re-gift-able."...right? Plus I'm using scraps that I inherited for the lining which makes each bag extra special. As you can see the large bag will hold "Jenny's Signature Apron." What a great gift for any sewing...crafting...quilting enthusiast. I know that I absolutely love my apron. I like to put items in my pockets for convenience when crafting/sewing. Plus it helps me know where they are! Don't get old folks..it is a trap :-) Remember to revert to the original pattern instructions (medium Holiday Tree) design)...it's the same instructions & supplies just adjust the sizes and template designs a long the way. Also, if you need supplies my link to Missouri Star Quilt Company (upper right on home page) has tons of inspiration...daily deals & Birthday Bash celebrations. Thanks so much for following. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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Jelly Roll Gift Bag...Large 9" x 10"

Here's all you need...

 * MSQC Holiday icons Snowflake template 8" x 9"

* MSQC White 50# quilting thread.

* Aurifil 50# (2885) green

Here's all you do...

* Select 5 Jelly Roll Strips as desired.

* Rotary cut in half.

* Sew as previous instructions on medium bag post.

* Square up to 10 3/4 x 21 3/4.

* Rotary cut your fusible fleece to this size.

* Fuse to wrong side of strip set following manufacturer's directions.

* Quilt as desired.

Snowflake,,,

* Select 5 "off white Batik strips"

* Rotary cut each to 2/5" x 10"

Follow same directions on medium bag for sewing and fusing to front of bag area.

Tip...save those scraps :-)

* A-play-que around snowflake if desired.

Lining...

* Rotary cut your scrap fabric to "bag strip set size) approx. 10 3/4 x 21 3/4 or to your size.

* Press.

Note...follow the same directions on "medium Tree bag" for finishing. The handles we're made the same & hope you try the "advanced step" of mitering the corners. It really does help your bag stand upright. :-)

You did it! I hope you enjoyed making the "Large size Jelly Roll Gift Bag." 

Check back soon for more fun designs,

Cat

 

Jelly Roll Gift Bags...100% Re-gift-able! Phase 2 (Medium size)

 Hey quilter's...I had a few minutes so I wanted to share Phase 2 right quick w/ y'all. These bags are so fast and easy to make that you might be ready. I'm having a blast! I'll be sharing the "large" & "extra small" sizes this week with y'all. I necer used a "Jelly Roll" in this fashion. I've usually pieced a quilt or table runner so this is a fun challenge for me too. In previous posts I've stated they are 100% re-gift-able and made from one Jelly Roll "Joyful Holidays" by Robert Kaufman using "Holiday Templates" from Missouri Star Quilt Company. These we're graciously gifted to me from MSQC for our September program. I fell in love with the color hues and patterns of the Jelly Roll  & I knew my templates from MSQC would be perfect to embellish each bag. I am challenging myself to see how many bags I can make for gift inspiration to hold MSQC quilting/sewing/crafting items. This bag holds the "Olga" 45mm Rotary cutter perfectly. I'm sure more items could tuck in too! :-) I know we're always trying to come up with a unique gift for the Holidays & if you're like me "budget friendly" too. So. with this concept you'll give a gift that's 100% re-gift-able & have a fun suprise inside as well. Not spending a lot of money & who doesn't like receiving a "handmade" gift bag! In this phase I am using my Christmas scraps that I inherited which makes each bag even more special. So break out those scraps and lets get started! If you still need supplies my link to Missouri Star Quilt Company webiste has tons of "Birthday Bash" Celebrations going on! 

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links on right of home page)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut your lining fabric to your strip pieced bag size.

* Place your lining and pieced bag w/ right sides 2gether.

* Pin or clip.

* Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance around sides & bottom only. ( do not sew top) :-)

* Turn right side out & press if needed.

Tip...this is when you check to make sure you sewed all layers...if not touch up before next step.

* Top only....finger press the bag and lining fabrics a 1/4" in together to form a closed seam. Top stitch to secure or use fabric glue to secure. If you use glue...make sure it is dryed before next step :-)

* Fold your bag in half w/right sides 2gether.

* Top stitch on sides only to secure bag.

* Turn bag right side out...finger press any areas if needed.

Advanced Tip...

Boxed ends...

* Turn bag inside out and at bottom make a pleated triangle on corners.

* Sew about a 1" diagonal line across pleat...reinforcing at ends.

* Repeat on each corner of bag.

* Turn right side out & finger press corners if needed.

This step gives your bag a "professional look" plus it helps stabilize the bag when standing w/ your super fun gifts inside :-)

Handles...

* Select one coordinating Jelly Roll Strip & sub-cut into 3 sections. 

* Set extra strip aside for later.

* Take one strip and fold in half...press.

* Fold each side in half and press towards center.

* Fold over again to form one strip. Press.

* Top stitch each strip to secure ends.

* Position strips to inside of bag as desired.

* Top stitch w/coordinating thread to secure.

That's it y'all....:-)

Have fun stuffing your bag w/items and check back soon for more easy sizes that are 100% Re-gift-able!

Talk soon,

Cat

Jelly Roll Gift Bags...100% Re-gift-able! Phase 1 (medium size)

 Hey quilter's...happy Sunday & hope you're having a great weekend. It's been a relaxing one for me for a change. I'm focusing on organizing my sewing room and downsizing items. A project that I love to do for some odd reason. When you have a "O.C.D" brain "Only Cat does" it tends to get the best of me at times. But I come in handy...my daughter loves it when I visit. She usually has a "space" that she wants re-organized and lets me "go at it." I love it & it makes her happy :-) Well I'm super excited to share this fun & easy project w/ y'all. As you know from previous post we're making "gift bags" using a "Jelly Roll" that are 100% Re-gift-able. That's right...your not only making an adorable gift bag that can be re-used but you're also re-cycling "one bag @ a time." The sweet story on previous post is how this all came about due to my grandson Davin who recycles. What I'm thrilled with this design is they are all basically made the same way...we'll be changing up the "strips" along the way & the design using Missouri Star Quilt Company's Holiday templates. But the design/sewing concept is the same. I love a project that is super easy. Don't you? I will make the instructions super easy for y'all due to it being repeative. You will see along the way of the different bags that I will state "refer back to Holiday Tree" instructions for Phase 1 & 2. Once you start making the bags you'll probably just start making them even without referring back. That's how fun & easy these super cute bags are to make :-) Plus you'll notice some exciting gift ideas that from Missouri Star Quilt Company that will fit inside. What a fun gift idea...your making a gift bag that is 100% re-gift-able plus giving a great gift to a quilter & it's super easy! I will say...these bags are sew adorable using the "Joyful Holiay" Roll-up by Robert Kaufman Fabrics that no matter what you 'stuff" inside the gift, you'll bring joy to your recipient! I thank y'all so much for following and if you need supplies my link to Missouri Star Quilt Company is on upper right of home page. Don't forget to check out their "daily deals" & "tutorials" for inspiration. Sew let's get started!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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Jelly Roll Gift Bag "Medium 6.5 x 10")...

Here's all you do...

* Select 4 strips of "Jelly Roll" & rotary cut each in half.

Tip... I did creme...red...creme...red for contrast of tree.

* Sew w/right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press seams to the darker fabric.

* Square up ends if needed.

* It will be roughly 8 3/4 x 22"

* Rotary cut your fusible fleese to this size and fuse to the wrong side of strip set following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...I hightly reccommend a "Pressing Cloth", I use my T-shirt "Pressing cloth from MSQC a lot :-)

Advanced step...

* This is a great time to "quilt" your bag. I did a 1/4" seam using my strips as a guide. I love a small project to practice my "straight line quilting." :-) Yes the bag is just as pretty w/out quilting but why not make it more special by adding that special touch!

* Fold bag in half  lengthwise and set aside (this gives you a guide when fusing your template design.

Holiday Tree Template design...

* Select 4 green strips ( 2 light & 2 dark)

* Subucut each 8" long.

* Sew w/right sides together...alternating fabric colors using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press seams to darker fabric.

Tip...I always "double check" to make sure the template that I am using fits within the strips :-) If not just add another strip at this point. No stress in my quilting room :-)

* Rotary cut your Sew Light Fusible adhesive (I use Missouri StarQuilt Company's adhesive) Love!

to your strip size. Fuse following manufacturer's directions to wrong side of strip set. 

* On paper side....trace around template design & carefully cut out along line. 

Tip...save those scraps :-)

* Peel of paper and position template on right side (front) of your bag.

* Position within an inch of bottom of folded bag and allow for your 1/4" seam allowance on sides that you will sew later :-)

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

Advanced step...

* I love to give a tree a fun...modern twist by cutting diagonal lines...it's like to tree is moving a bit. All you do is draw some "squirly lines" as desired on back side...cut out on lines & position as desired on bag front using your template as a guide when positioning segments about a 1/4" apart. Then fuse. Gives bag an interesting design & it's super easy! ;-)

Chuck approved! :-) 

* A-play-que as desired around template design. Have fun,,,,get creative...:-)

Check back soon for Phase 2.

Talk soon,

Cat

"Jelly-Roll Gift Bags" 100% Re-gift-able!

 Hey quilter's...happy Friday! I hope y'all had a great week & fun plans for the weekend. I'm sew excited to share this series w/y'all. We'll be making "gift bags" from one Jelly Roll "Joyful Holidays" by Robert Kaufman. This is such a stunning Batik Christmas collection that I received from Missouri Star Quilt Company. It's full of beautiful batik strips...2.5 " wide by width of fabric. I also received "Olga" 45mm Rotary Cutter by MSQC. Y'all...this rotary cutter fits smoothly in my hands...I say "hands" because sometimes I do cut left/right handed. I love how it's so precise and lightweight...great for my arthritic fingers :-) Plus I have MSQC Christmas templates! Sew I thought...I need to make a bag using these stunning Batik strips that is 100% Re-Gift-able. This was inspired by my Grandson Davin during Christmas last year that said "put all this in the Recyclebles." I thought...wow...a lot of Christmas wrapping going to waste. Yes...we do re-use as much as possible but still a lot gets recycled. Well in this fun series we'll be making "gift bags" from the Jelly Rolls plus that you can gifts inside & your recipient can "re-gift" the bag as well. I'll be featuring small...medium & large bags using the Jelly Rolls & you can enlarge if needed. I pieced on my Janome and quilted the bags on my Babylock w/ MSQC 50# thread & Aurifil 50# thread. I'm challenging myself to see how many gift bags I can make using one Jelly Roll. I love this "medium size gift bag." The rotary cutter fits perfectly inside :-)  I also am excited that I'll be using some Christmas fabric that I recently inherited too. I know my late mom-in-law would be thrilled how her fabric will be used in many ways. We"ll be starting this series Monday but I wanted to give you a "sneak peek" so you can grab your supplies. I'm thrilled about sharing this fun & easy Christmas gift series w/y'all. In fact...what a great idea to make for Birthday gifts or any occassion. Thanks so much for following and keep checking back as we make more fun & exciting Holiday gifts 2gether. My link to MSQC (upper right) will take you to all the fun exciting sales/products & adventures they are having all month long. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (upper right on home page)

Medium Size approx. 6,5" x 10"

Here's all you need...

* Joyful Holidays Roll-ups by Robert Kaufman

* MSQC Olga 45mm Rotary Cutter

* MSQC Holiday Tree 7.5 x 8.5 Nesting Template

* Pellon Fusible Fleece

* MSQC Sew Light fusible adhesive "double sided"

* June Tailor Pressing Cloth

* MSQC 50# thread "white"

* Aurifil thread 50# red (2260) green (2885)

Talk Soon,

Cat

"Sewing Room Re-do Inspiration"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. I was thrilled when I received my package from Missouri Star Quilt Company with my "Press On" Iron Toss fabric designed by J. Wecker Frisch for Riley Blake Designs. If you're an antique iron lover or all things vintage notions collector like me then you will fall in love with this fabric. I have an "inspiration area" in my sewing room and my "peg board" needed some love. I've been wanting to cover it with fabric but didn't find the right fabric. Then MSQC recently came out with the "Press On" collection & I was so inspired. I order it right away because I knew it would sell quickly. In fact Mrs. Jenny designed a super adorable quilt using this collection. You can view MSQC website for her pattern & tutorial. My link upper right on home page will take you directly to site. I love this fabric...it compliments my inpiration area perfectly. A few of my old irons are displayed and I even used my iron with a missing handle to prop Jenny Doans inspirational book "Quilting through Life."  A great inspirational book of families stories and history. I might add this would make a great gift for any occassion. Well this is part of my series..."Back 2 School...Sewing Room Re-do" SEW if you have a peg board that needs a little attention check out MSQC for fabric inspiration. This is such a simple project...no sewing...would make a great dorm gift for a college student too :-) I did use Pellon Sheerweight fusible interfacing for a smooth finish on fabric & I used my Olga 45mm rotary cutter for precise cutting. All products can be found on Missouri Star Quilt Comapany's website. I for one need "inspiration" to keep me focused...pics of my daughter & grandson...MSQC quotes "Stitch Happens & Keep Calm & Quilt On" and of course Chuck :-) I hope you enjoy this project and check back soon for more fun & easy projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Here's all you need...

* Peg board

* "Press On" fabric by J. Wecker Frisch" or your favorite.

* Pellon Sheerweight Interfacing

* MSQC Olga 45mm Rotary cutter for precise cutting

* Clear Push Pins

* Dritz Mighty steam iron.

Here's all you do...

* Measure your "cork area" of Peg Board.

* Iron your fabric.

* Rotary cut your fabric to the size needed plus 1" all around.

* Rotary cut your Pellon fusible interfacing to the size of cork area.

* Fuse to wrong side of  fabric following manufacturer's directions,,,making sure you leave the 1" all around.

Starting at top....

Note...make sure you have your "hooks" for hanging facing right direction before adding fabric :-)

* Using your Dritz iron...press your 1" seam allowance over to the back.

* Tack w/ the clear push pins to adhere fabric to peg board (no sewing or glue needed unless desired) :-)

* Continue this method on all sides...smoothing fabric as you pin.

* Thats it! Now "pin" your inspiration and enjoy!

Honestly, I think this was the easiest...cutest addition to my sewing room...I love a fast project!

Talk soon,

Cat

Jelly Roll Strips 2a Sewing Machine Cover...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great day. I was able to watch my grandsons scrimage game last night which was wonderful. Being away sure stinks so I truly treasure the moments when I do get to see him play or practice...all take anything! It was a crazy evening though...poured rain...game on..then delayed then back on. But that's football...right? September is fun for me..my grandson's birthday...football pre-season practices and the start of fall. But I do love sewing projects especially this time of year. The weather is so unpredictable...but it's always sunny in my sewing room. Phase 2 and finishing of this fun sewing machine cover is super easy. I love a fun & fast project that uses scraps especially a Jelly Roll. This fabric collection has been a blast to design with and the selvages are perfect. I'm going to incorporate fun selvages anyway I can from now on! I even used one Jelly Roll strip to make the ties! Well there is more fun projects happenning this month so keep checking in and especially pop over to Missouri Star Quilt Companys site for all their Birthday Bash happenings. My link on home page will take you directly to their website for fun daily deals & inspirational tutorials.  Enjoy & talk soon!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC 

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links on right of home page)

Here's all you do...

* Starting at the top...fold your border/binding strip over to the back leaving a 1/4" binding on front.

* Fold in half again on back to secure the hem.

* Pin or clip to secure.

* Top stitch on the front to secure your fold.

* Repeat same steps for bottom....left & right sides.

Tip....Place your cover on your machine & mark where you want your ties.

Yes you definately can use a ribbon for your ties but my Jelly Roll ties are super easy :-)

To make the ties....

* Take one Jelly Roll Strip & cut in half.

* Take each half  Jelly Roll strip & rotary cut in half lengthwise (appron 1 1/4 x Jelly roll length)

* You will now have 4 strips.

* For each strip fold in half a 1/4 to inside then fold again to secure.

* Pin or clip.

* Top stitch to secure the fold.

* Pin your ties to the wrong side of cover as desired.

* Top stitch to secure.

Enjoy!

Thank so much for joining me on this fun project.

Check back soon for more!

Cat

Jelly Roll Strips 2a Sewing Machine Cover! Phase 1

Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. I know some of you are getting some fall weather. I'm one of those goofy people that do pumpkin bread all year and love pumpkin spice anything. But will admit it does taste a bit better when it is fall. I am excited to share this left-over Jelly Roll Sewing Machine Cover with y'all. The design was inspired by the drapes made from an old quilt top in my previous post. I love how fabric inspires your creatitity. Sometimes the designs...color hues just spark an idea/project that I can't wait to start. I especially love using up scraps. If you like "Jelly Rolls" like I do then you know how much fun they are to use. The "Old Glory" jelly roll designed by Lella Boutique for Moda matched my old quilt top perfectly. So of course this was a "no brainer" to make the well needed sewing machine cover. I have a sewing machine table in front of a window. Probably not the smartest but I love to sew and peek out the window at birds etc. It's very therapeutic for me. But along with that comes with the sun. So this is a fun & easy project for our "back to school...sewing room re-do." I love this fabric collection so much that I evern incorporated the "selvages" in the design! If you don't have left-over Jelly roll strips you can always rotary cut fabric strips 2 1/2" x your desired length. But will mention Missouri Star Quilt Company has a lot of Jelly roll inspiration and fun sales going on this month as well. My link (upper right) on home page will take you directly to their webiste. Also check out their daily deals and inspirational tutorials too. We don't have an affiliate discount to share this month due to all the exciting daily deals that are happening and especially follow their 16th Birthday Bash. Lots of fun & exciting times during the month of September. So keep following...you never know what I might be sharing with Missouri Star Quilt Company :-) Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links on right of home page)

Jelly Roll Sewing Machine Cover...

Here's all you do...

* Measure you sewing machine (width/length) plus extra for quilting allowance.

* Rotary cut your strips in random pieces for a more scrappy design like I did or do a solid strips.

Note...Jelly Rolls strips finish to a 2" width after sewing w/a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Sew strips with right side together in vertical strips to you achieve your desired width/length.

* Finger press as you go then press when finished.

* Square up to your desired width/length.

Border/Binding....

* Rotary cut your strips 1 1/2" by your top/bottom width...sew w/right sides together...press.

* Rotary cut your strips 1 1/2" by your left/right length...sew as above ...press.

Tip...scrap fabric is great for this step...I use my scraps from Missouri Star Quilt Companys White Missouri Tossed Star. Complimented the fabric great :-)

Quilting....

* Rotary cut your backing fabric...batting to your sewing machine cover size. 

* Layer....backing fabric right side facing down...batting...then quilt top.

* Pin or clip to secure.

* Quilt as desired.

Note...I did a 1/4" accent quilting. This is a fun small project so it's a great time to practice your straight line quilting....I still struggle sewing straight after all these years :-)

Remember...have fun...there's no sewing police in my sewing room!

Check back soon for Phase 2,

Cat

How Fabric Inspires Creativity!

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. I've been working on my next project that I will be sharing soon with y'all but first want to share something very dear. Have you been inspired just by looking at fabric? Has fabric sparked your inner creativity by the pattern...color hues...textures? Sounds crazy but what I'm going to share with y'all will blow your mind. We all know that I recently made drapes from an old quilt top....well...as I was "carefully pressing" the quilt top I was admiring the pattern & fabric colors. Oh my goodness...I immidiately went to my "scrap basket." My left-over Jelly Roll strips of "Old Glory" by Lella Boutique for Moda fabrics coordinated perfectly. Honestly I got the chills. I've been wanting and needed to make a cover for my sewing machine that I use in front of my window. I get tons of sun and that is also why I will be adding a "mock lining" to the drapes. We all know how much sunlight can cause damage but I also wanted a cover to be super cute. I've procrastinated on this project for quite a while but this definately inspired me to get the project done. After all we are re-doing our sewing room now that we have time with the kiddos being back in school. The pic below is the inspiration for my "Jelly Roll Strips 2 Sewing Machine Cover" that I will be sharing with y'all next week. I wanted to also give y'all a heads up that my discount code with MSQC will be running out at the end of the month. Plus "Jelly Rolls" seem to sell out fast because they are very versatile too. My link to MSQC (upper right on home page) will save you 20% off $50. or more until the end of August. Also check out MSQC webiste for daily deals and inspirational tutorials. If you're like me they have so much to offer that I keep going back to see everything :-) Don't want to miss out on their fun tutorials! So grab your "jelly rolls" and lets get ready to make a super fun & easy sewing machine cover for our "sewing room re-do." Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links on right of home page)

Quilt Top 2 Drapes...1st Cut w/ Amelia Scissors by MSQC!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend. I spent mine re-organizing fabrics...making a donate pile for items that I definately know won't be used or by me anyway. I for one know when a quilter passes and you inherit tons of items can be daunting. So I have been doing a little at a time so my daughter won't be left with my crazy U.F.O's :-) My motto lately is...if I haven't used it in 4 years let someone else give it a go! It's actually been fun. Makes you feel good of quilting it forward so to speak in hopes someone will enjoy the items. I have been donating to a local church sewing group that a neighbor has been organizing. They are mostly new quilter's so donating my items will definately help them all. My project that I'm sharing with y'all is very centimental...as you've read in previous post. But I will admit the 'first cut was the hardest." I used my Amelia 8" scissors by Missouri Star Quilt Company for precise cutting by hand. Seriously I haven't cut that much fabric by hand in ages. I love my rotary cutter and normally r/c everything. The biggest tip that I can share before starting this project if using an old tattered quilt top is to carefully spot clean or wash by hand in a very mild detergent. I know...ugh but they shred and tear. There is wonderful quilt detergent/soap on the market but I hand washed with Dawn. I feel if it's safe enough for birds then it should be great for fabric ;-) The previous person might have washed it in a machine and i feel that's one reason why it was so wonky. I did use a little fabric glue on some places but then decided I was just going to keep the torn areas and do the best that I could to honor the quilt top. Again...cutting down the middle was impossible with how wonky it was and fragile. Even cutting by hand was difficult but I'm glad that I did. Also second tip...you will need to carefully...lightly press the quilt top. If you agressively iron with pressure again it will get more wonky as it will stretch on you. I know you are probably going...yuck..then I'm not even going to try. But please do...cherish someones legacy by stitching their legacy forward. Trust me once you do your side seams you can hardly notice :-) I will line mine with Moda Muslin once it arrives due to sunlight. I want the drapes to last and hopefully someone else will admire all this hand piecing like me. I actually did my hem/side seams on my Babylock Jazz II. I took my time due to the wonky-ness but it worked out fine. So don't be afraid to start a fun project like this and cherish someone elses hard piecing. I'll be sharing some more fun tips and tributes to this quilt top this week. It's really fun of how a "quilt top" tells a story as you admire all the squares. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Link upper right on home page will save you 20% off $50. or more in August on most supplies. 

Follow me on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest (links upper right on home page)

Here's all you do...or what I did :-)

* Fold your quilt top in half (verticle) and finger press down the middle to create a cutting line.

* Carefully cut on that line...take your time...if it's wonky/tattered like mine it will shift on you as you cut.

Hem the sides/top/bottom...

* Carefully fold top over to create at least a 1 1/2" fold ...then fold again to secure the raw edge on back.

* Pin or clip to secure.

* Top stitch on front of quilt to secure seam on back.

* Repeat for both sides and top/bottom.

* Lightly press the hem.

Tip...I took my time and actually did a fold n go as I stitched...that way I could carefully fold the quilt top in the areas that were torn and wonky. I used a long running stitch on my babylock with a long stitch length. I truly and pleased with the outcome but every quilt top is different so you stitch yours as needed. Just don't speed sew...take your time...you're sewing a very deliecate item that you are preserving :-)

Note...I kept the length of the quilt top just in case I was to move and my next window is longer. I just let them "puddle on the floor." But you could always do an exact length to accomodate your window if desired. I also used "rings" to secure to the rod. This is another easy method of hanging drapes plus it doesn't put as much "stress" on the quilt and it's very decorative too ;-) 

Here's all you do to hang using the "rings/clips"...

* On the right side of the drapes at the top...Fold over about a 4" hem.

* Then fold that hem back up to the top in half which makes a floating pleat as you position the rings.

* Depending on your width...position the rings/clips about every 4-5"

* Clip all layers of the fabric and hang on your rod.

* Super easy and gives a cute decorative top with new sewing ;-)

* Enjoy!

Note...I will be sharing my easy lining technique soon with y'all once my fabric comes arrives.

Talk soon,

Cat

Project Peek..."Quilt Top 2 Drapes"

 Hey quilter's...happy Friday! I hope y'all have fun but restful plans for the weekend. I know a lot of the kiddos are back in school and I can't wait to hear how my Grandsons week went. Hard to believe he's in 8th grade. Time sure does fly y'all. I started a serirs "Back 2 School...more time for you" w/ a sewing room re-do. In my previous post you can see the fun wall decor. Had a blast with that one...it's sew me :-) A doc told me once to not drink coffee. Yes, can you believe it? But in his defense I did cut back...ugh! The truth is, I don't sleep due to my pain levels & coffee just keeps me going. Well the second part to this fun series is very dear to me. Over ten years ago, while antique shopping in Indiana I came across this 'tattered" but stunning quilt top. I went nuts due to that is one of my passions...collecting quilt tops. The strore owner say me 'eye balling" it and she told me that it is very worn and would be impossible to quilt. Honestly at the time I thought no biggie,,,I can do it. She even preceeded to tell me that she tried and it kept shredding as she worked on it. Again...in my weird quilter's brain I was still thinking "no biggie." I put it down and walked away. Well we checked out with a few items and she then said..."you can have the quilt top for 7 bucks." What!!!!! My fat feet couldn't get over to it fast enough! My husband said "what are you going to do with it?" My reply was 'Who know's but it's mine now!" my thought was...it's all hand pieced and how many stories we're told while sewing it together. Then how did it end up in a quilt shop. How many owners...hands exchanged of people giving up on it. Was it just stuffed in a hope chest? Hoping to get quilted one day? It was pieced with so many fabrics so we're they shirts from loved ones? Oh my gosh y'all...my thoughts to this day wonder. I alway's say...if quilts could talk,,,oh the stories we would here. I know quilting with Oma was my time to hear stories of her childhood and what made her the remarkable woman she became. It's really crazy of how fabric and the art of quilting brings people together. I've carried this quilt top from Indaian...to Texas and now Florida. Seriously! :-) I tried several times to "repair/patch" and it was impossilble." The more you touched it the more it shredded. I told myself one day I will honor this quilt by making something special out of it. I know...you're thinking..."what would you do and how could you cut it up?" Yes...I couldn't cut it up...I had to cherish the design...the hard work that went into it plus I wanted to see it for inspiration. Alot of hard work went into every stitch. When you piece by hand it is time consuming plus hard. Every square was preciously pieced to perfection and that's what intrigued me from the beginning Well, needless to say with my "sewing room re-do" was the time to honor and cherish this stunning quilt. I've wanted drapes in my sewing room and I love the pattern and fabrics so I did it y'all. I actually made this adorable quilt into panels that I will cherish and hope to gift to someone one day. Her legacy or their legacy will continue on as I cherish it everyday as I'm sewing. Yes...it was hard to cut. I had to cut by hand due to it being "wonky." I used my sharp Amelia scissors by Missouri Star Quilt Company and carefully hand cut the quilt in half lengthwise. Starting Monday I will share how the process went just in case you have a "quilt top" lying around. I will admit it was a bit hard to sew with it being so delicate but I'm pleased of the outcome. Due to the strong sunlight that I get in my sewing room I will be lining the panels later. I was able to catch the Moda sale that was going on with MSQC and I ordered Moda Muslin for the lining. I will be doing a "old school trick" of "free floating" the lining due to the delicate quilt top. That is a fun technique that I will be sharing with y'all too. I've got so much to share with y'all of things that I noticed within the quilt even when I was carefully pressing. I hope this might inspire you to purchase an old "tattered" quilt top. Sometimes we do need to keep someones legacy going even if we don't even know them :-) Wishing y'all a great weekend and check back Monday of how this was sewn into drapes and the next project that was inspired from the fabric squares. As the story goes...fabrics bring people together! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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