Repurpose Berry Crush Scraps 2a Design Board!

 Hey quilters...Happy Tuesday or in my world..."another fun day of sewing!" I've had so much fun this past week with the "Berry Crush Blog Hop." This stunning fabric is Jennifer Thomas new collection for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The prints of Berries...Flowers & Foliage in shades of purples and pinks is stunning. I loved creating with this collection. It really brought me "Joy" while sewing. The collection features 20 different prints and it's already available for you! You can still view Jennifer Thomas stunning designs on her blog a along with all of us quilt designers that participated in this fun blog hop. It's amazing how fabric inspires creativity! I loved this fabric collection "sew much" that I'm hosting some fun...fast and fab projects that would make great gifts for any Holiday. I love to use scraps....it challenges me to get creative especially if they are tiny. Sometimes you look at those tiny pieces and unfortunately we toss them away. But recently while I was 'organizing" my stash...or trying too anyway...I came across the "cardboard backing" that comes with your packaged 10" Precuts. I always thought..."one day I will use these." Well...todays the day that I'm sharing my "Berry Crush Design Board." Y'all this was such a fun and fast project that literally took me about 2 hours to finish from start to stop. You have 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 of  surface space to hold a pieced square that you are going to sew. Plus, it fits right beside your machine...just prop it on a photo frame. How convienent is that! It's portable and will fit perfectly in my "Berry Crush Tote" as well. This would be a fun project for a begiinner to learn "scrap piecing" strips. I love a "scrappy border" on a design showing the fabric prints plus your using scraps. But if you're like me...my scraps are making scraps! :-) I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more fun...fast n fab projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC affiliate

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Berry Crush Design Board...

Here's all you need...

* Berry Crush fabric scraps 

* 10" cardboard backing from Precut pkg.

* Pellon fusible fleece (987F)

* Aurifil 50 weight #2582

* Aleen's Fabric Fusion (fabric glue)

* Basic sewing tools

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut your scrap pieces 2" wide by desired length. Scrappier the better for me :-)

* Sew scraps together at long ends using a 1/4" seam allowance...finger pressing as you go. 

* Make 2 strips for the top/bottom of 10 x 10" Fusible fleece square.

* Position the scrappy strip with right sides together to the soft side of fucible fleece. Clip to secure.

* Sew strips to top/bottom of fusible square using a 1/4" seam allowance...removing clips as you sew.

* Finger Press strip away from center block. Do not iron.

* Square up strip even with block.

* Make 2 scrappy strips as above for the left/right sides and sew using the same method. 

Tip...no fuss of matching seams when attaching scrap border sides...they get folded back and it comes 2gether perctly. Less stress :-)

Tip...before next step make sure you trim away any "loose threads" on back that might show through the fleece. :-)

* Turn block over and position "10 inch coardboard with blog.

* Finger press scrappy boarder to back starting at top..leaving a 1/4" border on front. Clip to secure.

Note...clip on fabric only not fleece. It will leave marks.

* Fold in half again to secure raw edge...repositioning the same clips to secure.

* Repeat same method for bottom/left/right sides of block.

* On back of block...secure the folded edge with Aleen's fabric fusion along the folded edge only...adjusting clips and finger pressing as you go.

* Let dry facing up.

Design board back...

You did it! Enjoy your unique design board or make several as gifts. I'm sure you might have some more scraps to use? 

Thanks so much for following and talk soon,

Cat

Berry Crush Blog Hop day 8!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great day and enjoying the Berry Crush Blog Hop featuring curlicuecreations Jennifer Thomas new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin fabrics by Jerry Khiev. Today features  Leah of quilteddelights.com. Her stunning design is posted below and talk about showing how fun & versatile the Berry Crush collection can be I'm loving all the deifferent designs by the talented quilters participating in this fun hop. Every design is so unique and inspirational and we all used the same collection "Berry Crush." I just love how fabric inspires creativity! You can view more blog hop details and Jennifer Schifano Thaomas stunning designs featuring Berry Crush on her webiste curlicuecreationscom. I've had a blast with this collection and although today is the last day please check back to see what I did with the scraps. Make sure you hop on over to curlicuecreations to enter for her Fat Quarter give-a-way of this stunning collection...Berry Crush. I thank y'all so much for following a long on this fun...creative...inspirational blog hop. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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

Tilted Berries from Leah of "quilteddelights.com"

Berry Crush Blog Hop inspiration!

h Hey quilters...we're having a blast with the Berry Crush Blog Hop featuring Jennifer Schifano Thomas new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. I'm loving all the designs inspired by this beautiful collection. The prints and color hues are sew inspiring. Today features this adorable pillow by Sandra Starley (https://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com) I love this design...it's a classic and is stunning in the Berry Crush fabrics. Pop on over to Sandras blog for to view how she created this adorable and classic pillow. She definately inspired me to sit back...relax and rock a minite or two!. The Berry Crush Blog Hop is full of inspiring designs and you can view @curlicuecreations for all the events that Jennifer Thomas is hosting. It just fascinates me of how we can all use the same fabric collection and create unique designs. Such a fun blog hop and I hope you're having a great time too. Thanks so much for following a long with me!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC affiliate

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

Sandra Starley of https://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com

Berry Crush Blog Hop..."a Garden of ABC's" coordinating Tote!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great time following a long with the Berry Crush Blog Hop. I will admit this has been a well need and exciting week. I'm loving all the creativity using Jennifer Thomas signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. You can view all the previous designs on @curlicuecreations site. Also, Jennifer is hosting a Fat Quarter Bundle give-a-way a long with a signature pattern design too! Wow! All the featured quilters designs are sew inspiring using the Berry Crush collection. I love this fabric so much that I made a coordinating Tote the quilt fits in for a complete perfect gift. You will be making the coordinating tote using the same technique as the "a Garden of ABC's" quilt but with some fun accent quilting. I love the "orange peel" design and quilting motif. It was perfect for this tote design. I did the quilting around the lattice X"s within each square and the back was simple...I pieced the same but marked the X's within the squares and quilting the orange peel design. I personalized the tote for the added touch. Just like the quilt all the flower petals and letter were "a-play-qued" using Aurifil 50# thread. The "initial/letter" was made using the same directions on quilt posting. Please refer back to the original quilt posting as needed. I used my "Berry Crush Scraps" for this bag and 1/2 yard of Lumin Neutrals for the lining. I thank y'all so much for following a long on this journey with me of creating a "Children's Learning Quilt & Tote that can be passed down for generations." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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"a Garden of ABC's coordinating Tote"....

Here's all you need...

* Berry Crush collection scraps

* Eight 6 x 7 1/2 squares of your background fabric scraps from quilt.

* 1/2 yard of complimenting fabric for lining

* Coordinating Aurifil thread.

* HeatnBond lite (double sided fusible)

* Pellon Fusible Fleece

* Basic sewing supplies

* Piece N Quilt 4-N-1 ruler (optional but I love it)

* Brother sewing machine :-)

Here's all you do...

Note...Bag is versatile as well. you can do accent stitching on your machine instead of the fabric lattice and the bag would be super cute even if you decided not to add the flower but I would do a fun color hue of Aurifil thread when quilting the orange peel designs. I did back of bag this way but used a neeutral Aurifil color #3910 which was perfect. It's all about trying new things on my blog and having fun. Sew get creative and put your own spin on it! :-)

* Sew 4 background squares 2gether for bag front and back in a 4 Patch method...using a 1/4" seam allowance...sewing right sides 2gether pressing seams in opposite directions.Repeat for tote back. Set back aside.

* Square is 11 1/2 x 14 1/2...press and square up if needed. 

Lattice strips...

Note...you can use the same method of attaching lattice strips to center flower on quilt post if desired.. I did this method below due to adding the fusible fleece on back & working w/a smaller block.

* Rotary cut your scrap strips of Berry Crush to 1" x 19 (sew scrap pieces 2gether if needed)

* Make strips using the same method on "a Garden of ABC's" quilt.

* Place strips on tote front using making the X design. Pin to secure.

 Tip...I carefully cut the center of flower placement for less bulk when fusing flowers. Helps center of flower lay flat.

* Using your Berry Crush scraps create the center flower in same method stated on quilt. 

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions on Heatnbond lite.

* Monogram center of flower if desired using the same method stated on quilt.

* A-play-que around flower and secure lattice strips around block sides as desired. Top stitch or play with a decorative stitch on your machine :-)

* Press and square up.

Bottom band...

Tip...I do this method to stabilize bottom of bag and not interfere with the bag front design. It will hide when you do the box pleat the corners in later step.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 11 1/2 from background fabric.

* Sew to "bottom" of tote front and back with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

Scrappy borders...2" finished width

Note.... you can rotary cut a 2 1/2" solid strip id desired but I love a scrappy design.

* Using your Berry Crush scraps...make 4 scrappy borders in same method as quilt.

* Rotary cut strips to 2 1/2 x 15 1/2. ..press

* Sew a strip to left and right side to tote block front and back. Using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press seams away from center block.

* Square up if needed.

Tip...before next step make sure you have all your seams facing flat & trim any loose threads :-) 

* Rotary cut Fusible fleece to tote front and back size and fuse to wrong side following manufacturers directions. 

Accent quilting...

* I did accent quilting around the flower center....the orange peel design around the "Lattice X's) on front using Aurifil # 3910. On back I marked a X within each square using a fusible pen then  orange peel design within the x's using PieceNQuilt 4-N-1 ruler...optional but love this ruler. 

This is where you can get creative and quilt as desired. It's a small area to quilt so have fun :-)

* Press after quilting if needed.

Attaching front/back...

* With right sides 2gether...sew tote front to back using a 1/4" seam allowance...sewing only the sides and bottom 2gether leaving the top of tote open. Reinforce at start and stop points.

* Box pleat bottom corners of bag if desired. Helps to stabilize bottom and gives that professional look.

* Turn right side out...press if needed.

Lining....

* Rotary cut from coordinating fabric 2 strips  15 3/4 x 15 3/4.

* Sew in same method as above...press box pleat bottom corners if desired.

* Place lining inside bag with "wrong sides 2gether...matching side seams...clip to secure.

Tip...you will see "right side" of fabric as you peek in :-)

* Top stitch at top to secure. 

Straps...

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 1/4 x 27 from coordinating fabric or scraps (finished approx. 25" Length)

* Rotary cut Fusible fleece to 3/4 x 27"

* Fold over 1/4" on fabric strip to inside..fold in half...press..

* Position fusible fleece within the fold...Press to secure following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat for both straps.

* Top stitch using coordinating thread on both sides for that professional look :-) set aside.

 Top Band...

* Meaure the inside width of your bag...rotary cut from coordinating fabric 1 1/2 " x that width plus 1/2" in length for seam allowance.

* Attach ends with wrong sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam.

* Position band to outside of bag w/right sides togehter. Matching seam.Clip to secure.

* Sew 2gether at top of bag using a 1/4" seam allowance. Sew slow and remove clips as you go.

* Finger press band to inside of bag leaving a 1/2" inch border at top of tote.

* Fold band in half again on inside to secure hem. Clip to secure.

* Position straps as desired within the inside of fold...finger press strap even with top of band. Clip to secure.

* On front of tote...top stitch all around top of tote to secure band and straps removing clips as you sew. 

Tip..I reinforced the seam at straps by back stitching a few times.

You did it! You have a super cute bag to "gift" your quilt in. I thank y'all so much following along on this journey with me...creating Children's Learning quilts/tote to pass down for generations.

Keep following a long on the "Berry Crush Blog Hop"

Talk soon,

Cat

Berry Crush Blog Hop Day 5..."a Garden of ABC's"

 Hey quilters....what an exciting week so far! I'm loving the "Berry Crush" collection and seeing everyon's designs inspired by this stunning fabric line. I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting 'blog hop" featuring "Berry Crush"...Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The prints and color hues in this collection inspired me to design A Children's Learning Quilt called "a Garden of ABC's." I love seeing flowers blooming and growing on a trellis in a garden and hopes to have a sweet Great-Grand one day! I knew with this stunning collection the possibilities of coordinating the prints and color ways would be endless.I used every print of the Berry Crush collection and did a scrappy border that is feautred in the advanced step option. Every print coordinates perfectly with my Aurifil thread too! All the letters are hand cut and each petal is "a-play-qued" using Aurifil 50# thread. I created a dimensional lattice design because I wanted to challenge myself but I did state instructions for beginners plus I'll be sharing tips a long the way. I also listed some options below to show how versatile the design can be for you to put your own spin on it. I'll be feauring the coordinating "Gift Tote" this weekend and the quilt fits inside the tote for a special gift for a recipient.The tote bag will also show quilting options too. So remember...save your scraps a long the way! I can't thank Jennifer enough for including me on this exciting blog hop. I love inspiring others to create a learning quilt for a child that can be passed down for generations. View curliecuecreations site for all the "Berry Crush Blog Hop" events and her stunning designs. You can still catch up and view all the previous designers on her site too. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Inspiration of how versatile the design can be....

* Design can be easily enlarge just by adding more borders.

* Omit the letters for a "young adult" version.

* Arrange the flowers as desired on your trellis (keep in mind the pattern of the alphabet) :-)

* Use a decorative stitch on your machine for the lattice instead of creating from fabric.

* Use a die cut for letters if desired.

* Add more accent flowers as desired showing this stunning fabric collection.

Endless quilt-a-bilities!

a Garden of ABC's (39.5 x 50)...

Here's all you need...

* Berry Crush Precuts by Lumin Fabrics or cuttings as desired.

Note...I had a  1/4 yrd. of the collection for the scrappy flowers, lattice & borders.

* 1/2 yrd of desired fabric hue for lattice if not making from purple scraps.

* Island Batik Foundation Neutrals...1/2 yard each of Sprinkles, Meringue

   * 2 yards "Swirl Vine Neutral" for backing & squares within quilt top.

* Batting to size (I used Pellon that I had recently inherited to tie in something special from "Great Gram", sentimental quilt for sure :-)

* Aurifil thread 50# (3910, 2582, 2588, 2235)

* Circle Templates...1.5", 2", 2.5"

* Cardstock Stencil Letters 1 1/2" or your preferred method.

* Heatnbond Lite (double sided fusible)

* Aileen's washable fabric fusion for tacking

* Basic sewing/cutting tools

* Brother sewing machine :-)

(Phase 1)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut from Neutral fabrics 49...6 x 7 1/2 squares as desired. This includes a 1/4" seam allowance for a finished 5 1/2 x 7" block.

* Lay out your squares as desired on a design wall.

Tip...no design wall...no problem...I love to use the "batting" then secure w/a pin if needed.

Letters...

* Rotary cut from desired fabric 2-3 strips of 2 1/2 x 18" 

* Rotary cut from HeatnBond Lite 2-3 strips 2 1/4 x 17.5 

* Position heatnbond lite strips on back side of fabric strips and fuse following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...I used a pressing sheet to protect my iron from any glue seepage.

* On paper side...using the cardstock letter stencil, trace around the alphabet letters...note that most letters are reversed ;-)

* Carefully cut out each letter...set aside. (you will have extra fused fabric for any letters to re-do or save for flowers.)

Tip...yes a die cutter would be wonderful :-)

Scrappy Flowers...

Note...I made my flowers "scrappy" to show this stunning collection but layer yours as desired.

* 2" Center...

* Rotary from light pink fabric strips 2 1/2" wide by desired length. Rotary cut enough to make the 26 center circles.

* Rotary cut heatnbond lite 2 1/4" wide by desired length and fuse to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

* On paper side...make 26 2" circles and carefully cut out. Set aside (save scraps)

1st Petal layer...

* Rotary cut from your desired fabric strip 2" by desired length.

* Rotary cut from heatnbond lite 1 3/4 by desired length.

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

* Using the 1 1/2" circle template...trace around the template on paper side of fabric...make 4 circles.

* Carefully cut out on circle line.

* Rotary cut each circle in half to create 8 halves. Set aside.

2nd Petal layer...

* Rotary cut from desired fabric 2 3/4 " wide by desired length.

* From heatnbond lite rotary cut 2 1/2"wide by desired length and fuse to wrong side of fabric per manufacturer's directions.

* Using the 2 1/2" circle trace on paper side of fabric making 4 circles.

* Rotary cut each circle in half to create 8 haves. Set aside.

Tip...make as many scrappy strips as desired to make each individual flower petals different if desired. You have 26 flowers for the alphabet and 3 accent flowers if following my design. This is where you can have fun...get creative...this fabric is stunning! I had a blast choosing fabric combinations.

(Remove paper of circles as you go)

* Position your center circle within the center of background square.

Tip...I mark an X on my squares to use as a guide with a heat erasable pen...or use your preferred method for temporary marking. Always test first on scrap fabric to make sure it removes due to the light fabric.

* Position first layer of petals...tucked inside the center circle...staggering the petals in a over/under method. This creates the look of a layered flower. 

* Position 2nd layer of petals...tucked within the first layer of petals...staggering as you go in same method as above.

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat same method for all flowers.

Adding letters...

* Peel of paper and position each letter within the center of each flower.

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

* Repeat for all alphabet squares.

Time to a-play-que!...

Note...you could use a decorative stitch on your machine to for the X  for the lattice design within the square if you decide not to make the advanced lattice strips. I would use a accent thread to highlight the X within the squares. Or you could later quilt the X in as well...endless possibilities!

* A-play-que around each petal and letter using coordinating thread or your preferred method. 

This is where I had fun playing with Aurifil thread. I can always count on Aurifil to compliment my Batiks perfectly!

Have fun...get creative..play with your decorative stitches on your machine if desired. Just remember to cut away your loose threads on back of block. You don't want them peeking up later as your quilting :-)

Advanced 1/2" Lattice Strips...

* Rotary cut strips from your desired fabrics 1" x 8. I made longer then squared up.

* Fold in half a 1/4" on one side to the inside..press.

* Fold in half again..press...creating a 1/2" strip.

For each square you will need 4 lattice strips to form the X.

* Position wihin the petal that is on the X of your square at each corners. Square up at corners.

* Top stitch to secure strips if desired....

* A-play-que around each flower and letters as desired.

* Repeat for all squares.

Advanced Lattice..I did challenge myself on my design by creating a dimential lattice. I added my strips later as I was piecing my squares together creating the over/under similiar to a pie crust. I cut my strips to size needed as I sewn the squares together. The outside squares were longer and I joined scraps together  for the desired size. Then I a-play-qued the flowers to secure the lattice strips on the outside edge of the petals I then squared up the strips even with the quilt ttop. (see pic below) I also did the top in 4 sections making it easier for me...pinning the lattice strips a long the way then I joined the sections together still using the 1/4" seam allowance and adjusting the lattice strips to size as needed.  At this stage you can either "top stitch" the lattice strips to secure or secure at you quilt later. It was a bit crazy at first then I had a lot of fun!  I was using the "tacking" method w/ a decorative stitch on my Brother machine later for the quilting part so I wasn't worried about the strips getting caught when quilting. The design has many possibilities so get creative and put your own spin on it if desired.I will be sharing quilting techniques on the "bonus tote bag" soon showing how I did the "orange peel" motif around the lattice strips and accent quilted around the flower This design is very versatile so have fun!

Berry Crush Blog Hop..."a Garden of ABC's" Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your having an exciting time following a long on the Berry Crush Blog Hop. I love seeing everyon's creativity using the stunning fabric collection "Berry Crush." This collection is Jennifer Thomas from @curlicuecreations new signature fabric for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The vibrant colors and prints will inspire your creativity. You can view all the exciting details on curlicue creations page and make sure you check out what Jennifer is giving away! I'm having a blast and sew thankful to be part of the Berry Crush Blog Hop. All the designers featured are super talented and the designs are stunning. I've had a blast creating a Children's Learning Quilt using this collection. As I stated earlier the design was inspired by my love of flowers blooming on a trellis and hopes to have a sweet great-grand using this quilt one day. I know...my grandson is only 15 but a "Gege" can dream...right? Who knows what the future holds but the one thing I can say..."I finally have a quilt finished a head of time!" Right? Plus a super cute tote to gift it in :-) Well...we're on the finishing stage of this fun design. It comes together quickly and you have so many options to personalize it to your needs. All stated in Phase 1. I love a basic design that gives you room to be creative and have fun. I'll be showcasing the "Gift tote" soon using the say design layout that features some quilting options. I did the classic "orange peel" around the lattice and simple accent quilting around the center flower. I can only imagine if you did some fun "meandering" around the design with stunning thread. The advanced option is  a "scrappy border" on the quilt and tote bag becasue I couldn't get enough of showing this fabric! I did a "throwback" of my special time of "tack quilting" w/ Oma. That was such a fun time in my life...the stories she shared while quilting together will be cherished forever. A quilts memory lives on forever to pass down for generations. This is why I started the "Children's Learning Quilts"...I thank y'all so much for following a long on this journey with me. Follow curlicuecreations for all the events of the "Berry Crush Blog Hop." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

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Here's all you do...

* Press each block and make sure you have no "loose threads" on back :-)

Tip...you will have 49 squares  (7 across...7 down)

* Sew each row of blocks with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press each seam  of rows in opposite directions (helps when joining rows together)

* Join rows together using the same method as above.

* Press and square up if needed before adding borders.

Borders...

* Do a "traditional border" if desired or challenge yourself and do the advanced scrappy border :-) You can't go wrong either way. This fabric is so stunning that a solid border would be beautiful too. Just take your widest width of quilt top...rotary cut your strip 1" x your width and sew to the top/bottom of quilt with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance..press square up. For your sides do the same.

Tip...I add about 2" to each side then square up after attaching to quilt. This allows me to have some "playing room" while sewing :-)

Batting/Backing...

* Rotary cut your cut your backing fabric a bit larger than your quilt top...you can trim after quilting.

* Layer your backing w/right side facing down.

* Batting

* Quilt top...right side up.

* Pin or clip to secure (remove them as you quilt) :-)

Tip...due to the weight of the quilt I love to use clips to secure the quilt and I use my ironing board to help with the weight of quilt too.

* Quilt and bind as desired.

Advanced 1/2" Scrappy Border...

* Rotary cut your scraps 2 1/2" x wide by your desired length. I cut mine about 3 -4" in length to give a fun scrappy design using as much of the beautiful fabric.

* Join the scraps in a "vertical" fashion using a 1/4" seam allowance..finger pressing as you go.

* Join scraps until you achieve the desired width for all sides of the quilt using the same method as above.

* My Border/Binding technique...

* I rotary cut my strips 2 1/2" wide and sewn with same method as above. After I pressed and squared up my quilt....starting at top folded back the scrappy border to the back of quilt leaving a 1/2" border/binding on front. Fold in half again on back and to hide raw edge Clip to secure.I do the same for the bottom and left/right side of the quilt..press and top stitch on front to secure. This is not a tradtional method by it works for me :-)

I thank you so much for following a long and check back soon for the advanced coordinating tote pattern and more stunning deigns feautured on the "Berry Crush Blog Hop!"

Talk soon.

Cat

Berry Crush Blog Hop Day 4!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week. I'm having a blast seeing everyone's designs on the Berry Crush Blog Hop.Today features Lisa of Lisasquiltingpassion.blog wall hanging. It's sew adorable and those butterflies using this collection are adorable.  This is very exciting blog hop because we don't know what the other designers have created until their special day. This stunning collection "Berry Crush" by Jennifer Thomas 'curlicuecreations" is her new signature fabric collection for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. The prints and color hues are stunning. Pop on over to curlicuecreations site to view all the blog hop details. Jennifer Thomas has also feautred on her site her new designs that are absolutely beautiful featuring her new collection. I'm having a blast and I hope y'all are too! Oh, did I mention that you can enter to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of this collection at curlicuecreations! :-) Thanks so much for following and check back tomorrow for a big suprise :-) 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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

Berry Crush Blog Hop...

Berry Crush Blog Hop Day 3!

 Hey quilters...hope you're having a great week and following the "Berry Crush Blog Hop." This is an exciting Blog Hop featuring Jennifer Thomas "Curlicue Creations" new signature collection "Berry Crush" for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. Todays feautred designer is Emily of "The Darling Dogwood." View her stunning design featuring this beautiful collection Berry Crush. I'm loving this hop...sew inspiring seeing everyone's creativity incorporating this stunning fabric collection. You can view more of all the events on @curlicuecreations.com page and view Jennifer Thomas beautiful designs!  Every day I'll be featuring the designer for y'all to follow. Sew much inspiration and it's only day 3! Make sure you check back Friday... "hint...hint :-) 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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

Berry Crush Blog Hop...

Berry Crush Blog Hop day 2!

 Hey quilters...hope you're week is off to a great start. Today is "day 2" of the Berry Crush Blog Hop featuring this stunning collection "Berry Crush" by Jennifer Thomas for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. Todays featured designer is Laura from Slice of Pi Quilts so make sure you check out her beautiful and creative design on her site. Visit curlicuecreations.com for all the details and don't forget to enter to win a Fat Quarter Bundle! I'm having a blast seeing all the stunning designs created so far. This fabric collection is so inspiring and sew fun and it's only day 2! :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiate

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

Berry Crush Blog Hop... 

Berry Crush Blog Hop starts today!

 Hey quilters...we're going to start the week off with an exciting Blog Hop featuring Jennifer Schifano Thomas new signature collection "Berry Crush" with Island Batik Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. This fabric collection is stunning...vibrant colors and prints to inspire your next quilting project. Hop on over to @curlicuecreations.com for all the exciting details and don't forget to enter for your chance to win a fat quarter bundle! The talented Jennifer starts today so view her new designs featuring this stunning collection on her site. I'll be sharing the events all week long with the designers blog information as well. You can view all the "designers" participating on her website. Come join the fun...my day is Friday :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Berry Crush Blog Hop...

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Just roll w/it" :-)

 Hey quilters....hope your week is going well. I'm enjoying the "coolish" mornings here in Florida. I'm anxiously awaiting the fall weather. I watch the National news every morning and will admit I tend to get a bit jealous seeing states that actually have fall. I love the leaves turning on the trees and just the smell of the cool freshness in the air. The fall festivities....pumpkin patches everywhere and pumpkin spice everything. I'm one of those crazy people that make pumpkin bread all year. I like to say..."it's a bit healthier." :-) Well a lot of y'all are probably on to fall quilting but I wanted to share a tip that has saved me while quilting on a domestic machine. While I was quilting the ABC Childrens Learning quilt, wall deco that I recently shared, I tried this tip. Instead of rolling up your quilt the traditional way "straight roll" for the bulk...I did a angle fold then continued rolling the bulk of the quilt away from me. It was a game changer for me. I had less bulk which made it easier to quilt...less stress under the needle and I could handle the roll to maneuver as I was quilting. It almost became a "steering wheel." I will mention that "needle down" while repositioning is the key. It's amazing how that one trick of "needle down" helps to secure your quilt for no skipped stitches. The pics below show how I used this trick while quilting on my Brother sewing machine. I hope this tip helps make your quilting adventure a bit easier. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more tips and exciting projects. In the meantime pop on over to Instagram & Facebook and see the exciting projects the Lumin fabric Ambassadors are creating. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Wild about ABC's...Children's Learning Quilt...Phase 4 Quilting w/ 4-N-1 Mini Ruler

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great week and the weather is kind in your area. We've been having heavy rain showers off and on in Florida but I'll take that over a Hurricane. When it's raining I just want to make a cup of coffee and hang out with my favorite fabric and thread. I've been a-pla-queing with my Lumin Batiks and Aurifil thread on my next project that I'll be sharing soon. I love it when my thread compliments the fabrics perfectly. I'm not a fancy quilter. So if I'm quilting an area that there could be a chance of a "oopsie"...I then quilt with a neutral thread. When I a-play-que I love to enhance the design with an accent thread and play with my decorative stitches on machine. It's amazing of how you can create a different stitch just my changing up the stitch width and length. I want to share with you a quilting ruler that I'm in love with and use for marking straight and curved lines. The 4-N-1 Mini ruler by Piece N Quilt by Natalia Bonner had been a delight to use. I quilt on a domestic machine (Brother) and depending on the design I will mark the curved lines with a erasable marking tool before quilting. I will also mark accent lines if needed using this ruler too. It's a wonderful tool to have and she also has tutorials to watch to inspire your quilting skills. She is amazing and her quilting skills are so inspiring. I used this ruler to mark all the curved lines within the square-in-a-square block. I used Aurifil # 3910 and it was a perfect match with my neutral Batik background fabric. In this phase you will be quilting the wall hanging then you'll be ready to do your border and finishing. I will suggest to rotary cut your backing fabric and quilt batting a bit larger then trim after. Dependng on how your quilting the fabric might shrink up a bit. I also like to start at the top and smooth and quilt as I go. I alway's say...you do what works best for you. I'm so thankful for y'all following a long on this journey with me. I have more fun...fast-n-fab Children's Learning Quilts coming soon. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut your backing fabric and batting ( see tip of how I cut mine a bit larger then trim after quilting)

Tip...I rotary cut Teardrops yellow lemon batik and batting to 16 x 48...then trimmed after quilting before adding binding.

* Layer backing right side down...batting...then quilt top right side up.

* Pin or clip as desired.

* Mark your quilting lines as desired or just use your quilting foot on your machine as a guide.

* Smooth and remove pins/clips as you go.

* Once you have finished quilting...press quilt and trim away extra backing and batting...leaving a 1/4" allowance on all sides for adding your binding.

Note...I do a border/binding as I'm sure you've noticed on my previous designs but you do what works best for you. If you do my rotary cut your strips width 1 1/2 by your top/bottom...sew with right sides together...press...then add your strips to left/right side and sew using the same methode. I then press and fold back the strip leaving a 1" border on the front...fold raw edge in the back to secure and top stitch on front per my design (see original post with pic). Again,,,finish your quilt as desired and what works well for you. 

I hope you enjoyed creating a quilt that will make a great learning quilt to pass down for generations!

Talk soon,

Cat

 

Wild about ABC's...Children's Learning Quilt..Phase 3

 Hey quilters...happy Monday or Sewday! I prefer to call everyday "sewday." Just makes me have less stress. I always tell neighbors that if I don't answer the door just come around back and knock on my sewing room window. I love to grab a cup of coffee and sew until my hearts content. Yes every now and then I do take a break to cook up some food for my hubby. :-) Seriously y'all...sewing is very therapeutic for me and I love hearing others share the same stroy too. Life is stressful and if I can just veg out in my sewing room...even for a few minutes just helps me collect my thoughts and continue lifes precious moments. As I say that my daughter and I was laughing this morning about your bobbin running out. Yup...that part of sewing I will never get used too. Well...here's one better...I started sewing this weekend with my foot atachment on backwards. For me that's the ultimate in all my sewing years. Good news is that if I ever decide to sew on the back side of my sewing table I would be good. Lord!!! All was good...put the quilting foot on "properly" and no fabric was harmed due to my stupidity! Well...today's phase you'll be piecing your squares together. No stress...might look a bit complicated due to those seams that you are probably noticing by now :-) Remember that tip I shared at the beginning about using your "backing" as a design board? Well..here's one good reason why....I like to place my project by my side when piecing squares together. I will pull up my ironing board and adjust to the level of my sewing table. This helps me to keep my squares in order plus I can also press my seams as I go for better stitching. You can pin your seams together as you are sewing your squares if that's easier for you. I usually clip mine then remove the clip once I have it secured under my needle. I start at the upper part of each row...sew my squares with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance...finger pressing as I go then once I have a row completed I then press with iron. The square in a square block is super fun but it does have points/seams to match so take your time and remember to "quilting police" on my blog :-) I then sew a few rows togehter then join rows together....this works for me to have less bulk. I know it's not the traditional way to join blocks so you do what works best. Just keep in mind to always check that you are sewing with the "alphabet" in order within your squares. Another great reason for that "portable" batting design wall :-) So enjoy this process...it's all coming together and you only have one more Phase to go! I thank y'all so much for following and talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Wild about ABC's...Children's Learning Quilt...

Wild about ABC's....Phase 2...Lets a-play-que!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great start to your weekend. I'm multi-tasking today. Sewing....sewing and sewing :-) Phase 2 is one of my favorite parts to a design. I love to a-play-que w/ Aurifil thread. Aurifil has so many thread hues to coordinate wtih your fabrics. I'm loving the Teardrops yellow lemon by Lumin fabrics from the Sunset Collection. The fabric is beautiful and Aurifil # 3910 is a verigated thread and it coordinates perfectly. I used this thread for the a-play-queing around the letters and pieicing/quilting. It actually is one of my "go to" hues when quilting. Today we're making and a-play-queing the letters for "Wild about Learning" I make my letters by hand. It's a bit old school but very therapeutic for me. Yes...a die cutter would be wonderful if you have one....lucky you! :-) But if you don't like me they are super easy to make. Just grab a cup of coffee and it goes quickly! I've listed the supplies needed below and you can see that I'm a huge fan of HeatnBond lite. I use this product on a lot of projects but you do what product you prefer for securing your letters. Here's a tip when you get to the stage of a-play-queing your letters on your machine. I use a small stitch length which makes pivoting easy plus I don't pull up my presser foot lever all the way. I gently raise the presser foot level just enough to pivot my fabric then continue sewing. This puts less stress on your lever.Plus it's a time saver as well. Another tip is reverse your letters on the paper side of the fusible web when tracing. I also use a very small pair of sharp scissors when cutting around the letters. I thank y'all so much for following and I hope you're enjoying creating a gift that will be passed down for generations. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat 

MSQC Affiliate

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

Wild about ABC's....

Here's all you need...

* Teardrops yellow lemon from "Sunset Collection" by Lumin Fabrics

* HeatnBond Lite (double sided fusible adhesive)

* Aurifil 50# thread (3910)

* Small sharp scissors

* 2 1/4" letters for tracing 

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut a 3" strips by width of fabric (more if needed) of Teardrops fabric.

* Rotary cut strips 2 3/4 wide of Heatnbond Lite and adhere to wrong side of fabric following manufacturer's directions.

Note...You will make a few cuttings of Heatnbond lite due to the width it usually comes in.

* On Paper side of HeatnBond Lite trace around letters (remember to reverse) and carefully cut out.

* Once you have your letters cut out position within the squares per design and fuse following manufacturer's directions.

Tip....a pressing sheet is wonderful to protect your iron...trust me :-)

* A-play-que around each letter as desired.

Have fun and talk soon for Phase 3.

Cat

"Wild about ABC's"... Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is going great. I always feel that "Wednesday" is the day that I reflect on how my week is going. I always set goals to reach for the week and needless to say this week...I wish it was Monday. Ha! But that's o.k....the old phrase of burning the midnight oil comes to mind :-) Sometimes I do put too much stress on myself to stay on target but then I think "Lord I'd be a hot mess if I didn't." Well today starts Phase 1 of the "Wild about ABC's" Children's learning quilt...wall hanging. I'm very excited about this new design series that I'll be sharing with y'all. I designed the quilt in EQ8 "the electric quilt company" which gives me the opportunity to play with the fabrics plus accuracy. I love this design software...super easy to navigate through and it has endless block selections to inspire your creativity. This software come in handy especially for this design using one block "square-in-a square." I realized that my design is super easy and scrap friendly as well. The square-in-a-square has 'flippy corners"  which is great for those tiny scrap pieces that we all wonder what in the world to use for...right? I obviously would love for you to use this stunning collection "Sunset Studio" by Lumin fabrics due to the fabric hues. I fell in love with all the prints and hues and that is how the name came about as well. The wall hanging is 15 1/4 x 47 including the 1" border. The letters were created from a simple card stock package but if you are blessed to have a die cutter that would save you time. I will say cutting the letters with a morning cup of coffee is very therapeutic. The first tip that I would encourage is to take advantage of a closet door or entry door into your sewing room. This design incorporates many corners that come together for each block which is great for playing with your fabrics but can be tricky too. I found it to be easier to cut my batting larger than needed and use it as my "design wall" on my closet door. As I was piecing my squares together it gave me the opportunity to change any squares needed if the fabrics were similiar together. Although I used the Sunset Studio collection, I still wanted to achieve a scrappy flair with this design. Not all of us have a "design wall" so I hope this tip helps. I'll be sharing the instructions in phases but I totally encourage you to get creative with your fabrics and have fun. Below is a pic of the original design in EQ8 and then a pic of my progress as it was hung on my closet door. The post yesterday is also a finished pic for you to reflect on along the way as well. So todays phase is a easy one. Organize your fabrics....remember the scrappier the better...position your design wall in your area and have fun. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Wild about ABC's...

Here's all you need...

* Sunset Studio collection from Lumin fabrics ( will be stating cuts a long the way)

* 3/4 yard of Teardrops (yellow lemon) for Letters...borders...backing

* 1/4 yard each from fabric collection (precuts are great too)

Burst Multi Orange...Burst Mult Pink...Squiggle Red Paprika...Squiggle Pink Geranium...Macaroni Purple

* Neutral background for letter squares (Almond) 

* Coordinating Aurifil thread ( I used Aurifil 50# verigated #3910..blened perfectly!)

* Cardstock letters 2 1/2 " or your preferred method.

* Double sided fusible adhesive for the letters

* Small Scissors for cutting around letters

* Batting

* Basic sewing tools

Here's all you do...

* From background fabric ( 1 1/2 yrd Almond by Lumin)...rotary cut 26 ( 5 x 5 ) squares for your letter squares.

* From purple accent fabric rotary cut 4 ( 5 x 5 " squares for the accent corners.

* Lay squares per design on your accent wall or batting. ( 10 rows of 3 blocks each)

* Pin each square to secure.

* From printed fabrics...rotary cut strips 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 then subcut into 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 squares for your "flippy corners"

Tip...I cut a few squares of each accent fabrics then placed within the individual blocks before sewing to play with the color hues if needed.

* For each squre-in-a-square block...

* Place a 2 3/4" square at each opposite corner of the 5" square.(scrappier the better)

Note...Upper left...then bottom right

* Draw a diagonal line on the square and sew directly on that line.

* Cut a 1/4 seam away from sewing line and press seams out.

* Now repeat same method with Upper right then bottom left :-)

* Repeat for all squares.

* Each square will be 5" square for a finished 4 1/2" square once pieced together.

Tip....as you finish your squares...step back or take a picture to see if you want to reposition any of your squares. But don't get as O.C.D as I did....remember to have fun!

Check back soon for Phase 2,

Cat