Cats Mystery Scrap-a-long...Phase 4 w/ clue #5

 Hey quilters...hope you're having a great week. I've been organizing in my sewing room also know as "Spring Cleaning." I finally figured out why we have four seasons. It's so you start your cleaning in the "Spring" and you have the other 3 months to finish. Oh my gosh...can you relate? Seriously y'all...I'm still in my sewing room. But my hubby did drag out the old shop vac this week and vac under the fridge. I know don't ask...I think it might be a "man" thing so I don't ask. Has something to do with the "coils" and making a fridge last longer??? Hmmm...anyway, back to sewing ;-) Well, today's phase is another short and sweet step. You'll be rotary cutting and piecing all in the same manner as before but alternating the block with medium fabric hue and light/medium fabric hue. Upper left of block is the medium and lower right of block is your light/medium fabric hue along with your pieced 4 patch squares. This is why I'm breaking the Mystery into short phases for you to see how the staggering of your neutral fabrics takes place. Hmm..was that a clue? Oh here's another clue...you only make 5 of the same block.Well, pic below also shows Clue #5 of the adorable flip-flop that I a-play-qued with Aurifil 50 weight #2134. I had a blast playing with the decorative stitches on my Brother sewing machine. Remember after you make your 5 blocks in this phase set them aside for the next phase and more clues. You're probably wondering by now of how many more blocks you have to sew...right? Well, here's a hint...there are 49...7" blocks in total. Sew you're getting closer:-) Thanks so much for following and talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Clue #5...

Phase 4 make 5 blocks..square up to 7 1/2" for a finished 7" Block (note themedium fabric is upper left corner and light/medium is lower right corner.) and direction of the 4 patch. 

(only make 5 of this block) set aside when finished :-)

Set blocks aside once finished.

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Mystery Scrap-a-long... Phase 3

 Hey quilters...hope all is well and the weather is being kind. This is that crazy time of year of layering your clothes. It was even "cool-ish" this morning in Florida. Well..for me anyway :-) I'm exciting to share with y'all another one of my loves. I've featured my love for Accuquilt...Aurifil thread and now the Electric Quilt Company "EQ8". I've been designing in the quilt software for many years. Not only is it fun and has unlimited design options but it's super easy to learn. I've baby stepped my way from the Wizard to EQ6...EQ7 & now EQ8. They offer on line classes to learn their software or follow along with the tutorials within the software. When I was designing homes i always had an assistant. So I guess you can say now EQ8 is my assistant because it always walks me through the process. Plus you can call them for assistance. Love that customer service! When I was designing this "Mystery" scrap-a-long the designs we're perfect in my head...it was just learning how to create it in EQ8. I loved the flip flop block that is featured in Season Summer under Contemporary Applique of EQ8. But my quilters brain wanted to have fun with the design. So, "Clue #4" shows how I did a little "flip-flopping" in EQ8 :-) It's amazing how fun & easy it is to design and create in EQ8. Today's Phase feautres the same block technique as in previous phase but you'll be using your "medium" fabric hues. You'll create 4 blocks that are the same using the same fast patch technique. Clue #4 features Lumin Fabrics and I used Aurifil 50 weight # 2235 around the flip flop and pieced with Aurifil #2026.This is a short fun phase so check back soon for the next. I thank y'all so much for following along with me on my first Mystery Scrap-a-long. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Phase 3...

Phase 3 Block... (make 4...set aside)

Clue #4...

Block in EQ8 Season Summer...Contemporary Applique...

 

Celebrate Earth Day w/ 100% Re-Gift-able Bags!

 Hey quilters...happy weekend to everyone! I wanted to share a quick fun project with y'all. Next week is we celebrate Earth Day and one way that I like to do is make my own gift bags. This all started a few years ago when my sweet Grandson Davin was cleaning up after all of the unwrapping of Christmas presents. He is a huge believer in recycling. He looked at me and said "Gege this is crazy...you could make gift bags." Hmm...it really made me think....I have scraps...I love to make bags so it's a win. Plus you are really gifting a bag that is super special because you made it. Well, due to my grandson my bag making era began! I design bags for all seasons and they are all 100% Re-gift-able! It's really a gift that keeps on giving. Nobody would want to throw away a bag you made and it also gives them the opportunity to re-gift. I also took his concept to another level a few months ago. I wanted to make something special for a quilter friend that invited me on her "blog hop" feauturing her new collection of Berry Crush for Lumin Fabrics. I'm not a fancy quilter but I'm always willing to try some fun quilting methods. A gift bag was perfect due to the small scale. Plus it gives me the opportunity to use my favorite thread. You can see in pick below that I used Aurifil 50 weight #2582 & my mini peel template from Missouri Star Quilt company to trace and make a graph design before quilting. I stitched around the design several times to really enhance the spiral affect. The back of the bag is basically sewing scrap pieces of Berry Crush at random until I achieved the desired size I wanted. Then did basic accent quilting on my Brother sewing machine using the 1/4" foot attachment. You can use this concept to practice a block that you've been wanting to try and make the bag size to your personal needs. You can view any of my previous posts on bag making for tips. They are super easy...a great way to get creative and recycle! Hope you enjoy and talk soon.

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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100% Re-gift-able Bags!...

Cats Mystery Scrap-a-long...Clue #3 Featuring Aurifil thread!

 Hey quilters...happy Friday! Hope you've had a great week and plans for a fun sewing weekend. I'm excited to share my love of Aurifil thread with y'all. I feature Aurifil thread in my designs but y'all might now know how versatile Aurifil 50# is for all your sewing/crafting/quilting projects. I always piece/quilt with Aurifil thread but wanted to highlight how versatile Aurifil thread is in "clue #3."  My mystery quilt feautres a fun time in my life with my family recently which will be revealed towards the end and the design incorporates a few of my loves as well. I'm using Accuquilt GO! Summer Medley Die along with my inherited neutral scraps and Lumin Fabric scraps. I'm "a-play-queing" around the flip flops using different hues of Aurifil 50 weight thread. I'm having a blast choosing different decorative stitches on my Brother sewing machine and showing off the Aurifil threads. In this clue I was able to also share one of my hand stitching loves. "Yoy's"....I used buttons at the straps in previous clues but wanted a flower to enhance the fun Lumin fabric scraps. So, I thought what better way than to make a sweet yoyo then I can control the size of the flower per flip flop scale. I used a 2" circle template & squares from the coordinating Lumin Fabrics charm pack to make the yoyo and my Aurifil 50 weight #2588 complimented the fabric hues perfectly. I will be sharing tips on this phase later :-) I love how you can get creative with this scrap-a-long...try new things and really personalize the design to your own loves. I thank y'all so much for following and hope you're having as much fun as I am. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Mystery Scrap-a-long...clue #3...

Tip...you're probably wanting to make a few flip flops but please don't sew on any buttoms or embellishments until the end due to block placement and quilting :-) Remember these are "clues" and it's a "mystery" :-) 

Cats "Mystery Scrap-a-long"...Phase 2

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week and ready to have some sewing fun! I will admit that I'm having a blast featuring this "Mystery Scrap-a-long." Although my O.C.D "only Cat does" is killing me. I love to know what I'm getting into...seeing the whole design of a project to keep me focused. Well....that's the fun part of a mystery...right? :-) I shared my products that I'm featuring in Phase 1 so if you're just joining in see previous post. No worries...Phase 1 was organizing your fabric scraps so you can catch up real quick. What I love about a scrap-a-long is you can change it to your needs and your fabric stash. Sometimes fabrics inspire you in a different direction than originally planned. You'll be using a lot of neutral scraps...ranging from light to dark that looks like wet sand...what...was that a hint? :-) In the pic below you will notice two blocks that look similiar but once you read the directions you'll notice the fabric hue changes. The design consists of one block....a basic 4 patch with two smaller 4 patch accent squares. If you're a beginner you can definately omit the 4 patch accent squares and make a 4 x 4 fabric square. The design consists of 49...7" blocks that come together quickly using the fast strip method so it's  a great design to advanced your sewing and quilting levels. Once you've completed all your blocks and I feature the design you can easily enlarge your quilt just by adding more borders or a chunky border that I like too say. Enless ways to make it your own. I'll be sharing "Hints...Tips...Clues" along the way that I have found to be very useful. I used Aurifil 50# thread to piece my blocks together and later you'll a-play-que decorative stitches using Aurifil thread on flip flops....another hint ;-) I thank y'all so much for following. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Mystery Scrap-a-long...Phase 2...

Here's all you do...

Tip...directions are the same for each finished 7" block but you'll be changing the 4" square neutrals...staggering your fabrics from dark to light. All blocks are pieced together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Your blocks will be 7 1/2 for a finished 7" block once sewn together.

Make 3 Dark fabric 7" squares...

* Rotary cut six 4 x 4" squares from dark fabric. Set aside

Make blue/white 4 patch...

* Rotary cut one blue fabric strip & one white fabric strip 2.5 x 11

* Sew with right sides together. Press to dark fabric.

* Subcut your strips to 2 1/2 inches wide creating 4 cuts from each strip.

* Join two cuts together in opposite color hues with right sides together....matching seams at center.creating the 4 patch square.

* Repeat same method twice for each 7" block.

* Press & square up to 4" square.

* Per block lay 2 dark fabric squares in opposite direction along with 2 blue/white 4 patch squares per pic below.

* Sew with right sides together....top two squares...set aside...then bottom two squares...then join the top/bottom together matching seams at center.

* Press...square up to 7 1/2" block. 

* Repeat steps to make 3 dark print blocks. Set blocks aside :-)

Make 3 dark/med dark fabric 7" blocks...

* Rotary cut from dark fabric three 4" squares

* Roarty cut from medium dark fabric three 4" squares.

* Using same method as above make 2 blue/white 4 patch squares.

Note...fabric color layout

* Per each block...

* Place dark fabric square at upper left corner & medium fabric square at lower right corner.

* Join squares together in same method as above creating 3 dark/medium fabric blocks.

* Press and square up to 7 1/2" ea.

* Set blocks aside.

Clue #2 ...

I a-play-qued with Aurifil #2588 & 2520 using decorative stitches around the strap using my Brother machine. This is a great time to practice using decorative stitches on your machine once you make the flip flops. :-)

Check back soon for Phase 3,

Cat

 

Cats "Mystery Scrap-a-long" Phase 1 begins!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all had a great weekend. If you're like me the first day of the week can be a bit daunting...especially if you're a planner like me. I tend to set 'goals" to keep me focused and "sticky notes" through out the house to keep me on track :-) So, I thought..."what better day to start my Mystery Scrap-a-long! Makes a Monday fun :-) I've always wanted to host a Mystery Scrap-a-long but it's all about timing. Seems the month of April geers us thinking of summer projects and quilts. Also the weather is still changing and now rainy season s I like to have a "go to project" to keep my mind happy. Sewing...quilting and designing brings me joy so I hope you join me on this mystery. I'll be sharing Hints...Tips & Clues along the way with beginner to advanced techniques. A few years ago my late mom-in-law had a stash of neutral fabrics and asked me to do something with them Well, I finally am. I pulled 4 shades of neutrals from light to dark then set the lightest fabrics aside for scrap piecing (that was a hint) :-) You'll be amazed of how one light fabric layed near another really makes the color hues vary for the sand (another hint). Then I knew my Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics) stash would be perfect for this quilt.I pulled aside the blue print yardage for the water background along with some fun bright scraps to use on my "Accuquilt GO! Summer Medley Die (another hint). Gosh...am I giving too many hints? :-) Well...I do want you to get a visual to help but still need to keep the Mystery going. I designed the quilt in EQ8 and will feature the design towards the end. You'll be a-play-queing and learning fun techniques using Aurifil thread too (another hint) The pic below is full of "clues" of the items/products that I'll be using. So grab your scraps and supplies and check back for Phase 2 of this fun "Mystery Scrap-a-long!" Thanks so much for following & talk soon.

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Let the Mystery begin...

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Free Shipping w/ Missouri Star Quilt Company!"

 Hey quilters..hope y;all are having a great week. I've been multi-tasking....still spring cleaning in my sewing room and finally making progress. I realized lately that it's "o.k." to let fabric go. Trust me with my O.C.D...I am not a horder BUT I did inherit tons of fabric from my late mom-in-law. Although we did donate items per her wishes she did give me fabrics that she wanted me to use. I will be hosting a fun mystery scrap-a-long soon incorporating those fabrics. I've always wanted to host a mystery scrap-a-long but I'm the kind of person that likes to know what I'm getting in too. :-) Sooo...I decided that it will be a "Mystery Scrap-a-long" with tons of hints a long the way! In the mean time I'm sewing my squares together of the "ABC Scrap-a-long"....spring cleaning in sewing room & designing more fun Children's Learning Quilts for the Holidays. My "quilters brain" is on a mission but I still need to tell myself to stay focused :-) Ha! Anyway....I hope y'all follow the daily deals at Missouri Star Quilt company...Today's daily deal is so awesome that I had to share. Free Shipping on standard U.S. orders and if you're an International Shopper they will discount you 5.99 at checkout. Plus Jelly rolls and Layer Cakes are buy 1 get one 1/2 off. I love a sale like this! They post the daily deals on the website early and have wonderful items and check out their tutorial section too. Sew much inspiration. I hope you're having furn witht he ABC Scrap-a-long and if you're a head of me just refelct back to the original design post for your block layout. This design is super easy just sewing blocks together using the traditional sewing/piecing methods. and the finish design creates the outer border too. Plus it can be easily enlarged just by adding an aditional border to your desired size. Well...I thank y'all so much for following and looking forward to a fun April month 2gether. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Love this Daily Deal...

Cats Tip of the Day..."Cuteness x 5 or 10"

 Hey quilters....hope y'all are having a great weekend. I did a little playing on my new Accuquilt Summer Medley GO! die and couldn't wait to share with you. I have leftover 5" precuts and always wondered what to do with them besides piecing into a patch design. Well....I measured those super cute flip flops on the die and came up with a great stash buster. I'm sharing this tip with y'all now due to the die is on sale this month at Accuquilt. Plus...it's a "sneak peek" of a summer scrap-a-long :-) So here's a hint....each 5" square will make a set of flip flops...then for the strap you can actually get 2 sets if you subcut the 5" square into 4 squares. I used HeatnBond lite double sided fusible following manufacturer's directions. Then y'all know my "quilters brain"...I thought subcut your 10" precuts into four 5" squares and really have fun! I'll be sharing a design soon but wanted y'all to catch the sale at Accuquilt in the meantime. Thanks so much for following and check back soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cuteness on the Accuquilt GO!...

Cats Spring Cleaning Tip..."Accuquilt Inspiration"

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week. I'm "organizing" my sewing and quilting room in between sewing my blocks for the "ABC Scrap-a-long." My "quilt brain" is constantly multi-tasking." Anyone else? :-) My brain constantly sees inspiration. It doesn't matter where I am. I see patterns & colors for my next sewing project. This came in handy designing homes and especially now with quilt designing. Plus I'm a bit O.C.D as I like to say "Only Cat Does." But my dear dad always said "organization is the key to success." I live by those words to this day. I love to be organized. I have neighbors that stop by for an item and it's so nice to find it right away. Trust me...there have been times when I say "come back later and I'll have it for you" :-) Well...if you're like me...I need inspiration too and spring cleaning started in my sewing/quilting room. Y'all know by now how much I love Accuquilt dies. I recently purchased some during the March madneess sale that I'll be incorporating into my Children's Learning quilts. Well, as you can see in pic below they are displayed on an antique chest for inspiration. I use my old iron collection to help prop the dies together as book ends. My dies are out for inspiration...organized and ready to "Go!" My sewing room is not large....it's my spare bedroom. But you don't need a large space...it's all about organizing your space to your personal needs. I'll be sharing more inspirational organizing tips and progress on my ABC Scrap-a-long soon. I thank y'all so much for following and hope these tips inspire your spring cleaning. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Accuquilt Spring Cleaning/Inspiration....

Cats Coastal Coasters...On the GO!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all had a great sewing weekend. I made some fun & fast Coastal coasters for gifts using my Accuquilt Go! die cutting machine. I love how perfect every items it cut and it's a great time saver too. I recently purchased the Nautical Medley GO! die and couldn't wait to use it! The die inspired me to make some fast Coastal coasters for our sweet friends. I personalized each set using the Go! Classic Alphabet 2" die to add that personal touch. I used my scraps from Lumin Fabrics and personalized to their decor. The coasters are 5" each which is great for a mug/mat size and Insul-Bright was used for hot/cold items. You have the advanced option of a-play-queing around the items or use a permanent washable fabric glue. The fast border/binding technique makes this project super easy & another great way to use scraps. My friends are leaving soon so I needed a great fast "thank you" gift. I love how Accuquilt dies inspires creativity and makes sewing/crafting fun! Thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more fun projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Coastal Coasters...

Here's all you need...

* Accuquilt Go! Nautical Medley die & GO! Classic 2" Alphabet die

* Lumin scraps

* Faux leather fabric

* Aurifil 50# 2235

* Heatnbond Lite

* Insul-Bright

* Basic sewing tools

* Brother sewing machine :-)

Here's all you do...

(per each coaster)

Prepare your fabric per manufacturer's directions on the Accuquilt GO! die

* Rotary cut 2 scraps of blue background fabric 4 3/4 x 4 3/4

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 5 of border fabric and sew with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance to Top/bottom of front square.

* Press & square up.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 7 in same method to left/right side of square.

* Press & square up.

Note...this is a great time to a-play-que around decorative items if desired. Play with your decorative stitches on your machine. :-)

Border/Binding...

* Starting at top...fold back border to back leaving a 1/4 binding on front.

* Fold in half again on back to secure hem.

* Pin or clip to secure & top stith on front.

* I did the stitch in the ditch method with Aurifil thread.

* Repeat same method w/ bottom border...then left/right sides.

* Secure your decorative items on front of coaster if you haven't already done.

Tip...I used washable permanent fabric glue due to my time frame. This is a great fast project to really have fun and get creative. 

Talk soon,

Cat

"ABC Scrap-a-long"...Project Progress & Spring Cleaning Tip!

 Hey quilters...hope y'all have great plans that include a weekend full of sewing and quilting. I've been trying to "multi task" lately....sewing and spring cleaning.I decided to start in my sewing room then possibly the rest of the house by fall. :-) I'm a pretty organized person but this is the time when I  like to donate items that have not been used in a while to other fellow quilters. I"m thrilled that my daughter is sewing and quilting again so I'm having fun making her a "pile" as well. Sometimes you don't realize of how many items you need when you first get the "quilting bug." I have learned through out the years that certain items now are not needed for me anyway. I've even gone through my "ruler stash." Shocker! :-) I hope this spring cleaning idea inspires you to help a fellow quilter with items that you may not be using. I'll be sharing organizational tips soon with y'all that I have found to be helpful. Well....I am having a blast sewing with "Berry Crush" by Lumin Fabrics for the ABC Scrap-a-long. I am doing a very scrappy version of the design but the design is very versatile to create your own version. I posted below the pics of my progress and will admit that using the Accuquilt GO! die cutter for the letters saved me tons of time.I used to trace and cut my letters for my crafts and quilt design which is very time consuming. Now using the 2" Alphabet die makes my life sew much easier. Plus it's on sale! :-) I have recently purchased some fun dies that are on currently on sale for future scrap-a-longs. If you are a head of me with piecing your blocks together just remember to secure the letters by a-play-que or a straight stitch. The fusible web is great but securing the letters with a stitch is highly advised. I also do this before sewing the blocks together. Much easier :-) I'm taking my time but don't let me slow you down. You an always revert back to the original design posted and sew at your own speed. Just remember to always use a 1/4" seam allowance and press seams in opposite directions as you go along. This helps sew much when joining rows 2gether. I thank y'all sew much for following and have a great stitchin' weekend. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

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ABC Scrap-a-long progress...

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Chain Piecing for ABC Scrap-a-long"

 Hey quilters...it's finally Friday! I hope y'all have great weekend sewing plans. I wanted to share a fast method that I have been doing while piecing my blocks together for the ABC Scrap-a-long. Y'all might have already discovered this technique depending on how far a long you are picing the blocks. My design consists of a one block design which makes the quilt a fun & fast design. But I am always trying to make steps easier to share with y'all. I love to chain piece squares together when possible. This method is wonderful...saves time & helpful piecing the advanced step of the corner squares. The corner squares are first stripped pieced together using coordinating fabric then subcut into strips (shown in previous post). I then gather my strips and place in opposite color hues aligning seams to form the 4 patch design. I sew the strips together using the chain piecing method...press...then square up using my rotating mat. I find this method to be so helpful and I hope you give it a try if not already using this method. I hope you're having fun picing your blocks together with your ABC Scrap-a-long. I'm doing a very scrappy design...trying to use as much of this beautiful fabric of Berry Crush by Lumin fabrics. I'll be sharing pics soon of my preogress. Thanks so much for following and talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Chain Piecing method...

Here's all you do...

* Place your squares alingned with your 1/4" foot and sew till end of square.

* Slightly raise your presser foot and place your next set of squares making sure you still are using the 1/4" seam and have a slight gap between each set. Continue until all set are sewn.

* Cut the threads that are attaching the squares.(thechain) ;-)

* Press seam flat in opposite directions.

* Square up using the rotating mat per dierections on previous post. 

ABC Scrap-a-long!...Phase 2

 Hey quilters....happy Tuesday! I'm having a blast sewing together the blocks for this scrap-a-long. I love the prints and hues in the Berry Crush collection. I had to laugh yesterday....I created another scrap stash of this fabric as I was trimming my squares. But will admit they might even be too tiny for me :-) I'm always impressed when I see how creative everyone is using scraps. No scrap left behind as they say! Well, todays you'll be piecing together the block. As I mentioned in Phase 1 the design is created using just one simple block. The block creates a "srcondary block" when you incorporated the advanced 4 patch corners. If you decide to do the beginner stage to this design you just omit the 4 patch method and rotary cut a 2 1/2" square from an accent fabric to complete the block. Either way it will be stunning. I will be hosting another Children's Learning Quilt using that same method soon and will admit it's a great project for a fast gift. The design can be easily enlarged by adding more borders if desired or even a wider border than my design. I am showing the fast strip method for the 4 corner patch which is a great time-saver. Once you start rotary cutting and sewing your blocks you'll see how fast and fun the design comes together. Remember...there's no "quilting police" on my blog so get creative and have fun creating a "Children's Learning Quilt" that can be passed down for generations. Thanks so much for following. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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ABC Scrap-a-long"...Phase 2

Note...A design wall or board is helpful as you select your fabrics per each square. I'm loving how the color ways compliment each other in the fabrics to create a fun and creative scrappy design. 

Here's all you need...

* Scraps from Berry Crush collection 

* Aurifil thread #2520

* Rotary cutter

* Omnigrid spinning mat :-)

* Oliso iron

* Design wall/board

* Brother sewing machine

(All above items are what I use and love.)

Here's all you do...

* Instructions are for a finished 7 " Block....all methods are using a 1/4" seam allowance.I use a rotary cutter & press my scraps a long the way.

* For center....rotary cut scrap fabric 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 

* For sides....Rotary cut 4 rectangle strips 2 1/2 x 3 1/2

Tip...place on design board to see how your scraps are complimenting each other :-)

4 Patch corner squares....

Note...this is how I make my fast strip piccing...they will be oversized then you square up after.

* Rotary cut 2 strips from scraps..2" x desired length (for me a length of 8 to 10" works well)

* Sew strips with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press towards darker fabric

.

* Subcut strip into 2" segmants.

* Align 2 strips in opposite color ways to form the 4 patch. 

* Place with right sides together...matching seams at center...sew together using a 1/4 " seam allowance.

* Press seams flat.

* Trim to a 2 1/2" square.

* Repeat for all four (4 patch corners)

Tip....I use my Omnigrid Rotating mat to square up....I align my seams with in the mat as I rotate the mat and rotary cut adjust ruler only and keeping the block squared as I trim up all sides. 

Tip...start at center and measure 1 1/4" out from center on all sides as you rotate you will have a 2 1/2" square :-)

Beginner method....select desired scrap pieces for corners and rotary cut 4 squares to 2 1/2" each.

* Per design place pieces in rows making sure you have the 4 patch corner squares colors in correct direction. I use a design board to keep my rows correct...then carry it to my sewing table :-)

* Sew row 1 squares with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance...press seams in opposite directions.

* Repeat with rows two and three.

* Join rows together matching seams...pin or clip if needed...press.

* Square up block to 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 

* Peel of backing of letter and position with in the center square and fuse following manufactures directions. 

* Repeat same method for all blocks noting the layout of the alphabet letters per design. You will have 4 blocks on first row that does not have a center letter. Choose your fabrics as you go for a fun scrappy design or get creative and put your own spin on design. Just remember to have fun!

Tip...Position your blocks on a design wall as you finish to keep the orientation of rows per design if desired. If you don't have a design wall you could pin to the batting you will be using to quilt then you could fold it up as you go. You have 30 blocks to make so this tip might come in handy :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

ABC Scrap-a-long....Phase 1

 Hey quilters...hope y'all had a great weekend and ready to dive into this fun scrap-a-long. I recently was thrilled to participate in Jennifer Thomas...Berry Crush Blog Hop and I had a few scraps left over from my design. The fabric collection is stunning and it inspired me to design my next Children's Learning Quilt. The Berry Crush collection is Jennifers new signature collection designed by Jerry Khiev for Lumin Fabrics. My design comes together quickly. You will create one block and the block design creates a secondary block and the accent border. All using the same cutting and piecing technique for the whole quilt. You can easily enlarge the design....change the fabric per your decor and even omit the letters for an adult version. Hey speaking of letters...I'm in love with Accuquilt GO! Classic 2" Alphabet Uppercase Set Die. Perfect cut letters and what a time saver! You can view more info on Accuquilts website. You'll be glad you did :-) I also was recently asked about where to purchase the Berry Crush collection. I ordered some extra yardage for my backing and piecing of the quilt from Shabby Fabrics. I did check on line this morning and the collection is still available. I'm getting low on my Berry Crush scraps but excited to use them all. The fast strip piecing within the design allows you to use those scraps in a fun way. I always lightly press my scraps before rotary cutting and wash/test my fabrics before piecing. You can view my tip on a previous post for how I wash Batiks. Well I'm excited to share the "ABC Scrap-a-long" with y'all. I love to design and quilt fo loved ones. I'm designing many Children's Learning Quilts to pass down for generations with beginner to advanced techniques a long the way. I thank y'all for following and keep checking in as I post the scrap-a-long in phases. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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ABC Scrap-a-long...

Note...the design is 50 x 57...Blocks are 7" finished using a 1/4" seam allowance. I pressed seams to the darker side of fabrics and pressed seams in opposite directions when sewing rows together. This makes "nesting" your seams together easier when sewing. No stress in my quilting room :-)

Advanced version...the corner accent blocks are created using the fast strip method. 

Beginner version....omit the 4 patch accent corners and cut a 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 square for each corner from accent fabric. 

Tip...due to the design being "scrappy"...I selected my scrap fabrics per each square as I went. This allowed me to have a creative design plus using up as many scraps from this stunning collection. The design above is created in EQ8 featuring a more "controlled scrappy" :-) 

But you have fun and create a design for your loved one to cherish for many genterations!

* Per each block you will sew using the same method...the block will be 7 1/2 x 7 1/2 square until you join blocks together for a finished 7" block. All using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Please refer back to original design for square placement if desired.

Here's all you need for Creating the Letters...

* Accuquilt GO! Classic 2" Alphabet Uppercase Set Die or your preferred method.

* Select scrap fabric of your choice for accent letters. I chose the darker fabric due to using light for my center squares. Do all one color or get creative and change up the fabric hues. 

* HeatnBond Lite or your perferred method.

* 2" alphabet stencil if not using the Accuquilt GO! die cutter

Here's all you do...

* Rotery cut/press your desired scrap piece of fabric for letters.

* Rotary cut your Heatnbond Lite to the same size.

* Following manufacturer's directions of your fusible web....adhere to the wrong side of fabric. 

Tip...I use a pressing cloth to protect my iron from any glue residue.

* Per Accuquilts manufacturer's directions...place fabric within the die cutting mat and follow the drections per your Accuquilt machine. I have the  Accuquilt GO! and I love it!

Perfect letters every time!

* If cutting letters by hand follow the same directions for preparing fabric and HeatnBond lite.

* Trace your letters on paper side of fabric and cut carefully cut letters out. 

* Note...some letters may need to be reversed.

* Set letters aside until you finish piecing each block in Phase 2.

Tip...I don't place the letters within each block until after I have squared each block if needed. It helps me to remember to double check each block for accuracy. I know...it's an O.C.D. thing (only Cat does) but it sure helps :-)

Check back soon for Phase 2.

Cat

Cats Tips of the Day!...LOVE Accuquilt GO! Alphabet Die

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week. I wanted to share of how much I love my new Accuquilt Go! Classic Alphabet Uppercase Set Die. I've been hand cutting letters for many years and I finally decided to make my life a lot easier. I love how fast and accurate the die makes perfect letters. As you know I'm designing Children's Learning Quilts to pass down for generations. Well...a lot of my designs use letters and now I'm able to achieve perfect letters and saving time. The letters below are from the Jennifer Schivano new collection "Berry Crush" designed by Jerry Khiev for Lumin Fabrics. I'll be featuring this fabric collection in my "ABC Scrap-a-long" design that starts this weekend. The design will have beginner to advanced techniques a long the way. I'm so pleased with how the design came about. I was designing in EQ8 (electric quilt software) and my block created a "secondary block" design. Oh my gosh...if you're like me and you can create a fun..fast & fab design without the fuss,..it's a win! Well...it gets better...the same block and techniques is used through out the quilt and it creates a fun accent border as well. I'll will be using scraps of the Berry Crush collection and showing how easy the design is made. You can also use the same design and omit the letters for an adult version if desired. My design features the advanced 4 patch technique on the accent corners which creates the secondary block but I will show a beginner version as well. I hope you check out the Accuquilt Letter dies on their website. They always feature great sales to make your sewing/crafting/quilting sew much fun! Thanks so much for following and talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Accuquilt GO! Alphabet die featuring Berry Crush collection...

Celebrate National Embroidery Month w/ a "Red...White and Bloom Embroidery Kit....Give-a-way!"

 Hey quilters...it's National Embroidery Month! We're celebrating National Embroidery Month and Americas 250th Anniversaty w/ a fun give-a-way. Missouri Star Quilt Company kindly gifted me two of the "Red, White and Bloom" embroidery kit...one to keep and one to give-a-way. The kit comes with everything you need to embroider a beautiful wall hanging or follow MSQC to see Misty Doan turtorial of a quilt wall hanging. The embroidery kit is sew fun & versatile to let your creativity shine. All you need to do is Follow me on Instagram (link upper right on home page) and my post shares the info to enter. But hurry...deadline to enter is Feb. 14th at midnight (EST time) and I'll announce the lucky winner on Instagram Feb. 15th. I'm having a blast with mine and you can see the pics below of how to see the beautiful design. I thank y'all for following and check back soon for another "ABC Scrap-a-long." 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Red, White and Bloom embroidery kit...

Good luck!!!

Talk soon, 

Cat

Cats Tip of the day!..."Washing Batik Fabric"

 Hey quilters...hope the weather is being kind to y'all. I found out recently what a wimp I am. This so called "virus" that is going around is a doozy. The weather doesn't help much so keep safe. Recently I was asked about the care/washing of Batik fabrics and the reason why they said they don't use Batiks. First...my heart sunk due to I love Batiks. I love to mix Batiks with a solid or print cotton to add variation to the design. They were afraid of "fabric bleed." Yes...Batiks are "hand dyed" which makes them so unique. The design is printed on both sides of the fabric so you can't go wrong when piecing. Another plus :-) Most of the time when sewing with great quality fabrics you don't have an issue.  But with any fabric I always say..."do a test first." The few minutes of extra care is time well spent. I always "pink the cut edges" of my fabric before washing. The pics below show my Berry Crush fabrics pinked on edges before washing and a test of not pinking edges showing little ravel. I will throw in a test square of 100% white cotton fabric for any fabric bleed. White cotton will absorb color quick. It's kinda like when you accidently have a white sock in your load of colors. Yes...I've done that too :-) Then I will add about a 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of vinegar to my mild detergent. The vinegar varies depending on how much fabric I am washing. I actually was told about the "vinegar" years ago by a fellow quilter. Somehow the vinegar helps set the colors. I'm not a scientist so I can't explain it but I will say so far it has worked for me. I then hang dry my fabric after washing. Again...this might be a bit extreme but for me it has worked and I feel comfortable combining Batiks and cottons especially when I am "gifting" an item. I also follow the same steps when washing a finsihed quilt. So,  if you're a bit timid to try Batiks I hope todays tip inspires you to try Batik fabrics. I've been a lover and user of Batiks and my Children's Learning quilts for this year was designed using Island Batiks/Lumin Fabrics. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon. We have a fun year of projects ahead. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Berry Crush Batiks by Lumin Fabrics/Island Batiks before/after washing...

Pic below of "pinking cut edges" before washing....

Pic of Lumin Fabrics Berry Crush washed w/ a white cotton scrap....pretty pleased :-)

Pic of pinked edges and a one not pinked after washing...not bad at all :-)