BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long....Clue #5

 Hey quilters...happy Saturday! Hope you're weekend includes sewing. I hope y'all enjoyed the "Songbird Blog Hop" featuring Jennifer Thomas new collection "Songbird" designed for her by Jerry Khiev for Lumin Fabrics. I fell in love with this collection and I'll be sharing soon a fun and easy project using my sweet scraps. You know me...no scrap left behind :-) Well today I'm sharing the final rows of "BOO-ville!" This design is sew versatile and can be easily enlarge just by adjusting your borders to your desired width. I used the "Purple Branches Batiks" from the Boo Bash collection by Lumin Fabrics for my border and backing. I ordered 2.5 yards and now I wished that I ordered more. I realized after I pieced my borders that I needed a tad but more for the backing so now I'll be doing s fun scrap-strip-piecing on the back. But that's o.k. and why they say..."always buy more than what you need." Or in my case..."what I thought I needed." :-) It happens. One thing I've learned on my quilting life's journey is that you learn to adapt and sew on! Well by now you've probably came up with your own spin on this Mystery design and maybe even your own time saving tips. I've previously shared some tips that I found to help especially when fusing letters. I had fun designing this spook-a-long that it inspired my next Mystery Christmas Quilt-a-long that I'll be sharing soon. As always, I'm sew thankful that you are a part of my sewing and quilting journey. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville....Clue #5...

Beginner....

Note...prepare letters using same method as previous steps & sewing.

* Row 8...position the word "CREEPY" to left side of top within your squares.

  ... Position the word "HAUNTED" to far right side of quilt within your squares.

* Row 9...position the word "SPIDERS" to left side of top under the word "CREEPY"

... Position the word "HOUSES!" far right of top under the word "HAUNTED"

Row 10....10 scrappy squares.

After you have fused and a-play-qued your letters...press and sew your rows together using a 1/4" seam allowance sewing right sides together...I did clip my rows together one at a time to secure while sewing. 

Press and square up if needed and be thinking what size border you would like. For me it usually depends on how much fabric I have at this stage. I love to do a scrappy pieced border but this time I'll be sharing next week of my advanced border that I had a blast designing. I feel that borders compliment the over all of the design. 

Well, you're almost done!

Advanced....

Note...prepare letters using same method as in previous steps and sewing.

* Row 15...10 scrappy rectangles

* Row 16...1 scrappy corner square. 1 scrappy rectangle...3 orange rectangles with word "CREEPY"...1 scrappy rectangle...3 orange rectangles with word "HAUNTED"..1 scrappy rectangle...1 scrappy corner square.

Row 17...10 scrappy rectangles

Row 18...Same as row 16 but words "SPIDERS" under "CREEPY" and "HOUSES" under "HAUNTED"

Row 19...10 scrappy rectangles

Row 20...1 scrappy square...9 scrappy rectangles...1 scrappy square

Once you are happy with your design then sew rows with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press and square up if needed. 

You're getting closer to the finish! Now be thinking of what size border you wish to add. This is when you can easily enlarge the overall size of the quilt and get creative. This is also a great time to use any scraps too. I'll be sharing my advanced border next week too.

Talk soon,

Cat

Songbird Blog Hop..."Day 9" Me! "Heart 2 Read"

 Hey quilters.... well it's my day of the Songbird Blog Hop and I'm excited to share with you my design "Heart 2 Read." First, I want to mention how honored to be part of this inspirational blog hop featuring the "Songbird" fabric collection designed for Jennifer Thomas by Jerry Khiev of Luman Fabrics. All of the previous designs have been absolutely amazing, and we have one more day to go. I just love how fabric inspires creativity. The Songbird collection is full of adorable birds...flowers and foliage on hues of pinks, purple and blue. I will admit. The fabric is so beautiful that I hardly could cut into it. I'm sure we've all been there. I knew from the moment the fabric arrived what I wanted to design with the collection. Showcasing all the collection in a large heart using fat quarters of each print so I decided on large strips for a fun and scrappy design. I fell in love with this beautiful collection that I designed a coordinating bag "Heart 2 Read" to hold reading books. The overall design was inspired by my sweet memories of reading with my daughter as a child. It didn't matter what time of day or location she wanted to read. Even at a very young age she would make up her own stories as she was turning the pages. Once she learned how to read it was non-stop. Those memories of reading with my daughter will be forever in my heart. The Child's throw finishes out to 36 x 39,5 but can be easily enlarged for an adult size throw just by adding borders. I used "flippy corners" on the quilt design and coordinating tote using Foundation Neutrals by Island Batik/Lumin fabrics in Sprinkles and back in Floral Batik. It's a simple design but I love how the stunning "Songbird" fabric collection shows. I hope you're enjoying this inspiring blog hop and you still have time to enter for a fat quarter bundle of Songbird over on  https://curlicuecreations.blogspot.com along with a pattern of your choice by Jennifer Thomas featuring Songbird fabrics. I thank y'all so much for following along on my sewing journey. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Heart 2 Read....

I used Aurifil 50# thread (2520) for the entire process of piecing/quilting and a-play-queing around the letters on the coordinating tote. The color hus compliment the Songbird fabric collection perfectly and it also was a subtle color on the coordinating neutral batiks. I did accent quilting within the individual rows then 1" rows accenting the over all design of the heart. Simple but fun!

I used the Accuquilt Classic 2" Alphabet and Numbers/Symbols fie for the wording coordinating tote.

Thank y'all for joining me today on the Songbird Blog Hop. 

Talk soon,

Cat

 

 

BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long...Clue #4

 Hey quilters...happy Monday to everyone. It's a fresh start to a new week and setting some needed goals for me anyway. Right now...don't laugh or judge but I have 5 projects going on in my sewing room. Yup! Plus, I've been up since 4 a.m. because tomorrow is my day of the Songbird Blog Hop. I am super excited to share my project with y'all but also want to show my gratitude to be part of this amazing team of designers that have already featured fabulous designs. Y'all know me by now...I love to design patterns in hope to inspire others to get the quilting bug. I share techniques from beginner to advance along with tips that might keep you from making the same mistakes as me. :-) My design brain does not stop...it never has but this is what brings me joy. This past week has been a blast seeing everyone's creativity and we're all using the same fabric collection. It's just amazing of how fabric inspires everyone in different ways. You will definitely know what I'm talking about once you see this stunning collection. You can still enter to win a fat quarter bundle of Songbird on curlicue creations blog https://curlicuecreations.blogspot.com. Today features Leah of "quilted delights" www.quilteddelights.com and I can't wait to see what she has created. Well, I hope everyone is have a great time with "BOO-ville" Mystery Spook-a-long and today I'm sharing Clue #4. This clue is also a tip of what I use to help touch up my letters if they don't adhere perfectly. I love the EPP Clear Glue Stick Pen. It's used a lot for paper piecing, but I use it for touch ups. It's perfect for all my designs using fusible letters. I purchased the glue pen from Missouri Star Quilt Company and so glad I did. I think these would make a great gift to a fellow crafter or better yet a stocking stuffer. It's that time of year to start thinking of Christmas gifts. Well...I thank y'all so much for following and please check back tomorrow for my special day of the Songbird Blog Hop. Oh did I mention...you're getting pretty close to finishing the main design of "BOO-ville!" Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long...Clue #4

Songbird Blog Hop Inspiration!

 Hey quilters.... hope your weekend is off to a great start. I'm having a blast following Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations blog hop featuring her new collection "Songbird" designed for her by Jerry Khiev of Lumin Fabrics. This blog hop is full of inspiration featuring talented designers all designing with this beautiful fabric collection. I've highlighted a few of the amazing designs below but pop on over to curlicue creations blog of all the previous designs & all the details. You will also see that Jennifer is giving away a "Fat quarter" bundle of this fabulous collection along with a pattern of your choice featuring her new designs w/ Songbird. I'm in love with the color hues and beautiful prints of Songbird and I'm so inspired by everyone's creativity. I'll be sharing my designs on Tuesday the 18th featuring the Songbird collection as well. What an exciting week so far & hope you're following along. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Songbird Blog Hop link...https://curclicuecreations.blogspot.com

BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long...Clue #3

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week & enjoying the "Songbird Blog Hop." I just love a blog hop seeing everyone's designs all using the same fabric collection. Today is day 3 so pop on over to curlicue creations blog to view all the details. All the quilt designers are listed to follow a long on their special day and don't forget that I'll be sharing my design on the 18th. Plus remember to enter for a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of "Songbird" plus a pattern of your choice of Curlicue Creations featuring this stunning collection.  What an exciting month already! We have the Songbird Blog Hop & my "BOO-ville" Mystery Spook-a-long. I'm having a blast with this fun collection "BOO BASH" by Lumin Fabrics. Today I'm sharing clue #3 with you and a ghostly reminder that you're getting closer to the end. :-) Here's a hint...my design is a "lap/throw" size but as stated previously you can easily enlarge just by adding more borders if desired. The design is very versatile for you to put your own creative spin on it. The instructions below are for the beginner and advanced stage so follow along as desired. The "Mystery Spook-a-long" allows you to sew at your own speed so don't stress. After all Halloween is several weeks away. Not fast enough for me! I thank y'all so much for following a long on this sewing journey with me. Talk soon

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville Mystery Spook-a-long Clue #3...

* Prepare fabric for strips for letters as desired. Using the Accuquilt die cut out the letters/symbols stated above following manufacturer's directions. Set aside.

Hint...I used the purple fabric for the words HOCUS    & GOBLINS! then Black fabric for POCUS! GHOST......:-)

Beginner...

* Row 6 & 7...on left side fuse the words HOCUS then POCUS! underneath then on the right-side fuse GHOSTS ...& GOBLINS underneath. 

* A-play-que as desired

Set aside.... you're getting closer :-)

Advanced...

Tip...I found it to be helpful to sew the orange squares together as stated for each word using a 1/4" seam allowance then fuse the letters within the strip. Remember to use a ruler to guide/position the letters/symbols a 1/4" from top/bottom of strip for your 1/4" seam allowance later when sewing rows 2gether. I then a-play-que around the letters before sewing the rest of the squares together as needed for each row.  This helps me so I don't have so much bulk when a-play-queing the letters. :-)

Note...all rectangles are rotary cut 2 1/2 x 5" except corner squares are 2 1/2 x 2 3/4.

* Row 11...3 orange rectangles w/ words (HOCUS) 3 scrappy rectangles, 3 orange rectangles w/ words (GHOSTS) sew using a 1/4 seam allowance...press/set aside.

* Row 12...1 scrappy corner...9 scrappy rectangles,1 scrappy square...sew in same method as above...press/set aside. 

* Row 13...3 orange rectangles w/ word (POCUS!) 3 scrappy rectangles, 4 orange rectangles w/ word ( & GOBLINS!) sew in same method...press/set aside.

* Row 14...1 scrappy square, 9 scrappy rectangles, 1 scrappy square...sew same method...press/set aside.

You're getting closer!

Talk soon,

Cat

Songbird Blog Hop...Day 2!

 Hey quilters...hope your week is off to a great start. I love a "Blog Hop"...seeing how fabric inspires different creativity among designers. I will admit this fabric collection "Songbird" designed for Jennifer Thomas of @curlicuecreations by Jerry Khiev of Lumin Fabrics is so inspiring. The beautiful bright color hues and the sweetest prints of birds...flowers & foliage will inspire your next quilting project. Today feautures Connie of Free Motion by the River that created a beautiful deisgn of placemats. I love how the fabric shines and her design is very creative and fun. View Connies blog for more information and view all her other amazing projects. This is a very inspiring blog hop and I hope you enjoy! Well...check back tomorrow for another clue of my "BOO-ville!" Mystery Spook-a-long. I thank y'all so much for following a long on my sewing journey. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Songbird Blog Hop day 2...

https://conniekresin.com Free Motion by the River

Songbird Blog Hop Starts today!

 Hey quilters...this is a quick reminder of the Songbird Blog Hop featuring Jennifer Thomas new collection "Songbird" designed for her by Jerry Khiev of Lumin Fabrics. This collection is stunning and Jennifer has created four stunning designs with this collection. Pop on over to her blog (link below) for all the exciting events plus make sure you enter for her give-a-way too! There is also a list of fellow quilt designer participating in the blog hop and I'm excited to say that I'm featured on the 18th. This will be an exciting blog hop and I can't wait to share with y'all this stunning collection. Thanks so much for following and check back soon for another clue of my "BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long." Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Songbird Blog Hop details at https://curlicuecreations.blogspot.com

Songbird Blog Hop starts tomorrow!

 Hey quilters...happy Sunday! I'm excited to share with y'all that tomorrow starts the "Songbird Blog Hop" featuring this stunning collection designed by Jerry Khiev of Lumin Fabrics/Island Batik for Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations. This will be 10 days packed of inspirations featuring Jennifers wonderful designs a long with fellow designers all featuring this new fabric collection. You can follow along on curlicue creations blog for all the exciting details and events. I'll be sharing information on my blog as well and sharing a link to everyone's sites. I'm also thrilled to say that I'm including in on the blog hop and my day is the 18th. I've had a blast creating and sewing with this collection. The color hues and patterns are so inspiring, and I can't wait to share everyone's creativity with y'all. Please follow curlicue creations so you don't miss a thing! In the meantime, I hope you're having fun sewing up the "BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long." What a fun month we're having and I thank y'all so much for following a long on my sewing journey. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Jennifer Thomas of Curlicue Creations...

https://curlicuecreations.blogspot.com

BOO-ville! Mystery Spook-a-long....Cats Tip of the day!

 Hey quilters...happy Friday! Hope y'all have great plans for a fun sewing weekend & other things of course. I always say when I'm hosting a scrap-a-long that I'm not that far ahead of you. Well today I've been a-play-queing around the "words." I love using a tiny stitch length which helps with the pivoting around the letters much easier. But that's not my tip for you. I wanted to share with you of how I like to align my strips to adhere the letters in a straight line. After pressing my background fabric so the letters lie flat, I place my wool pressing mat on my cutting board, so the lines match up at center. I then place my background strip even within a line and place my ruler a 1/4 from the bottom of the strip. This helps me keep my letters straight when placing on background fabric plus it keeps my 1/4" seam straight for sewing too. I place my letters on background fabric then I go back and peel of paper backing and fuse following manufacturer's directions using my favorite Oliso iron. I use a pressing cloth to protect my iron from any glue seepage. I love my June Tailor T-shirt pressing cloth. I use it for my sewing/quilting projects and while ironing clothing too. I hope you're having as much fun as I am sewing with this super cute fabric. Check back soon for more clues. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville! Pressing letters...

BOO-villle! Mystery Spook-a-long....Clue #2

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great week and enjoying this fun spook-tacular scrap-a-long. Geez say that twice and after drinking coffee. Speaking of coffee... I tend to a-play-que my letters in the morning as I am drinking a cup of coffee. Not sure why...maybe I'm relaxed more and happy to start sewing? Who knows with my quilters brain :-) Well in this phase you will be making the words (BLACK CATS) ...(& BATS!) using the Accuquilt 2" Alphabet letters/Numbers & Symbols die cuts. The layout is below for the beginner and advanced stage. I do want to share a tip with y'all. I cut my strips for the letters as I go. I don't like to waste fabric, and I'll be sharing an advanced border later that you can incorporate the scraps of the black/eggplant & purple fabrics. Also, for the letters I like to cut the strips a tad but larger than the letters of symbols then I cut the HeatnBond Lite a tad bit smaller, so I don't have glue seepage. A pressing sheet is recommended at this stage as well. I know making the words can seem daunting but that's why I love the Accuquilt die cutters. Saves time and super easy! My other tip to share is that I sew the recommended pumpkin orange squares together...then fuse the letters per manufacturer's directions then I a-play-que around the letters before sewing all the squares needed for that row. Again, this is just some tips that I do to make my life a bit easier when working on a large-scale project. I will admit the rows come together quickly, and you will most likely find what works for you as well. My design is just to jump start your creativity. Remember to have fun and let your creativity flow! Talk soon.

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-vile! Clue #2...

Tip...all squares are sewing w/ right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance unless stated differently. 

Beginner...

* Prepare your Letters as desired ( I used Black fabric for the words BLACK CATS then Eggplant for the & BATS!) 

ROW 3...

* After you have sewn your squares together then position the words "BLACK CATS" off center from previous "WITCHWES' HATS"

ROW 4...

* Same sewing method a above but now position the words "& BATS!" a bit off center from "Black CATS"

* A-play-que around letters as desired. 

This will help with the use of the quilt to keep in good shape to pass down for generations of spooky fun :-)

* Pin rows or adhere back to design wall once finished (you'll sew rows together later on)

Advanced...

Tip...your end scrappy corners are rotary cut ( 2 3/4 x 2 1/2) to allow for 1/4 seam allowance. 

* Prepare letters as desired (see beginner stage for fabric choices)

Row 6...

* corner scrappy square...3 scrappy squares (2 1/2 x 5)...4 orange squares ( 2 1/2 x 5) with words (BLACK CATS) then one corner scrappy square.

Row 7...

* 10 scrappy squares 2 1/2 x 5 aligned with previous post (you will notice you are achieving the off-set design to make your sewing easier...no matching center seams :-) 

Row 8...

* corner scrappy square...4 scrappy squares 2 1/2 x 5...3 pumpkin squares 2 1/2 x5 with words ( & BATS!)...2 scrappy 2 1/2 x 5 squares...one corner scrappy square.

Row 9...

* 10 scrappy 2 1/2 x 5" squares

Row 10...

* corner scrappy square...9 scrappy squares 2 1/2 x 5" ...corner scrappy square.

Tip....after you have sewn your rows then pin or adhere back to design board. 

Note...you will sew rows together later.

Well, you're halfway there! Take your time...have fun and remember you can join in at any time. That's why I love a scrap-a-long :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

BOO-ville! Mystery Scrap-a-long...Clue #1

 Hey quilters...happy Monday! Hope y'all had a great weekend and weather. I'm excited to share with you clue #1 of the "BOO-ville!" mystery scrap-a-long. I know you're probably still cutting your squares and working on your layout, but this clue might help you decide on what stage you will make. I stated in previous posts that the collection "Boo Bash" by Jerry Khieve for Lumin Fabrics/Island Batik is so fun that you might just make a easy scrappy patch quilt. I totally get that! But I'm hoping this clue might challenge you to make the letters. I love Accuquilt dies. I use to cut my letters out by hand and investing in the dies has been a game changer for me. So easy and I'm saving time. You can incorporate the letters even if you're doing the basic patch design. You would just float the letters within the rows that I'll be stating along the way. Remember this is a "clue" to help with your "thought" process of your design layout. I highly recommend not sewing your rows together til you have your design as desired. One reason why I love this fabric collection. It's so versatile & fun to spark your creativity. I hope you're having fun and check back soon for more tips/hints and clues. Thanks so much for following a long on this sewing journey with me. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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BOO-ville! Clue #1...

Hint...

* Beginner design....the letters will be positioned within row 2 at top of squares :-)

* Advanced...the letters are fused to the pumpkin batik fabrics rotary cut 2.5 x 5" squares on row 3.

ex...row 3 will be 2 scrappy squares...5 pumpin squares then 3 scrappy squares to achieve the staggered design. 

Remember...this is a "clue" more details to come on sewing the squares...fusing letters the a-play-queing around the letters with coordinating Aurifil thread. 

Hmmm...was that another hint :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

BOO-ville!..."Mystery Scrap-a-long" Phase 1

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great Sunday. Well as promised we're kicking off another fun mystery scrap-a-long. I fell in love with the collection Boo Bash designed by Jerry Khiev for Lumin Fabrics/Island Batik. The prints and color hues inspired my design "BOO-ville!" The fabric is so fun that I had a hard time cutting it up. In this phase I'll be walking you through the first fun step due to it being a "mystery." :-) I will be giving hints and tips a long the way plus sharing how versatile the design can be for any stage of your sewing skills. The beginner stage would make a fun scrappy design just by piecing the squares together. But you know me...I added some fun that I'll be sharing using Accuquilt GO! 2" Letters and Numbers die sets. I love using the Accuquilt dies and cutting letters by hand is time consuming. The basic layout for beginners is 10 rows across and 10 rows down consisting of the 5" squares. The squares once sewing together using a 1/4" seam allowance will give you a finished 4 1/2" square. The advanced stage is sub cutting the 5" squares into 2...2 1/2 x 5" strips for a staggered design. Yes...this is more time consuming and I will admit it challenged me but loving how it's coming a long. I'll share a quick "tip" with you...once you lay out your cut squares and decide to do the advanced stage you still can. In fact, I'll be sharing hints soon that might inspire you to challenge yourself. Also, if you don't have a design wall then your batting is a great way to lay your squares on then pin once you achieve your design. I have a design wall but still use that method then I just fold it up...hang and pull out as needed. This also works for laying the batting on the floor too. I'm a visual person so this gives you the opportunity to change any blocks around once you see "Clue #1" :-) You have plenty of time due to not sewing blocks together until the final layout. Remember previous post listed the supplies to get you started. So, grab your precuts...let the fabric collection inspire your creativity and get ready for a spook-tacular mystery scrap-a-long. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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BOO-ville! Phase 1...

First...you'll be separating the 10" squares from your precut collection and setting one square aside of each print. Then you will cut one 10" square vertically in half then sub cut one half into two..5" squares. At this point set aside the extra 5 x 10" strips until you need them. I like to cut as I go :-)

Beginner...rotary cut 100... 5 x 5" squares...layout 10 squares across and 10 squares down. 

Once you have the squares layed out you may say "wow...this fabric is sew fun and I might just sew the rows together and have a fun spooky Halloween throw." I totally get it....this collection is so pretty but I would love for you to follow a long and see the advanced design. Remember that I'm not that far ahead of you so you can chime in anytime :-) 

Advanced...rotary cut roughly 200...2.5 x 5" strips...depending on the stage you choose after seeing clue # 1...so don't stress. You will be laying them in the same concept...but staggering the squares creating a "brick lay" design. Lay them out as desired (remember no sewing yet) You will notice that it may look like you are short on every other row, but you will use your scraps later to make squares to fill in the corners. This will all make sense real soon... I promise! :-)

Hint...you probably noticed that I mentioned in the previous post that I used a 1/2 yard of Black...Eggplant...and Pumpkin batiks....well....those will be used real soon depending on the stage you decide to create. :-) 

Talk soon,

Cat