"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

MSQC Affiliate

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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

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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

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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 :-)

Embrace your Journey...one stitch at a time in 2026!

 Hey quilters...Happy New Years Eve. Where did this year go? If you're like me every New Years Eve we're setting goals for the New Year. I usually have a few that I know will be achieved then a few to keep me focused through out the year. I'm excited to share my new pattern designs with y'all. We'll be "Scrapin in the New Year" together so don't put away those scraps. Also I'll be sharing new Children's Learning quilts and Quilt-Mas Cheer all year. I'll be sharing "give-a-ways" with Missouri Star Quilt Company so keep checking in for those exciting events. However you ring in the New Year just remember to take it "one stitch at a time." Less stressful for sure :-) I thank y'all sew much for a wonderful 2025 and following me on another creative year together in 2026. Happy New Year!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Embrace your Journey...

Organizing Tips 4 Success in 2026!..."Ingrids Wildflowers Pattern Binders"

 Hey quilters...hope your enjoying your Holiday season. It's crazy to believe that a new year is upon us. I get a bit excited about being organized for the upcoming year. I like or need to be organized. So I'll be sharing some items with y'all from Missouri Star Quilt Company that I love to use. Sometimes it's the little things that make a big impact when organizing. You don't need a large sewing/craft room to be successful. It's all about organizing your current projects for convenience and hopefully inspiration for your next. I love to have my design visible for inspiration that I am currently working on plus have the tools and fabrics to complete the design. Sometimes I get inspired for my next design just by seeing my fabrics.& thread on racks on my shelves. Well, recently I've been organizing my patterns and templates in the Missouri Star pattern/template binders. It's been wonderful! The binders store your patterns and templates in the sleeves of the binders for easy access. Plus the binders are super cute displayed on your shelves for color inspiration...win,,,win. Plus they are currently on sale at Missouri Star Quilt Company. You can view more information and inspiration on their website. I hope y'all have a great stitching weekend and keep checking back for more organizing tips for success in 2026! Enjoy.

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Missouri Star Ingrids Wildflowers Pattern Binders...

Cats Crazy Christmas Coaster's Scrap-a-long!

 Hey quilters...hope you're countdown to Christmas is going well. I spent the morning wrapping...drinking coffee and watch Hallmark...best way to start the day! I'm showing the Crazy Chrstmas Coaster's that I recently finished. I love to make a handmade gift that isn't complimcated and uses scraps. This fabric collection "Festive Wishes" by Lumin Fabrics/Island Batik is festive and fun. I've made stockings...gift bags and coasters so far. The coaster instructions are on previous post. It's all the same just changing up the fabric a bit. I hope this simple fun gift idea helps you with some last minute gift ideas or get a jump on next year. You can use the same technique for all Holidays or events just by playing with your fabric scraps. But don't put away those Christmas scraps...I have a fun Christmas Scrap-a-long starting in January. I love Quilt-Mas cheer all year! There's something about Christmas fabric that makes me smile and brings me Joy. Wishing y'all a great Christmas countdown!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Cats Crazy Christmas Coasters...

Cats Crazy Christmas Coasters...Scrap-a-long!

 Hey quilters...are you still looking for a fun...fast...Christmas gift? Well, I've got the perfect gift idea and it uses your Festive Wishes by Lumin Fabrics/Island Batik 5" Stamps (squares) and scraps from yardage if needed. I love this Christmas fabric so much that I had to come up with a plan with all these beautiful scraps. We all love to make a handmade gift but time is running out but no worries. These Christmas coasters come together quickly that you'll want to make them for all seasons. Just change the fabric per your needs. I'm all about using scraps. In fact, my goal for 2026 is to feauture designs/projects using your scraps. Plus learning new techniques using my B sewing machine. The coasters are called crazy due to you'll be doing some fun "crazy stitching" on your machine. I love to play with my decorative stitches  and it's a great stress relief for me especially at this time of year. I used Aurifil 50# thread to crazy stitch the coasters playing with different stitches. This is a fun technique...no paper piecing...just grabbing your scrap pieces as you go. The fabric designs on 'Festive Wishes" collection allows you to choose "fussy cut" a starting area if desired. They finishes out to 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 but you can adjust to your needs. Just keep scrap piecing as you go ;-)  I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more exciting scrap-a-longs. Enjoy!

Blesssed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Cats Crazy Christmas Coasters....

Here's all you need,,,

* Festive Wishes scraps 

* Aurifil 50 weight thread # 2885

* Pellon 987F (fusible fleece)

* Insul-Bright by Warm company

* T-Shirt pressing cloth (june Tailor)

* Basic sewing notions

* Brother sewing machine :-)

Here's all you do...

* Fussy cut a print from scraps if desired as your starting point. I chose the "deer" then I added scraps in the coordinating prints alternating from dark to light prints. You can start piecing your sraps together in any area as desired just remember to place your scraps...rights side together and after you stitch your scraps just trim away your extra piece on back and finger press seam before you join another scrap piece. I like to trim my seams about an 1/8 " to have less bulk when I "a-play-que." If you desire a larger piece just keep scrap piecing until you achieve your desired size. Once you have your size...press and make sure all thread tails are trimmed away on back. I then squared up to 5 x 5'.

Time to a-play-que...

* Rotary cut your Pellon Fusible fleece to 5x5" and fuse to wrong side of square following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...I always use a "pressing sheet" to protect my iron.

* A-play-que as desired on the lines as desired. Play with your decorative stitches on your machine and have fun :-)

Border/Binding...

* Rotary cut  from scraps a accent piece 2 strips 1 1/4 x 5" and sew with right sides 2gether to top and bottom of square. Press seams and square up if needed.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/4 x 6 1/2 and sew to left/right side of square using the same method as above. 

* Rotary cut Insul Bright to 5 x 5" square.

* Choose a 5" stamp for baking or rotary cut from scraps a 5" square.

* Layer square right side down...then Insul-Bright and 5" square for backing (wrong side down if you are not using a Batik so the right side is facing you)

* Starting at top and right side of square...fold your border/binding strip to back...finger press and fold in half leaving about a 1/4" binding on the from of square. Clip to secure.

* Top stitch on front of square with desired stitch to secure removing clips as you go.

* Repeat same method with bottom border/binding strip then left/right side.

* Press if needed.

You did it! You just made a super cute Christmas coaster and used some of your scraps & played with some decorative stitches on your machine:-) These are so fast and easy so have fun creating yours. I have a few more to make as gifts :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Christmas Scrap-a-long!..."Grinch Gift Bags" 100% Re-gift-able!

 Hey quilters...are you like me and have a "days until Christmas sign out?" I realized this morning it gives me anxiety ;-) I have a super cute "bell" that looks like a santa suit and you change the numbers change within his belt buckle. I love it...put it out every year. But this morning it was a swift kick that I needed to grab a cup of coffee and get sewing. Gosh...time flies! Hmm...I wonder if the "elves" ever feel like this :-) Well, you'll be glad of how fast these gift bags come together. I stated in previous post that I did not line the bags or make handles but they would be super cute if you did. If so, you can view any of my previous post of bags for inspiration. I made these super simple for a fun last minute gift idea. Honeslty, "the Grinch" and the Fesive Wishes fabrics by Island Batik/Lumin fabrics is what makes the bags adorable. Just remember to protect the Grinch's adorable face when applying heat. The napkins are roughly 18 x 18 so it gives you a great area to make the desired size you need. I made 3 different sizes using the same method just adjusting the cutting as needed. Sew cute and fun! I know Christmastime is sneaking up on us so keep checking in for more fun...fast & fab gift ideas. Thanks so much for following!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Partner

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

Grinch Gift Bags...

Here's all you do...

* Fold the Grinch napkin in half to see his cute face for size inspiration. The back of napkin fold will be your bag backing if desired.

* Find your "center point" on Grinch face and rotary cut a 6 1/2 wide by 8 1/2 Length.

* This will make your cut for the bag backing as well.

Tip...make sure you cut around the seams of the napkin so you don't have the bulk when sewing.

* Rotary cut your fusible fleece to same size for front/back of bag. (2 cuts @ 6 1/2 x 8 1/2)

* Place your pressing cloth down on ironing station...place grinch face down...then fusible fleece to wrong side of napkin...fold pressing sheet over unto fusible fleece and fuse following manufacturer's directions on fusible fleece.

Note..I have a large pressing cloth but you could use 2 if needed....just remember to protect his face ;-)

* For bag back...place fusible fleece to wrong side of napkin fabric...then pressing cloth and fuse following manufacturer's directions. 

Band...

* Rotary cut a scrap piece of Fesive Wishes fabric to 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 or cut a 5" Stamp (square) in half to make two 2 1/2 x 5" strips...sew together and square up to length needed.

* Fold strip in half.lengthwise..press.

* Place band to top...right sides together with raw edges matching at top.

* Sew a 1/4" seam to secure.

* Fold band up and press towards the top of bag.

* Top stitch if desired.

* Repeat same method for bag back.

* Place bag front and back with right sides together...clip or pin at top corners and bottom to secure.

Tip...you can match your band seams together/clip to secure if desired. Gives a professional look :-)

* Starting at the upper right corner...sew down side and bottom of bag...pivoting at corners tback up to top of bag using a 1/4" seam allowance...reinforcing at start/stop points...leaving bag top open.

* Box pleat corners of bottom of bag if desired.

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

You did it...isn't he the cutiest :-)

Here's all you do to make different bag sizes if desired....

* Using the same sewing method as above...just adjust your rotary cutting sizes...remember to add in your 1/4" seam allowances to desired finished size.

Tip...if making a smaller bag allow for your seam allowance at bottom of bag so you don't cut into the Grinch's cute face once sewn. I measured a 1 1/2" from the bottom of his face to allow for the box pleated corners. 

Remember...have fun...get creative..embellish as desired. You have 4 napkins in the set to make 4 Grinch bags that are 100% Re-gift-able! Sew fun :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Christmas Scrap-a-long!..."Grinchy Gift Bags"

 Hey quilters...hope y'all are having a great start to a new week of making Christmas gifts. I love this time of year...celebrating the reason for the season & making gifts for family and friends. I tend to leave the small gifts to the last minute. It's a great stress relief for me. My sewing room turns into the North Pole workshop...Christmas scraps everywhere...Christmas music playing to keep me motivited and a cup of coffee never hurts. But I will admit..my last minute gifts are super cute by easy. We all have a lot to do and a fun...fast & fab gift idea for me is a win. If you're like me...I look for those end of season clearance items that I can 'hack" into something else. Well last year while shopping with my daughter in Hobby Lobby we came across these adorable "Grinch Napkins" at a love price that was honestly crazy. I thought..."here's 4 gifts" that I can make for next year. I knew these would be a hit in my "Grinchy family." The napkins came 4 to a pack and are roughly 18 x 18 which was perfect for gift bags. I made 4 bags of different sizes using the same method...just adjusting the cutting as needed per size. I used my scraps of Festive Wishes by Isalnd Batik for the band at top and pieced with Aurifil thread on my Brother sewing machine. These bags came together quickly. In fact it took me about 20 minutes per bag from start to finish. I did use my "pressing cloth" from Missouri Star Quilt Company to protect the Grinch face from heat of the iron. I used Pellon fusible fleece to stabilize the bags which is my preferred method. The bags are not lined and no handles made either but you could totally add if desired. The best part is the bags are 100% re-gift-able. I've listed the supplies below and will post instructions starting tomorrow so join in when you're ready. I'll be sharing more gift ideas using my Festive Wishes scraps so keep checking back. Plus I'll be sharing a "sneak peek" of my Festive Wishes Scrap-a-long for next year. Yup...we'll be getting a head start by Scrapin' in the New Year 2gether! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Partner

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

Grinchy Gift Bags...

Here's all you need...

* Grinch Napkins (4 pk)

* Scraps of Festive Wishes by Island Batik (Lumin Fabrics)

* Aurifil 50 weight thread #2260

* T-Shirt Pressing Cloth (I use June Tailor)

* Pellon Fusible Fleece 987F 

* Basic sewing notions

* Brother sewing machine :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Fall Fav's!

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great weekend. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas is right around the corner. Time sure flies by as they say. I wanted to share a few of my fall favorite recipes with you that I've been hosting on my cooking blog. I do a lot of "multi-tasking" these days and a fast but d'lish recipe is always a welcomed in my home. Today, I featured "Pumpkin Pecan Pie"...oh yes...a combination of my two favorite pies. It's not only d'lish but it's a great make ahead pie plus you're getting the taste of both worlds in one pie. Great time saver so you can get back to sewing...right? :-) I know we all need to break out of our sewing rooms and feed the family...I'm still working on that! My other favorite is Stuffed Shells...oh my gosh...addicting and a great side dish as well. I also featured a "Rustic Pear Tart" (pic below) if you really want to impress your guests. They are all super easy...less stress for your Holiday entertaining. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for some fun gift ideas. If you need inspiration...check out Missouri Star Quilt Company (link upper right on home page) They have great daily deals that are amazing!  Remember...save those scraps...sew we can "Scrap in the New Year 2gether!" 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Rustic Pear Tart...

Berry Street Santa's Snippers Give-a-way w/ Missouri Star Quilt Company!

 Hey quilters..hope your weekend is fulled with sewing joy. Tis the Season when Missouri Star Quilt Company will gift the affiliates a fun item to give-a-way. One to keep and one to give-a-way to one lucky winner. All you need to do is follow Missouri Star Quilt Company and me on Instagram (my instagram link is upper right on home page). The rules are included on todays post. These scissors are 8 1/2" and feature festive images of Santa, gingerbread men, ribbons and more. The ergonomic grip is super comfortable for all your sewing/crafting/quilting needs. If you're like me...having a pair of scissors for your Holiday wrapping or crafting that are comfortable & sharp is a must. What a great gift idea too! So, pop on over to my Instagram page to enter. These scissors will definately put a little jolly in your Holiday Season. Hurry...deadline to enter is Nov. 20th...Sew fun & good luck! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Berry Street Santa's Snippers...

Festive Wishes Christmas Scrap-a-long!

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well and the weather is being kind. Yesterday, I felt like Linus...dragging a quilt through out the house. It made me realize that I prefer warm weather. Not hot...just perfect 78* :-) Yes..I'm one of those. I guess I'll just stay in and sew! I'm excited to share "Festive Wishes Christmas Scrap-a-long" with y'all. It's a spin off the previous design "ABC Scrap-a-long Song!" that I'll be sharing in January. I love when you can create a new design just by changing the fabric. I love "Festive Wishes" by Island Barik/Lumin Fabrics so much! I've made stockings...gift bags for this Christmas season but can't put away those lovely scraps. So i designed a fun...fast and fab Christmas quilt that you can sew this coming year as desired. I'll be sharing how fun the fabric collection is and design is by "fussy cutting" the center squares within each block. The design is so versatile..one 7" block creates the secondary block design...scrap & precut friendly so you can create your own spin on the design. Easily enlarge the design just by adding more borders. Then come January we can "Scrap in the New Year Together" by incorporating the Berry Crush fabric scraps within the same design. I've already started coordinating my scraps of Festive Wishes and I'm having a blast. The Holly...Snowflakes...Ornaments...Deer are perfect for fussy cutting the center squares. I'f you're like me...I get a bit sad putting away Christmas and that's one reason why I love to sew Christmas gifts all year. Christmas fabric brings me Joy and the Festive Wishes collection has all of my favorite hues.Plus...we'll have our 2026 Christmas quilt finished a head of time & have a fun time 2gether  through out the year! I'm excited to share fun...fast and fab scrap-a-longs with y'all in 2026 and my new collection of Children's Learning Quilts. It's hard to believe that Christmas is not that far away so gather up those scraps & let's scrap in the New Year 2gether! Keep checking in 'cause I have some exciting thigs happening soon! Tis the Season for fun! Thanks 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)

Festive Wishes Christmas Scrap-a-long!

Berry Crush...ABC Scrap-a-long Song!

 Hey quilters...hope your weekend is off to a great start. I know it's November but I couldn't wait to share a "sneak peek" of what's happenning in the New Year. Y'all know I participated in the recent "Berry Crush Blog Hop" with Jennifer Thomas new collection Berry Crush for Lumin Fabrics by Jerry Khiev. This collection is stunning! Well, those tiny beautiful scraps inspired me to design my new scrap-a-long that will be starting in January. That's right...we'll be "Scrapin' in the New Year" together! I know when cutting fabrics you create more scraps & those scraps create more scraps. Right? Seriously, it gets nuts in my sewing room. I now have 2 scrap baskets (organized of course) :-) I also wanted to create a design that was easy to follow and enlarge if needed. I reently was playing in EQ8 and fell in love with this block but wanted it to be a bit more beginner friendly. So, I modified the design and I love it. The block still creates the "secondary block" and the border as well. Looks complicated but it's very beginner friendly. Would you believe it's only a 7 x 7" in square that created this design that finishes to 36 x 43. Great  size for a fast gift. As always...you can easily enlarge by adding more borders and if you want omit the letters for an adult version. The design is very versatile to personalize for any decor. The design inspiration and name "ABC Scrap-a-long Song!" is from all the memories of driving home from work and entertaining my sweet daughter in traffic. We would sing the "ABC's" together and at the end of the song, I stated "won't you sing them again with Mommy!" She would crack up and say "again." We'd laugh together so hard that I'd have tears. It's funny how something so simple can create memories to last a lifetime. I thank y'all so much for following a long on this journey with me of creating Children's Learning Quilts to pass down for generations. So... gather up your scraps 'cause I'm very excited about "Scrapin' in the New Year" with y'all. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Berry Crush...ABC Scrap-a-long Song!

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

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

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

MSQC Affiliate

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