"Quilter's Gift idea....4-n-1 Machine Quilting Ruler"

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going great and your holiday gifts are coming along. I wanted to share a quilting ruler that I recently purchased from www.missouriquiltco.com. I am obsessed with this ruler designed by Natalia Bonner with Piece N Quilt. She is an award-winning quilter and has many "you tube" videos showing how this wonderful ruler is used. I quilt on a "domestic machine" and I love this "mini ruler" due to my space. I also use this ruler to "mark" my quilting lines. This ruler has so many possibilities and at a great price for a gift idea. Throw in a "spool of aurifil thread" and you just gave a perfect gift to a quilter. I hope this gift idea helps you and remember check back next week. I'll be sharing the "sweetest" gift for "Mrs. Claus". Let's just say have your "snowflake Christmas scraps" ready! :-) This "Christmas scrap-a-long" is so easy you'll probably make a couple and finish that quilt gift list. In the meantime, have a great Quilt-Mas weekend! Cat

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"Give the gift of Christmas Charm"

 Hey quilters...hope your week is going great. Well as promised I'm sharing some ideas for your quilting friends. I love batiks and charm packs. You get such a variety of fabrics and if you're in a limited space like me "now" it's perfect. I love to order "charm packs" at missouriquiltco.com. Not only do they have wonderful sales, but their customer service is great. For me that's wonderful. I've recently ordered quilting tools for myself that I'll be sharing soon but what a inexpensive gift...a charm pack. If you pop on over to their website, you'll see all the wonderful Christmas sales going on. Below is just a few of my fav's from Banyan Batik... Island Barik...and Moda. Oh my gosh, seriously, plan on spending a few "moments" searching their site...they have lots of "goodies" to choose from. If you're wanting to create a gift basket throw in a spool of my favorite Aurifil thread. Lots of thread hues and weights to choose from as well. I know I would be thrilled with a thoughtful gift like these plus they are inexpensive. I love to keep a few "charm packs" on hand for that moment when I realized that I forgot someone's special day. Well. I hope this gift idea helps you out with your quilt gift giving season. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

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"Quilt-Mas Blessings"

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well and you're enjoying the Christmas countdown. I will admit this morning when I noticed the "date" that I kinda panicked. I usually have my Christmas countdown on display but this year I decided not to ;-) For some odd reason it was giving me anxiety! I usually have my "Christmas Candy" finished by now and I haven't....I even limited my decor to help out. But staying focused and remembering the "reason" for the season. I'm one of the "goofy" people that still love to send out Christmas cards. There is something "nostalgic" about sending and receiving a Christmas card. So, with the Holiday approaching fast I wanted to send "Quilt-Mas Blessings" for us all to have a less-stress Christmas & may your bobbin never run out of Aurifil thread in the meantime! Remember to keep checking in for my Christmas "Suprise"...save those Christmas scraps! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"Tis the Season 4 Quilt-Mas!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are doing well. Can you believe it? It's December 1st....oh my gosh! Let the countdown begin as they say. I for one would love just a few more weeks but I did accomplish to finish the main gift.  Yagh...there's always a "first." Last year I determined that I was not going to be the "grinch" siting at the sewing machine the night before Christmas. I kept my handmade gifts simple but sweet this year. Decided it's ok to purchase a few things even gift cards. When grandkids get to a certain age, they are a bit difficult to purchase for so this way they can get what their hearts desire. I am thrilled to mention that soon I'll have a "surprise" that we'll be doing all year 2gether. I've been working on the design in EQ8 so I'll be able to show "options" for y'all to choose from. Oh, one hint...keep your "Christmas scraps" out! Yup...that's all y'all get for now :-) Well, don't let the "Christmas Countdown" take away your cheer. Remember to savor every moment and enjoy the festivities that are all around you this month. I'll be sharing some great "quilt gifts" this month along with some other tips so keep checking back. 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cats Tip of the Day!..."Lights...Camera...Action!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. The weekends are never long enough and it's hard to kick-start into Mondays for me anyway. But it's Thanksgiving week so I'm thinking a lot of y'all are home with your loved ones. Most schools are out during this time, so I wanted to first wish everyone a great...safe...shopping for Thanksgiving essentials. I say that on a serious note. I was shopping this weekend and could not find "apple pie spice." First, I was upset then I thought "way cool more people are baking these days!" Plus, the lines are so long. If you have "kiddos" plan on entertaining them in line. My heart went out to a family.... I remember those days of waiting in line & my daughter would want every candy bar. Oh, my goodness, I was exhausted by the time I was checking out. Funny story, my grandson continued the "tradition" but with Cheetos. He was the most hilarious "little guy" when we'd enter a grocery store. It was like he was entering "Cheeto-ville." Finally, after several times of shopping I just realized...here's your Cheetos...eat them while we are shopping & your "Gege may end of going to jail 'cause you're eating them before I paid for them. Oddly enough it didn't matter because he was one happy grandson! Well on that note enjoy every moment with your loved ones. Time does fly by fast. Being a "Gege is awesome" but does seem like yesterday my daughter was little & now she's a school counselor. Wow!

 Well, today's tip is due to "My Crazy Scrapin' 1/2 sq. Triangle Technique." Yes, I did a spin on my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique that was recently featured on auribuzz.com. First what an honor that was to be featured. Although recently with my "design brain" I took that technique to another level. You can see the technique in precious post "Cats Christmas Pepper-mint Crunch" table square. When you are "scrap-piecing" with my techniques you will never have 2 squares the same. There's no paper-piecing and each square is so unique. So "therapeutic" of seeing how your fabrics come 2gether. But it can be a bit challenging on figuring out which direction you want your squares to go. Actually, not a bad thing cause technique is crazy-fun! But recently while I was auditioning my squares...fancy word for playing with them...I forgot which design that i originally liked. It happens at my age especially when you have so many choices. I kept spinning my squares around...noticing the fabrics might have been too close together. Then realized I should have been taking "pics" using my phone. Oh, my goodness...again another easy tip to share. Y'all might already be doing this tip but I never used my phone when auditioning my squares. I take pics of my techniques along the way to share with y'all but this tip helps me tremendously. Not only can "swipe" to see your blocks you put together but the clarity of seeing the fabrics together helps as well. Sometimes your "lighting" might not enhance the color hues in your fabrics. This actually happened in my recent table square. I had too many reds together. This technique is extremely helpful due to my technique using scraps. You have so many choices...hence the word "action." Also, if you're "stumped" you can text some options to a "fellow quilter" for suggestions. Anyway, hope this tip helps and what a fun way to "introduce" a child to quilting this holiday season. Every child loves to take pics and you can inspire their inner creativity with piecing and designing quilt blocks. I wish y'all a Blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy every moment with your loved ones. 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Note...the 2 pics below we're my fav's. I love how one square looks like a "Christmas Tree." Alway's a surprise with my techniques :-)

Thanks for following and check back soon for another "Fun Christmas gift 2 make"

Stay safe, 

Cat

Scrap-a-long w/Cat..."Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square" Phase 2 & finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well & you're ready to have some more "thread n fabric therapy." By now you've decided on a trivet or table square. Either way, you will have a "unique" one-of-a-kind trivet or table square for entertaining or a great gift. My hope is to inspire quilters of all levels to know you don't have to stress yourself to have a "creative design." With my technique you get that unique design without the stress of paper-piecing. I have nothing against paper-piecing, but my "quilter's brain" goes a different direction :-) I love this technique. It's very versatile and you can view previous post of the original design using "Scrap...Crackle..Pop!" technique and make a "Christmas Table Runner." Just follow the pattern directions and use "Christmas Scraps." I'm excited to share in this Phase we'll be doing "directional borders." View my previous post for my easy tip! The Holidays are approaching fast and to help with less-stress, my designs are focused on "Holiday Entertaining" & "Great Gifts." But just keep following cause I'm super excited about my 2023 Pattern Line. Here's a hint, I'm even forcing myself out of my "Quilter's Comfort Zone." :-) So, let's finish our Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square 2gether!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

Adding Borders...

 Border Strip #1...(Patrick Lose "Sparkling Stars")

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1" x 6.5" for top/bottom of block.

* Sew starting at top...with right sides 2gether and a 1/4" seam...sew strips per design.

* Press and square up if needed (scraps can stretch)

* Now rotary cut 2 strips 1" x 8" and sew to left/right side using same method as above.

Tip...alternating fabric strips in different colors shows the interesting design of "directional borders." Just remember to sew in the same directional sewing for each border you add :-)

Border Strip #2 (Northcott Fabrics-Banyon Batiks) 

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 7.5" for top/bottom and sew same method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 9.5" for left/right side of block...following same method. 

Tip...I fully recommend to always press your strips as you sew. This will give that crisp design w/out the stress :-)

Border Strip #3 (Patrick Lose "Glam")

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 9.5 for top/bottom side of block...following same method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 11" for left/right side of block...following same method as above.

Border strip #4 (Patrick Lose "Glam")

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1.5" x 11" for top/bottom side of block...following same method as above.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1/5" x 13" for left/right side of block...following same method as above.

Tip...at this point if you desire to have a larger table square just continue to add more border strips following the same sewing directions.

Border/Binding/Quilting...

Note...you will be rotary cutting a wider border strip due to my border/binding technique. Also, once you have sewn your 5th border on you will then applique or quilt your block due to using the Insul-Bright. I prefer to not quilt over the Insul-Bright on a large-scale project, but you can totally do so if you wish. It does give a bit more "poofy" appearance to the block when you do so. :-)

Border # 5 (border/binding) Deborah Edwards "Santa Paws"

* Rotary cut two strips 2" x 13" for top/bottom of block. Sew in same manner as previous border.

* Rotary cut two strips 2" x 16 for left and right side of block. Sew in same manner. Press block.

* Rotary cut your batting & tear-away stabilizer to 12.5 x 12.5

* Layer quilt block with right side facing down then batting & stabilizer

* Pin or clip to secure but remove pins as you go when appliqueing or quilting :-)

* Applique or quilt as desired. I used contrasting Aurifil thread on the fabric in some areas using a decorative stitch. I love to "crazy-quilt" around squares. Crazy quilting was one of the first quilting techniques that I learned as a child and it's a "classic technique" in my opinion. Also, no need to applique or quilt in 5th border due to it folds back in later step & becomes your "binding." :-) Remember it's your block...get creative & have fun! 

 * Carefully "tear-away" stabilizer when finished. 

Border/Binding technique...

* Rotary cut your backing fabric to 13" x 13" and insul-bright.

Note...I used Patrick Lose "Christmas Magic"

* Layer backing fabric (right side down) then insul-bright, next block (right side up-facing you)

* Now starting at top, fold over border to back leaving a 1/4" border seam around block on front. Fold over in half again on back and tuck in to secure the fold. Pin or clip as desired. Now "stitch in the ditch" on front of block and this will secure your fold on back as well

. 

Tip...I love to do a "decorative stitch" to make sure I catch seam on back plus it's pretty :-)

* Repeat same method with your bottom border then left border then right. 

Take your time...this part is a bit bulky due to sewing through all layers. 

YOU DID IT!!!! You completed a unique-one-of-a kind design. Isn't it the Sweetest-Scrappiest- FUN-ctional-Magical Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square ever? Well, maybe that's a bit much but I do hope you enjoyed this scrap-a-long. I appreciate y'all following me and doing these fun projects with me from the comfort of your home. Keep following for more fun & easy Christmas projects. 

Stay safe & Happy Quilting,

Cat

Scrap-a-long w/Cat..."Christmas Peppermint-Crunch Table Square" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's ...hope y'alls week is off to a great start. If you need a little "fabric therapy" to get you through the week,,,I've got it for you! Allow me to introduce my new twist on my recent "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique. Yes, I did it...I actually did a spin on my own technique...you will use more scraps and hopefully get a little more "thread and fabric therapy" as well. The technique is called "Cats Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangle-Technique." Before I begin, let me share how this twist came about. It's "Hurrican Season", technically that should sum it all up but with my anxiety during this season and my "quilter's brain,' let's just say this technique happened. :-) This was definitely a "stress relief" recently! The funny thing is while scrap-piecing the technique I then realized "wholly smokes" how versatile this technique is. Again, with my technique there is no paper-piecing,,,no 2 squares the same...super scrap friendly & therapeutic. I will mention that I'm obsessed with this technique so just letting y'all know we have lots of fun scrap-a-longs ahead in 2023. So, while you're pulling your scraps 2gether please keep in mind that you can use the same design & technique with other fabrics for any decor season. This table square is very FUN-ctional due to you will use a piece of Insul-bright for any hot or cold item placed on square. A decorative centerpiece for entertaining or give as a great gift. I will also share a tip along the way where you can stop and make a "trivet" if you don't want to do the table square. Please keep in mind it's only 13 x 13 so you could easily enlarge just by adding more borders. Endless possibilities! I did accent quilting with Aurifil 50 weight thread in red/green and did I mention this adorable Christmas fabric is by Northcott. I love red/green peppermints during the Christmas season, so this design makes me happy, and I hope you enjoy it as well. So, grab your Christmas scraps and let's make another fun gift 2gether! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* Aurifil 50 weight thread (Red #2260) & (Green #2885)

* Christmas scraps! (I will note design/pattern name as we go) 

* 4 inch square up ruler (I use Nifty Notions)

* Fons & Porter 1/4" seam ruler (optional but is wonderful)

* Spinning mat (optional but is very convenient...see my previous tip to make your own)

* Insul-bright (insert for hot/cold items)

* Sulky tear-away lightweight stabilizer

Here's all you do...

* Scrap piece your Red/White Christmas fabric 2gether at random and finger press/trim seams to an 1/8th if possible...less bulk

Note: I used Northcott Banyon batiks (reds) scrapped w/ Deborah Edwards "Santa Paws" & Patrick Lose (white) Sparkling Stars

Tip...remember the more scrap pieces you sew 2gether the more interesting your square becomes:-)

* Press & square up to 4 x 4-inch block

* Repeat the same method with your green/white fabrics

Note: I used Northcott Patrick Lose (Glam) & white is Patrick Lose "Sparkling Stars"

* Now the fun begins :-) With my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique, featured on www.auribuzz.com you would have one solid square and one "scrappy half-square triangle." Now with my new "Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangle Technique you will do the same half-square triangle technique but you will as follows...

* Place w/ right sides 2gether one red scrappy square on top of one green scrappy square.

* Draw a diagonal line down through block and sew a 1/4" seam on each side of diagonal line.

* Rotary cut on that diagonal line. Press & square up to 3 1/2" square.

* You now have 2 red/green "Cats Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangles" Again...no paper-piecing & no 2 squares the same! Seriously take a look at how "crazy" your square is & no paper-piecing! :-)

* Repeat same step to have 4 squares.

* Now sew top 2 squares w/ right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam. Press.

* Do same for bottom 2 squares.

* Now following design pattern, join the square 2gether at center using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press & square up to a 6.5 x 6.5-inch block. Again, is this totally crazy? Look at your block...you created this "hot mess" with no paper-piecing! I don't know about you, but I love a design that looks like I pieces all those points together but without the stress. You know me...less-stess quilting! 

Tip...note the "pin" at top...audition your block and decide which direction you prefer and pin it. This is very important when adding "directional borders." You can see previous blog tip for more info. :-)

Here is your option....you can stop here and add borders and you will have my "trivet" design in previous post or continue on for a "FUN-ctional Table Square!" 

Talk soon for Phase 2!