Party-Point Celebration Runner Quilting Tips & Pics w/ Chuck!

 Hey quilter's ...hope y'all are having a great week. My prayers to everyone preparing for the Hurricane. This is the one season that had a "fast forward button. I love fall but this season is daunting. I was able to have some "quilting time w/ Chuck" & he has been a great helper. Couldn't have done it without him so I thought he deserved some fun. We took a spin around the lake to search for "gators." He wanted to go swimming but that's a definite No in our lake :-) We had a cloudy day, so pics aren't perfect but it sure is fun completing a design. I did some simple accent quilting around the "Party-Points" and individual squares on my Baby -Lock Jazz II.I used a quilting ruler to mark the 1/4" lines following the angels of the Prairie Points and used a circle template for the half-moons in the squares. I'm a little slow these days so I appreciate Y'all having patients with me. I'm sure y'all have quilted yours already & I hope you enjoyed this project. Remember just changing the fabric gives you a totally different look for any holiday entertaining. I've had a blast with my Prairie points that I've incorporated them into the next design starting this weekend :-) I appreciate y'all following me & hope you've enjoyed your Quilt Town fabrics by Missouri Star Quilt Company as much as I do. The fabric hues complimented my kitchen decor perfectly. Link on upper right of blog to MSQC if you still need supplies. The (1time 15% off) discount is good until Sept. 30th so you still have time! Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

15% off ( 1 x use) for month of September

Link:

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

Finished runner 10.5 x 30 (easily enlarge by adding more squares) :-)

Thanks for your help Chuck!!!! Hope you enjoyed your day relaxing cause we have another project that I need your help with ;-)

Cats Tip of the day!..."Quilting on Baby Lock Jazz II w/ Chuck"

 Hey quilter's....hope y'all had a great weekend. Today we remember 9-11 for me it's everyday sending prayers for strength to the families and the gratitude for all the first responders...helpers...all who helped during this horrible time in our lives. We never know what our daily life will bring and that is why I always state to make this most of each day. As we get older our health changes...probably talking more about mine but we adapt as my "Marine son-in-law" would say & my late Dad. Growing up Military was rough at times...always moving...leaving friends behind but as I've gotten older, I appreciate all who have helped make our Country a better place for all of us. This weekend I set my "timer" and quilted a bit on the "Party Point Celebration" runner/ I say a bit cause my lovely back went out again. Seriously y'all enjoy your youth! :-) It's very hard to do what you love on muscle relaxers, but thankful "Chuck" is here to help. Between Chuck keeping me in line & the awesome Baby Lock quilting foot life was a bit easier. If you are quilting on a Baby Lock you will notice the "quilting foot" has corners as I call them. They are to guide you as you're quilting...helping you when "pivoting" especially on those "blind corners" that occur. I do mark my points with a but that's mostly due to my lovely eyes :-) Yes...cataract surgery is scheduled my friends. Sometimes you just need to laugh! I just turned 60...this is nuts! Anyway...back to my lovely quilting foot. My other "saving grace" using their quilting foot attachment is you will always have a precise 1/4" seam allowance which is awesome when making half-square triangles. Let me tell y'all as I'm sure you know any "time-saver" when quilting makes me happy! Right? Well, I hope y'all are having fun quilting your runner....I'm still quilting mine...it's all about moderation ;-) I thank y'all for following and I hope you've had a chance to enjoy your 15% discount from Missouri Star Quilt Company. Info below. Plus check out their website daily and sign up with their emails to get their daily specials as well. Below are some pics of the "quilting foot" & Chuck helping me! Keep following for more exciting projects using "Quilt Town" fabrics!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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15% off ( 1 x use) until September 30th

Link:

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine (or link on upper right of blog)

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

"Party-Point Celebration Runner"...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's....hope y'all are having a great Friday. My day started with the sweetest "birthday box" from my daughter's family. It was filled with "60" of my favorite items :-) Yes...the big 60 this weekend. Oh my gosh...it really doesn't seem possible. It was o.k. celebrating with my daughter a few weeks ago because she turned 40...and in my mind it made me a 100 for some odd reason! Well in the box was coffee....oodles of snacks...fun magazine...the sweetest card and then a really special card from my grandson. It stated don't look at it as being 60...think of it as 6 perfect 10's. Oh my gosh...it made me cry!!! Well,,,I'm not going to preach about this crazy weather we're having but....I am going to say cherish every moment you can because time really does fly by too fast! Oh another birthday note....I hope you've had a chance to check out Missouri Star Quilt Company story on their website and hopefully found some items you love. I've had a blast sewing with the "Quiilt Town" fabrics. The colors are stunning and coordinates perfectly with my home decor. This phase all depends on how you want to finish your runner. I for one am taking my town doing some fun accent quilting within the individual squares with my Baby Lock Jazz II. Nothing fancy but it helps me get to know my "Birthday present." Yes...I bought it last month from our local dealer because I wanted a machine that had a 12" throat space. The Jazz II is super simple to use and is perfect for domestic quilting. I will be showing some tips later, but I want you to get ready to do your own spin on the runner. I mentioned previously that you don't need any backing fabric. Maybe by now you've realized what I've done....I use 3 of the 10 x 10" squares from the Quilt Town pkg. for my backing. I did purposely design the runner with this in mind to use as many squares as possible. I for one get excited when I don't waste fabric or money. Plus doing small projects gives you a chance to use those fabric pieces and get more creative as well. I thank y'all so much for following and stay tuned for more "fun-ctional" designs using Quilt town fabrics. So...let's get quilting & have some fun!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

* Pick 3 of the 10 x 10" squares of your choice and sew vertically with right sides 2gether using a 1/4 " seam allowance. Press seams. 

Border/Binding...

Note: instructions below are using your "Quilt Town accent fabric"

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 x 10 & sew to top/bottom of runner w/right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 x 33 & sew to left/right side of runner w/ right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Rotary cut your light-weight batting to 11 x 30. Remember you have extra border width due to the border/binding fold we do later :-)

* Layer...Top facing down...then batting & backing facing up (you) :-)

* Carefully turn over and starting at top using quilting pins to secure all 3 layers together to secure.

Tip;..

* I start at the top of runner and use quilting pins within the blocks outline and smooth the fabric as I'm pinning all the way to the end of runner. 

* This is also the same way as I quilt the runner removing the pins as I go. This allows me to smooth any fabric as I'm quilting if needed. 

I did accent quilting within each part of the block at first. This gave me the chance to look at it and then decide if I wanted to add more quilting detail within each block. With my back my quilting time is limited but that's fine...remember "we don't give up on what we love...we just do it in moderation" ;-)

Right? Thread and fabric therapy!

Now have fun quilting your runner...put your own spin on it...play with those threads...get creative. I'll be sharing some pics of the simple but fun way I accented around the "Party Points" & the individual squares....nothing fancy but I'm pleased :-)

Once you have completed your quilting then follow the border/binding steps below :-)

Note...if you decide not to quilt your runner then just finish it with my border/binding/technique.

* Trim away any access batting.

* Starting at top...Fold over border to back leaving a 1/4" seam binding on front. 

* Fold in half...finger press...fold in half again to have a finished fold on back. Pin or clip to secure.

* Top stitch on front of runner or quilt in the ditch to secure.

* Repeat same steps for bottom of runner then left/right side.

* This will give you a 1/4" binding around your runner. 

I hope you enjoyed making this runner with me & Chuck. 

Check back soon for more fun projects. 

Chucks been a busy boy and we can't wait to share more projects with y'all!

Talk soon,

Cat

"Party-Point Celebration Runner" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. Mine will be tests on back again....listening to the news with another possible Hurrican & trying to keep "Chuck" calm. I'm a bit slow these days, so I need him to stick around to help me :-) I think "Chuck" thought coming to Florida was always going to be a "party"...laying out by the pool....playing shuffle board....searching for alligators....hmmm....little did he know ;-) Hurrican season is a bit different in Florida. I've learned to take it one day at a time. Maybe we'll take advantage of these calm days but in the meantime, we're going to share this "fun-ctional" table runner using Quilt Town 10 x 10 " squares. This pack has so many fabric design to choose from that made this runner super fun to design. I did use Quilt Town coordinating fabric in orange & white and Missouri Star Quilt Company coordinating "Home Town" thread collection. I pieced & quilted on my Baby Lock Jazz II. I'm still "quilting" the runner because I sit in moderation due to back but wanted to start y'all on this project. I always say...don't give up on what you love...just do it in moderation...work around your health needs. I totally believe in "thread and fabric therapy" & my projects are a bit smaller now but that's o.k. too. Most of my designs can be easily enlarged & will have advanced techniques along the way. I love this runner design. You can change the fabric if desired for any season. Each block is the same, but you'll have those "unique party-points" within the blocks. You know me I love "prairie points" so of course I had to change it up a bit :-) If you have ordered your Quilt Town fabric already you can save 15% off with my link below for the month of September. You'll need the 10x10 pack and at least a 1/2 yard each of the coordinating fabric in orange & white. You'll have some left-over fabrics, but we'll be using them later :-) Or enjoy looking at all their fabrics they have to offer & make yours as desired. So many possibilities with this design..."1 design...sew many ways!" Well let's get this party started celebrating Missouri Star Quilt Companys 15th year Birthday Celebration! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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To save 15% off ( 1 x use) until September 30th...click on Link at upper right of blog (MSQC) 

Paid partnership w/ MSQC

Runner is 10 x 29 & as you can see using all those fun Quilt Town fabrics gives the design a unique look! Get creative but most of all have fun!

See how fun those "Party Points" are....no hard piecing at all to achieve that design! You know me...

Fun-ctional decor :-)

Here's all you need...

* Quilt Town 10" c 10" squares

* !/2 yard of coordinating fabric in Orange & White or your desired choices.

* Coordinating Home Town threads.

* Light-weight batting

* Backing fabric....NOPE! You'll see later my clever usage of the Quilt Town Squares ;-)

Here's all you do...

(For block one)

* Using one 10 x 10" Quilt Town square ...rotary cut in half then sub cut that strip in half to make four 5" squares. Use one for center of block & reserve the other 3 for later :-)

* White fabric or use another 10 x 10" square....rotary cut 4 strips 3 x 5" 

* Rotary cut 4 corner blocks of your desired fabrics 3 x 3" square

Tip:...I gave my design a "scrappy look" so I could use a lot of those sweet fabrics :-)

* Lay out block as desired on a wool mat if possible...great for ironing and keeps blocks positioned while sewing :-)

Making "Party-Points"...

* With one 10 x 10" square...rotary cut in half then sub cut strip in half to make four 5" squares.

* Using a pressing mat......Fold in half diagonally...press

Fold in half again....point to point. Press

* Fold in half again to achieve the "Party Points" ok...prairie points...but it's a celebration :-)

* Repeat same steps for all 4 "Party Points"

* Place "Party Points" within the 3 x 5" side squares...right sides 2 gether

* Top stich or baste stitch to secure.

Repeat these steps for all 3 blocks. 

* ahhhh Chuck approved this design :-)

Tip....lay your blocks out to make sure you have all your squares as desired before sewing.

Note...we'll be sewing the blocks a bit different due to the "Party points" but still easy!

* With block #1....sew your center square to top/bottom center squares w/ right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance...

* Press...Party Points will lay flat...amazing :-) 

* Sew your left side of block squares 2 gether with same method.

* Sew your right side of block squares 2gether with same method.

* Now sew your left side strip to center strip with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press

* Repeat for right strip. Press & square up if needed.

 Your block should be approximately 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 :-)

You did it! You just completed your first "Party Point block"...I had sew much fun with this technique.

* Repeat same steps with Block # 2 & 3...just alternate the fabric as desired.

* With right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance sew Block #1 to Block #2 then Block #2 to Block #3....Press.

Well, you just completed Phase 1...I hope you enjoyed this technique as much as I did. I love making something easy but unique at the same time. Plus, the 1/4" quilting foot on my Baby Lock Jazz II make the piecing a breeze :-)

Check back soon for Phase 2!

Talk soon,

Cat

Happy Labor Day & a Project Sneak Peek!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a restful Labor Day. Today is extra special because it's also my grandson's birthday. I wanted to give you a "sneak peek" of a project happening this month. This will be the second project...first is a super cute runner that starts this week...wink...wink. But the second involves this awesome T-shirt from Missouri Star Quilt Company. It actually states, "Quilters are peacemakers' which is totally true, but "Chuck" must be homesick. Notice how he thinks we're "pie makers" He must miss everyone's baking @ Missouri Star Quilt Company. I also noticed Chuck invited a friend with a cell phone. Hmmm....they must have "text'd" during the recent Hurricane. Well maybe I should make Chuck something to keep him around. We have a busy month ahead celebrating Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash! Although my projects are "fast/easy" yet-functional due to my health reasons it sure is nice having a "helper" keeping me in line! The link below is for another month of savings from Missouri Star Quilt Company. I'll be featuring "Quilt Town" 10 x 10" squares along with their complimenting yardage and thread. Oh my gosh y'all...this fabric collection is stunning! Scrap-a-longs start this week on blog. Thanks so much for following & have a restful Labor Day!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

15% off ( 1 x use) until September 30th

Link:

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine (or click on link upper right of blog)

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

*Lots of thread and fabric therapy on my Baby Lock Jazz II :-)

Come Celebrate Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash!

 Hey quilter's...hope everyone is doing well especially after the hurricane. We did better this time than with "Ian" Today I'm excited to share that September starts Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash! Oh my goodness...what monumental time for them. If anything, I ask is you view how their family run business all started and how they became who we all know and love today. I can truly say not only do they have wonderful supplies...customer service but they are a dedicated family to serving others. This month "Chuck" and I will be featuring designs using their "Quilt Town" fabrics & threads. Pic below shows the 10 x 10" square pack along with coordinating yardage & thread. I'll be shing "fast & easy" fun-ctional decor for entertaining plus a sweet design for your sewing room featuring a MSQC T-shirt all sewn/quilted on my Baby Lock Jazz II. I'm super excited and please check out their gorgeous fabric collection on their website plus use your 15% off discount too! I thank you so much for following and like they say..."Let the Quilting Commence!"

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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15% off ( 1 x use) September 1-30th

w/ link below or click on upper right of blog

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Paid Partnership with MSQC

Scrap forward 2 Fall...."Scrap-a-ble Stack-a-ble Sunflower Trivet" 10" center!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a wonderful weekend. It seems lately that I always talk to y'all about the weather first...well...can't help it...have you been watching this crazy weather! Oh my gosh...I know it's "Hurricane Season" but this is nuts already. First my prayers to everyone for strength during this time. Yes, that includes me. I thank everyone for the calls...texts already and yes we're preparing for the worst. The one thing I can definitely say with this crazy "temporary move" to Florida is that "you don't mess with mother nature!" I've learned even a "tropical storm" is just as damaging. So yes....Im prepared...snacks...thread & fabric are secured :-) It's a funny thing if you have a Cat. My sweet "Lottie" named after my late grandmother knows somethings up when I start putting things into protective bags. If you ever go through this, putting items in sealed storage bags is wonderful. I use Ziplock freezer bags for small items & those large storage vacuum bags for large items. Large plastic tubs are great as well. I know it's not going to help one bit it my house gets blown away but least I know they are a 'bit protected." Lord give us strength! Well,,,enough of the weather...right? Oh my gosh let's get back to why I called this design "stack-a-ble." I know my projects are smaller these days mostly due to my personal health reasons of limited sitting/standing but...they are "fun-ctional." The one thing I've learned in my design career is that if a design is not functional for your family's needs, then it's not practical. Sure, it can always look awesome but if it doesn't accommodate your needs then whets the point. To me anyway :-) Oh my gosh y'all my spell check just lit up like crazy...cataract surgery is not coming fast enough :-) or maybe it's my arthritic fingers :-(...anyway...the center of the "sunflower" is also a "trivet".... roughly 10" depending on your prairie point placement. Stack-a-ble because they stack on top of each other when not using which makes the "fun-ctional decor." Also, great space saver if you have limited storage. I will give you a "heads up" you'll be seeing some more designs with "prairie points." Seriously they are so cute and super easy & fast to make which I love! The directions below are just like the 13" Sunflower in previous post. I will be reflecting back to the original post/design but stating the sizes needed to accommodate this sweet sunflower trivet for the center. Well, wish us all prayers and strength while prepping for another beast. I thank y'all so much for following me & I hope you've been able to get some supplies you've wanted from Missouri Star Quilt Company with the discount. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com (fast & easy recipes)

Link in upper right of blog for 15" off (1 x use) from Missouri Star Quilt Company...code QUILTVINEAUG 23 will appear to click on at checkout. 

Paid Partnership with MSQC

I hope y'all can download video...it was my first try :-)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut backing fabric and Insul-bright using medium octagon template by MSQC

* Rotary cut your top fabric plus 2" (this will be your binding/fold later)

Tip...I used a ruler to mark out 2" from my template to help guide when rotary cutting.

* Layer backing fabric...right side down then insulbright

* Top fabric...right side up (facing you)

* Position within the center of sunflower

* Pin at top to secure...carefull flip over...remove pin.

* Starting at top...Fold border in half then fold in half again to make a finished seam on back.

* Pin or clip.

* Continue same method to the right until all corners are folded back.

* Finger press if needed and pin or clip as you go.

Tip...I use my spinning mat from MSQC to help with rotating the block...Less stress on your back too!

* On front of block...top stitch or stitch in the ditch w/ coordinating thread.

* Back stitch to secure & remove pins as you go.

Tip:... I position my "needle down" on my Baby Lock Jazz II for easier pivoting at corners. If your machine doesn't have that option make sure your needle is in down position before pivoting at corners to secure your block before rotating at corners :-)

Prairie Points...

Note...I used the rest of my Sunglow chips from previous trivet then added coordinating scraps from Chroma by Deborah Edwards for Northcott...they coordinated perfectly!

First row...

* Make 8 prairie points ( 4 light & 4 dark)....see large trivet post to make prairie ponts :-)

* On front of block...starting at top...place prairie point just within the top at seam line...position prairie points with right side of opening...pin.... continue same method tucking prairie points within the next until all 8 are positioned/pinned...alternating colors.

* Top stitch on raw edge of prairie points...remove pins as you go.

Second row... 

* Make 8 more prairie points and stagger them with points out within the first row.

* Sew as same method as above.

Third row...

* Rotary cut your fabric to 4 x4 to make prairie points a bit smaller. This will make a 3.5" prairie point.

* Make 8-9 prairie points or as needed for your center.

Position the same way as above within center of block....but do not pin.

Sunflower center...

* Rotary cut your center fabric & heatnbond lite to 6 x 6

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

* Trace center of sunflower using small octagon template on paper side.

* Carefully rotary cut around template.

Tip:...I wanted my center a bit smaller so I folder my octagon in half and rotary cut in a 1/4"...do the same if you wish.

* Place in center of Prairie points and using the octagon shape as your guide...reposition any prairie points to make sure all raw edges are "tucked" within the sunflower center.

* Remove paper backing off sunflower center & position again on top of sunflowers...carefully fuse in place following manufacturer's directions on hearnbond lite.

This step allows you to re-position the prairie points if needed before fusing. Less-stress-sewing/quilting! :-)

* Top stitch with coordinating thread on sunflower center which will secure all prairie points.

* Quilt as desired.

I used my "quilting foot" on Baby Lock to help quide me when accent quilting the center of sunflower.

Helps when using coordinating thread :-)

Well, I hope you enjoyed this scrap-a-long for your fall entertaining.

Keep following for more fast & easy scrap-a-longs for your holiday entertaining.

Talk soon,

Cat