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

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

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!