Suppers on the Porch..."Fun-ctional Table Decor.. Stackable & fun!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are doing well. I wanted to first say "Thank you" for following me on this "fun-ctional scrap-a-long." I love to create a design that is not intimidating...learning techniques in a fun fashion. Sometimes even I look at quilt patterns and think...'not in this lifetime" or I joke and say, "that's on my bucket list." But I do remember when I first started out that I was taught fun & easy techniques and it always stuck with me. I didn't get discouraged, and I've kept quilting my whole life. That is what I hope to inspire within y'all. I want you to enjoy quilting...challenging yourself along the way like I recently did with the "functional centerpiece." Honestly, I stated that pattern/technique was the first for me & I also stated "respect" to those who do that technique. It was fun...I love the way it turned out...it's not perfect but I always say..."there's no quilting police in my sewing room!" Ha...if there was, I would have been shut down :-) I love quilting...creating new techniques and designs to share but it's also "therapeutic" for me. I preach "thread n fabric therapy"...even if it's for a few minutes...do what you love in moderation. Don't give up...then your pain got the best of you...work it so you can still do what you love. Well enough of my preaching and on to how "fun-ctional" this design is! No matter your table size...you can place the individual Octagon squares to accommodate your entertaining needs. Sometimes you are limited with a traditional table runner. My pics below will give you an "idea"...not the best photographer...of how you can place the squares as needed. You can stack in a row for a traditional table runner or place as needed for a square table too. Also...hello...they are "stack-a-ble." That's right...you can stack them all within each other for storage. A great space saving technique :-) I also wanted to share my cooking and decor blog (link upper right on home page) will be hosting fun recipes for your "Suppers on the Porch." Thís month flew by for me, but you can still jump on my link to Missouri Star Quilt Co to save 20% off $50. or more for the month of April. I thank y'all so much for following & check back soon for another month of fun-ctional projects! Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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

Suppers on the Porch...

Octagon sq's...10 1/2"....Fun-ctional centerpiece 10"...tweet triver 7 1/4"...all very "fun-ctional" to accommodate your entertaining needs :-) 

 

Suppers on the Porch..."Tweet Trivet"

 Hey quilter's...hope you had a restful weekend. My prayers are for everyone with this crazy Spring weather. We had wind yesterday that blew my plants like crazy but I'm not going to complain. Sometimes I hate watching the news...seeing what lives are affected by the storms. All we can do is pray for the families to have strength during the difficult times. I pray for everyone...every morning to have strength during their difficult times. So yes, that includes you. We might not know each other but through the magic of technology we get too! That is one thing that I love about the "quilting world." We share amongst others...inspiring others & if you're like me...quilting it forward. I get so thrilled when I'm seeing pics of young children at a sewing machine on social media. I love to teach a child to sew/quilt or anybody...it's a skill that you will use forever. Plus, can make a great job skill financially in a lot of areas of sewing & quilting. I for one love how "thread and fabric therapy" has helped me. I've seen on social media of how Wounded Warriors are sewing/quilting to help w/ P.T.S.D. So, if you have a chance to teach this amazing skill please do so. Sometimes we don't realize how something so simple inspires others. Well, I hope you've enjoyed this Scrap-a-long..."Suppers on the Porch." I've had a blast & love the fabric so much that I made a small "tweet trivet" to go along with the fun-ctional table decor. I think y'all know by now that I love entertaining outdoors & listening to birds. The fabric "Porch Swing" by Riley Blake Designs & the "Spring Icons bird" Template inspired my design. All supplies are from Missouri Star Quilt Co. You can save 20% off $50. or more for the month of April w/my link on supplies. The "tweet trivet" is using the small & medium Octagon Template so if you're at this point you've used all three sizes of the Octagon Templates from MSQC. I love the quality of MSQC Templates & if you've been on their website lately "Chuck" now has his own template. Wow. I can only imagine the designs everyone will be coming up w/that super cute guy! I thank y'all so much for following & pop on over to my cooking blog for recipes that I'll be sharing soon using this fun-ctional home decor "Suppers on the Porch." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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

Here's all you need...

Note...You will be using the scrap pieces & 2 of the 10" squares from "Porch Swing" collection.

* Small & Medium Octagon Template from Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* Insulbright

* Low loft batting

Here's all you do...

* Using the small octagon...center within the 10" square bird design and rotary cut around the template.

* Using the "medium octagon template" rotary cut your backing...insulbright & batting...set aside.

Scrappy Borders...

Note...you will repeat next step 3 times for the three scrappy borders :-)

* Rotary cut a few scrap pieces 1" x 4 1/2 to start...you will adjust length as you go.

* Using the same method as the bird squares & fun-stional centerpiece....start at the upper right corner sewing strips to octagon shape with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. You will sew in  a clockwise direction & press and square up as you go.

* Continue this method until all 3 scrappy borders are achieved. Isn't it fun using those scraps? :-)

Border/Binding...

Note...yes, it's wide due to later you will fold to the back of square to achieve the 1/2" binding on back.

* Layer...backing...facing down...insulbright...low loft batting & block right side up (facing you)

* Same way...start at upper right corner...finger press border to the back leaving a 1/2" binding on the front....continue clockwise...clip as you go.

* Carefully flip block over.

* Starting at same upper right corner...fold binding in half to secure raw edge of fabric.

* Continue clockwise and remove/adjust clips as you go.

Note...I leave the clips in as I am doing this step to keep all layers secure. :-) see above pic :-)

* Crazy stitch on front of block to secure seam on back. Remove clips as you go.

Quilt block as desired. I did an outline stitch around the center octagon, but it would be fun to do some accent quilting around the fabric design :-) 

Now you're ready for those "Suppers on the Porch!"

Keep following for more "Scrap-a-longs".

Cat

"Suppers on the Porch"...Fun-ctional Centerpiece!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are doing well and have restful plans for the weekend. Life goes by quickly so take the time to do what you enjoy...even if it's for a few minutes. I know with me...just taking a few minutes throughout the day and sewing/quilting helps re-set my mind. I preach a lot on "thread and fabric therapy" but I can say that "I'm a true testament. "When you have a "distraction from pain...even for a few moments it helps rejuvenate your or mine anyway, attitude. I would be a nut case if I constantly focused on my pain. So, I hope you take a few minutes for yourself this weekend do what you love, and I hope a few minutes is "scrapin'a-long" with me. As y'all know the "Suppers on the Porch" fun-ctional table decor for entertaining was made of 5 individual Octagon squares. Well, I'll be sharing with y'all the "fun-ctional centerpiece" to complete the table decor (runner) for entertaining. If you're at this stage with me, you have probably noticed of how convenient & fun the 10" squares "Porch Swing" by Riley Blake Designs. You have more of a variety to "rotary cut" & use the 10" squares verses a charm pack which is made up of 5" squares to a pack. Believe me...I love both. I'm all about saving space and both have convenient use within a design. Once you have completed this stage you will be able to lay out your squares in a row to achieve the home decor "table runner." The center piece will allow you to place your hot/cold item on when entertaining. Plus, they all stack up for convenience & saving space. Yes. You know me, I'll be sharing some recipes that I love using this method on my cooking blog "Cooking and decor w/Cat"...link upper right on home page. If you still need supplies my link to Missouri Star Quilt Co. will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of April. I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for one more "tweet addition" to this fun-ctional home decor "Suppers on the Porch." Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

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Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

Fun Fact...this was the "first time" I added small borders to a "Octagon Square." Remember when I stated at the beginning of the year that I wanted to challenge myself this year and learn more sewing/quilting techniques :-) Total respect to quilters that make tons of these squares in a quilt design!

Here's all you need...

* Medium & Large Octagon Templates by Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* Insul-bright

Note... You will still be using your 10" squares & scraps from previously, but you will need the insul-bright for the hot/cold items & I did a "quilting in the ditch" using Aurifil 50 weight #2134 to accent the center Octagon shape. Plus, it helps to secure the insul-bright too. 

Here's all you do...

* Select 1 Bird 10" square & rotary cut on right side of fabric using your Medium Octagon Template.

Tip...position template as desired to get as much of those sweet birds :-)

* Select 1 10" square for the background fabric & set aside. 

* Rotary cut using your "large Octagon Template" insul-bright...low loft batting & your background fabric...set aside

Scrappy Borders...

(You will make 3 ...1/2" borders)

* Rotary cut strips 1" wide by 5" starting out...I do longer then square up. Use previous cut scraps :-)

* Using the same method as the "Bird squares"...start at upper right corner of octagon square and place a strip w/ right sides together using a 1/4" seam.

* Press and square up.

* Continue this method clockwise until you have achieved all sides to form the Octagon.

* Press block to make sure all your seams are flat on back before adding more strips.

* Repeat this same process with the next 2 borders....using scrap pieces if possible

Remember save those scraps :-)

Border/Binding...

Note...yes, it is wider but we fold back later w/my easy technique :-)

* Rotary cut 2" strips & using the same method as above...starting at same corner previously...place a strip with right sides together using 1/4" seam allowance...press & square up as you sew in the clockwise direction.

* Remember the scrappier the better :-) 

* Layer backing square...right side down

* Insul-bright & batting square

* Octagon block centered on top w/right side up (facing you)

* Using the same method as sewing strips...start at upper right corner and fold back strip to back leaving a 1/2" border on front. Finger press & clip to secure

* Repeat same method in a clockwise motion for all sides of Octagon.

* Carefully flip block over....

* Starting at same corner...tuck in your fold to secure seam...finger press..clip...continue clockwise to achieve all borders on Octagon square.

Note....I remove...re-position the clips as I go so to keep all layers in tack :-) Why I love "clips" super functional :-)

* Top stitch or "crazy stitch" on front to secure binding on back :-) 

* Remove clips as you go :-)

Note...This is where you can get creative & have fun! I did the "crazy stitch " w/ Aurifil 50 wight thread black # 2692 then stitched in the ditch around the center 5" Octagon w/ Aurifil 50 weight #2134. 

* Now lay out your squares as desired for entertaining. I alternated the direction of the "bird squares" on each side of the fun-ctioning center block to give it an interesting design.

Remember...this is a space-saver..so just stack & store when needed :-)

Yes....mine will be used inside too. These birds are adorable ;-)

Well, you did it!!!! You just completed your "Suppers on the Porch" fun-ctional home decor/table runner for entertaining!

Have fun entertaining & check back soon for more "fun-ctional decor" & recipes on my cooking blog using this super cute table decor :-) 

Talk soon,

Cat

"Suppers on the Porch"...Project Progress ;-)

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going great. I wanted to share my project progress w/ y'all. I'm loving this fabric "Porch Swing" by Riley Blake Designs. The color hues...prints are stunning. I've completed my last 2 Octagon Bird squares...pics below and next step is the "functional center square." The octagon center compliments the bird squares, but you will be using insul-bright for hot/cold items. I love decor that is fun-ctional. Once you have completed all 5 Octagon squares, they will stack easily for storage. Another great space-saving technique. Well, if y'all know me by now...I have a d'lish recipe to share soon on my cooking blog for the centerpiece when entertaining. I love this time of year...entertaining/eating outdoors...listening to the birds and friends/family gatherings. Just a note this is table decor is great for "indoor entertaining" too ;-) I hope you're having fun w/this "scrap-a-long" too. If you're new to the "quilting world" this is a great project for a beginner quilter. The steps are easy to follow along plus it's very satisfying as you complete individual squares fast :-) I am all about a super-cute-functional project...aren't you? Well don't forget my link to Missouri Star Quilt co if you need supplies. You can save 20% off $50. or more for the month of April. Please check out their amazing website. Awesome daily deals...tutorials & inspiration. Sometimes I just love to watch their tutorials even if I'm not making that particular project. Seems the "Doan Ladies" are always sharing some form of a clever technique. I love that! I thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for the "fun-ctioal centerpiece" Octagon Square. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

"Suppers on the Porch"..Fun-ctional Table Decor'..Phase 3

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well and you're having kind weather. I watch the national weather every morning and this has been a crazy start to Spring. My prayers are with everyone going through difficult times. As y'all know by now I'm obsessed with this fabric collection "Porch Swing" by Riley Blake Designs. The 10" squares have such a variety of prints & hues that it makes these Birds Sing! The Spring Bird Icon Templates & Octagon Templates by Missouri Star Quilt Company are super easy to design with and great quality. In this phase I will be showing you the "baby bird." This is an option but he's so stinkin cute that I hope you incorporate it into the design. You will be making 5 Octagon Sq's in total...4 Bird Sq's & one fun-ctional centerpiece in Phase 4. I was only going to make 2 birds, but they were so much fun that I made 4 :-) I staggered them in different areas by their "Mommas" & was pretty pleased of how it all came together. I'm just here to guide & inspire you so use your creativity & have fun. If you need supplies pop on my link to MSQC to save 20% off $50. or more for the month of April from MSQC. Browse their website for inspiration with their great tutorials & daily deals. The "Doan Ladies" are always creating something special & they will definitely inspire you & keep you in stitches! I thank y'all so much for following & hope you're having as much fun as I am. I love to do my own "give-a-way" to show my appreciation for following me so please follow me on Instagram & Facebook. I just gifted a "Car Coaster & Quilting Traveler's Luggage Tag" & a sweet quilty-friend from Pennsylvania won...that was exciting.  Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

Here's all you do...

* Select 4...10" squares for backing.

* Place large Octagon template on right side of fabric & trace around template w/your preferred method.

* Rotary cut on the lines. 

* Repeat for all 4 squares. Set aside.

* Do the same method for your low-loft batting & insul-bright. Set aside.

Sweet Scrappy Baby Birds...

* You will make the baby birds the same way as the large Scrappy Birds. You can use your scrap pieces from your large bird or give them a different look by using the 1" strips that were set a side earlier. I used the 1" strips and pieced in the same color fashion as the Momma bird. I love this look because baby birds don't have all their color yet :-) Make as many as you desire and set aside once finished.

* Preparing your blocks for a-play-que & quilting...

Note...If you choose to only "a-play-que) your block then layer only the batting. If you choose to a-play-que & quilt within your block then layer batting and backing (right side down)

* Position your Large Bird & Baby bird within your block as desired.

* Pin in place or use a bit of washable fabric glue to adhere or your preferred method.

Tip...I spray my birds with "Faultless Premium" starch before I a-play-que my items when using the raw-edge method. This helps me to not have frayed raw edges when sewing. Plus sewing with the "crazy stitch" helps as well. I align my sewing foot to the edge of the design for the outside stitching then center the stitch on the line when doing the "crazy stitch" within the birds. I always do a test to adjust the stitch width if necessary. All machines are different so jot down your stitch used if you jump between machines like I do :-) 

* A-play-que your birds or quilt as desired. I used Aurifil 50 weight black #2692.

* Repeat this method for all 4 Bird Octagon Squares.

Finishing...

* Layer backing square ...right side facing down.

* Then your Octagon Birds square...right side facing you.

* Starting at upper right corner...fold border under 1/2" inch finger press.

* Repeat this step in a "clockwise motion" until you reach back to top.

* Flip square over and using the same clockwise method...tuck in the border in half to close the raw edge. Pin or clip as you go to secure.

* Carefully flip square over & top stitch to secure. I used the "crazy stitch" it grabs the backing pretty well to secure the fold on back, but you do what works best. 

* Repeat this method for all 4 Octagon Bird Blocks.

Tip...I placed my Octagon Template within my square as a guide to make sure I was keeping the shape as I folded border over. It's not perfect but I was pleased with the outcome :-) remember have fun...no quilting police on my blog :-) 

Here's a "Peek" of my 2nd block & how I alternated the background fabric. This fabric is so inspiring so have fun & create away!

Check back soon for the Fun-ctional Center Piece 

Octagon Square,

Cat

"Suppers on the Porch" Fun-ctional Table Decor'..Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well. I'm so excited about this sweet table decor that I'm actually going right to the directions. I've had a blast with the templates from Missouri Star Quilt Company and the "Porch Swing" fabric by Riley Blake Designs is stunning. I love it when fabric makes the design & in this case it really does. The scrappy birds are so sweet and just wait until you see what's coming soon. I might have gotten a bit carried away. But that's what I do...I love sharing fun & easy projects with y'all. In this phase you'll be making "branches" for the birds to perch on. No worries if you haven't tried this step before...super easy. Trust me :-) You will also be adding the "scrappy border" to the Octagon Square. I love this part because you get to pick and choose from the lovely fabric collection as desired. My O.C.D. (only Cat does) kicked in a bit so don't over think it...the scrapier the better. Just have fun! If you're just joining the scrap-a-long don't forget to use my link to MSQC to save 20% off $50. or more on supplies for the month of April. I hope you're having as much fun as me making this "fun-ctional table decor." Thanks so much for following!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

Here's all you do...

* Take one of your bird's background 10" sq. and trace round Octagon template on right side of fabric using your preferred marking method.

* Rotary cut on that line.

* Repeat for all 4 Octagon Bird background squares. (set aside)

Making the Branches...

* Select one dark green and one light green 10" squares.

* Sub cut on a 45* angle into 1" strips & 3/4" strips.

Tip...cutting on a 45* angle gives the fabric a stretch if you want to make branches bend easier.

* Fold a strip in half (wrong sides 2gether) press...then fold in the raw edges & press to secure edges.

* Do this for all strips...you might not use them all :-)

* Now take one octagon square and position branches on right side of fabric as desired.

* Pin to secure if desired.

Tip...I positioned my bird within the Octagon square to get a "visual" of where I wanted my branches to be :-) I also used a dark and light green strip on each square to give the branches a different color. This is where you can get creative & have fun! :-)

* Do not adhere bird....this will happen in next Phase :-)

* Top stitch on branches to secure.

* Repeat for all 4 Octagon Squares.

Scrappy/Border/Binding...

* Select 8 10" squares as desired & rotary cut each in half to have a5 x 10" strips.

* Select one strip from each and set the others aside.

* Take one 5 x 10" strip & sub cut into 2 x 10" strips...set the 1" strip aside.

* Take your Octagon square w/ right side facing you & starting at one side sew a strip with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press & trim even with shape of Octagon.

* Going in a "clockwise" fashion,,,keep adding borders as above until you have reached back up to the top of the Octagon.

Note...you're going Cat...this is a wide border.... yes but you will be turning the strip over later for my easy border/binding method :-) you know me...less-stress-quilting, :-)

* Repeat this step on all 4 Octagon squares.

* Sneek-Peek of what it will look like on next phase :-)

Check back soon for Phase 3,

Cat

 

"Suppers on the Porch"...Fun-ctional Table Decor..Phase 1

 Hey quilter's....happy Tuesday! I wanted to always say that....we laugh all the time because when you retire sometimes you don't even know what day it is....sad but true :-) That's one of my goals! Well I'm excited to share Phase 1 with y'all of "Suppers on the Porch." I'm having a blast of how easy this scrap-a-long is coming together. Sometimes I feel when you are sewing/piecing gorgeous fabric together it motivates you to finish the project faster. At least for me anyway. I love this collection " You have 42...10" squares in stunning hues & prints that are already coordinated for you. Seriously y'all, as a designer half the time is spent coordinating fabric. Well in Phase 1 you will be selecting your fabrics from this gorgeous collection for 4 birds...5 Octagon Sq's that will become the "Fun-ctional Table Decor." The 5 sq's are individually pieced & quilted then once finished you lay them in a row to form a decorative table runner. The "center square" is actually more functional than the other 4 as it will become a "trivet" for hot/cold items to set on when entertaining. The center block is where you will be using the insul-bright insert. Later you'll have the option of making smaller trivets that coordinate for entertaining. I'm breaking the steps down for you so bear with me if it seems a bit daunting at first. I want you to use all this stunning collection :-) Once you start the "Scrapin' Like Crazy" technique you'll want to make more of my upcoming projects using this technique. It's super fun & therapeutic & no paper-piecing! You know me "I'm all about Thread and Fabric Therapy!" If you need supplies my link to MSQC will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of April. Thanks so much for following & have fun!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Partner

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

(Supplies listed on previous post)

Here's all you do...

* Organize the fabric squares by prints & hues (aren't they gorgeous?)

* Select 5...10" sq's for the Background fabric ( 1 is for the center block)

* I alternated my background prints from light to dark (My O.C.D)

* Select 9 of the small prints & rotary cut in half to make Two...5 x 10" pieces.

* Select one of each 5 x 10 inch prints...set the others aside for later use :-)

Making the "Scrappy Birds"

* Take 1 of the 5 x 10" piece and cut into 4 off centered pieces (this step is so fun & therapeutic)

* Repeat this step for all 5 x 10" squares...set aside into piles.

Tip...hold your large bird template to get a "vision" of how you would like your bird to look. As I was piecing my scraps 2gether I would then lay my bird template on top of the pieced fabric to guide me in which direction to sew the next piece on. Sew much easier than paper-piecing :-) Also I "flipped" my Large Bird Template over to make 2 birds in opposite directions. 

* Sew your scrap pieces w/ right sides 2gether....using a 1/8" seam allowance if possible (less bulk) & finger press seams flat...trim away access fabric before sewing the next piece.

* Save those scraps :-) :-) :-) 

* Using your Bird Template as your guide sew enough pieces together to form his body. 

* Press seams flat before next step ;-)

* Using a erasable pen/pencil of your choice...position the bird template on the right side of your scrap fabric piece & trace around the bird template. 

* Carefully cut on that line using sharp scissors. 

* Repeat this fun/therapeutic step to make 4 "Scrappy Birds"

You will later raw edge "a-play-que" around the birds :-)

Check back soon for Phase 2.

Cat