Cats "Spook-tacular Entertaining" Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...Sunday Blessings to y'all. Hope y'all summer is off to a great start. I love it when I miss a "text" from my grandson that he saw a "30 Bluebirds" when traveling. He knows how to grab his Gege's attention. I think we all play a "traveling game" to entertain us while driving. He must have been thinking of me a lot because we usually count different licence plates of states or the usual 'slug bug" which was my daughter's favorite. Whatever your plans are I hope you sneak in some sewing/quilting w/ a younger generation. I truly believe in quilting it forward. I love seeing posts of a young child learning to sew/quilt/ It's amazing of how the "younger generation" has really gravited to this wonderful technique. I know for me it's very therapeutic.I'm exciting for the month of July. I'll be featuring designs to "teach the kiddos" to sew...Stitchin' @ the Lake & some fun designs & tips when traveling. We'll also be featuring a "Christmas in July" taable runner that is super cute! Of course all items are from Missouri Star Quilt Company and my discount will save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of June. I'll feature "sneak peeks" a long the way for you to take advantage of the discount featured for the month for supplies. I know you're probably wondering why I'm sharing a "Halloween design" already but have you noticed this fabric collection. Oh my gosh...the "Little Witch" collection by Jennifer Long "Sew a Story" for Riley Blake Designs is super cute! I couldn't wait to get my "Witch On." :-) Plus I was waiting for some yardage to arrive for my previous "Sweet Land of Liberty" quilt. The "Spook-tacular Trivets" for entertaining are super easy & a great way to teach a beginner to learn the "Log Cabin" design. Plus you will learn to "fussy cut" using the Missouri Star Octagon Templates. Please use supervision with children when using a rotary cutter. Trust me...I've been in a rush and have regreated it later. Slowing down and enjoying the process is probably a first to teach someone. :-) Well today's phase is very fun as you will be "fussy-cutting" your favorite parts of the Little Witch fabric. I did "rotate" mine when to give a different direction as I display the design for table decor. The fabric is sew pretty that I'm sure you will have a blast with this project. I have a 'huge" Halloween project that I'll be sharing soon using this fabric collection along with fabric that I've inherited. So no worries about what to do this Summer...I've got you covered! Thanks so much for following and keep checkin' in for fun projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

Here's all you do...

Note...directions are using the small octagon template.for the small trivet.

* Fussy cut your desired area of Little Witch fabric using the small octagon template for the center.

* Rotary cut strips 1" x 4".to start then ..5"...6." as you sew or your desired accent border. 

Note...I used a 1/8" seam allowance on following.

* Start in upper right corner...sew a strip using a 1/8" seam allowance w/right side together.

* Press...square up to the Octagon design.

* Rotary cut your next strip to desired length sew as above and continue in a clockwise design until you reach back to the top. 

Tip...I cut my strips longer to make it easy and square up as I'm sewing.

* Second border do the same as above with your desired fabric & start at the same right corner to achieve the log cabin design.

Border/Binding...

* Rotary cut your strips 1 1/2 x 5...then make strips longer as you sew. Start in the same upper right corner...sew using a 1/8th in seam allowance and press and square up as you sew.

Note...strips are wider for my Border/Binding technique that you fold to back later.

* Repeat these steps for as many small trivets desired. I made two to accent the 3 large trivets.

* Measure you octagon square before adding the border/binding strip. Add a 1/2 " to that size.

This will be your size to Rotary cut your insul-bright...batting/backing.

* Lay backing fabric...right side down.

* Insul-bright

* Batting

* Octagon square right side up (facing you)

* Pin to secure.

* Quilt as desired w/coordinating thread.

Tip...I like to quilt in the ditch around the center to secure then do fun decorative stitching accenting the Octagon shape. 

Note... Once you have achieved your desired design then fold your "border/binding" strip to the back leaving a 1/4" binding on front of block...fold in again to secure the hem on back using the directions below.

* You will start in the same upper right corner and fold/secure with pin/clips until you reach back to the top of the octagon trivet.

* Stitch in the ditch on front of trivet to secure you fold on back. 

* Repeat for all of your desired small trivets.

Large "Spook-tacular Trivets"...

Well now you do the exact same concept for the runner trivets but you use the "Medium Octagon Template" as you fussy cut your center design.

* Follow the same directions for your borders and the border/binding technique.

* When you get to the rotary cutting of your insul-bright...batting and backing cut to your oactagon size or use the Large Octagon template as your guide then trim to size needed. I found that to be a bit easier.

* Repeat for all 3 Octagon Trivets or your desired amount.

Note...this is the first Phase of my "Spook-tacular Entertaining." The second Phase will come later using the "free download" design "Batty Mantle" by Windham fabrics but I will be making it as the table runner for the Spook-tacular Trivets. So download the directions so you can get your spooky fabric while it's in stock. I guess I'm not the only one that like's to get their "Witch on" :-)

Check back soon for more fun & exciting projects!

Cat

Cats..."Spook-tacular Entertaining!" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all have restful weenkend plans. It's been a bit crazy already here seeing the "weather" already brewing in the tropics. So I thought...well then I'm going to "brew-up" some spook-tacular sewing this weekend. Truth be told...I recently received the "Little Witch" designed by Jennifer Long for Riley Blake Designs. Oh my gosh...this is such a fun & cute design line that I couldn't wait to start some fun-ctional spooky-designs for entertaining. I just received my backing fabric for the "Sweet Land of Liberty" design so in the meantime of pressing the yardage I'll have some spooky-fun. If you're like me decorating for the Holiday's brings me joy. I love to decorate my "coffee bar area" for the season. It's probably to make me happy but every now and then a friend will pop in for coffee. I design 'fun-ctional decor" so you can make the design and use where you would like in your home. The design can also be used when dinner entertaining due to they are "trivets" used with Insul-Bright. If you follow me you will notice I use a lot of this product for the function. The trivets are super cute when not in use then they will hold hot/cold items when entertainig. Plus they stack easy for strorage. That's a must these days due to my limited space. The trivets are Phase 1 then later we'll be doing Phase 2 with a "free-download" from Windham Fabrics "Batty Mantle." I will be featuring the pattern in a "table runner" instead w/ the "Spook-tacular Trivets" in the center. I wanted to give you a visual of what is to come :-) Seriously, check out the free-download so you can coordinate your fabrics while they are in stock. I know the "Little Witch" collection is going fast! You can purchase the fabric collection from Missouri Star Quilt Company and my link w/save you 2-% off $50. or more on most products for the month of June. We have a lot going on starting in July so keep checking back. I'll be doing two series "Stitchin' @ the Lake" & teach the kiddos 2 sew this Summer along w/some super cute & fun projects. Thanks so much for following & let the Summer Fun begin!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

Here's all you need...

* Missouri Star Octagon Templates (Small, Medium, Large)

* Little Witch Charm Pack by Jennifer Long (Sew a Story)

* 1/4 yard each of coordinating fabrics Witches hat (Magenta & Pumpkin)

* 1/2 yard of Moda Bella Solids Black for Binding/backing.

* Coordinating thread Aurifil 50# (2692, 2235, 2582) 

* 1/4 yard of Insul-bright

* 1/4 yard of low-loft batting

Note...You will be "fussy-cutting" using the Octagon Templates for the center of each Trivet. Super fun way to get the exact center & you can use the scraps later for the border strips. No waste in my sewing room :-) Below is a "sneak-peek" of the design that starts tomorrow. It's super easy & fun. If you don't already have this adorable fabric then catch up when your order comes in. :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Jenny Doans Signature Series Tool !Set!

 Hey quilter's...hope you're week is off to a great start. I'm excited to share w/y'all that Mrs. Jenny Doan's Signature Series Tool Set is ready for orders. Oh my gosh y'all...this is the sweetest...fun-ctional tool set I've ever seen! The Doans legacy of how the family started Missouri Star Quilt Company is really remarkable and inspirational. Then comes along the "love story" of the tool set. You need to view their stroy of the tool set..."box" that was a sentimental gift from her husband, Ron. This special gift inspired Jenny's Signature Series Tool Set. The story will warm your hearts and bring you to tears...it did me anyway. I love a true love story! This is a limited-edition aqua metal toolbox & collection is a tribute to Jenny's passion and resourcefulness. The toolbox is embossed with the Missouri Star Logo and fetaures Quilt town floral fabric-lined inserts, magnetic lid for pins and needles and elastic straps for needle packs. The tools come in an elagant subtle peach color, crafted from German-grade steel, etched with Missouri Star symbols, ensuring durability and precision. You will dive into quilting-bliss with this toolset! Plus be the envy when you carry this into your next quilting retreat...quilt club mtg or.....when you join me on my New upcoming Series...."Sticthin' @ the Lake!" Yup...we're taking stitchin' outside :-) This "toolset" is perfect for taking by the lake...stitchin' outside...and your items will not blow away! Love it! The tool set includes the aqua metal toolbox, 8" scissors, 4" scissors, a 2-in-1 seam ripper, stilleto combo & rotary cutter. We all know when Mrs. Jenny designs a special item it sells out quickly. My link to Missouri Star Quilt Company will take you to the site...it's featured on their home page for easy ordering. My discount link does not apply towards the toolset but it sure does on other exciting items. Y'all...this would make a great "Graduation gift....Birthday gift...or just becasue I love you." Don't forget you so we can stitch together by the Lake this summer! Pics below show how super-cute & fun-ctional toolset. Thanks so much for following and check back soon for a "sneak-peek" of Teaching the kiddos to Sew this Summer. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting From My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC 

Link w/save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of June on most products for all your sewing/crafting/quilting needs.

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

America...Sew Beautiful "Sweet Land of Liberty" Phase 5

 Hey quilter's...hope y'alls weekend is off to a great start. I've been playing w/my EQ8 software "the electric quilt". I love this quilt design software. Super easy to learn & I actually have advanced myself with their software from the very beginning. Not saying I'm techy...believe me but that's how easy their software is to follow along and has programs within to teach yourself. I uploaded the panel deisgn within the borders of this quilt design for accuracy when rotary cutting. I know Missouri Star Quilt Company sells the software too :-) It's always fun to challenge yourself and learn new skills especially when it comes to quilting. I always try to state exact measurements on designs but you should always measure your squares as well. Sometimes fabric stretches and that will give you a different size. I'm posting today's phase just in case y'all are ready for your border/binding/quilting. I prepared mine for quilting but I'm waiting on my backing fabric to arrive. I love Missouri Star Wide Backs so much that I decided to apply the gray fabric as my backing as well. I was going to scrap my back but I love how the quilt is coming a long so I decided to spurge a bit and go for it. Plus...my discount link to MSQC saved me on the fabric too. Win...win :-) Due to the length of the quilt design you most likely will be piecing border strips together. It is not hard at all and actually fun. My late mom-in-law used to piece her scraps together for a long scrappy border. Great use of scraps for sure. Also...depending on your level of quiling you might decide to quilt first..square up then add borders. I like to add my border strips then quilt up to the seam line. For me that's easier due to quilting on a domestic machine. Whatever way you decide on the technique is super easy to do. I'll be sharing a "spook-tacular" design next week while I'm waiting on my backing fabric to arrive. Plus a sneak-peek of the project "Teach the kiddos to sew this summer." I'm loving the design and can't wait to share it with y'all. Lets just say "I've got your back." hint...hint :-) Wishing all the father's a great weekend. Mine is in heaven so I'm sure he's doing what he loves...fly fishing! Thank y'all so much for following and if you need supplies my link to MSQC w/save you 20% off $50. or more for the month of June. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC 

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

P.S. don't forget to enter for the "Cuddle Fabric Give-a-way" :-)

Tip...Pressing is the key when joining strips for borders...I love my ironing board cover fom Missouri Star Quilt co...the quality & thickness of padding is perfect plus it's super cute :-)

Piecing Border/Binding Strips together...

* Measure your quilt top and take the longest width & length to get an "idea" of how many strips you will be joiningg together.

* Press fabric before rotary cutting strips.

* Rotary cut strips 2.5 x your desired length. 

* With strips right side together make an "L"...and draw a diagonal line across from corner to corner (note direction in pic)

* Pin to secure if desired.

* Sew on that line...Fold strip over to make an even line...press...trim away extra bulk on back to seam line.

* Repeat same method as you join strips 2gehter for your desired length.

Tip... I make mine longer and then square up later after sewing on to quilt top.

Joining Border/Binding strips to quilt top...

Note....the strips are "wider" due to folding over later to back  making a finished border on front with my border/binding technique. Do the same if desired.

* Join strips to top/bottom of quilt w/right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press and square up.

* Repeat same method for left/right side of quilt.

Prepare for quilting...

* Measure your quilt top. Press your backing fabric to that size plus a few inches extra to allow for shrinkage during quilting.

* Rotary cut your batting using the same measuring method.

* Place backing fabric w/ right side down.

* Batting

* Then quilt top up (facing you)

* Pin to secure and quilt as desired. 

* Remember to remove pins as you quilt :-)

* Use the "ironing board trick" if you need help with weight of quilt when quilting :-)

Note...you are one step ahead of me so have fun!

Tip...I like to quilt in the ditch around center of quilt to secure my layers together...then I smooth the fabric and quilt outward to sides. But you do what is easier for you. I will be accenting around the beautiful floral design on panel with coordinating Aurifil thread :-)

Once you have finished quilting...fold your border/binding strip to the back leaving a 1/4" border on the front. (start with top/bottom then left/right side) Fold binding in half again to secure and quilt in the ditch on front side or secure with hand stitching on back. 

Remember to have fun...this is the exciting part...quilting and getting creative with stitches & thread colors to enhance the design.

Check back soon as I'll be showing my quilting progress once my backing arrives :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

America...Sew Beautiful "Sweet Land of Liberty" Phase 4

 Hey quilter's...hope your day is off to a great start. It's a bit crazy already here in Florida. But I don't have my "floaties" on so I'll hush...sew & be thankful. I'm praying for a calm Hurricane season for everyone. I'm doing a lot of "stress sewing." Helps me especially during this crazy weather we're having. My design brain is on 2 other projects that I'll be sharing next week but my "smart brain" is saying stay focused woman! So this morning as I woke super early due to not sleeping w/my back pain I did what I call my "early fiber feeding." Yes...I will sew early to take my mind off pain. I preach 'thread and fiber therapy" for a reason...it does help me...even if it's for a few minutes taking your mind off pain. Due to this I was able to piece/finish all the border strips. I will admit designing in EQ8 helps tremendously with cutting accurately when joining borders and blocks together. But my O.C.D. (only Cat does) kicked in then I remembered what sweet Jenny Doan says..."finished is better than perfect." It's really true y'all. We quilt because we love it...we make gifts for others from our hearts...so I had to tell myself line up those points as good as you can and be happy with your outcome. Yes...I used my seam ripper a few times ....started again matching points and then said her quote again. I ten put my seam ripper far away so I wouldn't use it :-) It's not that I'm trying to be perfect it's my Construction/Design brain going everything has to be perfect. The percs of being a designer but then I told myself my quilt wont be standing like a house it will be used to snuggle with so let it go! :-) So litterally on that note I'll be sharing piecing the borders with you along with a few tips that I feel will help you when joing the corner blocks to the borders. Again...don't stress enjoy this process especially if this is a new technique that you are learning. Remember...there's no quilting police in my sewing room...thank God :-) Enjoy this step...you're getting closer to the finishing so you should be very proud. I hope y'all entered for the Cuddle Fabric Give-a-way on my Instagram or Facebook Page. Pop over to Missouri Star Quilt Comapny to view all the color hues...textures & prints. They are having a fun special all week on Cuddle Fabric :-) My link above right will take you there and applies discount of 20% off $50. or more on most items at checkout for the month of June. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

Here's all you do...

* Sew top/bottom borders to panel with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press & square up if needed.

Tip...I sew w/the dark border side facing me when sewing the 1/4" seam...It helps me control the line due to the "dark color border" does show around the panel as a beuatiful accent. 

Plus...I sew slow...this is not the time to act like me and do "speed sewing."....:-)

And....keep making sure your border strips and panel are aligned together as you sew :-)

* Measure your left/right side of panel.

* Cut your border strips to that length PLUS a 1/4" seam allowance on each end.

* Join your corner blocks to strip per design w/right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Repeat for both sides.

* Join your corner/border strips to panel per design w/ Right sides togther using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

Note...Just remember...take your time...it will be a tad bit bulky so make sure you have an area to lay the quilt on beside you to help ease the weight for you as you sew :-)

Tip...I will use my "ironing board" & position it near my sewing table to lay the quilt on when sewing boarders. It's great...you can 'adjust" the ironing board height to your sewing table...dining table...whatever you use. 

Remember..you're doing great & getting closer to the finishing stage of quilting!

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats Tip of the Day...Great gift idea..."Cozy Cuddle Robe"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is going great. I had to share this gift idea with y'all. It's that time of year when Graduations are happening and kiddos off to college. What better way to send them off w/a homemade gift. They will definately think of you when wrapped up in the cozy fabric. You can download the "free pattern" on Missouri Star Quilt Comapany's website. My link on upper right will take you there. View all the stunning fabrics to make all your gift-giving easy. The pattern is versatile for all sizes...just change the fabric per your needs. Plus...don't forget to follow me on Instagram or Facebook as we're giving away "2 yards" of Cuddle fabric w/MSQC. Come join the "Cuddle Craze"...make as a gift or spoil yourself :-) Pic below of Cuddle Fabric "Sea Turtles" is just one of the super cute Cuddle prints. Make a robe...throw...pool wrap...sew many possibilities! The Cuddle fabric is on sale this week at Missouri Star Quilt Company. Thanks so much for following & don't forget my discount link to MSQC w/save you 20% off $50. or more on most products for all your sewing/crafting/quilting needs. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

"Cuddle Fabric Give-a-way!"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great day. I'm excited to share some exciting news....first it's Jenny Doans Birthday so pop on over to Instagram and wish her a Happy birthday....2cnd....we're giving away 2 yards of Cuddle Fabric to a lucky winner. All the rules are on my Instagram Post & Facebook. The entries are accepted until June 16th and I will draw a lucky winner and announce on June 17th. I love cuddle fabric. It's super snuggly & you have sew many variety & textures...pile hights...colors...prints...embossed designs...and sew much more! You can view the "Cuddle Craze" that's happening this week on Missouri Star Quilt Company's webiste. My link is on home page and you can save 20% off $50. or more on most products for the month of June. Come join the "Cuddle Craze" and get a kick-start to your holiday gift making. Check back soon for my next Phase of my "America...Sew Beautiful" quilt. Thanks so much for following & talk soon.

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC 

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