Enchanted Christmas Embroidery..."Cardinal Ornament"

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. I can't believe Christmas is two months away. Oh my gosh y'all. If you're like me the day after Halloween is when I usually start to freak. For some reason when I start to put up more fall decor and break out the Thanksgiving items it starts to get real. I have been working on Christmas presents all year...a little at a time but still have lots to do. Are y'all like me...every year I say I'm going to have everything finished early. Hmmm....well hopefully next year. Well during this recent hurricane had days of "downtime" which made me think and re-group some things. I have recently decided to showcase more fun & easy designs on my blog this coming year. I will be featuring "Christmas Cheer all Year" & a "sweet suprise" coming soon. The designs will not be complicated and you will always have an option to try a "advanced technique." So hopefully in 2025 will get some great gifts finished throughout the year so next year's Christmas won't be so hectic & "kuddos" to you if you're already about finished. :-) I am getting better...but definately "baby steps." I am lovin' this "Enchanted Christmas" keepsake embroidery kit by Missouri Star Quilt Company. The designs are so detailed but easy to embroider. If you read my previous post you can see how I'm turning the designs into "ornaments" for my daughter. Most of the time we gather together at Christmas but just in case 'I'm missing"...ha!...we'll still be together when she hangs the ornaments. I'm hoping that one day my sweet grandson will inherit the ornaments. I alway's say it's the "little things" that we cherish most and these ornaments are such a delight. The kit is still available ton MSQC website and will say that it would make a great kit too. I'm not doing the designs in order...just selecting the design as I go. But this "Cardinal" design is so near to my heart. My family loves Cardinals. The quote goes...."everytime you see a Cardinal someone from Heaven is thinking of you." I'm hoping these ornaments bring joy to my family every year. The steps are the same for each ornament. The Tree was the first post so please reflect to the instructions as needed. I will not any different items or techniques that I did along the way. I've also incorporated a sweet vintage button in each design as well. These designs are so inspiring so have fun & put your own spin on them. I thank y'all so much for following and keep checking back for more fun & easy Holiday projects. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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

Enchanted Christmas "Cardinal Ornament...

(Note...main supplies needed on Tree Ornament post)

Here's all you need...

* 4.5" Circle Template

Here's all you do...

* Follow the instructions in the Enchanted Christmas Pattern...

* After your design has completely dried,..carefully trace around design using the circle template.

* Carefully cut on line.

* Do the same for your felt backing.

* I chose the red 5" square from the Holiday pack from MSQC.

* Blanket stitch around edges with DMC green....clip to secure while you embroider & don't forget to 

place your ornament hook at top & secure within before you finish :-)

* Most of all....have fun!

Can't wait to share the next design with y'all :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Enchanted Christmas Embroidery "Tree Ornament"

 Hey quilter's...hope your having a great weekend. I'm doing some well need "stitch therapy." I love embroidery. It helps me relax and very therapeutic. I recently ordered the "Enchanted Christmas" keepsake embroidery kit by Missouri Star Quilt Co. I loved the designs and it comes with five different projects in 2 and 3 color variations. I knew right away what I wanted to make with the kit. It would be perfect to make individual ornaments for my daughter to hang every year at Christmas. We alway's try to be together at Christmas but you never know what might arise. So these ornaments will keep us together even when we're apart at Christmastime. Plus I'm hoping that one day she'll pass them on to my grandson. They are not stitched perfectly but they are stitched with love. I will say that I've recently realized that certain stitches are a bit easier than others. I had to laugh cause for some reason a "straight stitch" isn't that easy for me. Maybe it's my age....shakiness of the hands....the eyes...who knows :-) I know that completing all the designs might not happen this year so I won't be doing them as numbered in the kit. The kit comes with 25 festive designs and some I will give as gifts too. I hope you join me as I show you how fun & easy it is to make "ornaments" for your Holiday gifts or decor. I'm embellishing each ornament with my collection of old vintage buttons and each ornament is "blanket stiched" around the edges. I'm using black felt for my background fabric and I purchased the 5" felt squares Holiday pack by MSQC. The kit comes with everything else you need to get started & the instructions are super easy! I'll be sharing tips as I complete each individual ornament along with the items used. Oh did you notice that super cute "needle minder." I love it and love Cardinals so it was perfect suprise in the kit! I hope you join me on this fun Christmas project. So let's get this Holiday Season started 2gether!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

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Enchanted Christmas Tree Ornament...

Here's all you need...

* Enchanted Christmas Keepsake Embroidery Kit from Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* 5" Felt Squares Holiday Pack from Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* Scrap Black Felt

* 6" hoop (optional...kit comes with a hoop but I preferred a smaller one for the ornaments)

* DMC embroidery thread (green for the blanket stitch)

* Ornament hooks

* Vintage buttons or embellish as desired.

* Aleene's Clear Gel Tacky Glue

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut a black felt background fabric to 7" square.

* Follow directions on kit to adhere design to fabric and embroider as suggested.

* Once your design is embroidered...follow directions within kit for adhesive removal.

Tip...I did not do my "french knots" until after I removed the adhesive and my fabric was completely dry. I also used paper towels to pat dry my square then let hang over night to dry.

* Once dry....I added my "french knots."

* Using a "Triangle ruler"...carefully rotary cut around your design to form the tree.

* Do the same on a Felt back ground square.

* Position your ornament hook at top or desired & secure w/ "clips"

* Blanket stitch around edges or your preferred stitch. 

* I then used "Aleene's" glue to secure the vintage button.

Hmmm,,,I wonder what design I'll choose next :-)

Have fun & talk soon,

Cat

Enchanted Christmas Embroidery kit..."Sew therapeutic during a Hurricane."

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well. We've been a bit overwhelmed lately with 2 Hurricanes back to back. We've had  no major damage and praying for everyone during this difficult time. Words cannot express enough of how terrifying the power of mother nature. My heart goes out to the family for strenth and prayers for healing. I for one have anxiety...yes even at my age, And will admit living in Florida and hurricane season may have something to do with it :-) I know I preach all the time about 'thread and fabric therapy." Well...I'm a true testiment folks. We had no power for days...but not complaining due to the devistation still going around. But sometimes you do need to find some relief to get you through those moments. I received my "Enchanted Christmas" kit by Missouri Star Quilt Company 2 days before the hurricane hit, I was so stressed during this time that I actually embroidered by "sunlight." Well..when we had some sun. Yes,,,I will admit my stitches probably could use some tweaking but I'm looking at memories stitched in the designs. I purchased the kit to make "ornaments" for my daughter's family to hang every year. We love Christmastime. So I thought what a fun way to always be with her at Christmas even when we're apart. If you have the opportunity please pop on over to MSQC website and check out this stunning kit. It comes with different patterns from quilts to home decor. I'm thrilled with the quality of the kit and it would make a great gift too. If anything I've realized in life is "sometimes it is the little things we cherish most." I'll be featuring "ornaments" using the designs soon so grab your kit and lets create Christmas memories 2gether. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Enchanted Christmas kit by Missouri Star Quilt Comapny...

Jelly Roll Gift Bags...100% Re-gift-able! "Small.. Holiday Tree Farm"

 Hey quilter's...Happy National Jelly Roll day! I love it...a day to celebrate and be thankful that some clever person...sliced up georgeous fabric for us to get the whole collection w/out speding a lot. Don't you? I don't have a lot of space and a Jelly Roll is perfect. I get strips of the stunning collection without all the bulk. Plus there so many fun pattern designs using a Jelly Roll. The Jelly Roll gift bag that I'm sharing w/y'all today is a "small size." It finishes out roughly at 5.5 x 7". It's a great size for gifting small items such as the Joyful Holidays Charm squares by Robert Kaufman & the Missouri Star Quilt Co. Template Handle...which I love! I'm all about "safe cutting." This template holder is great for especially if you're teaching a new beginner to use a rotary cutter. Plus this size does not use a lot of the Jelly Roll fabric which is great. The bag is called "Holiday Tree Farm" due to my family loves Christmas Tree Farms and it's using the Holiday Tree Nesting Template (3" x 3.5") by Missouri Star Quilt Co. The concept to make is the same as the Medium Size so you'll be reverting back to that post until you get the concept of how fun & easy these bags are to make. :-) I will be posting the different strip sizes used but the supplies are the same for each bag unless otherwise stated. I quilted the bag with Aurifil 50# thread Red (2260) and q-play-qued around the tress w/ Aurifil 50# thread green (2885). These bags are sew fun & easy and who wouldn't love a gift bag that is 100% Re-gift-able! :-) Thank y'all so much for following and check out Missouri Star Quilt Company's webiste for all the fun Birthday Bash celebrations & deals. My link to MSQC is upper right on home page. 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)

Jelly Roll Gift Bag Small 5.5" x 7"...

Here's all you do...

* Select 4 Red strips ( I chose red to make the green trees stand out)

* Rotary cut each strip to 2.5" x 15"

* Select 3 as desired

* Select 1 for ends and rotary cut that strip only in half lengthwise.

* Sew strips 2gether using the same method as "Medium Tree Bag"

* Press

* Your strips will be approx. 8" x 15"

* Rotary cut your fusible interfacing to this size and follow the same steps as "Medium tree Bag."

* Quilt as desired.

Scrappy Trees...

Note...I wanted my trees very scrappy...but join your strips as desired. Just make sure your "tree template" fits within the strips :-)

* Select 2 strips ( one light green & one dark green)

* Rotary cut each to 2.5" x 9"

* Rotary cut each strip in half lengthwise...1/1/4 x 9"

* Stagger the strips from dark to light or as desired.

* Sew together using the same method as your "Medium Tree Bag" & rotary cut your MSQC Sew light fusible adhesive to this size. Use the same method for fusing the adhesive to your strips.

* Trace around your tree template on paper side of adhesive.

* Cut out & fuse following the same directions on Medium Size bag.

* A-play-que as desired.

Note....your bag will be finished out in the same fashion as the "Medium Size Bag" but using the following sizes for the "Lining & Handles."

Lining....rotary cut fabric to 8" x 15"

Handles...

* Select 1 coordinating strip.

* Rotary cut in half lengthwise...

* Rotary cut one strip in half lengthwise

* Follow same method for sewing strips as directed on Medium Size tree bag.

Note...Yes you can make your handles out of ribbon but why not use these stunning strips and make a perfectly coordinated bag :-) plus it's sew easy!

Enjoy filling your bag w/goodies :-)

Talk soon for more fun sizes & gift inspiration,

Cat

Jelly Roll Gift Bags..100% Re-gift-able! "Large w/ Jenny's Signature Apron"

 Hey quilter's...Monday Blessings to y'all. This past weekend wen't a bit fast for me. Before you know it O' Saint Nick will be popping down the chimney! Every year I always say that I'm starting my gift shopping early. Well, for once I am! I'm excited to share these "Jelly Roll Gift Bags" w/ y'all. They are super easy and fun to make. You can really get creative with your embellishments or do simple accent quilting and a-play-que like me. I don't think you could go wrong with this stunning Christmas Batik collection "Joyful Holidays" by Robert Kaufman. You will be making the bags in the same manner as previously stated in posts and adjusting the size of the strips per bags. The method is the same y'all. Before you know it you will be making them w/out referring back to the original post :-) They are so much fun to make that I'll be incorporating the same concept into Birthday bags...Weddings...or any occassion. Who doesn't like a "handmade" gift that is "re-gift-able."...right? Plus I'm using scraps that I inherited for the lining which makes each bag extra special. As you can see the large bag will hold "Jenny's Signature Apron." What a great gift for any sewing...crafting...quilting enthusiast. I know that I absolutely love my apron. I like to put items in my pockets for convenience when crafting/sewing. Plus it helps me know where they are! Don't get old folks..it is a trap :-) Remember to revert to the original pattern instructions (medium Holiday Tree) design)...it's the same instructions & supplies just adjust the sizes and template designs a long the way. Also, if you need supplies my link to Missouri Star Quilt Company (upper right on home page) has tons of inspiration...daily deals & Birthday Bash celebrations. Thanks so much for following. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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

Jelly Roll Gift Bag...Large 9" x 10"

Here's all you need...

 * MSQC Holiday icons Snowflake template 8" x 9"

* MSQC White 50# quilting thread.

* Aurifil 50# (2885) green

Here's all you do...

* Select 5 Jelly Roll Strips as desired.

* Rotary cut in half.

* Sew as previous instructions on medium bag post.

* Square up to 10 3/4 x 21 3/4.

* Rotary cut your fusible fleece to this size.

* Fuse to wrong side of strip set following manufacturer's directions.

* Quilt as desired.

Snowflake,,,

* Select 5 "off white Batik strips"

* Rotary cut each to 2/5" x 10"

Follow same directions on medium bag for sewing and fusing to front of bag area.

Tip...save those scraps :-)

* A-play-que around snowflake if desired.

Lining...

* Rotary cut your scrap fabric to "bag strip set size) approx. 10 3/4 x 21 3/4 or to your size.

* Press.

Note...follow the same directions on "medium Tree bag" for finishing. The handles we're made the same & hope you try the "advanced step" of mitering the corners. It really does help your bag stand upright. :-)

You did it! I hope you enjoyed making the "Large size Jelly Roll Gift Bag." 

Check back soon for more fun designs,

Cat

 

Jelly Roll Gift Bags...100% Re-gift-able! Phase 2 (Medium size)

 Hey quilter's...I had a few minutes so I wanted to share Phase 2 right quick w/ y'all. These bags are so fast and easy to make that you might be ready. I'm having a blast! I'll be sharing the "large" & "extra small" sizes this week with y'all. I necer used a "Jelly Roll" in this fashion. I've usually pieced a quilt or table runner so this is a fun challenge for me too. In previous posts I've stated they are 100% re-gift-able and made from one Jelly Roll "Joyful Holidays" by Robert Kaufman using "Holiday Templates" from Missouri Star Quilt Company. These we're graciously gifted to me from MSQC for our September program. I fell in love with the color hues and patterns of the Jelly Roll  & I knew my templates from MSQC would be perfect to embellish each bag. I am challenging myself to see how many bags I can make for gift inspiration to hold MSQC quilting/sewing/crafting items. This bag holds the "Olga" 45mm Rotary cutter perfectly. I'm sure more items could tuck in too! :-) I know we're always trying to come up with a unique gift for the Holidays & if you're like me "budget friendly" too. So. with this concept you'll give a gift that's 100% re-gift-able & have a fun suprise inside as well. Not spending a lot of money & who doesn't like receiving a "handmade" gift bag! In this phase I am using my Christmas scraps that I inherited which makes each bag even more special. So break out those scraps and lets get started! If you still need supplies my link to Missouri Star Quilt Company webiste has tons of "Birthday Bash" Celebrations going on! 

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...

* Rotary cut your lining fabric to your strip pieced bag size.

* Place your lining and pieced bag w/ right sides 2gether.

* Pin or clip.

* Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance around sides & bottom only. ( do not sew top) :-)

* Turn right side out & press if needed.

Tip...this is when you check to make sure you sewed all layers...if not touch up before next step.

* Top only....finger press the bag and lining fabrics a 1/4" in together to form a closed seam. Top stitch to secure or use fabric glue to secure. If you use glue...make sure it is dryed before next step :-)

* Fold your bag in half w/right sides 2gether.

* Top stitch on sides only to secure bag.

* Turn bag right side out...finger press any areas if needed.

Advanced Tip...

Boxed ends...

* Turn bag inside out and at bottom make a pleated triangle on corners.

* Sew about a 1" diagonal line across pleat...reinforcing at ends.

* Repeat on each corner of bag.

* Turn right side out & finger press corners if needed.

This step gives your bag a "professional look" plus it helps stabilize the bag when standing w/ your super fun gifts inside :-)

Handles...

* Select one coordinating Jelly Roll Strip & sub-cut into 3 sections. 

* Set extra strip aside for later.

* Take one strip and fold in half...press.

* Fold each side in half and press towards center.

* Fold over again to form one strip. Press.

* Top stitch each strip to secure ends.

* Position strips to inside of bag as desired.

* Top stitch w/coordinating thread to secure.

That's it y'all....:-)

Have fun stuffing your bag w/items and check back soon for more easy sizes that are 100% Re-gift-able!

Talk soon,

Cat

Jelly Roll Gift Bags...100% Re-gift-able! Phase 1 (medium size)

 Hey quilter's...happy Sunday & hope you're having a great weekend. It's been a relaxing one for me for a change. I'm focusing on organizing my sewing room and downsizing items. A project that I love to do for some odd reason. When you have a "O.C.D" brain "Only Cat does" it tends to get the best of me at times. But I come in handy...my daughter loves it when I visit. She usually has a "space" that she wants re-organized and lets me "go at it." I love it & it makes her happy :-) Well I'm super excited to share this fun & easy project w/ y'all. As you know from previous post we're making "gift bags" using a "Jelly Roll" that are 100% Re-gift-able. That's right...your not only making an adorable gift bag that can be re-used but you're also re-cycling "one bag @ a time." The sweet story on previous post is how this all came about due to my grandson Davin who recycles. What I'm thrilled with this design is they are all basically made the same way...we'll be changing up the "strips" along the way & the design using Missouri Star Quilt Company's Holiday templates. But the design/sewing concept is the same. I love a project that is super easy. Don't you? I will make the instructions super easy for y'all due to it being repeative. You will see along the way of the different bags that I will state "refer back to Holiday Tree" instructions for Phase 1 & 2. Once you start making the bags you'll probably just start making them even without referring back. That's how fun & easy these super cute bags are to make :-) Plus you'll notice some exciting gift ideas that from Missouri Star Quilt Company that will fit inside. What a fun gift idea...your making a gift bag that is 100% re-gift-able plus giving a great gift to a quilter & it's super easy! I will say...these bags are sew adorable using the "Joyful Holiay" Roll-up by Robert Kaufman Fabrics that no matter what you 'stuff" inside the gift, you'll bring joy to your recipient! I thank y'all so much for following and if you need supplies my link to Missouri Star Quilt Company is on upper right of home page. Don't forget to check out their "daily deals" & "tutorials" for inspiration. Sew let's get started!

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)

Jelly Roll Gift Bag "Medium 6.5 x 10")...

Here's all you do...

* Select 4 strips of "Jelly Roll" & rotary cut each in half.

Tip... I did creme...red...creme...red for contrast of tree.

* Sew w/right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press seams to the darker fabric.

* Square up ends if needed.

* It will be roughly 8 3/4 x 22"

* Rotary cut your fusible fleese to this size and fuse to the wrong side of strip set following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...I hightly reccommend a "Pressing Cloth", I use my T-shirt "Pressing cloth from MSQC a lot :-)

Advanced step...

* This is a great time to "quilt" your bag. I did a 1/4" seam using my strips as a guide. I love a small project to practice my "straight line quilting." :-) Yes the bag is just as pretty w/out quilting but why not make it more special by adding that special touch!

* Fold bag in half  lengthwise and set aside (this gives you a guide when fusing your template design.

Holiday Tree Template design...

* Select 4 green strips ( 2 light & 2 dark)

* Subucut each 8" long.

* Sew w/right sides together...alternating fabric colors using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press seams to darker fabric.

Tip...I always "double check" to make sure the template that I am using fits within the strips :-) If not just add another strip at this point. No stress in my quilting room :-)

* Rotary cut your Sew Light Fusible adhesive (I use Missouri StarQuilt Company's adhesive) Love!

to your strip size. Fuse following manufacturer's directions to wrong side of strip set. 

* On paper side....trace around template design & carefully cut out along line. 

Tip...save those scraps :-)

* Peel of paper and position template on right side (front) of your bag.

* Position within an inch of bottom of folded bag and allow for your 1/4" seam allowance on sides that you will sew later :-)

* Fuse following manufacturer's directions.

Advanced step...

* I love to give a tree a fun...modern twist by cutting diagonal lines...it's like to tree is moving a bit. All you do is draw some "squirly lines" as desired on back side...cut out on lines & position as desired on bag front using your template as a guide when positioning segments about a 1/4" apart. Then fuse. Gives bag an interesting design & it's super easy! ;-)

Chuck approved! :-) 

* A-play-que as desired around template design. Have fun,,,,get creative...:-)

Check back soon for Phase 2.

Talk soon,

Cat