FREE PATTERN..."PARTY DRESS"

                                                                 "PARTY DRESS"
                                                                         50 X 50
                                                 LEVEL:  CAPPUCCINO (BEGINNER)
                                      Copyright, CHILDREN'S COUTURE BY CAT, 2014
                                Design shown w/ bright Batiks by Hoffman California Fabrics
                                              view fabrics @ www.hoffmanfabrics.com


Hey quilter's...who says a quilt can't be fun & flirty! This design is so sweet & a great gift to make in a weekend. This time of year we are all looking for that unique gift to make for birthday's, graduation gifts (great dorm throw), wedding gifts (enhance design to wedding décor w/fabrics). Design is created using HST's (half-square triangles) for fast & easy piecing. You can easily enlarge design by adding more HST's or add a couple more borders. Embellish the design by Tatting flowers or make some yoyo's with coordinating fabric. The possibilities are endless so have fun creating your unique gift. Hope you enjoy!

QUILT SIZE: 50 X 50                                          FINISHED BLOCK: 3"
BACKING/BINDING: 3 YARDS.                         BATTING:  58 X 58
NOTE: FABRIC IS CALCULATED FOR EXTRA YARDAGE FOR MACHINE QUILTING.
SEW BLOCKS WITH A 1/4" SEAM.

YARDAGE:
HOT PINK: 1.5 YARDS
TURQUOISE: 3 YARDS (INCLUDES BACKING/BINDING)
ORANGE: 1.5 YARDS
CREME: 1/2 YARD

TOTAL 3" SQUARES: 256
CREME/HOT PINK: 32 (make 16)
HOT PINK/TURQUOISE: 14 (make 7)
TURQUOISE/ORANGE: 30 (make 15)
CREME/ORANGE: 16 (make 8)
HOT PINK/ORANGE: 146 (make 73)
CREME/TURQUOISE: 16 (make 8)
3" HOT PINK: 2 (HEART)

                                      

NOTE: EACH PAIR OF SQUARES MAKES 2 HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLE UNITS
ROTARY CUT FABRIC STRIPS 3 7/8
SUB CUT EACH STRIP INTO 3 7/8 SQUARES
PUT ONE LIGHT AND DARK FABRIC RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER FOR EACH SQUARE.
USE A PENCIL OR PERMANENT MARKER & DRAW A DIAGONAL LINE FROM ONE CORNER TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE LIGHTEST SQUARE.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A 1/4" PRESSER FOOT, DRAW A LINE 1/4" FROM DIAGONAL LINE ON EACH SIDE.
SEW TWO SEAMS 1/4" FROM MARKED CENTER LINE
ROTARY CUT ON MARKED CENTER LINE FORMING TWO HST'S
PRESS SEAMS TOWARD DARKER FABRIC
TIP: DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF HST'S CHAIN PIECING IS RECOMMENDED
REFERRING TO QUILT DESIGN:
SEW HST UNITS TO FORM 16 ROWS
PRESS SEAMS IN ONE DIRECTION
SEW ROWS TOGETHER MATCHING SEAMS TO FORM CENTER DESIGN OF QUILT
PRESS & SQUARE UP QUILT.
1"MITERED BORDERS:
MEASURE QUILT HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL AND ADD 7" PER STRIP LENGTH FOR MITERED BORDERS
CUT STRIPS 1.5 (WIDTH INCLUDES SEAM ALLOWANCE)
CUT 4 TURQUOISE TRIPS TOTAL

CENTER AND PIN YOUR BORDER STRIPS TO SIDE TOP & BOTTOM OF QUILT. STRIPS WILL EXTEND BEYOND QUILT (TAILS). START/STOP 1/4" FROM QUILT CORNERS & BACK STITCHING TO SECURE, SEW STRIPS TO QUILT TOP. PRESS SEAM ALLOWANCE TOWARDS CENTER OF QUILT. FOLD QUILT ON DIAGONAL, RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. ALIGN BORDER STRIP RAW EDGES & BORDER SEAMS AT 1/4" BACK STITCHED POINT...PIN TOGETHER. ALIGN RULER EDGE WITH FOLD, EXTENDING RULER COMPLETELY ACROSS BORDER. DRAW LINE FORM THE BACK STITCHED POINT TO THE BORDER RAW EDGES. STITCH ON DRAWN LINE, BACK STITCHING AT BOTH ENDS. PRESS SEAM OPEN. WITH QUILT RIGHT SIDE UP, ALIGN 45* RULER ON SEAM LINE TO CHECK FOR ACCURACY. WHEN CORNER IS FLAT & SQUARE, TRIM EXCESS FABRIC TO 1/4" SEAM ALLOWANCE. REPEAT STEPS FOR ALL FOUR CORNERS.
QUILTING AND FINISHING:
LAYER AND BASTE TOGETHER BACKING, BATTING & QUILT TOP.
QUILT AND BIND AS DESIRED. ENJOY!
TIP: IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO ADD THE MITERED BORDERS YOU CAN EMAIL ME & I WILL GIVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS ON ADDING STRAIGHT BORDERS. ALSO, EMAIL ME IF YOU PREFER AN EASY METHOD OF BINDING/ QUILTING YOUR QUILT. ALWAYS GLAD TO HELP!
EMBELLISH DESIGN W/TATTING FLOWERS OR ROSETTES IF DESIRED.
ADVANCED TIP (GRAB A MOCHA LATTE') AND ENLARGE DESIGN WITH ADDITIONAL BORDERS WITH COORDINATING FABRIC (REMEMBER TO ADD ADDITIONAL FABRIC WHEN PURCHASING)
REMEMBER...EMAIL THOSE TIPS IN TO SHARE...ALSO, CHECK OUT WEBSITE TO SEE UPDATES & MONTHLY SPECIALS.

"BLESSED QUILTING FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS"
EMAIL Q'S...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
VIEW MORE OF CAT'S DESIGNS GO TO www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
TATTING SUPPLIES: www.tattingcorner.com

Quilt Pattern "Grapevines in the Garden" to embelish w/Tatting

 

                                
                                                    "GRAPEVINES IN THE GARDEN"
                                                                       28.5 X 28.5
                                                     Level: Mocha Latte' (Intermediate)
                                                   Batiks by Hoffman California Fabrics
                                     
                                         copyright, CHILDREN'S COUTURE BY CAT, 2014

                                 "Exclusive design for Zig-Zag Corner Quilts & Baskets, LLC"
                                           

Hey Quilters & Tatters...sweet pattern/design to embellish grapes with tatting. Design level is Mocha Latte' due to tatting the grapes or you may choose to applique them along with the stems. Small design to use as a table square or a wonderful wall hanging as well.
Next months pattern..."Roses in the Garden"
View Tatting/Quilting designs/patterns @ www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
View Tatting supplies at www.tattingcorner.com

Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours!

"USING THE CORRECT THREAD FOR TATTING & QUILTING TIPS"

Hey Quilters & Tatters...hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful sun that we've been blessed with lately. Please keep the family's of the recent tornadoes in your prayers. Life is so precious! I have to take a moment and share something so special....my daughter Nichole passed her Special Education Test...I am so proud of the woman that she has become and then to have a gift to teach the needs of special education. She tells me "everyday they teach her" and she's blessed to be a part of their lives. So proud of you Scoobie! Anyway, today's tips are a continuation of "Tatting Tips" by Jennifer with Zig Zag Corner Quilts & Baskets...home of the "Tatting Corner" and some wonderful tips that have been emailed recently...hope you enjoy!

Using the Correct Thread:
Six-Cord Thread...(Cordonnet) consists of tightly twisted plies (six in all). A strong, firm thread is suitable for heirlooms, hard-working wearable's and decorative designs. Considered the best thread available for tatting, it is not the same as six-strand embroidery floss, which is designed to be separated into individual plies. Her six-cord threads include size 50 Cordonnet Cotton, Flora, Manuela, DMC Cordonnet, DMC Tatting Cotton and Anchor Mez.
Three-Cord Thread... Three-cord cotton such as DMC Cabelia or Opera is often used for Christmas ornaments. It has a beautiful shine and because ornaments are not usually laundered, holds up well.
Two-Cord Thread...among the two-cord threads, pearl cotton is the best-known, popular for earrings, bookmarks and other small projects not handled or washed as much as linens or wearable's.
To view more of Jennifer's Tatting Supplies visit her website@ www.tattingcorner.com

Jennifer and I will be hosting a Quilt pattern to embellish monthly on my blog to embellish with Tatting...you can view designs at www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
I also will be posting design on blog for you along with free monthly pattern downloads as well. Remember it's all about Quilting it forward! Enjoy these recent tips...

*Wonderful Wedding gift idea...design a quilt block that her gusts can sign at the wedding and then turn that block into a pillow she can enjoy for a lifetime...love that tip! After all...".Quilting is creating memories to last a Lifetime"
My Spin...use your "Tatting Thread" to embellish  the pillow w/ her wedding colors :-)
*Great use of old table linens....she made a bed skirt out of a cotton lace linen...attached to frame w/ velcro for easy assembly/sewing. Loved this idea that I tried it myself!
*When working w/ Scraps that have no selvages...work on wrong side of fabric...usually you can see the crosswise grain of fabric...line ruler with threads of fabric for straight cuts...thanks for sending in that tip...great for all those "Scrappin' in a Weekend" patterns that I sell on website :-)
*Create Mirror-Image of half-rectangles, position two cut rectangles wrong sides together and cut diagonally corner to corner...great tip!
*Octagon tips...always cut opposite sides of octagon first then the adjacent sides...keeps the soze of octagon accurate

Please remember if your tip is not posted it's because it was a repeat of a previous tip that was sent in by someone else...the previous blog archives can be viewed by scrolling to the left side of blog page to view all posts. Also, please state "tips" due to some go into my spam folder. As always...thanks so much for sending in your tips...great to share time-saving tips among friends!

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips to Cat...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.tattingcorner.com

"CHOOSING THE CORRECT THREAD FOR TATTING"

Hey tatter's this one's for you! Great tips on choosing the correct thread by "Our Mentor and Dear Friend Jennifer". We all know how talented Jennifer is and how beautiful her designs are so here's her secret! When creating your tatting designs choosing the correct thread is extremely important to enhance the quality of your artwork. I always say whether I'm quilting, sewing or crafting any design go that extra step to enhance the quality of your artwork. You want your designs to last a life time to past down from generations to come...so here's Jen's secret to her beautiful tatting embellishments!
Enjoy and keep the tips coming!
visit www.tattingcorner.com for all your tatting supplies & latest trends!

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com

Choosing the correct thread is easy when you know a bit about threads and their qualities. Always consider the thread color and size and the amount of wear the piece will be subject to. Is it a Christmas trim or other piece that will be used only periodically and seldom hand washed? Is it a hanky trim, collar or other wearable that may be hand washed a lot? Is it a table topper, an heirloom-to-be or other decorative piece that may be precious to the next generation? There are threads for each of these projects.
Thread size...refers to the thickness of the threads. The higher or larger number of the thread, the finer it is. A size 50 thread is finer than a size 10. Changing the thread size in a pattern alters the size of the design. A dolly worked in size 70 thread, for example, will be closer to a place mat in size if you tat it in size 10 thread. "True" tatting threads are considered to be sizes 70 and 80 (very fine). All other size threads on the market are referred to as "crochet cotton".
Mercerizing during manufacture makes thread more receptive to dyeing so it accepts and holds color well and is almost colorfast. It also adds strength and shine, so the thread has a lovely luster and can stand up to years, even generations, of wear. Mercerized thread is smooth, easy to work with, and durable-just what you want for your tatting projects. (All cotton thread in our catalog are mercerized) Hold your thread up to a bright light and look at the fuzz along the strand. The less fuzz there is, the more the thread has been gas-singed (which smooth's and strengthens it). Thread will less fuzz will continue to look nice after repeated washings. Use the smoothest threads for your heirlooms!

Coming Soon..."TATTING W/THE CORRECT THREAD"

"CURE FOR 7/8 CUTS/ JITTERS"

Hey quilters....good morning and happy National Quilting Day! This is your weekend for sales...visit our website for this months specials as well. Tip "Cure for 7/8 cuts/jitters" is a fast way to cut your strips without moving your fabric. I know sounds crazy and I'm sure some of you may already be doing this trick. But, I have to say....I am not a fond of a 7/8 cut and my designs require it. Creating designs with "Half Square Triangles" is not only unique but a "time saver" as well. I purchased two 1/4" Seam rulers by "Fons & Porter" a couple yrs. ago and between this tip and their wonderful ruler...'You have it made". Were doing a lot of Pattern uploads on our website so check back often to see the latest "Updates" from Davin. I decided to give him another job....he's responsible for keeping you up to date with all the news. Yes, I know he's only three but I feel if you start them young.......well you know the saying! Anyway, if you have any q's on this tip please email me...always glad to help. We've received tips lately that were repeats...I know it's a New Year but the blogs posts from last year are still available to view on main page. Also, we are designing quilts for you to embellish with Tatting. So send in those "tatting tips"...view www.tattingcorner.com for all your tatting supplies. View our Tatting page on our website below for "Seasonal Quilt Designs".

"Blessed Quilting from Our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com

Cut fabric strips w/ 7/8 allowance
Lay strips horizontal and make your "first cut your 7/8 seam"
without moving your fabric make your
2nd cut your whole number ( ex 2 7/8 cuts you would count back 2 inches and cut)
3rd cut 2 7/8
4th cut 2 3/4
* Again...you didn't move your fabric and you cured the jitters for a 7/8 cut!

Here's another tip that was emailed that is a repeat must..."start those quilting magazine exchanges".
Especially for the ones that don't have internet accessibility...also, she stated bring some to the elderly...they may not be quilting anymore but remember...their wonderful talent started out quilting traditions to this day. Again...Quilt if forward!!!!

"Update from Davin and Noah"

Davin is three now so he has been promoted to "Final inspection before orders go out". He has also helped Gege design the new 2014 collection of "All Because of Faith". Davin will be updating you with info on new patterns as they are published and coming up with some wonderful sale ideas as well....He's a busy L'L Man these days...oh did I mention how handsome he is :-)

L'l Noah is busy helping Gege with our new 2014 collection "Fun, Fast & Fabulous"...we've learned how valuable time is and this line is full of  Easy Techniques, Time-Saving Tips to create beautiful gifts in a weekend. Noah will keep you posted with the latest from Gege as designs come available. Oh, did I mention how handsome he is :-)

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.hoffmanfabrics.com
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

"THIS IS WHY I ROLL....OUT THE FABRIC"

Hey....hope everyone is doing great. We've been fighting the O' Flu bug but finally over it...and I truly mean over it! We have some exciting news...we have 3 New Pattern Lines coming soon along with a stunning collection of "Seasonal Mini Series" using Hoffman's New Batik line. Also, new pattern lines will incorporate a Table Square spin off for the beginner quilter. Our New Line "Fun, Fast & Fabulous was recently created due to the birth of Noah. Doug's daughter Amber delivered a sweet baby boy last year and needless to say..."this is why I roll...out the fabric". These two grandsons keep Gege busy! We are also offering Custom Quilt Designs/Patterns for you to have a "show stopper" at your next Quilt Show. Oh, did I mention....free pattern downloads...that's right! Sometimes my head gets to spinning with designs so I decided to do some free downloads. I feel it's my way of giving back to a lot of people who've helped me along the way. I truly believe in "Quilting it Forward" and forever grateful to the ones who helped me back in my younger days. Learning to quilt is like learning to cook....once you sample your wonderful work...you never get enough! I appreciate the tips that are being sent in and please keep them coming. Some were repeats but here are some recent great ideas. Please email me if you do not wish to be on our email list.

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.hoffmanfabrics.com

*Great Tip for a fast Easter Quilt....Foam Craft Shapes are great to use for large pattern stencils...she purchased a pkg. ( bunny, chick, rabbit, tulip, butterfly) all at the Dollar Store. Trace on some fabric cut and fuse/applique...
Here's my spin....use the outline of the foam shape as your quilting stencil....get creative and have fun!

*This tip never gets old...."Always cut the corners of your fabric before washing...prevents fraying

Thanks for the tips and will post more soon!