FUN SUMMERTIME APRON PROJECT FOR KIDS or ADULTS all APPLIQUED w/ AURIfil THREAD"

Hey quilters....as promised here's the fun & fast "Scrappy Apron" for kiddos or adults. This would make a great 4-H project as well. As always, before starting any 4-H project, check with your County Extension office to make sure project meets the required guidelines. I used Batik 'Scraps" by Hoffman and all appliqued using Aurifil 50# thread. This project can be easily enlarged for adults just by adding more Hexagon flowers and stems. You will learn "sew many" techniques doing this apron. Remember this is your project so get creative and have fun! Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours,

Cat

email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

Facebook...I heard it through the quilt-vine

                                                                                      

TECHNIQUES LEARNED:

*Familiar with your sewing machine

*Straight stitches to decorative stitches

*Raw edge applique

*using Hexagon Templates

*Rotary cutting with rulers

*1/4" seam measuring with rulers

*Fuse using Heat n Bond Lite

* Use Pellon Fusible Featherweight

*Hand sewing of Buttons

*Designing and being Creative with Fabrics & Threads

SUPPLIES USED:

*Me & My Apron (Childs size)

*Aurifil thread 50# Hot Pink #2588, Orange #2235 & Green #2885 (all 50#)

*Hoffman Batiks style 841 23 Fuchsia, style 1895 303 Frog

*Heat n Bond Lite

*Pellon  Fusible Feather weight

*Fons & Porter Hexagon Fussy Cut Template (3" & 2" finished size)

*Mini Hexagon template

STEP ONE (HEXAGON POCKETS)

*Iron out any creases in Apron

*Fold apron in half and finger press down middle(marking center)

*Fold bottom on apron to wrong side 1" (marks line for pockets)

*Rotary cut 4 hexagons from 3" finished side template

*Trace & cut 2 hexagons using same template of Pellon Fusible Featherweight

*With Right sides together (Pellon Fusible on top) sew a 1/4" seam around, leaving a (1 3/4) opening for turning inside out & reinforcing seams at start/stop.

*Pin if needed so you don't forget to leave opening

*Turn inside out (carefully use tip of pencil on corners if needed)

Note: Fusible web will be on inside at this time

Finger press

*At this time check to make sure all your seams are sewn...if not, repeat step above and reinforce the area of seam that was missed.

*Finger press the opening (raw  edges to inside)

*Iron pocket (reinforces the stabilizer) and sew a 1/4" seam on opening

*Pin to apron (as per diagram)

*Sew 1/4" seam around pocket, reinforcing at start/stop....pivoting at corners but leave opening to allow the size of hand to fit in (this step reinforces the fold at bottom)

NOW LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW....FOLLOW DIAGRAM OR CREATE YOUR OWN DESIGN USING THE SAME TECHNIQUES

STEP TWO (HEXAGON FLOWERS/STEMS)

*Cut a 5" strip of Heat n Bond Lite...adhere to flower fabric (following manufactures direction)

*Trace & Rotary cut 1 (2" Hexagon template) for large flower & 1 (using mini hexagon template) for small flower

Note: use a pressing sheet for step above to prevent the glue getting on your iron (ask an adult to assist you if needed)

*Rotary cut each hexagon into 6 segment for flowers

*Hint.....play with your flower segments on your apron for placement before you secure with your iron & allow space for your leaves....get creative or follow diagram above

*Repeat same steps for stems (adhering Heat n Bond lite to fabric)

*Rotary cut 5/8" strips on diagonal (about 4), 

*Position as desired and fuse as above

*Sub cut into segments for stems

*Applique flowers first then change thread to applique leaves or applique as desired

Note: always save your scraps for another project if desired

* Hand sew on Buttons if you wish to do initial monogram or purchase an iron on letter if desired.

I did a decorative stitch around the apron to add some texture.

Get creative add more embellishments if desired & be proud while you are wearing your project!

Enjoy & have a great summer!

More projects coming soon so check back in!

"TOP TEN TUESDAY SEWING HUMOR" #loveAURIFIL

Hey quilters.....hope everyone's summer is off to a great start. Just recently had a short but fun visit with my grandson. As usual always hiding spiders on my sewing machine & in fabric. He's been doing that from the age of 2. Love him! He definitely knows where his "Gege" hangs out! Wanted to share some fun Tuesday humor and to let you know I have another great "kid project" coming soon. You'll have complete instructions to do this apron which could be a great 4-H sewing project as well. Easily enlarge to an adult apron if desired. In the process of tweaking instructions so come back this week for full details. Have a great week!

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours",
Cat Hill
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
Follow on Facebook....I heard it through the quilt-vine
Follow me on Pinterest for fun & exciting tips!

Fun Project coming soon!

&

We all need a little "Sewing Humor" sometime!

GREAT FAST & FUN 4-H PROJECT..."SOMETHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN"

Hey quilters....hope all is going well. I wanted to share this fun easy project that is an excellent gift idea for a b-day present...Mother's day....house-warming or for any special occasion. It's a "Hot Pad used for serving dishes while entertaining." You'll learn "Sew Many" techniques for the beginner quilter or for us "Seasoned quilters/seamstresses", you'll get a head start on your Christmas projects...(12-Mos. of Quilt-Mas) & a great "Stash Buster". You'll get to make this project from home & being a former 4-H Leader, I fully understand time-saving projects. This is a "quilting it forward" for me. My sweet friend gave me this block last summer and it was all hand quilted from her mother-in-law. She knew I love to collect old quilts and blocks and she thought I could do something fun with it. Well, she recently purchased a new home so I thought what better way then to "give it back" as a house-warming gift. I wanted to compliment the original design by "keeping it old school" with sweet antique style fabrics & simple quilting techniques. Quilts back in the day so to speak were primarily used for warmth....now quilts are an amazing work or art. The "New" is this block is all sewn & appliqued with Aurifil thread. If you don't already know this excellent thread Facebook Alex Veronelli. Aurifil thread has so many color hues & weights for all  your sewing projects. I will post pics with instructions along the way to make this project fun & some "unforeseen quilt-bloopers." Before starting any 4-H project make sure you meet all project requirements through your county extension office.  As always...email me if you have any q's. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,
Cat
cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com
Follow on Facebook....I heard it through the quilt-vine

Here's the original block and finished Hot Pad...

HINT....if you don't have a old block to start with just "fussy cut" a 7x7 inch square from your favorite fabric design.

Here's all you do...
*cut border strips 1 1/2 x 12 inches of your coordinating fabric (about 8 strips)
*using the "Log Cabin Method" sew one border strip to top of block (right sides of fabric together)...cut threads...finger press seam & square up border using a rotary cutter with original block.
HINT...if you are using "light print fabrics" make sure you have the right sides together when laying border strips (trust me) :-)
* Sew right border on and use same method above...trimming and squaring up as you go.
*Sew bottom border then left border using same method above.
*Continue with same method above until you've sewn two complete borders on making the "Log Cabin design"
*Iron block and square up at this time if needed.
*Your block should roughly be 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 at this time.
HINT...if you are using "light print fabrics" make sure you have the right sides together when laying border strips together (trust me)

Leaves...
Rotary cut a 3 x 9" strip of your leaf fabric.
Cut same size strip of "Heat n Bond" fusible light & following manufactures directions fuse to wrong side of leaf fabric.
Trace the leaf design on the paper side of heat n bond lite...cut with paper scissors (not your fabric scissors)
HINT...I have scissors and rotary cut scissor marked for sewing and paper so I don't get confused. Keeps your scissors sharper and blades last longer as well. I put my dull blades in a "plastic Nutella jar" great safe way to store before throwing away.
I also have a separate Iron used for fusing and use a re-usable pressing sheet to help keep my iron clean.

Applique....
Now is the time to applique around your leaves and flower motif if it's not already done. If you are new to appliqueing ask an adult to help teach you this fun technique. All sewing machines have a applique stich along with a specific foot attachment to make this technique easy. Always remember to do a sample square if you are first learning this technique.
HINT...make a sweet "Mug Rug" as a gift to practice your applique techniques. You can use the same method that you are currently learning for the "Hot Pad", just in a smaller scale.
Remember...while appliqueing....coordinate your thread with your fabric if needed. If you are new to sewing ask an adult to teach you how to change threads & bobbin thread if needed.

Now let the fun begin...
Rotary cut backing fabric & batting ( I use low-loft batting for less bulk) the same size as your block.
Lay block and fabric backing "right sides together"
Place batting on top of fabric
Sew a 1/4 inch seam around square leaving a 3" seam opening (this will be used to turn block inside out)
Reinforce your seam openings while starting & stopping. I like to pin my 3" opening a different direction to help with starting & stopping...see pic below of pin direction and fabric layouts.

Turn block inside out.../Press & Measure block.
HINT...at this time make sure all your seams were sewn (except 3" opening).If not turn outside in and sew the seam you missed. No Problem! See pic...happens to us all :-)

HINT...use a #2 Pencil eraser to smooth the layers together inside the block & to straighten corners, or use your best tools ever...your fingers! (That's why I make a 3" opening to help get inside block to smooth fabric.

Now cut a piece of "Insul-Bright" about a 1/8" smaller then your block size.
Tri-fold insul-bright and insert into the 3" opening.
Using your pencil eraser carefully smooth insul-bright to fit your square.
Take your time with this step.
Press with Iron to help with the bulk before quilting.
Fold in sides of your 3"opening together inline with your seam.
Hand stich opening with coordinating thread or use washable fabric glue to enclose opening.

Now you're ready to get creative with your block!
HINT...choose your decorative stitches you wish to use. On a scrap piece of fabric practice with the stitch width & length until your get your desired stitch. I have a pad/pen in my top drawer of sewing machine to write down the stitch settings while sewing. This is a great tip especially if you turn off your machine before finishing your project. Another trust me! :-)
*I appliqued the log cabin seams just as I sewed it to compliment the block design. Do the same if you wish.
Aurifil 50# 4093 was used for appliqueing the log cabin stitching & leaves.
Aurifil 50# 3910 variegated thread used to outline stitch two rows around center flower.
I kept the quilting simple to compliment the original block.

Care instructions...due to this being a "hot pad for serving dishes"...food spills may occur....fully recommend to spot clean when possible...if laundering is needed place pad in a laundry mesh bag & machine wash cold on delicate cycle....air dry...iron if needed.

I hope you enjoyed this project & feel free to send pics or email me any q's....
Remember....sewing & quilting is fun....it's your project...get creative & enjoy every moment!

DECOR TIP: PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR!

Hey everyone....hope all is going well. I wanted to share the Pantone 2018 color of the year...18-3838 Ultra Violet. Oh my goodness....to all you purple lovers...this is definitely your year! This color is very vibrant and stunning. As a designer, I can definitely see this as a dominant color mixed with greys...neutrals with black accents. This would be a great color in a child's room as well. When you're out shopping, look at plastics...towels, etc....usually the color of the year gets incorporated into a lot of accents for decorating. As always, email me if you have any design q's....always glad to help! Consulting and Space Planning is my specialty. View more about this great color hue on pantone.com.

Blessings from my Home to Yours,
Cat
cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com
Facebook...I heard it through the quilt-vine
Follow along on Pinterest

"A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity & visionary thinking that points us toward the future"...read more at Pantone.com
                                                                           

"CATS FARMHOUSE CRAVING BUSTERS"

Hey quilters....wanted to share my recent post on my cooking blog....it's the New Year and getting back on the "diet train" has been a bit difficult. Wanted to share my tips just in case anyone else needs a bit of encouragement. Please share your tips as well. Pop on over to my cooking blog and see who's my "life coach"...who gives me my "text-me-ups". Enjoy!

Blessings from my Home to Yours,
Cat
cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
Facebook...I heard it through the quilt-vine
www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com
                                                                             

                                                   "Farmhouse Healthy Snack Tray"

Do you suffer from N.E.Q.T.(Not Enough Quilting Time)

Hey quilters...hope all is going well.....a snow day here in Texas! Love looking out my sewing room window and seeing birds especially cardinals in the snow. Well my question is....do you suffer from N.E.Q.T? That's right...."Not Enough Quilting Time". I know this past Christmas flew by for me and I had wished that I had the time to make more gifts. My Gramma Stetson once said...."the greatest gift comes from the heart". That has stuck with me throughout all my years.
So here's the cure.....no meds that cause those nasty side effects....its 12 Mos. of Quilting w/ my new series on blog..."Cats Farmhouse Quilting & Cats Farmhouse Christmas"....all you need is your favorite fabric & Aurifil thread. We'll have pattern designs all from this one sweet block below and all designed in EQ7 with easy techniques to follow along. The designs will all derive from the block below which include....table runner....hot pads....lap quilt & baby quilts banners etc. They will make great gifts for Weddings....House Warming or any special occasion throughout the year. I will be showing a sweet technique to make rustic fabric or you can purchase wood look fabric for the designs or give it a "scrappy look" from your stash. Some of the designs will be combining Bright Batiks by Hoffman mixed with my rustic fabric. I'm excited about these new designs....and excited about getting gifts done throughout the year. I don't know about you but sometimes just going through my Christmas fabric makes me happy.
Here's a sneak peak of the block....hope you're excited as I am... Enjoy!

Blessings from my Home to Yours,
Cat
cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
Facebook...I heard it through the quilt-vine
www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

                                                                   Farmhouse Block

Cats..."NEW YEARS BREAD PUDDING"

Happy New Year everyone! Along with all the Holiday cheer comes left overs....and for me that is not good cause today it's back to reality....dieting that is! Yesterday, I came up with a plan....gather all the left over "Christmas Cheer" and do something with them. As the old saying goes "outa sight...outa mind"....well I didn't want to waste anything especially my "low fat fudge" and had some left over candy from decorating the Elf on the Shelf gingerbread house with Grandson Davin oh and bits and pieces that were used to decorate cookies....so here's what I came up with....have to say that I had a blast making this bread pudding and it's very d-lish! I even threw in 2 innocent left over bananas for good measure :-). I will admit excited about the New Year but not so excited to get back into dieting again. Well....maybe this will help me and anyone else that doesn't need that "tempting" left over "Christmas Cheer" hanging around. Enjoy!

Blessing from my Home to Yours,
Cat
cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

                                                                                   

Here's all you do...

Spray a large glass pan

Mix well 3 eggs...3/4 c heavy crème....1 tsp. vanilla...1/2 tsp. nutmeg & 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Spread about 3-4 cups of your left over bread from making the Snow Flake sandwiches (previous post) or use some left over bread and break into tiny pieces.

Now have fun layering all your left over "Christmas Cheer"....I even unwrapped kisses....used choc chipe...m&m's and my low fat fudge cut into tiny pieces....used up my pieces of walnuts and pecans from baking cookies and 2 bananas.....have fun with this part! 

Pour the egg mixture over all this yummy goodness and bake in  a 375* oven for about 20-30 minutes....watch carefully cause ovens vary. 

I let mine cool and leftovers kept in the fridge for the rest of the family to snack on. I had a blast making this and feel so much better waking up this morning and starting off the New year without tempting candy steering me in the face. Enjoy!