It's National Sewing Machine Day Y'all :-)

 Hey quilter's....I almost forgot of how special this day was for me. This day was dedicated to the "heroes" in my mind anyway that previously did all hand stitching before the sewing machine was invented. As much as I love to hand stitch I cannot even imagine the daunting task of only sewing garments by hand. The pic below says it all....I actually had the pleasure of learning how to sew on one of these precious machines. Of course, I was thrilled when I was advanced to a basic electric singer. Yes, I might be showing my age a bit but later on in life I actually showed some 4-H er's how lucky they were learning with "advanced technology" :-) And as much as I regret admitting this but as a designer I've repurposed many of these stands for decor. At least I'm keeping the history going...right? Anyway, whatever you sew on....cherish today's machines but remember to always embrace our history of how much sewing machines have really evolved to this day. Happy Sewing Machine Day!!!

P.S....I have a sweet "quilt-a-long" starting soon for the kiddos...we'll be "repurposing a school binder", learning fun & easy quilting techniques. Check back soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat 

email q's cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

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"Embrace your Journey...one Stitch @ a time"

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well & your weekend is full of things you love to do. Today's post is a bit personal but wanted to maybe reach out to someone that might be going through some life changes or health changes like me. Sometimes we can get easily discouraged and maybe even give up on what we love to do, at least I do anyway. But lately I've had to come to a "Cat adjustment" and realize yes you cannot do everything the way you did but don't give up! My health has changed drastically in the past few years with my bone disorder and now a muscle disorder that I have a hard time sitting/standing throughout the day. I know I'm not the only one going through this, but I've learned that you need to take your mind off your pain in whatever way works for you. My passion has always been sewing/quilting. I've been a Residential & Commercial designer most of my life but due to my limitations now that is now what I like to say, "a blast from my past." ;-) So, I'd like to share a very weird and simple thing that I do to keep my sanity....I set my "kitchen timer" to 15 minutes so I make myself get up....stretch a bit which allows my muscles not to cramp up when sewing/sitting. I know sounds weird but I actually started out at 5 minutes :-) baby steps! Y'all are probably laughing that I still use a "kitchen timer" so use your "phone" if needed. Things (projects) take forever now cause I do things so slow but again,,,not giving up! But here's a funny...I love seeing everyone's posts on Instagram longarm quilting...but have to say when you're on pain meds things moving fast is a bit scary. One reason why my techniques are pretty simple these days & geared toward the beginner quilter. So yes, I've slowed down now at a young age I must say but we'll just do things a little slower together if that's o.k. I always give "tips & advanced designs" so don't let me slow you down....stay creative...keep doing what you love even if it's a bit different. Remember "Thread Therapy" is so much cheaper....one reason why I absolutely love using "Aurifil thread." Sounds simple but it really brings me joy! Never forget to create like nobody's watching....Trust me...y'all would laugh at me right now....drinking coffee...in pj's & blogging. But....FYI....I do have a fun/easy project for the kiddos coming soon....kiddos will be repurposing a "school binder"....learning fun & easy techniques to cover a binder or journal for school! So keep following & have a great weekend!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat 

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

Follow on Facebook/Pinterest & Instagram (@ihearditthroughthequiltvine)

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats "Throwback Thread Thursday"...#Aurifil Love! Great gift 4 Baby & Big Sis

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well. I've been "reminiscing" of some previous projects that I'll be re-posting. Most of my designs are focused on "easy-piecing...raw edge applique or "a-play-que" :-) & great beginner projects to teach a child to quilt this summer. I'll walk you through the steps from the comfort of your home to make life a bit easier. I use a lot of my "scraps" on projects & then enhance the design with 50# Aurifil thread. I seriously have never had a thread breakage using this great quality thread. So many weights and colors to choose from to coordinate with any sewing/quilting project. The projects below are raw edge appliqued but you can totally do some more quilting techniques to really enhance the design. Both have my easy technique of creating your own monogram with coordinating thread :-) The original post on blog is (6-30-21) So keep following & lets "a-play-que" 2gether this summer!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Tip...Burp Quilt can easily turn into a "wall hanging" for any age! :-)

Tip...pillow is a "removable bi-fold design" so get creative & make many to change out for holiday's...school spirit days. etc. :-) Endless possibilities!

Cats "Scrapin' a-play-que Series"...Scrapin' Summer Tote Phase 3

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well & you're having fun creating your "Scrapin' Summer Tote." You'll be excited to know that in this phase you'll be completing your tote. That's right...a few more steps & you're ready to use your tote for your summer fun activities! I designed the tote for my "Great Niece Tay" & I was thrilled that she like it especially the "cell phone pocket" on the inside. The "cell phone pocket" is my advanced tip but I'm sure glad I took the time to make one. You can see on my last pic is her "modeling" the tote. She is such an amazing young woman & I truly enjoyed making this tote for her. I love it when a handmade gift comes together! I'll be sharing more fun & easy projects all summer long so keep following. :-) Well...let's get started on finishing this tote!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you do...

*Position your "pocket" on front of bag as desired.

*Stitch around sides & bottom of bag but leave top open. Remember to reinforce your seam at your start & stop points. (Reinforcing is back-stitching a few stitches to help strengthen the seam)

Tip...use your original seam as your guide & just sew over that seam around your bag :-) C pic

Advanced tip...If you find the tote to be a bit bulky to maneuver around when sewing your pocket you can remove your "free arm" and/or you can remove a side seam with a "seam ripper" which enables you to have less bulk of the bag while sewing. This may seam to be a bit drastic but I do this method when tailoring garments and sometimes it's worth not having the stress of the bulk while sewing. Just remember to sew back your seam closed when finished. I know this might be one of those O.C.D. steps "Only Cat Does" but it does work :-) C pic

*Advanced Step...make a "inside pocket" to hold your cell phone...sunglasses etc.

Here's all you do...

*Rotary Cut your fabric pieces just like you did in previous step of "front pocket"

Remember to add a 1" for your seam allowance. 

*Sew on inside of tote on opposite side of your front pocket following same steps as your front pocket.

Tip...you can keep this pocket simple or practice some "quilting stitches" on pocket before you sew to bag. This is a "small scale" so learning some new quilting techniques...like meandering or just play with some of your decorative stitches on your machine. This is your design...make it unique & have fun! Remember...if you have an "oopsie" on your pocket while trying new stitches...it's no biggie...this is on the inside and only "you" will "know! Remember no "quilting police" on this blog! #less-stress-quilting! :-)

Well....You did it! You created your own unique "Scrapin' Summer Tote!" I'm so proud of y'all & hope you had fun creating this project. Now have fun this summer & stuff your sunscreen, snacks or whatever you decide in that beautiful "quilted pocket" you designed & created!

Cats "Scrapin' a-play-que Series"...Scrapin' Summer Tote Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going well. Mine is "fixing 2" get heated up with some pancakes with my grandson. I love this time with him...these moments are so special to us both that we're re-creating his favorite recipes that I make into a cookbook. Time does fly to fast...he just graduated 5th gr. & now going into Middle School. He'll be off to college before we know it & he said that he'd like my recipes to have when he's cooking away at school. Honestly, besides all his quilts that I've made & still working on this was like getting a "warm & fuzzy lifetime hug." :-) My dad's recent passing taught me to never take a day for granted. If you've read a previous post, you'll know how my Scrapin' Series was inspired by my dad. What better way to honor him & make my family happy as well. Win..win :-) Well today's Phase will have you piecing your "pocket" 2gether...so let's get started!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you do...

*Layer your backing fabric (face up)...then batting then top fabric (the one you just designed) facing down! Exclamation mark for a reason...I've made many of "oopsies",,,,love my Seam Ripper!

Tip...following same direction on previous post of "quillow"...

*Mark 3" opening (larger if desired...you'll be top stitching opening later...so whatever your comfortable with for easier turning later)

*Using your ruler lightly mark a 1/2 seam allowance all around your square/block...this is your stitching guide (remember do not sew on your opening :-)

*Set your machine to desired straight stitch length & sew on marked line...reinforcing (back stitch) at your start/stop points.

*Reinforce your seam by using your presser foot as a guide & sew a 1/4" seam...this is a great tip & well worth the extra time to strengthen your square. :-)

Tip...below shows how I used "clips" to help me remember not to sew my opening...yes I do use those clips a "different color" then ones around the square...I know my O.C.D. ..."Only Cat Does"...but it works! :-)

* Now get ready for the fun part...carefully turn your block inside out...at this point your batting should be in the inside...your backing fabric on outside and your design facing you :-)

*Fold in your opening even with your block seam (finger press)

*Press your block if needed...sometimes it gets a little wrinkly when turning.

Tip...you can use the "eraser tip" of a pencil to carefully poke out the corners :-)

* Now "top Stitch" a 1/4" seam around your block...this will close your opening!

*Quilt your block as desired. Get creatice & have fun...:-)

Tip...I outline quilted around the leaves..."pivot" at ends of leaves.by "raising your presser foot"  turn your block around as needed then lower your presser foot and start again....use a stitch length that you are comfortable with & take your time...no quilt police on this blog...#less-stress-quilting!

Have fun & see you back for Phase 3 :-)

 

Cats "Scrapin a-play-que Series"...Scrapin' Summer Tote... Phase 1

 Hey quilter's....hope your week is going well. I just had the pleasure of seeing my grandson Davin graduate 5th grade. I'm always proud of him but seeing him receive an award for all A's was amazing. This is one proud "Gege.". A part of me is sad for enjoying this special moment knowing what other parents are going through in Texas. I always pray every morning for my family/friends safety to and from work. This week solidifies of how family time is so special. Not to take any situation for granted. Be blessed with every moment you have with your loved ones. Children have always held a soft spot in my heart. I've been a 4-H leader...helped with many functions....even as a designer I still love to teach children the art of sewing and quilting. Children are our future and my heart aches for their loss so early in life. My summer scrapin' series is geared towards a beginner sewer/quilter & especially now to have that quality time with your child. If you have a child in your neighborhood that you know needs some extra care this series would be a great way to make them feel good...not every child has the opportunity to be taught by an adult. So help spread the love of sewing/quilting this summer to a child. I'll be walking you through the steps so you'll be able to be in the comfort of your home as well. So let's get started in bringing some joy into these kiddos hearts!

Blessed Quilting from My home to yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you do...

*decide on the size of your pocket...I sketched my design on a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper then actually decided to use it for the size. It was perfect for this size bag. I then used "leaf cookie cutters" that I traced around for my design. Or get creative and "freehand" your art...as you can see I even changed my design later...no quilt police here so .get creative & have fun!

*In pic you can see that I marked a 1/2" seam allowance all around the block but also left the 3" opening at top for turning inside/out. 

*Now rotary cut your "pocket size" (remember add your 1'' for seam allowance) for your front fabric/back piece & batting.

*Rotary cut your accent fabric strips & fuse your heatnbond lite to wrong side following manufacturer's directions. (see previous instructions on quillow if needed)

*With scissors cut out your designs & again practice your layout on your front piece of fabric.

Pic is of my "design assistant approving my new layout"....hmmm...so I thought!

Turned my back & this happened...maybe he like the original design :-(...gotta love a cat!

*Once you've completed your layout as desired...then tear off the back paper & fuse to your fabric following manufacturer's directions.

Tip...remember to use your "pressing sheet" for less mess :-)

*Now your ready to "a-play-que" your design  w/coordinating Aurifil thread. Play with your machine stitches....get creative but most of all have fun!

Tip...use a piece of "Sulky tear-away" stabilizer on the back of fabric before you start to "a-play-que" This will help with neater stitches & maneuvering around your design as well. 

Check back soon for Phase 2 :-)

Cats "Scrapin' a-play-que Series"...Scrapin' Summer Tote!

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well. As promised...the second summer "a-play;que" project is ready! We'll be making a "summer tote bag" w/ a quilted and "a-play-que'd" pocket. We'll be turning a 2.49 canvas tote bag that I purchased from "Hobby Lobby" into a "Scrapin' Summer Tote Bag!" You'll be sewing/creating/designing your pocket on the outside using raw edge-a-play-que & outline quilting if desired w/ 50# AURifil thread.  Of course, you can totally do some more quilting designs especially "meandering" if desired. I posted a previous tip on Leah Day's tutorial...So wonderful...please check it out. If you made the "quillow" on my previous project, you might be able to tote your quillow in this tote project. This depends on the size of your quillow but the purchased canvas tote is 13 1/4 x 13 1/4. This tote from Hobby Lobby also comes in hot pink, bright blue. red & dark blue. I'll be sharing an advanced tip of making a "smaller pocket" for the inside to hold your cell phone, sun glassed etc. This scrapin' a-play-que series has the same fun & easy techniques that you learned making your quillow. You know me it's all about "less-stress-quilting!" Sew grab a tote...your fabric scraps & let's get ready to "a-play-que" 2gether & make a one-of-a-kind summer tote!

Blessed Quilting from my Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you need...

*Purchase a Canvas Tote

*Scrap Fabric (size of your pocket)

*AURIfil 50# thread in coordinating colors

*HeatnBond Lite

*Warm & Natural Batting

*Sulky tear-a-way Stabilizer

Check back for Phase 1 :-)