Cats "Tip of the Day!"...marking blocks/rows when sewing/quilting :-)

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is off to a great start. Recently I was watching one of my favorite shows "Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting" and saw this tip. I love this show and at the end they share tips from viewers. This tip is genius! I always mark my squares/blocks with a "paper scrap" labeled with the number but this is "sew much easier." This tip recently helped me because I sew a lot of "directional half-square-triangles." I did add pins labeled "Top/Bottom/Left/Right" for borders. I am working on a design that I'll be sharing soon, and the pattern has an "advanced tip" of directional borders. I do have to say, if you know me, this tip had a reason behind it! It is no fun...ripping out a border after you have it sewn on perfectly and realize your half-square triangles are facing the wrong direction. It happens! I guess that's why we all have a "seam ripper." :-) Needless to say, I'm sharing this tip for a great-fun-soon-2b-posting design! So, check back soon. As always, I promise it will be a fun & easy design! #Less-stress-quilting!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cats "Scrapin' a-play-que Series"...Kids Project...Quilted Wall hanging in a Weekend...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's....hope y'all are having a great weekend and enjoying this fun project. Today you will be finishing your wall hanging & "blinging it out" if desired. I'll be showing some tips of how I did this sweet design but remember let your creativity go! A wonderful thing about sewing/quilting it really inspires your "inner creativity." I believe there is no "wrong" in creating...just an opportunity to make things a little different and possibly a better version. Quilt designs have evolved tremendously in the years that I've been quilting. Designs have become a work of art... combining old and new to create unique designs. When I learned to quilt, we "tied" certain quilts and when we quilted, we used our "presser foot" as our guide. We didn't have "fancy tools and rulers." Maybe that's why I'm obsessed with my rulers and all the color hues of "Aurifil thread." I hope you continue to follow along and explore how sewing/quilting can be therapeutic for the soul. So, let's finish this fun wall hanging!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you do...

*Press sides again if needed

*Starting at top of block...Fold over about an inch or binding to back side and press. 

*Fold in again and press/pin or clip to close your binding on back side. 

*Sew "in the ditch" on right side of your block...this will give you a finished hem on back of your block as well....(c pic)

*Repeat same process for bottom...then left and right border...Press as you go if needed. 

* You will have a closed binding on back...#less-stress-quilting! (see pic)

You did it....be proud of what you have created! Now technically you're finished unless you decide to "add some bling." Just remember to "erase" any pencil marks before embellishing your design.

Here's all you do...

*Fuse heatnbondlite to the wrong side of your fabric (following manufactures directions)

*Trace your design on paper side but remember your design will be reversed. I used a stencil for this design and then carefully using sharp scissors cut the design out. Then following manufacturer's directions, I fused to block in center. 

Tip...I used a "circle template" to help keep my design in order (see pic)

* I then adding some "jewels" using glue specifically for adhering jewels to fabric. 

Get creative or just stand back and say those "chevron lines" look amazing and that's how I'm keep it :-)

Just remember....no matter what you decide to always have fun!

Cats "Scrapin'-a-play-que Series"...Kids project "Quilted Wall Hanging in a weekend!" Phase 1

 Hey quilters...hope y'all have been having a great summer. It's pretty HOT here in Florida...even the gators are laying low. As promised, the last but not least summer project for kids is a fun & easy wall hanging. The one pictured is a baby gift for a girl's room but you can totally change this design into a boy or girls' design. Change your fabric per your design. The chevron quilting is pretty basic for any age. You'll be learning "straight line quilting using your pressor foot as your guide"...You know me...#less-stress-quilting!" This would aslo make a great "4-H project" design in your school colors. What a fun gift for someone going off to college as well. Anyway, the instructions are easy to follow along and today I'll be posting "phase 1." I quilted with Aurifil 50 weight thread #1320, 2710, 2588 & used 2 fat quarters for the front and scrap fabrics from Michael Miller Fairy Frost. I love how the thread & fabric complement each other nicely. Her room has blue tones, so I accented a few stitch lines to bring out her colors. At the end I embellished with a wreath design traced from scraps & then added a "little bling" with some rhinestone beads. Embellish the design as you wish. Remember this is your design...get creative but most of all have fun! Sew let's get started! :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Wall Hanging (16.5 x 16.5)

Here's all you need...

*2 Fat quarters

*Batting/Backing (roughly half yard each...borders will be cut from same fabric)

*Ruler w/ a 1/4" seam mark

*Aurifil thread to compliment your fabric :-)

Here's all you do...

*Rotary cut one fat quarter to 12.5 x 12.5 (includes 1/4" seam allowance)

*Lightly mark with your preferred method (I use a #2 Pencil, then erase later) a 1/4" seam all around your square to make sure you don't sew into your "seam allowance" 

*Now divide your square into sections...using your pencil mark 4 diagonal lines & four horizontal lines creating 4 (3"sections) per row....16 sections all together. (see pic)

*Using your ruler as your guide...mark diagonal lines in each 3" square...alternating angels creating the "chevron design" Repeat with each square. Then come back to each square and draw a 1/4" line from original marking to create your sewing lines. Repeat this process until your grid is complete or your desired design. (see pics)

Step 2...adding Border/Binding

*In this step you will be adding on your "border strips and your binding strip". What..binding now too...Yes, this is my "Border/Binding technique" that I lazily love to do :-)

*Rotary cut 2 strips to 1 1/2 by 12 1/2 (includes 1/4 seam allowance) ...Sew to top and bottom of your block...press...square up corners as needed. 

*Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 14 1/2 and using same method as above sew to left and right side of block.

*For second row of borders...repeat same method but your border strips should be rougly 1 1/2 x 14 1/2 for top and bottom (you can square up extra) and 2 strips 1 1/2 x 16 1/4 for left and right side of block. 

Press and square up as needed. 

Now for your "border strip"...rotary cut 2 1/2 wide x the top/bottom/right and left side of square and using the same method as above for sewing and squaring up. 

TIP...while you are pressing only press your border strips...not your pencil marks with the squares :-)

*Now turn block over and measure the inside of block w/borders...but only add One inch. You will now rotary cut your batting and backing to this size. The extra length is not added onto at this time because you will later turn the "binding strip over to the back for your finished edge) 

*Place your backing piece (right side down)

Your batting piece on top

Block (right side facing you) :-)

Pin or clip to secure in place. 

Quilt on your grid lines creating the chevron design or quilt as desired. Have fun...remember this is your design so let your creativity flow! :-)

Tip...

Carefully use your hands to hold fabric in place when quilting. If you have "small hands" a child's garden gloves with a gripper back work wonderfully ;-)

Next phase you'll be finishing the border and embellishing :-)

Cats "Scrapin a-play-que Series"...Re-purpose a Pillow...Phase 2 & Finishing! :-)

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great weekend & enjoying this project. I really enjoyed this project and I hope y'all are having fun as well. Today you will be quilting the "front" of your pillow. One reason why I designed the pillow this way is for a child to get "fast gratification" during a project. I know working with kids if you can keep their interest, they will want to do more! I would absolutely love if every child learned the great art of sewing & quilting. Some say it's an "old school art" but I have to say quilts have become not just something to "snuggle" with but truly a work of art. I learned at a very young age and sometimes I feel it help with my "creative mind" in designing homes. A child has so much creative thinking, and I love seeing their work of art. Well on that note...let's finish this fun pillow so they can display it in their room :-) Have fun!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you do...

*Lay your "Lining piece" right side down.....batting then your "front square" (facing you)

* Pin or clip to secure around edges while quilting

Tip....I'd like to share that I use a light-colored thread ( Aurifil 50 weight # 2710) and I used my presser foot as a guide to basically just outline my previous decorative stitch lines. This is an easy way to learn quilting with "less-stress"...do what is comfortable for you :-)

*Now start in the middle of your square & use your hands to keep fabric "taught" while stitching.... quilt your pillow as desired. If you do a "straight line quilting" like I did.... I set my "stitch length" a bit longer to create that "hand quilted look"...play with your stitch length to get your desired length.

Once you've finished quilting...do a light press if needed and now you're ready for your back pieces to make your "bi-fold".....you're getting closer to the finish! :-)

*Now you will be making your sides (2) for your bi-fold...you can "google" the instructions due to everyone has their method, but I like mine to fit a bit "snug." 

*With one "Fat Quarter" press if needed & rotary cut to 18 x 13 (this includes your seam allowance)

* On right side of square...press a 1 inch fold to back of square (see pic)

*Now Fold that seam in half and press. Tucks your "raw edge" in. Stitch a seam on right side...use your presser foot as your guide if desired. I like to make a "double seam" which reinforces & gives a "professional look as well.

For "Fat Quarter #2"...Rotary Cut to 18 x 11 and do same method as above.

*Now you are ready to sew your sides 2 your decorative front piece!

*Layer your "front square"...decorative stitches facing you!

*Layer your "short piece" on top (right side down) to "left side" meeting raw edges together.

*Layer your "long piece" on top (right side down) to "right side" meeting raw edges together.

*Pin or clip all around square to secure all pieces together. Sew a 1/2" seam all around your square. Reinforcing at your start and stop points. Then do another 1//4" seam to "reinforce your seam"...this step is optional but it's a great step to do. :-)

Tip...I like to start at the "bi-fold" seams to help me remember to reinforce my seams.

*Now turn your block "inside out".... carefully use your finger to "poke out" the corners if needed & place your "old pillow" in....you did it!!! 

*You just "Re-purposed" your old pillow into a "u-nique...one of a kind pillow" for your room!

*Keep following...next project we'll be doing a "mini wall quilt" for your room! :-)
 

Cats "Scrapin a-play-que Series"...Re-purpose a Pillow...Phase 1

Hey quilter's ...hope all is well and enjoying summer activities. It's very hot here in Florida for June....something tells me it's going to be a long hot summer. Well, with that in mind a few great indoor activities may be the answer. What better way than to "teach a child 2 sew this summer!" In this phase we'll be starting to "re-purpose" an existing pillow. You can purchase a pillow form but why not "re-purpose" one you already have, sometimes a fresh new look in a kid's room is priceless :-) You'll be learning your decorative stitches on your sewing machine.... basic machine quilting all from the privacy of your home. Needless to say, out of this heatwave! Also, you will again have a "one-of-a-kind-u-unique pillow." I love fast and easy projects, and this is definitely one. The pillow instructions below are for a 16 x 16 size but you can easily enlarge if needed. I did my "idea" of an envelope style pillow but you can easily "google" instructions if needed. I design my wrap ends a bit wider than most due to wanting more of a secure fold and I allow extra for a "double seam", again reinforcing the pillow. I used 3 "fat quarters" for this pillow....which can be purchased just about anywhere. Aurifil 50# variegated thread (4663) took this simple design to a whole new level! Keep for yourself or give as a gift....great college gift or do in your school colors....endless possibilities! Plus....if you notice my design...you can flip pillow vertical or horizontal...2 pillows in 1 :-) As I always say....get creative...have fun...enjoy your "unique" design that you're about to create!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you need...

*16 x 16 pillow

*3 Fat Quarters (or fabric scraps)

*Pellon Tear n Wash Lightweight Stabilizer

*Decorative thread (me....love aurifil 50#.....great colors & weights for all projects)

*Lining ( to cut size of pillow....see instructions below)

*Batting (to cut size of pillow....see instructions below)...I use warm & natural

Here's all you do...

*Rotary Cut your front fabric, batting & lining & stabilizer to 18" x 18" (you'll be cutting your back pieces for the fold at a later step) :-) 

*Iron your front piece of fabric....

*Finger press fabric in half or use your iron to press a seam.

*Then fold & lightly press that seam in half to make four lines (you'll be sewing on lines to help create straight lines while using decorative stitches. ex 18 (half is 9...then half is 4.5 and so on :-) 

Tip...Make sure you don't have heavy crease lines 'cause this can cause your stitches to buckle...I lightly press just to make sure I see "seam line to follow"

Or...you can use your ruler and lightly mark with your preferred method (I use a #2 pencil)

*Now pin your lightweight stabilizer to back of your "front fabric"...pin or clip if desired.

* Do your favorite decorative stitches on these lines....get creative...have fun!!! (See pics below)

Tip...if you are new to using your decorative stitches...make a "mini sample" of your fabric/batting etc and "test" your stitches....you can create many stitches using the same design by adjusting your stitch length & width on your machine. Lots of fun!

I also like to "lightly press" as I go...maybe it's my O.C.D (only Cat does) but keeps fabric smooth. 

Aurifil 50 weight # 1320 was used for these decorative stitches.

Aurifil 50 weight 4663 (variegated thread used on decorative stitches here!

Continue to "divide and conquer until you get the desired design you like....remember you still have quilting to do :-) 

*Once you've achieved your design....carefully "tear away" your stabilizer....lightly press & get ready for next phase....quilting & finishing :-)

Cats "Scrapin a-play-que Series" Re-purpose a School binder into Art Journal...Phase 2 & Finishing :-)

 Hey everyone...hope you had a great weekend. We had crazy storms all weekend in Florida. You never know from one minute to next if you should have electronics on or just "veg out" & enjoy the storms. I'm still "old school" when it comes to being on the computer or watching T.V...yes, I know there's surg protectors but if you could hear these storms, you'd probably be doing the same. One bolt sounded like a house blew. I'm like my "cat" who hides under the bed when storms hit...although I don't exactly fit ;-) Anyway, I hope you're having fun creating your binder & ready to finish....this will be a few step process so I'll be walking you through them...and of course if you come up with a better method please do so. I recommend what i feel is easy but be creative and simply! We'll be doing some more fun & easy projects to get to know your "decorative stitches" on your machine so keep checking back! Have fun!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cat Hill on Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you do...

*Rotary cut a piece of "Sulky tear-away" lightweight stabilizer to the size of your "design area"

*Pin if needed

*Now "a-play-que" using your decorative stitches on your machine I like to use my "open toe" foot so I can see the stitches as I go (see pic)

*You can use your fabric as your guide and "outline stitch" if desired as well. I did both. :-) Remember this is your design so have fun...get creative & play with those fun decorative stitches on your machine.

Just remember to stay "within" your design area :-)

*Once you achieved your desired design then carefully "tear or cut" your stabilizer away from your stitches. Due to this probably not being washed you probably could leave some on depending on your design. 

*Now you're ready to finish & quilt :-)

*Lay your batting down...lining (right side facing you) then your top fabric w/your design (facing down)....now mark a 4" opening using clips or pins (this is your turning area that you do not sew)

*Pin or clip your layers together to secure while sewing.

*Now sew a 1/2 " seam around your square and reinforce at your start/stop points (reinforcing is basically taking a few back stitches as you begin)

*Once you have this step done...you will stick your hand inside your opening and carefully pull the fabric inside/out. You should have batting in the middle and your design facing you :-)

Tip...I do a "test fit" to make sure I like how the fabric lays within my binder....just remember you'll be later folding back to make your "tuck" that binder slips into but if you want a "tighter feel" you can always do a wider seam if needed....I actually went back and made mine a 1/4 deeper only on width...length needs to stay the same if using the same size binder.

*Now at this point quilt as desired. You can "quilt in the ditch" of your design or...If you used a "hexagon template" you can use your template as a quilting guide or just do "outline stitches" around your design then use your presser foot as you guide for each seam around....just continue around each row until you achieve your desired design. 

 

*Now you're ready to make your "fold back" that you will tuck your binder into. Place your design on your binder and wrap it around...you will have about a 2-2 1/2 "flap" on each end and that is what you fold in to make your "tuck"...clip or pin in place....remove and sew a "top stitch" to secure in place and remember to "reinforce at your start/stop points" 

Note...you will only be sewing on this "fold back" area :-)

Please be careful with this step...it's a bit bulky and if you're not comfortable then feel free to ask an adult to help....:-)

Now do a test that your binder fits into your sleeve...if it's a bit too tight you can always trim a bit off your binders edge...one fun thing about these vinyl binders :-)

Finishing...one last step...either you can use "fabric glue" to close your opening or carefully "only" do a top stitch to close your opening. Do whatever you're comfortable with :-)

Now....stand back and look at your "art journal" that you created by re-purposing your school binder. Be proud...you learned decorative stitches....quilting....and made yourself a "u-nique" project! Enjoy!!!

Cats Scrapin' a-play-que Series..."Re-purpose a School Binder into a Summer Art Journal" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope y'alls summer is off to a great start. I wanted to share some summer projects to do with the kiddos that will teach them fun ways to get to know a sewing machine. I for one love a project that doesn't take long and has a fun & easy fast finish. You'll be "re-purposing" that old 3-ring binder that everyone has into a "u-nique" one that you designed! Turn it into a art journal for all your summer creativity & then use it again when school starts. You can use my hexagon design below or get creative and design your own...use your school colors with your fabric choices...endless possibilities with this project. You'll get to know your sewing machines decorative stitches which for me is a blast. Also learn easy quilting techniques & raw edge "a-play-que" & learning to do precise cutting of fabric using a rotary cutter (adult supervision please) :-) I'll have "tips" a long the way to make this a great summer project or make one as a gift. So grab your old school binder...scrap fabric...Aurifil thread & lets "a-play-que" 2gether this summer!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat 

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

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Here's all you need...

* 3 ring school binder

*Scrap fabric ( I used Michael Miller Fairy Frost)

*Coordinating thread ( I love Aurifil 50 weight & used #1320, 2235, 3910)

*Heat n Bond Lite

*Sulky Tear Easy Stabilizer

*Warm & Natural Batting

*Pressing sheet

*Mini Heaxagon ( 2 1/2 x 3 )

Here's all you do

*First "sketch your idea on a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper...this is roughly the front side of your notebook which will become your "design/sewing area"....you can piece two papers together like I did if you want it to be precise for your sketch/design.

Now decide on your fabric for your design.

Lay your "binder" on a flat surface (rings side facing you to get full size) & measure the width and length of your binder ( see pic) Once you have your size use the formula below to "rotary cut" your front fabric, lining & batting all to this size.

Ex...mine measured 11 1/2 x 22 1/2 so I rotary cut all 3 pieces 14 1/2 x 28 1/2

       (this is adding 6" to width for sleeve (tuck binder into) & 3" to length...all includes your seam allowance & for the extra allowance you need for appliqueing. You can always trim up later if desired. 

Now fuse your scrap pieces of fabric with heat n bond lite following manufactures directions.

 

Tip...I rotary cut my heat n bond lite just a tad smaller than fabric for less mess on iron plus I use a pressing sheet to protect my iron as well.

Trace or draw your design on paper side of heat n bond lite...just remember it's reversed if you're working with a directional design (ex letters)

I used the "hexagon ruler" for my design.

Rotary cut or use sharp scissors when cutting out your design.

With "front fabric" right side facing you on the "right side of fabric" fold back roughly 2 inches under and this later becomes your sleeve for binder to tuck into. Do a practice layout of your design....

Tip...I lay my fabric onto my binder and do a rough pin around the fabric to mark my design area...this helps me when fusing design & another reason why I do a "test sketch" to this "design area as well" :-)

Reflect on your sketch to help you with your layout.

Now fuse your design to the front/right side of your fabric following manufacturer's directions. ...get creative & have fun!

*Tip...I changed the design a bit from original by rotary cutting my "hexagons" in half and joined them next to each other for the appearance of one solid hexagon & forming a "whirly" design...do the same if you wish ;-)

Next phase you'll be "a-play-queing" your design....talk soon!

Check back soon!