Scrap-a-long w/Cat..."2cute 2spook Mug Mat" Phase 2 & finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going great. We're preparing for the beast here in Florida. Please pray for everyone during this season. I've lived my majority of life in Texas and have to say I can't wait to get back. Dealing with the possibility of a Hurricane is nerve wracking and I've realized it's definitely not for me. We moved here from Texas 2 yrs. ago to help my mom-in-law and now she can come with us when we find a home again in Texas. Plus, I don't do well being away from my family. I don't mind flying but it's great to just load up the car and go! I'm so thankful for this "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique, it really helps with anxiety taking your mind off what's happening. I'm preparing for the worst due to our location, but I've got my "doodling sketchbook" ready to work on next years "scrap-a-long." That sounds weird just saying next year but we're almost there, Holidays are fast approaching. Oh, and before I forget, if you see a "lull" in my posting that means I'm somewhere hunkered down and praying! So don't let this Hurricane slow down your project. Most of my designs are easy for you to put your own spin on them to finish. I always say...I start the creativity flow then put your own spin on it if needed. My next project will be the "Scrappy Spook-tacular Hot Pad/Trivet for Entertaining." I love placing food on a hot pad/trivet that I've made, just adding that personal touch to the table plus it makes a great gift! So, let's get this fun project finished so we can get on to the next one before the beast shuts down my "quilting." Thank God for #threadnfibertherapy! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Featured on www.auribuzz.com "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!"

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut your batting & tear-away stabilizer to 3.5 x 3.5

* Layer as follows to prepare for your "Crazy-Spider-Web-Quilting" You can do a traditional spider web if desired, but I love how this is more "free-form" and a bit "spooky" :-)

* Square wrong side facing you, batting & tear-away stabilizer.

*Secure as desired...I pinned at this stage around square to secure layers in place while quilting.

* On your "solid triangle" draw a diagonal line to help start your web. Then just "free form" your lines while quilting doing an off-set design. I used coordinating 50 weight Aurifil thread # 2582 (purple) & 2692 (black) for the outline quilting. No wrong or right here just have fun! That's why I love this technique because I don't need a perfect curve for the web...#less-stress-quilting!

Tip...I do outline my block first "stitch in the ditch" to secure before quilting. :-)

* Quilt block as desired then "carefully tear-away" your stabilizer. It will look a little wonky at this point :-)

* Now rotary cut your back fabric to 3.5 x 3.5

* Rotary cut your Insul-bright to 3 1/4 x 3 1/4. I cut a bit smaller for less bulk on edge of square when finishing, 

* Layer as follows...your wrong side facing you, insul-bright then back fabric (right side facing up/you)

*You will then fold over your binding about a 1/4 inch to back side then tuck in to form your closed binding on the back side of square. If you follow my projects, I do my "border/binding" technique on just about all projects unless it goes for a "judging" then I would get a bit more "professional" :-)

*Start at top then bottom then left and right side...clip or pin * "finger press" as you go.

*Flip over and now you're ready to quilt in the ditch on the front side to secure your binding. 

#less-stress-quilting!

Tip...I start in middle on side border seam. Less bulk then starting at the edge. Then I remove the clips as I go & "pivot" at the corners. (raise presser foot/turn block/lower presser foot & continue sewing) Less stress when quilting in the ditch & easier for you as well. 

As you can see with my finished "Spook-tacular mug mat" I left my quilting simple. I liked how my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique showed the different layers of the fabric in each square so I only did the "crazy-spider-web-quilting." I just love how this technique shows how each square is never the same without the fuss! Remember...it's your project so let your creativity flow! I can recommend Aurifil 50 weight # 2235 (orange) if you decide to quilt the "candy corns." Each project will get a little more advanced, learning new techniques as we go. The hot pad/trivet will have an advanced scrappy border plus more accent quilting w/ Aurifil thread. So, check back soon for our next "scrappy-spook-tacular-scrap-a-long!" 

Thanks for following and please continue to pray for everyone during this Hurricane season. 

Scrap-a-long w/Cat..."2cute 2spook Mug Mat! Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well. It's been crazy lately in my "quilting world" the last few weeks. I had a allergic reaction to new meds & now embracing a Hurricane. Oh, my goodness...my prayers are with everyone that is going through this Hurricane season. You just never know & the best advice is to be "over prepared" & have hands on projects to keep you calm. This is the time to practice your "quilt doodling." Trust me...great way to calm the nerves. :-) Well, as promised we're going to have some quilting fun with smaller projects using the same "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" technique. I'm obsessed with this technique. You get a different square/block every time plus no paper-piecing! Koodos to everyone that paper-pieces but I'm a bit impatient and I love how my technique still gives you that "unique" design without the fuss. In this "2cute 2spook" scrap-a-long series we'll be making a 3.5 x 3.5 mug mat, hot pad for entertaining and a table square. We'll be using the same technique and using up those Halloween scraps & doing "crazy spider-web-quilting." Such a fun project and great gift as well. If you notice from my previous design "table runner" we're just changing the fabric using this same fun technique. Oh yes...my favorite Halloween candy just might be "candy corn" :-) So, grab your "spooky scraps" & coordinating Aurifil thread & let's have a "Spook-tacular Scrap-a-long" 2gether!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Featured on www.auribuzz.com "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!"

Here's all you need...

*Spooky scraps

*Coordinating Aurifil thread ( I used 50 weight #2692, 2583, 2235)

*Batting

*Sulky tear-away Stabilizer

*Insul-bright (needle insulated lining hot/cold)

Here's all you do...

*Sew your scraps 2gether in a "candy corn" fashion. I use a 1/8" seam when piecing for less bulk due to the tiny nature of this cute little block :-)

*Using my "Olfa Mat spinning technique" square up to a 2.5 x 2.5 square.

* Now "rotary cut" a solid block 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 and draw a diagonal line across each side of your Fons & Porter 1/4" seam ruler.

*Place your squares "right sides 2gether" and sew on the mark lines.

*Rotary cut down the middle and press open to the solid side. 

*This will give you 2 blocks...repeat step to make 4 scrappy blocks.

*Layout squares in the "pinwheel" fashion (see pic)

*Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance top 2 (right sides 2gether) finger press open

*Then bottom 2 (right sides 2gether) finger press open

*Then sew top to bottom, carefully matching center seam. Press and square up if needed. 

*You will have the cutiest...spookiest  3 1/2 x 3 1/2 block :-) 

*Now rotary cut your border/binding strips as follows...

1 1/2 x 3 1/2 (Top/bottom) side

1 1/2 x 5 1/2 ( Left/Right) side

Oh yes...just noticed I flipped block wrong when taking pic :-( it happens!

Anyway! Sew using a 1/4" seam and right sides 2gether your top/bottom strips to square.

Press & square up if needed.

Now sew using same method your left/.right strips to square.

Well, you did it! Next phase will be "crazy spider-web quilting" and finishing your unique one-of-a-kind spook-tacular mug mat! Check back soon & thanks for following!

Please continue to pray for everyone this hurricane season. Cat

     

Happy Labor Day....aka "Quilting day!"

 Hey quilter's.... hope your weekend is going great. Well, the humor below says it all...."Labor Day starts quilting season." Honestly, I love it although that cracks me up and any quilter probably is thinking the same. I could not wait to "Labor Day" to start quilting. None of my projects would get finished plus I'd go nuts. As I've mentioned before it's "thread n fabric therapy" for me! If I'm not stitching with Aurifil thread or coming up with a new pattern in EQ8 then I'm not happy. Quilting is my therapy being away from my family especially during the holidays. If I'm creating something for them, it makes me feel like we're together while away. I know corny. But it helps. Also, if you have pain issues like me focusing on what brings you joy sure does help! So, this Labor Day weekend I'm wishing everyone a fun...safe & fabulous quilting weekend! If you have kiddos teach them to quilt this long weekend. I have previous post that are great fun & easy projects for kiddos. Most of all take time to do whatever you love. But remember...check back early next week for my "Spook-tacular Scrap-a-long!" Follow me on Instagram for updates of what's happening in my "quilting world" :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day! Tip to get ready 4a "Spook-tacular Scrap-a-long!"

 Hey quilter's...hope your Friday is off to a great start & ready for the weekend. When you retire some days just seem to "run-2gether" which can be a bit embarrassing at times. I've enjoyed sharing my "Scrap-Crackle-Pop!" technique and hoping it's been "therapeutic" for you as well. I'm a bit addicted to this technique so of course had to step it into some holiday fun! :-) Yes...small projects and actually great inexpensive gifts for the Holiday's as well. You're using your "scraps" and most likely you have the supplies already...win...win...:-) In a few of the designs you'll be "scrapin' small quarter square triangles" so I wanted to share again this technique to make this project easier. You know me by now I'm all about less-stress-quilting! I know if you are a beginner quilter supplies can add up quickly and gadgets are so tempting. I for one have to "control" myself :-( still working on that! So, here's an inexpensive tip that I do to make these triangles easier to trim. If you are fortunate to have one of those fancy "spinning mats" then this is just an extra fun tip for you :-) But, I do this.... I place my small "Olfa Mat" on top of my larger cutting mat and spin it around when rotary cutting the half-square triangles w/ my square-up-ruler. Makes trimming easier and safer. I still to this day am extra careful using a rotary cutter and this technique assures me the quality of a clean cut plus the safety as well. Plus, not to mention if you have "back issues" like me you are not stretching over to rotary cut...every bit helps with back issues :-) Also, the Fons & Porter 1/4" ruler is wonderful to help mark your half-square triangle lines. I have 2 sizes and use them always to mark my squares. For marking lines, I use a "dritz water soluble marking pencil" Again...great gift idea for a "beginner quilter" :-) Oh, did I mention you'll be doing some "crazy-spider-web-quilting? So, grab your "spooky-scraps.... your coordinating aurifil thread" and get ready for a "spook-tacular scrap-a-long" coming soon! Thanks for following and please share the love of quilting w/others! Cat

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Karen Miller Orange Peel Grid Quilting Design - Continuous Curve on a Domestic Machine

Hey quilter's....hope your week is going well. I have to share one of my favorite all time quilt designs "orange peel" and it's tutorial by Karen Miller with Redbird quilt co. Oh my goodness...her quilting is amazing....so fun to watch her tutorials and easy to follow. She quilts with Aurifil thread, and you can see the quality in her designs using this thread. I've been sewing and quilting for too many years to state, and I can only "imagine" being this talented. She quilts on a "domestic"...yes a domestic no longarm here! She is my "quilt inspiration" & I hope you enjoy this tutorial. She has plenty more as well. Have a great week & keep following for a "fun & spooky quilt-a-long" coming soon!

Quilt Blessings from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Scrap-Humor....when you're "quilting" & you get asked..."what's 4 dinner?"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. Had to share a little "scrap-humor" to get you through the week. I think we've all had this moment of getting interrupted in some way while quilting. What's hard for me is that I have to "limit" my sewing/quilting time due to my back limitations. Well, not that I don't mind interruptions sometimes when you get in that "quilting groove" as I like to say & then stop it's frustrating. For me anyway :-) Recently I even had a "rotary cutting incident" when had to go do something else :-( It happens...but I did learn due to this mistake that if you are sewing "squares" 2gether and for some reason your seams aren't matching up...there's a reason. In a soon-2b-project that I will be sharing I must have not trimmed up 2 of my accent blocks before piecing and quilting. Yes...I did it! It happens...In the "construction world" that would not work...in the "quilting world" I'm saying that table square has memories :-) Seriously, what else can I do when you've quilted it and then see an "oopsie." So now I have a "sticky pad" by my projects to remind me where I stopped on the project to prevent "oopsies." Don't get old quilter's...I'm blaming my "memory loss" on my meds :-) :-) :-) Anyway, I usually have a snappy comeback when getting asked what's for dinner because honestly, he doesn't care but this time I said "scraps" instead of "leftovers." Again...it's the meds', right? :-) Well...the pic below is showing my soon 2-be scrap-a-long. The "sneak-peek" features 50# aurifil thread, scraps from Moda, Michael Miller Fabrics & Hoffman Batiks, Actually, looks like a pretty good "high-fiber" diet to me! As promised small projects for the holidays are coming soon so keep following. Thanks for "scrapin'-a-long w/me" & please share the love of threadnfabric therapy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

email q's cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

Follow on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Pop on over to my "cooking blog" for some easy & healthy recipes to make while quilting!

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!..." Love Fons & Porter 1/4" Seam Marker"

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going well. I wanted to share this tip that I love and use constantly when marking my "scrappy 1/2" and 1/4" triangle blocks. I posted this tip on my "Scrap...Crackle...Pop" scrap-a-long but wanted to "re-fresh" for my upcoming projects. My "smaller" projects that I'll be featuring soon still incorporate my fun technique of the "scrappy half-square triangles." The holidays are approaching a bit fast for me & I love to give a "handmade" gift. So, my "soon-2b-designs" will of course incorporate "scraps" & all pieced/quilted w/ aurifil thread. We all know by now how much I love this thread. It never lets me down with the quality & so many weights and color hues to coordinate with any project. My "Scrap-Crackle-Pop!" design is so versatile & therapeutic and it's featured on my previous posts if you have seen already. My "scrapin' technique" is also featured on auribuzz.com. Check it out when you can. My goal is to help others with thread and fabric therapy through the love of quilting So keep following for more "scrap-a-longs." Have a great quilting weekend!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Post any q's in comment section & I'll be happy to answer to the best of my knowledge :-)

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Tip....when using "scraps" we know they have the tendency to stretch so I press first...rotary cut my square and this ruler helps mark your diagonal lines for a great ponts on your triangle piecing! Just sew on marked lines...rotary cut down the middle of the lines.... press to the dark side and it's perfect :-)