Easter Blessings & "Rabbit in a hole for Breakfast"

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going great. If y'all know me by now I love quilting & cooking. My tips are a bit easier these days but that's o.k. too. For me...it's all about sharing and making memories rather it be quilting or cooking. If you've been following my cooking blog you know I've been working on a recipe cookbook with my sweet Grandson Davin. He's only 12 and wanted my recipes for when he goes off to college. Be still my heart! Well in our family "egg in a hole" is a tradition. We also love using "cookie cutters' every Holiday and make "Cinnamon Toast." Honestly, no matter your age this is such a fun Easter breakfast to make. I hope y'all pop on over to my cooking blog and try this fun recipe with your loved ones. I wish y'all a Blessed Easter weekend! Keep following for my fun "Spring-Scrap-a-long." Previous post shows the sweet "orange peel template" we'll be using :-) Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Social Media (links are above my profile on right)

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Why I love Batiks"

Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great week. I was recently asked "why I love Batiks/" Oh my goodness...where do I begin. First of all Batiks are handmade, so you get a different design & texture throughout the fabric. The colors are just stunning incorporated into a design/pattern. I love blending Batiks with solids to give an interesting design in my 'scrap-a-longs." So, here's the funny.... sometimes when your piecing fabric squares 2gether and you go "shoot...I just sewed a wrong side of fabric together." Well at least for me it happens. :-) Piecing with Batiks you no longer need to worry about a 'mishap." Batik fabrics have no "wrong side." Yes...if you haven't already experienced the love of Batiks check them out. You will be amazed not only of the quality but the fact it's fabric dye is on both side of the fabric. Absolutely amazing! The pic below shows just a few of my "Batik love" with Banyan Batiks by Northcott fabrics. I'm obsessed with the collection "Pebbles & Daisies." So much in fact this is a "sneak peek" of what I will be using on my "Spring -Scrap-a-long" starting next week. I just received my "Pebbles & Daisies" 5 x5 Chip Pack. It contains 42 pieces (21 design selections) that I'll be using a long with my scraps of this stunning collection. If you peek at the picture you will also see the sweet "Mini Orange Peel" template by Missouri Star Quilt co. that I'll be using in the design/pattern. This orange peel template is perfect for my 2 1/2 in blocks that we'll be doing! I'm also to mention that I'm a part of the Influencer Program with Missouri Star Quilt co. They are a family-based business with excellent customer service and need to say great sales every day! So whatever your quilting/sewing/crafting needs are please check them out. You can click on my link below to go directly to their website if you wish. I do get a "kickback" going through my link which allows me to get some of the items needed for these fun "scrap-a-longs." Or go to their website listed below. I love to share the joy of quilting with others. My designs/patterns are geared towards the beginner quilter with advanced techniques along the way. So, check these stunning fabrics & check back soon for my exciting "Spring-Scrap-a-long." Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Featured on https://auribuz.com

Follow on Facebook & Pinterest

Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine

https://northcott.com

https://missouriquiltco.com

Cats Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangles "Easter Trivet" Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is off to a great start. Well as promised "Phase 2" of our fun Trivet scrap-a-long is here! I had so much fun with this trivet that I'm going to make a few more as gifts. Just change the fabric for any seasonal decor :-) I also would love if you try the advanced "basket-weave-border." Instructions are for both beginner and advanced techniques. I love to try something new especially if it's on a "small scale." Sometimes larger projects can be a bit intimidating when trying new techniques. This small but fun project will give you the chance to step out of your "quilting zone." It did me anyway. If you follow me on Instagram you will see that the cute carrot inspired the "basket-weave-border." I thought.."you can't have a trivet w/out a basket design." I know it's my O.C.D "only Cat does" My trivet is not perfect but have to say it was a lot of fun learning a new technique. I hope you enjoy this "scrap-a-long" & keep following for another "Spring-Scap-a-long" soon! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook & Pinterest

Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Pic above is where Phase 1 stopped...

* Now you can decide on which border....standard or advanced.

Standard border instructions...

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 x 5 1/4 for Top/Bottom of center block and sew with a 1/4 seam....right sides 2gether....press & square up if needed.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 x 8 for Left/right sides and sew as above.

* Proceed to Border/Binding.

Advanced basket-weave w/cornerstones instructions...

* Rotary cut 4 strips of your accent fabric 2 x 5 1/4 for Top/Botton of block

* Now using your accent fabric for "basket weave"...rotary cut 1' strips.

* Finger press a 1/4" fold to the wrong side of fabric strip...finger press then iron making a 1/2" strip.

Note: Depending on the length of your scraps repeat this step a long the way as you continue piecing your basket weave.

* Follow design "criss-cross" your strips on scrap piece of 2 x 5 1/4 strip.

* Use fabric glue to tack in place if desired.

* Sew a seam on sides to secure in place (see pic)

Tip....I used a 1/8 seam allowance, so my thread didn't show when sewing sides to center block.

Note these 2 pics are reversed :-(  Pic above is what border looks like once sewn/trimmed :-)

* Trim your basket-weave sides even with border strip.

* Now sew with right sides 2gether the top/bottom strip to center block using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press

* Your block should now look like pic below...or similar...remember "less-stress-quilting" :-)

Left/Right Border...

* With your "accent fabric scraps"...Rotary cut 4 cornerstones (squares) 2 x 2 1/4 

Tip....it's best to press your scrap fabric before you rotary cut these squares. Helps w/ piecing 2gether.

* Now Rotary cut 2 "accent fabric scraps" 2 x 5 for left/right borders.

* With right sides together...using a 1/4" seam allowance...sew your cornerstones to your 2 x5 border strip @ each end (see pic)

* Press seams. Repeat steps for left/right border strips.

*Now with right sides 2gether...using a 1/4" seam allowance...sew your border strips to right side of center block, carefully matching seams. Press seams away from center :-)

Tip...I line seams 2gether first...do a small stitch length to secure then sew a quarter inch seam allowancing when sewing sides to center block especially when using "cornerstones" :-)

Remember...less-less-stress quilting!

* Repeat steps for Left side & press block

* Your block will look similar to pic below :-)...roughly 7 3/4 x 7 3/4

Border/Binding...

* Press accent scraps & rotary cut strips...following these steps...

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 8 for Top/bottom of block.

* Sew border strips using a 1/4" seam allowance w/ right sides 2gether to Top/Bottom of block. 

* Press seams out (away from block)

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 10 for Left/Right border.

* Sew as above.

Rotary cut your backing fabric...insulbright and batting 8 x 8

* Lay block w/ right side facing down

* Then low-loft batting

* Then Insulbright

* Now Backing fabric with "right side facing you"

* Top/Bottom 1/4" binding...

* Fold border to back of block a 1/4 " binding on front of block. 

* Fold/ tuck in again to secure binding on back. Leaving no raw edge. Clip or pin to secure

Note...remove pin that you used to mark "top" of block before quilting :-) 

* Top stitch or stitch in the ditch on front of block to secure binding.

Tip...no worries if you don't catch seams on back. Fabric glue works wonderfully :-)

Remember...less-stress-quilting!

* Repeat steps above for bottom binding then Left/right binding.

* This will give you a 1/4" binding strip on your block w/out the stress :-)

Block finished size is "roughly" 8 x 8 .... remember no stress ;-)

* I quilted in the ditch around center square only due to using "insulbright" when making a Trivet. It

sometimes gets a bit "puffy" with the layers when quilting.

* Quilt your block as desired. 

I love the fabric that I used for the backing. Its Plaster of Paris for Frond design studios by Stephanie Brandenburg for Northcott Fabrics. It complimented my Aurifil thread hues perfectly!

I hope you enjoyed this sweet Trivet "Scrap-a-long" You can easily enlarge this design just follow the instructions & adjust  per your desired square. Sew many blocks 2gether for a fun-sweet table runner. Change the fabric for any decorative season. Endless Possibilites. Just remember to have fun!

Keep following for another "Scrap-a-long" soon!

Thanks for following & Blessed Quilting, Cat

Cats Tip of the Day! "a Quilting Tool you already have on Hand"

 Hey quilter's...hope your Friday is off to a great start. I wanted to share a quick "tip" with you that I state a lot on my quilt instructions. I'm a bit "old school" and the term "finger press" is what I was originally taught. My grandmother always said "finger press" your seams and use that "elbow grease." Well as a child it totally confused me. Now as adult it seriously brings back funny memories. Your fingers are your best tool when piecing squares together. Saves time of getting up and ironing unless you have the space to have your iron right beside you while sewing. I will admit that I use my fingernails when I do want a great crease in fabric. My trivet in previous post features an advanced "basket-weave: border and I do finger press the strips iron the strips upon completion. I for one don't like to have a hot iron near my fingers :-) Finger pressing the seams on strips helps to achieve the design safely then once you achieve the width of strip then go ahead and press. In my next "scrap-a-long" we'll be piecing a lot of half-square triangles so this tip will come in "handy." :-) As always thanks so much for following and check back soon for phase 2 of this sweet Easter Trivet. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook & Pinterest

Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Cats "Crazy 1/2 sq. Triangles" Featuring a sweet Easter Trivet! Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well. I'll be featuring my new applique technique with my new "scrap-a-long" series. You'll be learning a fun & easy way to achieve a unique design within your quilt blocks without the stress. You know me I'm all about thread & fabric therapy! I love to combine applique within a quilt block but sometimes it can be a bit time consuming. With my technique you'll be appliqueing within your block as you are piecing. I'm pleased to say with my technique your applique looks "pretty perfect" without the stress. This sweet 8x8 trivet has an advanced "basket weave border." I had to get a basket design to compliment the Easter theme. The gorgeous fabric is Northcott Banyan Batiks "Ketan" & the back is Plaster of Paris for Frond Design Studios by Stephanie Brandenburg. I'll be featuring fun & easy projects for your home this spring that will continue into summer, fall & winter. Plus, you know me by now I'll be featuring the "a-play-que" technique with Aurifil thread. If you haven't "played" with Aurifil thread please check them out. I've appliqued small to large projects as "Stain Glass Windows" for Frankston Museum and never had a thread breakage. That was huge and I've been hooked ever sense. Again, time is precious and using great quality items when piecing and quilting for me is a must. As I've gotten older my patience is a bit thin and if I'm having a "hick-up" now I know it's because of me not what I'm using. I guess that's a good thing...right :-) Always with my designs I'll feature advanced techniques & tips along the way. I design toward the beginner quilter, but my advanced steps are still easy & fun. So please give them a try. I encourage you to try a new technique especially in a small-scale project. I truly believe in thread & fiber therapy & less-stress-quilting! For me....sewing & quilting is very therapeutic & my goal is to share with others. So grab your stash & let's "a-play-que" 2gether this year!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Facebook & Pinterest

Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Here's all you need...

* 50 # Aurifil thread ( pink 2588, orange 2235)

* Scraps of Northcott Fabrics (rotary cutting measurements are stated in instructions)

* Light-weight interfacing

* Batting

* Insulbright (for hot/cold items)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut (2) 3x3 inch squares of light fabric

* Rotary cut (2) 3x3 inch printed fabric

* Rotary cut (2) 3x3 inch interfacing squares

* With your lighter 3" square...fold in half diagonally and finger press. This creates your guide line when using your decorative stitch on your machine.

* Place one piece of your interfacing to the "back side" of light fabric. 

Tip: This is why I love piecing with Batiks...you can't get the front/back sides wrong ;-)

* Now using your favorite decorative stitch and your "presser foot" as your guide...sew a stitch on right side of diagonal seam, continue using your 'presser foot" as your guide until you complete enough rows within your square. Repeat on left side.

Tip...I did one light block with the orange aurifil thread and one with pink thread. Then in later step rotated the colors in the center pinwheel design. (see pic) Do the same if you wish. 

* Now take your light 3" appliqued square and one dark 3' square and place right sides together.

* On wrong side of light fabric draw a diagonal line (opposite) direction of your decorative stich line. 

* Sew a 1/4" seam on each side of diagonal line.

* Rotary cut on line. This will achieve (2) 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 crazy appliqued 1/2 square triangles.

* Carefully remove stabilizer and press towards the darker fabric. 

* Repeat same steps to make another set for your center block pinwheel design. 

* Another center option if desired.

* Referring to design...sew top 2 squares with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

Finger press.

Note...this is where you can rotate the fabric colors within the pinwheel design :-)

* Repeat step for bottom 2 squares.

* Now join your squares together at center seam using same method. Iron seams flat on block. 

* You now achieved a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 "crazy !/2 square triangles" & used your scraps! Wasn't that fun? :-)

Tip...use a pin to mark top! :-) 

1st Border...

* Press your desired scraps & rotary cut 2 strips 1 x 4 1/2 for top & bottom border of square.

* Sew one strip to top of block with right sides together using a 1/4" seam. Press & square up if needed.

* Repeat same method for bottom border.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 1 x 5 1/2 for Left/right border

* Sew border strips using the same method as above to left & right side of square.

* Your square should now be 5 1/2 x 5 1/2

I love "Ketan" Banyan Batiks by Northcott Fabrics. So many color ways to choose from & I can always count on Aurifil thread hues to compliment my quilting designs! 

Check back soon for "Phase 2" :-)

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Working w/ Scraps!"

 Hey quilter's....hope you're having a great weekend. I wanted to share this quick tip with y'all due to my "upcoming scrap-a-long." I'll be starting a fun & easy scrap-a-long real soon & if you're like me sometimes sewing scrap pieces of fabrics can be daunting. Using up those "scrap pieces" of fabrics is rewarding but due to the stretch of certain fabrics it can be a bit frustrating especially when rotary cutting. With my new design you'll be learning my "advanced technique" so I wanted to share this tip with you. If I'm not using a fabric stabilizer when appliqueing "oops...just gave a hint" :-) and if I'm rotary cutting a scrap piece of fabric for a half-square triangle "oops...another hint, " I will lightly spray my scrap piece of fabric "on the wrong side" with Faultless premium luxe finish spray starch before ironing & rotary cutting. Yes, you can definitely make your own but this is so convenient and works great. I'm all about less stress and time-saving-tips these days so I hope this tip helps. I'm also excited about a "new adventure" that I'm a part of & sharing soon. So grab those scraps and get ready to have some fun this spring! Remember with all my designs just change the fabric to flip it into your favorite holiday season. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Facebook & Pinterest

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Happy National Quilting Day!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great weekend. It's National Quilting Day so enjoy the day & quilt like nobody's watching! I love the quote below. It's truthful in my world. I love using my scraps and combing them with fabric design that compliments. Fabric shopping is so therapeutic & using your scrap fabric is a win...win for me. Today I'm spending time with my sweet grandson but starting Monday I'll be starting a "mini" scrap-a-long that is for Easter using Banyon Batiks by Northcott Fabrics & stitched/quilted with 50# Aurifil thread. So no matter how you're spending today just enjoy every moment. Quilting is therapeutic for me & I truly believe in thread and fabric therapy! So enjoy your day & we'll catch up Monday for a very exciting "Scrap-a-long." 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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

Follow in Instagram @ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Facebook & Pinterest

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com