Cats Tip of the Day!..."Great gift 4 Mom or any Quilter"

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is going great. Mother's Day is approaching so I wanted to share a great gift idea for "Mom" or any quilter. As I've gotten a bit older :-(...I truly appreciate a tool that fits comfortably in my hand. I have arthritis in my hands along with a severe muscle disease and 'rotary cutting" can really take a toll on my hands. I recently received the "Ergonomic rotary cutter" by Olfa from Missouri Quilt Co and I am so impressed with the quality. Not only is it light weight but it fits so comfortably in my "arthritic hands." It glides along when rotary cutting fabric with hardly any stress on my fingers. It's designed for the comfort while rotary cutting with it's "Ergonomic handle. "Even if you don't have "arthritic fingers" give this rotary cutter a try. If you're like me any tool to make my quilting easier is great. Well speaking of a tool that makes quilting easier...I also received the 360* 8" Rotating cutting Mat by Omnigrid from Missouri Quilt Co as well. Oh, my goodness...I love this mat! Not only does it make my "squaring up" easier when rotary cutting all those "HST's" that I do a lot of but the size is so convenient. I have it right beside my sewing machine when piecing those "scrappy-triangles." Win...win for me! I really believe in thread and fabric therapy. If I can take my mind off my pain even if it's just for a few minutes, then I'm all about sharing tools that might help you as well. I'm not going to give up on what I love to do...I've just come to realize I just need to do them a bit differently. :-) So I hope these gift ideas might help if you're still pondering a "gift 4 Mom or any quilter." The upper right side of my blog has a link for your convenience. But don't forget to throw in a spool of Aurifil thread too. I know I'd be thrilled! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats "Scrap Fishin'...Scrap-a-long" Pillow Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend and enjoying Phase 1 of "scrap-a-long." In this phase we'll be doing some fun quilting and piecing of these cute fish using the "mini peel template" by Missouri Quilt co. I had so much fun using this template. It's very versatile and if you make your fish a bit larger like I did all you do is do some curve piecing. Sew easy! I use a "flexible curve" to achieve the waves on my block, but you can definitely "free hand" them or just do curve quilting on your block. Many rulers have a curve end so check out your "quilting tools" you many already have on hand.   You'll "a-play-que" around your fish once you have your background piece quilted. I love the background fabric "Graduation Chips" by Stonehenge for Northcott. It's perfect for the different hues in the water. The Banyan Batiks color ways were perfect for the different colorful hues of the fish. The 50 weight Aurifil thread hues compliment the Batik fabric perfectly. Remember this is your project so choose your favorite color scheme to coordinate with your home decor. I wanted a bright accent fish pillow, so the Batiks coordinated perfect! I'm breaking the steps into Phases so it's easier for a beginner quilter. You know me...less-stress-quilting! So let's get scrapin' Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Preparing the block for quilting...

* Rotary cut a "mock piece" of fabric 14 x 14 ( I use muslin) :-) for backing

* Rotary cut low-loft batting to 14 x 14

* Layer backing fabric (facing down)

* Batting

* Block (right side facing you)

* Pin or clip as desired to secure block when quilting

Note: the backing fabric and batting will be a bit larger. You will trim later once quilted. 

 Now let's make some waves!...

* Mark your curvy lines using your preferred method. I love the flex curve. A bit "old school" but great!

* Quilt on line as desired.

* From that first line...drop down using your presser foot as your guide and quilt second row following the precious curve line.

* Do as many rows as you wish using this same method.

I quilted in odd number of rows for a wavy design :-)

Tip...I did not quilt block all with waves due to adding fish in next step. You can always go back and quilt more if desired. 

* Press your block before next step if needed.

Now let's get "Scrap Fishin!"...

Following design for inspiration. "Audition" your scrap pieces for fish. I drew the large by hand but you can do all small fish if desired. Use your preferred method of light-weight stabilizer...following manufacturer's directions...fuse to wrong side of fabric. On paper side of fabric trace around your "mini peel template" to make fish design. Carefully cut online. Per design, you can make your fish all solid or "challenge yourself" for the "advanced step" & cut them into curves per design. This also makes the fish larger using the same template. :-) Remember it's your pillow get creative at this stage and have fun!

I also did my fish in odd numbers. As a designer, making a design not so perfect ads more character to a design and it's more "eye appealing." Definitely a conversation piece! 

I traced on paper using the mini peel template to lay out design (see pic below)

Once you have your desired design. Fuse your fish to background fabric following manufacturer's directions. 

Tip: I use a pressing sheet to protect my iron from any fusible glue :-)

* Applique around your fish with coordinating thread. Play with your decorative stitches or do a staright stitch following the outline of the fish.

Tip...I use a small stitch length to make "pivoting" around fish outline easier :-)

Have fun...get creative & check back soon for Phase 3...

Talk soon,

Cat

Cats "Scrap Fishin'...Scrap-a-long" Pillow Phase 1

 Hey quilter's....it's Saturday! You can relax...do what you love and start "scrapin' w/me" ;-) As you know by now when I post a "scrap-a-long" I'm usually one step/phase ahead of you. Well....because these stinkin' cute fish are so much fun, I'm not that far ahead of you. I'm having a blast coordinating Aurifil thread with the batik fabrics and just taking my time "a-play-que-ing" each little fish. I always suggest to push yourself out of your comfort zone especially when piecing/quilting a small project. This pillow is definitely a great project for a beginner quilter. You can definitely adjust the directions to your comfort zone, but my advanced tips are never difficult. I've quilted for many years but as I've gotten older my projects are a bit easier and less stressful. I'll be sharing "advanced tips/techniques" along the way. So please even if you only do one fish have fun experiencing some new techniques. Remember it's your pillow unless you gift it forward so have fun! The pillow will fit a 16x16 inch pillow form, but design could also be a wall hanging as well. Endless "scrap-a-bilities". Remember my main tip when using scraps is to press them before rotary cutting. It's a bit tedious but you'll be glad you did. Also, don't stress when scraps get a bit wonky... Less-stress-quilting. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

EQ version :-)

Phase 1

Here's all you need...

* Stonehenge Graduation Chips by Northcott Fabrics (Indigo Chips for background) or your preferred background fabric scraps & scraps from Pebbles & Daisies for border

* Coordinating Aurifil thread ( I used 50 weight #2710) 

* 

Here's all you do...

*Rotary cut (16)  3.5 x 3.5 in. squares (per design)  or a 12.5 x 12.5 background fabric. But please do challenge yourself with some fun/easy piecing. ;-)

Tip..."audition" your squares to how you would picture the color hues in the water. Stonehenge graduation chips gives you lots of color hues to play with ;-)

Following design...

* Sew row 1 squares w/right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. finger press as you go.

* Sew rows 2.3.4 in same manner as above. 

* Iron and pin rows 1-4 

Tip...i do not have an "automatic thread cutter" on my machine so I only cut the bottom threads of squares when piecing & leave the top threads about 2-3 inches. This helps me keep the direction of the squares when piecing :-) 

* Per design sew Row 1 to Row 2 with right sides 2gether...using a 1/4" seam allowance matching center seams as you go. Don't stress :-)

* Then Row 2 to Row 3 then Row 3 to 4 using same method as above.

* Iron & square up if needed.

Block will be approx. 12.5 x 12.5 

Adding 1st Border...

Tip...we are doing this step now because it helps to secure block before Phase 2.."sneak peek above" :-) 

* Rotary cut 2 scrap pieces to 1 x 12.5 for Top/Bottom border.

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

* Press & square up if needed.

* Rotary cut 2 scrap pieces to 1 x 13.5 for Left/Right border following same steps as above.

Your block will be approx. 13.5 x 13.5 

* This will achieve a finished 1/2" border when we add additional borders later. :-)

Tip...this is a great time to use those beautiful scraps for the borders :-)

Well, you did it!

Check back soon for Phase 2 :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

Sneak Peek....Cats "Scrap Fishin' ...Scrap-a-long"

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well & your weather is being kind. This weather has been crazy. Well, if you're like me and going to have a bit of rain this weekend... this sneak peek might brighten your weekend. As you can tell I love this sweet "mini peel template." It's so versatile and with my scrap-a-long you'll be taking this template to a whole new level. I hope you've purchased it 'cause I'm having so much fun coming up with different designs with just one template. Endless quilt-a-bilities! This scrap-a-long you'll be making a 16 x 16 pillow...with fun & easy techniques along the way all quilted & "a-play-qued" with Aurifil thread. Designed in EQ8 for accuracy. So, grab your batiks....your aurifil thread & lets "a-play-que" 2gehter this spring!

Blessed Quilting,

Cat

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Template by Missouri Quilt co (link upper right on blog)

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!..."Aurifil 50 weight #2615...Plays well w/ others!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend. We had quite the stormy one but dogged the tornados. Crazy weather lately. Well as y'all know by now I'm pretty obsessed with Aurifil thread. But wanted to share my "New Quilting Best Friend." Sometimes when "scrap piecing" which is mostly what I do you end up changing out your top thread quite a bit. We'll let me make your "quilting life" a bit easier. Recently I ordered Aurifil # 2615 Aluminum. I ordered the mini spool to "audition" the thread hue with my recent scrap-a-long. I am thrilled to say that I will be ordering the large spool! I love this this thread hue "aluminum. It's perfect...not too white...not too beige...not too dark...it's a perfect compromise for about any fabric scraps. I recently used it to quilt around my "orange peels" on previous design. I love piecing with batiks. They have so much color hues within a tiny piece of fabric, and it gives me joy to use as many Aurifil threads as possible when quilting. But it sure is great when you can find a "neutral color" of thread that totally plays well with others! You can pop over to right side of my blog to click on Aurifils website & Missouri Star Quilt Co. to view more of this great quality thread. Keep following for my next fun "scrap-a-long" using the "mini peel template" by Missouri Star Quilt co. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cats Spring-Scrap-a-long..."a Rose for Mom" Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope all is going well. We're on to the final stretch of block one...trivet or you're gearing up for "block 2." I love this design...so many "quilt-a-bilities!" plus a great "scrap-buster." Most of my designs are "scrap-friendly" one reason is not everyone has the space or money to purchase bundles of fabric. Another is it's a great way to get creative while "auditioning" those scrap pieces 2gether. When playing with scrap pieces it's also a great opportunity to accent with Aurifil thread. Win,,,win! Well by now you have appliqued your "orange peels." I appliqued my orange peels with Aurifil 50 weight #2235 and then used #2588, 2780, 2710. 2615 to do some fun accent quilting around each orange peel. This was quite fun due to all the scrap pieces I used within the block. I didn't do a lot of quilting due to it being a trivet but it's also a great way to practice quilting for a new beginner. I will say this design is a great gift and great way to use scraps for any Holiday season. Just coordinate your scraps per Season. Endless "Scrap-a-bilities!" So, let's get Scrapin'!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Tip...before we start, if you are doing the "runner" and are ready for block 2..."following the design" you will make 4 HST's (half-square-triangles) and rotary cut 12 (3x3) squares from your desired scraps. Follow the same directions as piecing Block 1 and just "flip" the squares around to achieve the design in Block 2. You know me "less-stress-quilting!" :-)

Trivet quilting & Scrappy Border/Binding Steps

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut 2 scraps pieces to 2 x 10.5.

* Sew to top/bottom of block using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press

* Rotary cut 2 scrap pieces to 2 x 13 1/4 for left/right border using same method as above.

Tip...pressing mat is wonderful for next step!

* Lay orange peel pieces on squares following block design. Fuse to block using a pressing sheet for safety. 

* Rotary cut a "mock piece" of fabric (I use muslin) to 10.5 x 10.5 & light weight batting to same size.

* Layer muslin...batting and then center your block within these layers...pin or clip to secure

Note...I did the "mock fabric back" due to not adding the insul bright until the finishing step. I found out with my previous trivets that quilting through all layers with insul bright already in created a "puff" when quilting. "Less-stress-quilting" :-)

* A-play-que as desired. I did a simple decorative stitch around each orange peel and then a quilting stitch by accenting around each orange peel with coordinating aurifil thread. Slowly "pivot" around each orange peel.... also, a small stitch length works great :-)

*  For backing...Rotary cut a scrap piece to 10.5 x 10.5

Tip...audition your scraps to coordinate with your block front. I used "Shimmer" by Deborah Edwards for Northcott Fabrics. Its great to have your backing just as pretty! :-)

* Rotary cut "Insul bright" to 10 1/4 x 10 1/4...I do a bit smaller for less bulk when binding block. ;-)

* at top of block,,,fold over the border 14" and press...do the same for bottom border.

Tip...this will help when you achieve your border seam while sewing.

* Layer as folllows....backing fabric (right side down) then insul bright and block (right side-facing you)

* Starting at top of block...Tuck/fold under your border strip to create a fold on back. This will create

your binding edge on front of block. Pin or clip.

* Quilt in the ditch on front or do decorative stitches to secure your block on both sides. 

Tip...I do a decorative stitch to make sure my folded edge gets secured. No biggy if it doesn't catch on back when sewing. Just tack in areas with washable fabric glue....less-stress-quilting!

* Repeat same step as above with bottom border.

* Repeat steps as above for Left/Right border/binding ;-)

Your block will be approximately 10 3/4 x 10 3/4...remember don't stress....scraps can get a bit wonky :-) 

I hope you enjoyed creating this sweet trivet...plus using some of your scraps!

Talk soon,

Cat

Note....if you are following the "runner design" once you have pieced all blocks sew them together using a 1/4 seam allowance per design. You can easily enlarge the design at this stage by adding more borders if desired. My design finishes at 13 x 33 but pop over to my Post on 8-13-22 "Scrap...Crackle...Pop!" Phase 5 for border/binding/quilting steps. I was thrilled when this design/technique was featured in Auribuzz.com in August. Also, it features an "advanced scrappy border" if you're really want to use your scraps :-)

Note...if you are following the "pillow design" You can easily use either block design but follow the "trivet steps" for applique/quilting then pop over to my blog post (6-26-22) Cats Scrapin-a-play-que Series" Re-purpose a pillow Phase 2 & finishing. This is for a 16 x 16 pillow form, but you can easily enlarge to your pillow size by just adding more borders! I always do a "bi-fold back" for easy removal if needed. 

Keep following this week for more fun designs using that sweet "mini peel template" by Missouri Quilt Co. & fun "a-play-que" tips using Aurifil thread! 

Cats Spring Scrap-a-long..."a Rose for Mom" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope your day is off to a great start. Well today I'll be sharing phase 1 of a fun spring scrap-a-long in honor of our dear mom-in-law. She was an exceptional quilter...won many awards...lover of batiks & aurifil thread. We both love "orange peel" designs so this is my "modern twist" on a classic design. She was my "side kick" going to quilt shops and taught me if you're going to spend the time piecing/quilting projects together then use quality products. One reason why I'm obsessed with the quality of aurifil thread and my love for batiks. This fun design is so versatile. You can make the table runner as shown or follow today's post and make a trivet. Mom liked it when I would make a "test block" of my designs and flip it into a trivet for her. The design is a great beginner project especially for kiddos to make a fun accent pillow. I'll be sharing tips along the way to make this a fun project for all. I hope you've purchased the "mini orange peel" template cause as you can see we'll make a lot of those cuties. I'm having so much fun designing with this template so keep following for more home decor projects. Remember before we start...I'm all about "less-stress-quilting" so tweak any of my steps to your skill level. So, grab your scraps.... your aurifil thread & lets "a-play-que" 2gether this spring! Enjoy.

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note: Instructions below for Block one or Trivet. Omit trivet instructions if making a runner :-)

Here's all you need...

*Batik scraps or your desired fabrics (sizes posted along the way)

* Aurifil thread ;-)

* Insul bright lining (heat n cold)

* Fusible applique sheet or your desired stabilizer

* Low loft Batting

Here's all you do...

* Fuse applique stabilizer (following manufacturer's directions) to wrong side of your "scrap pieces" of your preferred orange peel accent fabric....

* Trace orange peel template on paper side of fusible web. For design you will need 12 orange peels.

* Carefully cut out each orange peel on tracing line.

Tip....you can trace 2 orange peel templates on a 3.5 x 3.5 scrap piece of fabric. Great way to use those odd size scraps :-)

*Now following design...make 8 HST's (half-square-triangles" out of your desired scrap fabric.

Tip.. I press my scraps before starting due to scraps can be a bit wonky :-)

*Rotary cut a solid scrap piece to 3.5 sq and a printed scrap to 3.5 square. 

* Place with right sides together...using a ruler... draw a diagonal line across the square. 

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

* Rotary cut on solid line.

* Press to darker side of scraps.

* You will have 2 HST's that are 3 x 3 (includes a 1/4" seam allowance)

* Repeat steps for 8 HST's for Block 1.

Tip...Fons & Porter for Omnigrid has a wonderful 1/4" ruler :-)

* Rotary cut 8 (3 x 3 inch squares out of your desired scraps following design. (includes 1/4" seam allowance.

* Lay your squares in rows per design.

Note...this is a very important tip...view on previous blog post. Please take the time at this point and "audition" your squares in within your block. This is the time when you can switch squares around if you don't like to fabric hues together. :-) 

* Row 1...sew squares in order with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

Tip....Pin row 1 :-)

* Repeat rows 2.3.4 in same manner...pin/number each row....just in case you have a "cat" that loves to scramble your projects :-(

* Sew Row 1 to Row 2 following design & using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press

* Sew Row 2 to Row 3 using same steps.

* Then Row 3 to 4. 

* Press block & square up if needed. 

* Block should be approximately 10.5 x 10.5

No worries if different...scraps get a bit wonky... remember less-stress-quilting :-)

Pin to mark top of block. 

* Repeat previous steps for Blick # 3 if you are making the Table Runner show in previous post.

Hope you enjoyed Phase 1 and had fun using some of your scraps! Mine seem to keep growing.

Check back soon for Phase 2 :-)

Quilt Blessings,

Cat