"T-Shirt 2 Wall Decor" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's....hope y'all are having a relaxing weekend. I've been slowly working on my next project featuring the Quilt Town 10 x 10" sq's by Missouri Star Quilt Company. I've always wanted a "sewing machine" design in my quilt room but some of the patterns are a bit daunting. I was thrilled when i saw the "Quilters are Piecemakers" T-shirt by Missouri Star Quilt co. Oh my gosh...it was perfect...the sewing machine design on their T-shirt was perfect plus it complements the Quilt Town fabrics. What a way to celebrate MSQC 15th yr. Birthday Bash with a "wall decor" for your sewing/quilting room. I gave y'all a "heads up" a few days ago so you could order your T-Shirt. If you still need one the discount link is still valid until the end of September (1 x use). I had so much fun with this design. Of course, I had to add my "Party-Points" to celebrate their 15th yr. anniversary :-) I also "fussy cut" squares from the Quilt Town fabrics for the borders. You could definitely rotary cut a solid piece of fabric for the borders if desired. I wanted to showcase that stunning fabric collection as much as possible plus a great way to use those scraps too! For me it's a great way to "celebrate" Missouri Star Quilt Co. anniversary with them even if we can't go to the "Big Birthday Bash" happening soon! I do fully recommend the T-Shirt Pressing cloth for this project. Also, I did not wash my T-Shirt first. Not sure if that matters or not but wanted to state that to y'all. Just remember not to "stress" when sewing a T-Shirt to fabric. It will get "wonky" at times. You just need to Square up if needed. I know a lot of people stray from doing T-shirt quilts but when you use the Lightweight stabilizer it helps with keeping the T-shirt from stretching a lot. :-) I just love how their T-Shirt design did all the "block piecing" for me. What a fun-ctional project using those Quilt Town 10 x 10" squares! Remember if you're dealing with pain issues like me just take your time...do things in moderation. Just keep doing what you love. I do projects in "phases" because of my back issues, and it also helps y'all to "catch up" when you can as well. I thank y'all so much for following a long with me & check back for more "fun-ctional" projects using the Quilt Town fabric collection. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com (easy & healthy recipes)

15% discount ( 1 x use) until September 3oth

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine (link in upper right of blog)

Paid partnership w/ MSQC

Note...all supplies can be purchased from Missouri Star Quilt Company website.

Here's all you need...

* Missouri Star Quilt Company T-Shirt

* Quilt Town 10 x 10" squares by MSQC (you may already purchased for the "Pary Point Celebration Runner" :-)

* Coordinating thread hues

* T-Shirt Pressing cloth

* Lightweight fusible stabilizer

* Additional pressing cloth (if you use my technique) 

* Backing fabric (roughly 1/2 yrd. or to your design)

* Light weight batting

Here's all you do...

* Press your T-shirt with T-shirt pressing sheet following manufacturer's directions.

* Place a "ruler" within the center of your T-shirt to get idea of your desired square.

Note: my center is roughly 11 x 12.5 so instructions are to accommodate my T-shirt center. Adjust the instructions to accommodate your center if needed. Just remember to allow for your 1/4" seams ;-)

* Add a "inch" to that overall size. This gives extra stability to T-shirt when you rotary cut later.

* Rotary cut your lightweight fusible stabilizer to that size or larger if you prefer.

* Turn T-shirt inside out. Place on wool ironing mat.

* Tip: insert the T-shirt pressing cloth inside your T-shirt centered within design. This will help protect your T-shirt design from the heat of your iron when fusing the lightweight stabilizer. Trust me :-)

* Fuse the lightweight fusible stabilizer to the back of your T-shirt design using a pressing sheet following manufacturer's directions.

* Rotary cut your T-shirt to your desired square (add your 1/4" seam allowance)

* Save the T-shirt scraps....great for cleaning :-)

Tip;   Pic below is why I love the T-Shirt pressing cloth. You can "see" the design when ironing :-) It's also great when you are ironing any garments that need protection when ironing! Always test an area first to make sure before ironing & follow manufacturer's directions :-)

Left Border...

Note: I used a ruler to "fussy cut" border squares. Notice your pattern direction before cutting.

*  Rotary cut 7 ( 2.5 x 2/5) squares (includes a 1/4" seam allowance) 

I gave mine a "scrappy look" so I could use that fun-ctional Quilt Town fabrics ;-)

* Following design sew squares with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press seams ( set aside)

Bottom Border...

* Rotary cut 5 ( 2.5 x 2.5) squares following same method as above.

Note:  remember your pattern direction when piecing squares.

Right "Party-Point" Border...

* Rotary cut 7 squares from white fabric or ( your accent fabric) to 4 x 2.5 (includes 1/4" seam allowance)

* Rotary cut 7 squares 3.5 x 3.5 of accent fabric for "Party-Points"

* Press your square in half on diagonal...press in half again from corner to corner. Fun & easy :-)

* Sew your Party-Points to white fabric with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat for all 7 squares. This will stabilize your "Party-Points" when sewing squares 2gether.

* Following design...sew all 7 squares 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

* Press

Note: I reccommend using your T-shirt pressing cloth when adding borders to your T-shirt to protect design from heat.

Also...you may need to "tweek" your T-shirt square or borders to fit just in case any stretching occurred. I had to take about an 1/8" off my T-shirt to accommodate the borders....no stress...it will all come together :-)

Following design sew borders as follows...

* Sew Bottom border to T-shirt square with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press & square up if needed.

* Sew Left border to left side of T-shirt square using same method as above.

* Sew Right "Prairie Point Border" to right side of T-shirt square using same method as above

Well, you did it! You finished Phase 1 of your 'Fun-ctional Wall decor" :-)

Check back soon for Phase 2.

Talk soon,

Cat

Party-Point Celebration Runner Quilting Tips & Pics w/ Chuck!

 Hey quilter's ...hope y'all are having a great week. My prayers to everyone preparing for the Hurricane. This is the one season that had a "fast forward button. I love fall but this season is daunting. I was able to have some "quilting time w/ Chuck" & he has been a great helper. Couldn't have done it without him so I thought he deserved some fun. We took a spin around the lake to search for "gators." He wanted to go swimming but that's a definite No in our lake :-) We had a cloudy day, so pics aren't perfect but it sure is fun completing a design. I did some simple accent quilting around the "Party-Points" and individual squares on my Baby -Lock Jazz II.I used a quilting ruler to mark the 1/4" lines following the angels of the Prairie Points and used a circle template for the half-moons in the squares. I'm a little slow these days so I appreciate Y'all having patients with me. I'm sure y'all have quilted yours already & I hope you enjoyed this project. Remember just changing the fabric gives you a totally different look for any holiday entertaining. I've had a blast with my Prairie points that I've incorporated them into the next design starting this weekend :-) I appreciate y'all following me & hope you've enjoyed your Quilt Town fabrics by Missouri Star Quilt Company as much as I do. The fabric hues complimented my kitchen decor perfectly. Link on upper right of blog to MSQC if you still need supplies. The (1time 15% off) discount is good until Sept. 30th so you still have time! Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

15% off ( 1 x use) for month of September

Link:

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

Finished runner 10.5 x 30 (easily enlarge by adding more squares) :-)

Thanks for your help Chuck!!!! Hope you enjoyed your day relaxing cause we have another project that I need your help with ;-)

Cats Tip of the day!..."Quilting on Baby Lock Jazz II w/ Chuck"

 Hey quilter's....hope y'all had a great weekend. Today we remember 9-11 for me it's everyday sending prayers for strength to the families and the gratitude for all the first responders...helpers...all who helped during this horrible time in our lives. We never know what our daily life will bring and that is why I always state to make this most of each day. As we get older our health changes...probably talking more about mine but we adapt as my "Marine son-in-law" would say & my late Dad. Growing up Military was rough at times...always moving...leaving friends behind but as I've gotten older, I appreciate all who have helped make our Country a better place for all of us. This weekend I set my "timer" and quilted a bit on the "Party Point Celebration" runner/ I say a bit cause my lovely back went out again. Seriously y'all enjoy your youth! :-) It's very hard to do what you love on muscle relaxers, but thankful "Chuck" is here to help. Between Chuck keeping me in line & the awesome Baby Lock quilting foot life was a bit easier. If you are quilting on a Baby Lock you will notice the "quilting foot" has corners as I call them. They are to guide you as you're quilting...helping you when "pivoting" especially on those "blind corners" that occur. I do mark my points with a but that's mostly due to my lovely eyes :-) Yes...cataract surgery is scheduled my friends. Sometimes you just need to laugh! I just turned 60...this is nuts! Anyway...back to my lovely quilting foot. My other "saving grace" using their quilting foot attachment is you will always have a precise 1/4" seam allowance which is awesome when making half-square triangles. Let me tell y'all as I'm sure you know any "time-saver" when quilting makes me happy! Right? Well, I hope y'all are having fun quilting your runner....I'm still quilting mine...it's all about moderation ;-) I thank y'all for following and I hope you've had a chance to enjoy your 15% discount from Missouri Star Quilt Company. Info below. Plus check out their website daily and sign up with their emails to get their daily specials as well. Below are some pics of the "quilting foot" & Chuck helping me! Keep following for more exciting projects using "Quilt Town" fabrics!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Folloow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

15% off ( 1 x use) until September 30th

Link:

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine (or link on upper right of blog)

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

"Party-Point Celebration Runner"...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's....hope y'all are having a great Friday. My day started with the sweetest "birthday box" from my daughter's family. It was filled with "60" of my favorite items :-) Yes...the big 60 this weekend. Oh my gosh...it really doesn't seem possible. It was o.k. celebrating with my daughter a few weeks ago because she turned 40...and in my mind it made me a 100 for some odd reason! Well in the box was coffee....oodles of snacks...fun magazine...the sweetest card and then a really special card from my grandson. It stated don't look at it as being 60...think of it as 6 perfect 10's. Oh my gosh...it made me cry!!! Well,,,I'm not going to preach about this crazy weather we're having but....I am going to say cherish every moment you can because time really does fly by too fast! Oh another birthday note....I hope you've had a chance to check out Missouri Star Quilt Company story on their website and hopefully found some items you love. I've had a blast sewing with the "Quiilt Town" fabrics. The colors are stunning and coordinates perfectly with my home decor. This phase all depends on how you want to finish your runner. I for one am taking my town doing some fun accent quilting within the individual squares with my Baby Lock Jazz II. Nothing fancy but it helps me get to know my "Birthday present." Yes...I bought it last month from our local dealer because I wanted a machine that had a 12" throat space. The Jazz II is super simple to use and is perfect for domestic quilting. I will be showing some tips later, but I want you to get ready to do your own spin on the runner. I mentioned previously that you don't need any backing fabric. Maybe by now you've realized what I've done....I use 3 of the 10 x 10" squares from the Quilt Town pkg. for my backing. I did purposely design the runner with this in mind to use as many squares as possible. I for one get excited when I don't waste fabric or money. Plus doing small projects gives you a chance to use those fabric pieces and get more creative as well. I thank y'all so much for following and stay tuned for more "fun-ctional" designs using Quilt town fabrics. So...let's get quilting & have some fun!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you do...

* Pick 3 of the 10 x 10" squares of your choice and sew vertically with right sides 2gether using a 1/4 " seam allowance. Press seams. 

Border/Binding...

Note: instructions below are using your "Quilt Town accent fabric"

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 x 10 & sew to top/bottom of runner w/right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Rotary cut 2 strips 2 x 33 & sew to left/right side of runner w/ right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Rotary cut your light-weight batting to 11 x 30. Remember you have extra border width due to the border/binding fold we do later :-)

* Layer...Top facing down...then batting & backing facing up (you) :-)

* Carefully turn over and starting at top using quilting pins to secure all 3 layers together to secure.

Tip;..

* I start at the top of runner and use quilting pins within the blocks outline and smooth the fabric as I'm pinning all the way to the end of runner. 

* This is also the same way as I quilt the runner removing the pins as I go. This allows me to smooth any fabric as I'm quilting if needed. 

I did accent quilting within each part of the block at first. This gave me the chance to look at it and then decide if I wanted to add more quilting detail within each block. With my back my quilting time is limited but that's fine...remember "we don't give up on what we love...we just do it in moderation" ;-)

Right? Thread and fabric therapy!

Now have fun quilting your runner...put your own spin on it...play with those threads...get creative. I'll be sharing some pics of the simple but fun way I accented around the "Party Points" & the individual squares....nothing fancy but I'm pleased :-)

Once you have completed your quilting then follow the border/binding steps below :-)

Note...if you decide not to quilt your runner then just finish it with my border/binding/technique.

* Trim away any access batting.

* Starting at top...Fold over border to back leaving a 1/4" seam binding on front. 

* Fold in half...finger press...fold in half again to have a finished fold on back. Pin or clip to secure.

* Top stitch on front of runner or quilt in the ditch to secure.

* Repeat same steps for bottom of runner then left/right side.

* This will give you a 1/4" binding around your runner. 

I hope you enjoyed making this runner with me & Chuck. 

Check back soon for more fun projects. 

Chucks been a busy boy and we can't wait to share more projects with y'all!

Talk soon,

Cat

"Party-Point Celebration Runner" Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. Mine will be tests on back again....listening to the news with another possible Hurrican & trying to keep "Chuck" calm. I'm a bit slow these days, so I need him to stick around to help me :-) I think "Chuck" thought coming to Florida was always going to be a "party"...laying out by the pool....playing shuffle board....searching for alligators....hmmm....little did he know ;-) Hurrican season is a bit different in Florida. I've learned to take it one day at a time. Maybe we'll take advantage of these calm days but in the meantime, we're going to share this "fun-ctional" table runner using Quilt Town 10 x 10 " squares. This pack has so many fabric design to choose from that made this runner super fun to design. I did use Quilt Town coordinating fabric in orange & white and Missouri Star Quilt Company coordinating "Home Town" thread collection. I pieced & quilted on my Baby Lock Jazz II. I'm still "quilting" the runner because I sit in moderation due to back but wanted to start y'all on this project. I always say...don't give up on what you love...just do it in moderation...work around your health needs. I totally believe in "thread and fabric therapy" & my projects are a bit smaller now but that's o.k. too. Most of my designs can be easily enlarged & will have advanced techniques along the way. I love this runner design. You can change the fabric if desired for any season. Each block is the same, but you'll have those "unique party-points" within the blocks. You know me I love "prairie points" so of course I had to change it up a bit :-) If you have ordered your Quilt Town fabric already you can save 15% off with my link below for the month of September. You'll need the 10x10 pack and at least a 1/2 yard each of the coordinating fabric in orange & white. You'll have some left-over fabrics, but we'll be using them later :-) Or enjoy looking at all their fabrics they have to offer & make yours as desired. So many possibilities with this design..."1 design...sew many ways!" Well let's get this party started celebrating Missouri Star Quilt Companys 15th year Birthday Celebration! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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To save 15% off ( 1 x use) until September 30th...click on Link at upper right of blog (MSQC) 

Paid partnership w/ MSQC

Runner is 10 x 29 & as you can see using all those fun Quilt Town fabrics gives the design a unique look! Get creative but most of all have fun!

See how fun those "Party Points" are....no hard piecing at all to achieve that design! You know me...

Fun-ctional decor :-)

Here's all you need...

* Quilt Town 10" c 10" squares

* !/2 yard of coordinating fabric in Orange & White or your desired choices.

* Coordinating Home Town threads.

* Light-weight batting

* Backing fabric....NOPE! You'll see later my clever usage of the Quilt Town Squares ;-)

Here's all you do...

(For block one)

* Using one 10 x 10" Quilt Town square ...rotary cut in half then sub cut that strip in half to make four 5" squares. Use one for center of block & reserve the other 3 for later :-)

* White fabric or use another 10 x 10" square....rotary cut 4 strips 3 x 5" 

* Rotary cut 4 corner blocks of your desired fabrics 3 x 3" square

Tip:...I gave my design a "scrappy look" so I could use a lot of those sweet fabrics :-)

* Lay out block as desired on a wool mat if possible...great for ironing and keeps blocks positioned while sewing :-)

Making "Party-Points"...

* With one 10 x 10" square...rotary cut in half then sub cut strip in half to make four 5" squares.

* Using a pressing mat......Fold in half diagonally...press

Fold in half again....point to point. Press

* Fold in half again to achieve the "Party Points" ok...prairie points...but it's a celebration :-)

* Repeat same steps for all 4 "Party Points"

* Place "Party Points" within the 3 x 5" side squares...right sides 2 gether

* Top stich or baste stitch to secure.

Repeat these steps for all 3 blocks. 

* ahhhh Chuck approved this design :-)

Tip....lay your blocks out to make sure you have all your squares as desired before sewing.

Note...we'll be sewing the blocks a bit different due to the "Party points" but still easy!

* With block #1....sew your center square to top/bottom center squares w/ right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance...

* Press...Party Points will lay flat...amazing :-) 

* Sew your left side of block squares 2 gether with same method.

* Sew your right side of block squares 2gether with same method.

* Now sew your left side strip to center strip with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press

* Repeat for right strip. Press & square up if needed.

 Your block should be approximately 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 :-)

You did it! You just completed your first "Party Point block"...I had sew much fun with this technique.

* Repeat same steps with Block # 2 & 3...just alternate the fabric as desired.

* With right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance sew Block #1 to Block #2 then Block #2 to Block #3....Press.

Well, you just completed Phase 1...I hope you enjoyed this technique as much as I did. I love making something easy but unique at the same time. Plus, the 1/4" quilting foot on my Baby Lock Jazz II make the piecing a breeze :-)

Check back soon for Phase 2!

Talk soon,

Cat

Happy Labor Day & a Project Sneak Peek!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a restful Labor Day. Today is extra special because it's also my grandson's birthday. I wanted to give you a "sneak peek" of a project happening this month. This will be the second project...first is a super cute runner that starts this week...wink...wink. But the second involves this awesome T-shirt from Missouri Star Quilt Company. It actually states, "Quilters are peacemakers' which is totally true, but "Chuck" must be homesick. Notice how he thinks we're "pie makers" He must miss everyone's baking @ Missouri Star Quilt Company. I also noticed Chuck invited a friend with a cell phone. Hmmm....they must have "text'd" during the recent Hurricane. Well maybe I should make Chuck something to keep him around. We have a busy month ahead celebrating Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash! Although my projects are "fast/easy" yet-functional due to my health reasons it sure is nice having a "helper" keeping me in line! The link below is for another month of savings from Missouri Star Quilt Company. I'll be featuring "Quilt Town" 10 x 10" squares along with their complimenting yardage and thread. Oh my gosh y'all...this fabric collection is stunning! Scrap-a-longs start this week on blog. Thanks so much for following & have a restful Labor Day!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

15% off ( 1 x use) until September 30th

Link:

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine (or click on link upper right of blog)

Paid Partnership w/ MSQC

*Lots of thread and fabric therapy on my Baby Lock Jazz II :-)

Come Celebrate Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash!

 Hey quilter's...hope everyone is doing well especially after the hurricane. We did better this time than with "Ian" Today I'm excited to share that September starts Missouri Star Quilt Company 15 yr. Birthday Bash! Oh my goodness...what monumental time for them. If anything, I ask is you view how their family run business all started and how they became who we all know and love today. I can truly say not only do they have wonderful supplies...customer service but they are a dedicated family to serving others. This month "Chuck" and I will be featuring designs using their "Quilt Town" fabrics & threads. Pic below shows the 10 x 10" square pack along with coordinating yardage & thread. I'll be shing "fast & easy" fun-ctional decor for entertaining plus a sweet design for your sewing room featuring a MSQC T-shirt all sewn/quilted on my Baby Lock Jazz II. I'm super excited and please check out their gorgeous fabric collection on their website plus use your 15% off discount too! I thank you so much for following and like they say..."Let the Quilting Commence!"

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

Follow on Instagram...Facebook & Pinterest

15% off ( 1 x use) September 1-30th

w/ link below or click on upper right of blog

https://glnk.io/mzmmj/ihearditthroughthequiltvine

Paid Partnership with MSQC