Cats Tip of the Day!...."The key to a successful Charm Pack Challenge"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great weekend. The weather here in Florida is perfect...well today anyway. If I could have this weather every day in Texas it would be a win for me. But I'm not going to complain because hurricane season is almost over. Which means I've survived 3 hurricane seasons now in Florida. I seriously don't know how everyone does it. Anticipating a hurricane is nerve wracking and I tend to "stress eat" which is not good! Well as y'all know I'm doing a "Christmas Charm Pack Challenge" & have to say I really challenged myself. I'm not one for tiny piecing. I really admire quilters who piece tiny squares. Each charm pack are usually 5" square pieces and then you add piecing gifts from only 5" squares on top of that. Needless to say, I was a bit frazzled and then my O.C.D. kicked in. Yes...I had to "organize" my squares. I know...it's me as I say "only Cat does" :-) but y'all it helped me tremendously. My charm pack had 42...5" squares. When I laid them out, I realized I had a few singles. Hmm...well that really got my brain thinking. So, then I decided to really organize by 2's then singles to help me with design placement. What was really exciting was doing this process actually inspires your creative brain while you are admiring all the different fabric styles and hues. I knew this challenge was going to be fun and trying to make as many gifts as possible was a bit difficult, but it's been a blast. I'm excited to share the gift ideas that I've come up with so far & hope to inspire your creativity too. I'll be starting the first gift idea on Monday so in the meantime organize your charm pack for inspiration. If you don't have a charm pack, then hit your "scrap pile" for inspiration & rotary cut them into 5" squares. I do suggest at all times to rotary cut your squares. I've designed most of the patterns with hardly any waste. In fact, the first design uses 2, 5"-inch squares for each gift. The designs after may have some left-over "scraps" but trust me we'll be using those up too! The pic below shows how I laid out the squares for inspiration. I love all the fabric designs in this Moda collection!  I hope you follow along on Monday with me and share your ideas you come up with on Instagram with me. If you do, just #catscharistmascharmpackchallenge for all of us to see. I'm really excited about this challenge. Making handmade gifts and saving money is a win for me! Thanks again for following and have a great weekend. See ya Monday!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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"Cats Christmas Charm Pack Challenge!"

 Hey quilter's...hope everyone had a wonderful "Trick or Treat" eve. Mine was pretty quiet but that's o.k. I'm sure I'll find something "to do" with the left-over candy ;-) Have y'all noticed the date? Oh my gosh...this year has flown by. This morning while drinking my coffee I realized how many more gifts I still need to make. I like to make small gifts for people who have helped me or touched my heart throughout the year. But I'm already "freaking" knowing how close it is until Christmas. I was looking around my sewing area and saw my "stack" of charm packs. I like to display them for inspiration. I've been eye-bawling the Holly Jolly charm pack by UrbanChiks for Moda. That I previously received them from Missouri Quilt Co. I thought...that's it! I'm going to take this absolutely stunning charm pack and make gifts from it. I love the fabric variations in this charm pack. Well, y'all know me...I thought why not challenge myself and others to make gifts as well. I know giving gifts can be quite expensive so this should be a fun "scrap-a-long,"...right? I'm actually excited about this challenge and to see how many designs & gifts I can come up with. Who knows...this might be my new thing! Not only will I save money, but I've been addicted to charm packs ever since I temporary downsized. Purchasing charm packs are easy on the budget and it gives you a variety of fabrics within the collection. I ask y'all to follow along with me...maybe even share your ideas. I'll be designing my projects in EQ8 so I'll post for some inspiration. Here's the funny...I love this charm pack so much that I almost hate to use it...but I will :-) I did notice the charm pack is still available if needed. The pack includes 42 , 5" squares. So, wish me luck and keep following for some Holiday gift-giving ideas. Let the Christmas Challenge begin!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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No "Tricks" with this Pillow!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a great weekend. I'm playing "catch-up" after my eye surgeries. Yesterday was the first for me....I sewed a bit without using eyeglasses. You don't realize how bad your eyes were until you have Cataracts removed. Seriously...looking back I don't know why I waited so long to have my eyes checked. I only have 2 more days of eye drops and that's probably the hardest thing of the whole process. Everyone told me it's a "simple procedure" and yes, I probably freaked for nothing :-( My doctor was explaining the process and I said, "please don't or I won't show up" :-) I have learned throughout my life that certain things I am on a 'don't need to know basis." Anyway...I'm sure by now y'all have finished your "Trick or Treat" pillow. I had several comments of how you can flip the design for all Holiday's. Just change the fabric and the center wording. You know me..."1 Pillow...Sew Many Ways!" I started this concept recently when "temporary downsizing" with the move to Florida to help my mom-in-law. When packing I realized that I am a "decorative pillow hoarder." In my defense it's the "designer" in me. I was moving into a home half the size plus giving up my quilting room. Yes, that's how much I loved her...plus not being able to just drive to see my grandson. It was a hard choice, but no regrets just can't wait to get back to Texas! Well one of the biggest reasons for this pillow slip concept was lack of storage. I know a lot of us have this issue, so I wanted to help with designing some fun decorative pillows for the home. I do have one important issue to share with y'all is that I learned that not all pillow forms are created equal. After doing some basic accent quilting around the "party points" on the pillow design and basic quilting in the ditch...it was time to sew that long overdue pillow  2gether. Well, let me back up a minute.  We all know the sweet pillow that I did with the "fish." I love that pillow so much that I keep it out. Yup, totally botched my own pillow concept. But that's o.k. It was a family vote :-) So I went to some pillow forms that I recently inherited with my mom-in-laws passing and grabbed a 16" pillow form and "tried" to stuff it in my pillow slip. Boy, was I shocked. Needless to say, after trying 3 different pillow forms from different manufacturer's I decided to just wrap a smaller form with quilt batting for the meantime. Seriously it was o.k. cause due to my surgeries it's not like it was out for the whole month of October. I do have a "tip" to share a long with this "mishap" When purchasing a pillow form try to buy the one that has a "zipper." Then you can adjust as necessary by removing or adding the "stuffing." Most of my "pillow slip designs" are for a 16" pillow form. Oh, and if you remember this pillow design was using a "kitchen towel." Yes, you guessed it I already purchased my next spooky kitchen towel for next year. Let's just say it will be a bit witchy :-) Again I thank y'all so much for following and having patience throughout my surgeries. One good thing with my downtime I actually finished my next "Christmas Srap-a-long" that I'll be starting soon. I've been working on these designs throughout the year. I've been stating that I'll be hosting a Christmas scrap-a-long all year and it's finally going to happen. Plus, if you're not Christmas crazy like me all you have to do is change the fabric to compliment your decor. I do try to keep things practical but this one is really going to be fun! Below is a pick of my pillow with Chuck from Missouri Star Quilt Co. I believe he's ready for some "treats." :-)  I wish y'all a fun & safe "trick or treat" night and check back soon for more scrap-a-longs! 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note...Follow on cooking blog for a fun & fast appetizer before trick or treating or anytime!

* I love how "Quilt Town" fabrics from Missouri Star Quilt Co. complemented this design perfectly. It's the same fabric used in my previous designs of the "runner." You know me..."1 design...sew many ways!" 

How to Make a Hello Pumpkin Quilt - Free Quilt Tutorial

Hey quilter's...hope your weekend is going great. I had to share this super cute fun fall quilt by Missouri Star Quilt Co....Misty Doan. I love fall & seasonal quilts to display for each holiday. It reminds me of home, and I feel there is nothing more welcoming than a quilt. You will love how fast this quilt comes together and Misty just talks you through every step. Her talent is amazing and truly shines with this fall design. This will definitely be on my top quilt faves! As y'all know by now I love Missouri Star Quilt Co....family run business & great customer service. I have a link on upper right side of my blog to take you directly to their site. They have just about everything you need for your sewing...quilting..crafting projects. Thanks so much for following and check back soon for my next holiday scrap-a-long. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Cooking blog: 

https://cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

Cats Tip of the Day!..."I got your Back"

Hey quilter's...hope your Friday is going well. I wanted to share a tip that has been a lifesaver for me with back issues. I'm sure a lot of us "lean" more than we should while rotary cutting our squares especially when "squaring up" our blocks. Recently I received the Omnigrid 360, 8" rotating cutting mat & Olfa's ergonomic rotary cutter from Missouri Star Quilt Co. The rotating mat is a perfect size even to have beside your sewing machine. I love how I'm not bending over so much to trim blocks. It's "sew convenient" and you will have less stress on your back by not bending/stretching over so much. I also love the rotary cutter. It fits perfectly in my hand even with my arthritic fingers. You can find these products on MSQC website. I have a link to their website on the upper right of my blog for convenience. They have "daily deals" for you as well. I hope this tip helps you. I for one know it's very frustrating when you're in pain and still trying to do the things you love. I believe in "thread and fiber" therapy even if it takes my mind of pain for just a few minutes :-) Well thanks so much for following and stay tuned for my next Holiday Scrap-a-long!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Facebook & Pinterest

Cooking blog: www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

All Treats in Quilt Town..."Towel 2 Pillow"...Phase 2

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. I had a good laugh yesterday while looking at my calendar for the week. Oh my gosh...doc appt. doc appt....doc appt. Seriously, don't get old. :-) I preach "threadnfabric" therapy for a reason. Designing...sewing 7 quilting has always been my passion. No matter what was going on I knew that I could find solace in designing.  Although I'm not designing homes anymore due to my health, I do find comfort more in designing quilts. It still gives me the relaxation that I need when in pain. I know a lot of us are trying to find ways to relieve pain even if it's just for a few minutes. I do find "doodling" to also help with anxiety and stress. They even sell "doodling quilt books" at craft stores that you can color in. I know...we do go back in time :-) But will admit it's great. My late mom-on-law bought me one a few years back when she noticed my health was taking a turn. Her being a retired nurse suggested coloring to help with anxiety. boy was she right! If you don't have a "doodle book" just make one yourself or grab a child's coloring book. Trust me...you'll be a bit surprised of how a few minutes of coloring can help take your mind off pain. Also, a great gift if someone you know if recuperating from surgery. Well on with Phase 2 of this super fun hack. I thank y'all so much for following and having patience with me during my "down time." 

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note: if you are not "quilting" your square then google "Bi-Fold Pillow" instructions if you want to jump ahead, or you can view my post on my "fish pillow." Just remember my instructions are for a 16" pillow form so adjust your sizes accordingly for your back fabric cuts. But I hope you're going to do some fun accent quilting. I always say small projects are a great time to practice your quilting skills :-)

Here's all you do...

* Per design...sew top border to center square with right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Press

* Sew bottom border as above. Press & square up if needed.

* Sew Left border to center matching seams if possible with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Sew Right border same method as above.

* Press & square up if needed.

My block is 16.5 x 16.5

Preparing to quilt...

* Rotary cut your lightweight batting & stabilizer roughly 2" larger than your block. This will help stabilize your block when quilting and you can "square up when finished quilting."

* Layer stabilizer then batting and quilt block right side up.

* Pin or clip as desired.

Now have fun accent quilting around your design. Just remember to remove pins or clips as you quilt. I like to start at top and "smooth" fabric as I go due to quilting on a domestic machine. Just remember to have fun maybe even play with decorative stitches and thread hues. It's a fun small project so get creative and put your own spin on it! Enjoy!

Oh, if you need any supplies pop over to Missouri Star Quilt Co. Sign up for their emails so you can receive info on their "daily deals." :-)

Talk soon,

Cat

"All Treats in Quilt Town!" Towel 2 Pillow....Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope all is well. I've been recuperating from my first Cataract surgery this week. I've been told I'm a bit young for cataracts, so this was a bit of a shocker. I just assumed that I needed stronger prescription glasses. I've been dealing with a lot of blurry.... almost not seeing much so totally explains everything. I will admit that I was super nervous of the whole cutting eye procedure, but all was great and ready to get the next eyeball done soon. You just never know what life is going to bring! Well, I'm sure by now you know I'm obsessed with Quilt Town fabrics by Missouri Star Quilt co.& making my "Party Points."  When I received the Quilt Town 10 x 10" squares I was so inspired by the designs and color hues. When I saw the quilt design fabric squares with the orange yellow and white, I knew exactly where those 2 squares were going. I always say let your fabric inspire your design and this fabric totally did! I also love a good "hack"...especially sense my sewing is limited these days due to my back. I was fortunate when I saw this kitchen towel recently and I knew it would complement the Quilt Town fabrics perfectly for the "Fall Season." True confession y'all...I love candy corn. I wish I could eat it today, but it has a bit too much sugar for me...so a pillow is perfect. I can "see" my favorite candy without the sugar high! I also love that the design is a "pillow slip" so if you're like me and limited with space this is perfect for you. I do a lot of pillow slip designs "1 pillow...sew many ways!" I love to just change out the pillow cover per Holiday season. Great space saver and fun! You can see the technique on my "Scrapin' Fish tutorial." I used my "Christmas at the Lake" pillow and made the Fish cover to have out all year. :-) Seriously y'all when you "downsize" any clever hack is useful :-) I'm doing "back therapy" these days so asking prayers to hopefully not do the next step of surgery so my designs will be short and sweet. Which is fine 'cause we'll get some Christmas gifts finished on time together! Win...win...right? But for you young ambitious quilter's you know by now my designs can always be enlarged :-) In the meantime of my "down time" I do hope y'all keep following Missouri Star Quilt Company for their daily quilting deals. I love being on their email list for all the updates. I will be sharing their tutorials on my blog for y'all. They are so inspiring and easy to follow. My kind of designs :-) Well let's get started on this fun & easy Candy Corn Pillow. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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also easy recipes on www.cookinganddecorwithcat.blogspot.com

The pillow design is for a 16" x 16" pillow form :-) 

Here's all you need...

* decorative kitchen towel or your center design

* Quilt Town fabrics & coordinating thread by Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* T-Shirt Pressing cloth (also you can purchase on their website)

* 16 x 16" Pillow form 

* Light weight fusible stabilizer

Here's all you do...

Preparing your kitchen towel...

* Rotary cut light weight fusible interfacing to size of your center design. Mine is 7 x7. Plus add about 2" to help stabilize design. You will trim away later.

* Fuse to wrong side of towel following manufacturer's directions. Please use T-shirt pressing cloth to prevent design from smearing. :-)

Tip: if you don't have a towel you could always "fussy cut" around a design in fabric or even make your own design. I just love to "hack" a towel :-)

* Using a ruler...square up around your design before rotary cutting. Add a 1/2" all around design to allow for your 1/4" seam allowance. 

Per my design center is 7.5 x 7.5

Adding 1" borders...

* From one 10 x 10" Quilt Town square....rotary cut 2 strips 1 1/2 x 7 1/2 for Top/bottom border.

Note: this method gives you the extra fabric within the square to make Party-Points later:-)

* Sew strip to Top of square with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press ( use pressing cloth to protect design) :-)

* Repeat same method for bottom border.

* From 2nd Quilt Town 10" square...Rotary cut 2 strips 1  1/2 x 9 1/2 for left/right border.

* Sew strip to left side with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance.

* Press

* Repeat same method for right border.

* Press & square up if needed.

Pic shows my center square 9.5 x 9.5 

For me that fabric totally makes this design :-) Love it!!!

Party-Point Borders...

* Rotary cut 12...4 x 3 1/2" squares from white Quilt Town fabric or your accent fabric.

This includes a 1/4" seam allowance.

* From your scrap Quilt Town fabrics rotary cut 2 strips 3.5 x 10" then subcut into 3.5 x 3.5 squares.

* Repeat same method with 2nd scrap piece of Quilt Town fabric.

You will now have the 8 squares to make Party Points from your Quilt Town fabric :-)

* Make 8 Party Points per instructions on previous posts. Same method every time :-)

* From Yellow Quilt Town fabric...rotary cut 4 squares 3.5 x 3.5 to make 4 Party Points.

* With right sides 2gether pin "Party Points" to left side of white squares with right sides 2gether leaving a 1/4" on each side of Party Point. See pic below.

* Sew a "top stitch" using a scant 1/4" seam to secure Party Point to background fabric

Repeat for all 12 Party points.

* Per design...sew 3squares with right sides 2geher using a 1/4" seam allowance rotating the fabric of Party Points forming a row. Press.

* Repeat same method for all 4 party-point borders.

Making Corner squares...

Per each corner square...

* Rotary cut 2 white squares 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 and 2 yellow squares 2 1/2 x 2 1/2. 

* Following design....sew 1 white square to 1 yellow square with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Finger press.

* Sew one yellow square to white square using same method as above. See pic below.

* Position the squares per design w/ right sides 2gehter using a 1/4" seam allowance forming one 4 square block. Press.

* Block will be a bit oversized. Now using a ruler square up to a 4 x 4" square. See pic below.

Note:  position lines on ruler in center of block to trim around block evenly. A spinning mat is great for this method then you don't need to reposition ruler while rotary cutting :-) less-stress-quilting!

* Repeat same method as above for all corner squares. Rotate the fabric squares per design when sewing.

Yes, you can totally make four 4" squares from accent fabric, but this is a small project to try new fun techniques. 

Lay out your squares within the center block making sure all "Party-Point" are going in the right direction and corner blocks per design. 

You did it!!! You just complete Phase 1 of this super cute soon 2b pillow slip :-)

Check back soon for Phase 2!

Talk soon,

Cat