Cats Christmas Charm Pack Challenge! ..."Gift Card Santa Bags"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all had a restful weekend and ready to "kick off" the charm pack challenge. I'm so excited about these fast & easy "Santa Bags" that I'm not going straight to the directions. What! No griping about the weather...or 3 doc appoints and therapy? No... right to these super cute bags :-) Seriously these bags were so much fun to make that I will probably make more from my scraps. I used 2...5" squares per bag with no waste. Yes...I've been sewing for over 50 ish years & can honestly say this is the first project that I used all the squares. But...will admit the other projects coming will state "save your scraps" :-) This adorable "Holly Jolly" charm pack by Urban Chiks for Moda fabrics inspired many fun gifts to come. First let me tell you the story of how these bags came about. Our sweet grandson Davin now 13 and step-grandson Noah now 11 love receiving money to pick out their own gifts. I know...as a "Gege" I was a bit devastated. I always think of everyone's gifts throughout the year.... try to catch things on sale to save money. Well last Christmas Davin asked for a gift certificate from a sports store to get a bat. He knew it was expensive and said he needed all the help he could get. Well then birthdays came and special moments to celebrate so I started sending the "gc's." They both love to receive McDonalds cards. Well like everyone else the adults love a Starbucks...you know every now and then...ha! I could just buy a gift bag or card or all those expensive items that hold a "gc" but that adds up as well. So, I decided to incorporate a cute "Santa bag" into the charm pack challenge.  I will admit it was more of a challenge to use all the squares and to make a bag that was long enough to hold a gift card. Yes, you can use scraps and probably make a bit simpler, but I love how the bags are reversed. Each individual bag uses 2 squares and what you see on the front is reversed on the back. Yes, that did take a bit of "thinking" on my end. When you're on pain meds math is not something I'm fond of :-) But thank God for my EQ8 quilt software. It figures that math for you, No project to small :-) Oh forgot to mention I've only used "16" of the charm squares so far and made "8" gifts. I have more gifts to share so keep following. Remember if you don't have a Christmas Charm pack just rotary cut your Christmas scraps into 5 x 5" squares. I will admit these would make great birthday gifts...just change the fabric per your celebration. I thank y'all for following and hope you enjoy making these super cute & easy Santa bags. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Note...each bag 3 x 4.5 & I used Aurifil thread 50 weight & Missouri Star Quilt Co. 50#. I "bopped" between 2 sewing machines depending on how my back was doing :-( Every bag was "Chuck" approved! :-) Remember keep doing what you love...just in moderation....thread & fabric therapy!

Here's all you need...

* 2 ..5" Charm Squares

* Coordinating thread...I used white to keep it simple.

* Please rotary cut for this project :-)

Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut 2 coordinating charm squares 3.5 x 5"

* From each scrap strip...rotary cut to 1.5 x 3.5 (this is your band at top)

* Place one 3.5" piece with a coordinating 1.5 x 3.5 strip at top (per pic)

* Sew top band to sack with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press

*Rotary cut one inch off bottom of sack.

* Sew to top of band with right sides 2gether...1/8" seam...Press then fold over to the wrong side on seam line. Repeat for each side of Santa sack. "see pic"

 

* Cut 2 pieces of twine or ribbon 14"

* On wrong side of bag at fold place twine at top of fold...secure with pin.

* Now top stitch on right side to make a seam that secures the twine but being careful to not sew into the twine. 

* Repeat for each side of bag. (see pic)

* Place each piece...right sides 2gether...starting at right corner (below twine seam line) sew around sack using a 1/4" seam allowance...pivoting at corners & reinforce your stitches at start/stopping point.

This will secure your seam line when "drawing twine to close" 

* Turn Santa sac right side out & press if needed. 

* Place your gift card within sac & draw close using twine. 

* Make a gift tag to tie on & hang on Christmas tree if desired.

A gift that keeps on giving! Save bag & use again :-)

Have fun making as many as you need & keep following for more gifts!

Talk soon,

Cat

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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Links on upper right of blog!

"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