"Quilt Town Mini Travel Sewing Tin" by Missouri Star Quilt Co.

 Hey quilter's...hope you're having a great week. I'm excited to share with y'all this super cute mini traveling sewing kit by MSQC. Oh my gosh y'all...it's 4 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 1 1/4 the perfect traveling size and comes in this adorable tin. The kit includes mini rotary cutter, mini scissors, thimble, seam ripper & floss cards. This would make a great Mother's Day gift...graduation gift or just because "I love You Gift." I just "gifted" one on my Facebook page so keep that in mind if you're not already following me on Facebook. :-) I love Missouri Star Quilt Co...and celebrating National Quilting Month you can save 20% off $50. or more with my link (upper right on home page) It's also "Quilt Town Fabrics" one year anniversary and you can see w/my pic below of "Party Points Table Runner" of how versatile & fun this fabric collection is...endless quilt-a-bilities! Check out MSQC website for all the stunning fabrics...tutorials & daily deals. Please follow me so you can keep up with all the fun promotions from MSQC & what I'm up too! :-)

Blessed Quilting,

Cat 

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"Hexagon Heirloom Fun-ctional Table Runner " Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...we made it...it's Friday! I know a lot of us are having weird "Spring weather" so this is the perfect time to start hand stitchin'. I'm in love with this sweet tribute to Jenny Doan's grandmother Ingrid from Missouri Star Quilt co. The kit "Ingrid's Wildflowers Heirloom Embroidery Kit" is fun for all skill levels of embroidery. The kit comes with 20 unique wildflower design that you actually "stick" on to your fabric then once finished you remove with water. Amazing! "Instructions in kit for that step." The kit also comes with the quilt pattern to do, or you can follow me for some "fun-ctional" home decor and gift ideas. You will have so much inspiration with all the detail of each design to create your own Ingrid's Wildflowers Heirloom. I'll be sharing today the first phase of my "fun-ctional" table runner. My design was inspired by the "Hexagon tin & instructional cards." That's right...no template needed...we'll be using the kit! I am embroidering on white Quilt Town Tossed Missouri Star by MSQC so I needed to switch up some of the thread hues for them to shine but that's fine too. It's all about creating your own memory. First, I'll be sharing the 'fun-ctional" table runner which I'll be making 3 individual Hexagon blocks that are also used as a "trivet" when entertaining. It's what I like to say "Fun-ctional Decor" You'll have a stunning...unique table runner then when you serve your food your gusts will be amazed when you place your hot/cold dishes on the runner. Plus, they stack for easy storage when you change your table out for another Holiday decor. If you want a longer runner, just make more hexagon blocks...endless opportunities await! :-) I do love how the original quilt design is on a denim which makes all the thread colors pop. It also brings back memories of making denim quilts with Oma. Memories I'll cherish forever. If you don't already have the kit you can click on my link to Missouri Star Quilt Co. They are taking pre-orders so catch up when you can. I'm a bit slow at hand embroidery so I'm sure you'll be fine :-) I will say this has helped me tremendously to make time to relax...reflect on what's important...take my mind off pain...we all know I'm all about "thread n fabric therapy." I hope you join this journey with me by cherishing Ingrids memories and if you need supplies this month until March 31st you can save 20% off $50. or more with my link (upper right on home page) from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Thanks so much for following & enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Here's all you need...

* Ingrid's Wildflowers an Heirloom Embroidery Kit by Missouri Star Quilt Co.

* Fabric of your desire for individual blocks....a scrappy design would be super cute if you don't do all white like I did :-)

Note....in Phase 2 you will need batting...Insulbright and fabric for backing :-)

Here's all you do...

* Using your "Instruction Card" they easily remove...trace around it on the wrong side of your center fabric w/your preferred marking pen or pencil.

* Rotary cut on that line. This starts your Hexagon design.

* From same fabric or scraps if desired...rotary cut strips 1 1/2 wide by length of strap. A 6 1/2 length will be your longest strip needed if you follow my design.

Note...I had left over sq's of my white fabric from previous project that were 11 x 11 and that was perfect for strips...hardly any waste but then again it just made more scraps to use later :-)

Tip...I rotary cut my strips longer than needed then square up. 

First border...

* Starting at top right going clockwise...sew a 1 1/2 x 3" strip to center with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press & square up evenly with center hexagon sq.

* 2nd strip...rotary cut strip 1 1/2 x 4 1/2...sew as above keeping the clockwise direction.

* 3rd strip through 5th strip will all be 1 1/2 x 4 1/2 sew as above.

* 6th strip...rotary cut strip 1 1/2 x 5 1/2  sew as above...press & square up if needed.

Second Border...

* Sewing with the same method as above...keeping in the clockwise direction...sew strips as follows.

* 1st strip...rotary cut 1 1/2 x 4 1/2 sew as previous strips

* 2nd through 5th strip will be 1 1/2 x 5 1/2

* 6th strip...rotary cut 1 1/2 x 6 1/2....sew as above...press & square up if needed.

Note...make sure your seams are pressed flat on back...Chuck approved this step :-) 

* Choose your embroidery design & apply to center of hexagon block following instructions within the kit. I love this...you just peel off backing of design and stick :-) 

* Position the hoop within the block.

* Embroider the design following the instructions on card. I love how fun this kit is...guides you through all the steps needed for the individual stitching. 

Enjoy & Happy Stitchin'!

Note...Missouri Star Quilt Co has wonderful embroidery tutorials on their website as well. Trust me I watched them...it's been a while since I dabbled into hand embroidery :-) 

Make as many "blocks" as you desire with the same method as above.

Check back soon for Phase 2,

Cat

Sneak-Peek..."Hexagon Heirloom Fun-ctional decor' 4 Entertaining!"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great week. I wanted to give you a "sneak-peek" of what will be happening this Friday on blog. I am super excited to share this special tribute of Jenny Doan's grandmother Ingrid. This embroidery kit is super sweet & you will feel the love you make in every stitch. The designs are easy to follow and for any skill-level of embroidery. I will be the first to admit it's very therapeutic and you know me I'm all about that! The embroidery kit comes with the quilt pattern she designed but you can totally put your own spin on it. I will be sharing "fun-ctional home decor" along with mug mats & gifts using the embroidery designs. I especially love how well thought out the kit is...it even comes with a super cute "bee needle finder." I needle-that! I can't tell you how many times I would put my needle down and not see it when needed. Not anymore. Just use your super cute bee finder :-) I love this sweet tribute to Jenny's Grandmother Ingrid. I for one was taught embroidery by my grandmother's. I didn't have much time with them growing up due to moving a lot with my dad being in the Air Force. So, if you have the opportunity to share your talent with a family member or friend please do so. I promise you they will remember and cherish the time spent together. If you still need to purchase this sweet embroidery kit you can save 20% off $50. or more with my link (upper right on home page) until March 31st. to MSQC. They are taking pre-orders for the kit, but I promise you it will be worth the wait. Plus, you can catch up with me to create your own heirloom design to cherish. Thanks so much for following and looking forward to Friday! :-)

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Havin' a Gnome-ful Year!...April Gnome Pillow Wrap....Phase 2 & finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hop y'all are having a great week. I'm enjoying the sun this morning and even the birds were chirping early with this crazy time change. Glad to know I'm not the only one a bit confused. I don't sleep much due to my pain, but I'm not found of the dark when I normally get up early much less with the time change. Oh well...Like my dear late daddy always told me..."suck it up buttercup." :-) Sweeter side right before he passed, he told me to "not get upset over things you can't change." That was pretty much his theory and kept him a strong man. Sorry dad...still working on it :-) Well, the "April Gnome" pillow wrap is so stinkin' adorable that he makes me smile even at 7 o'clock in the morning when it's still dark outside...lolol. I really enjoy the pattern collection by "the Whole Country Caboodle." The quality of the designs is awesome, and the instructions are super easy to follow. I will say doing a "wrap" has been perfect for me. I just swap out per season & fold and store for less bulk. Great space saving tip! I'm also working on a super fun project that I'll be "highlighting" this week too. If you still need supplies my link (upper right on home page) will save you 20% off $50. or more until March 31st from Missouri Star Quilt co. to celebrate National Quilting Month. Thank y'all so much for following and check back soon for more fun projects to celebrate our love of quilting 2gether!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

MSQC Affiliate

Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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Here's all you do...

* Rotary cut your backing fabric to 9 1/2 x 36 1/2 ( I do a bit more then trim away)

Tip...I iron my backing fabric before rotary cutting especially if using up some scraps :-)

* Place your backing and "April Gnome" with right sides 2gether...

* Starting at end mark/pin about a 4" opening for turning right side out. You will not sew this opening.

Tip...I do a double pin for a friendly reminder to myself :-)

* Pin or clip around edges to secure wrap while sewing

* Starting at one side of 'opening"...using a 1/4" seam allowance...reinforce stitching as you begin and sew around design...pivoting at corners. 

* Reinforce stitching at your stopping point.

* Remove pin/clips and turn right side out.

* Press if needed.

* Tuck in your opening to inside even with sides and use washable fabric glue to secure or top stitch.

* Fold on pillow to mark your closing area and secure your fold with no sew adhesive dots or secure as desired.

Enjoy!!! 

He's such a cutie!

"Havin' a Gnome-ful Year!"...April Gnome Pillow Wrap! Phase 1

 Hey quilter's...hope your week is off to a great start. I know some of us is on Spring Break, so I hope you're enjoying some relaxing time. I have to share a super sweet moment with y'all. I always say my Grandson Davin has an "old school heart." Well, he is on Spring break and sent me a text Sunday that brought me to tears. Text was..."Gege is this an old sewing machine?" They must have been antique shopping because it was an old Singer "pedal" sewing machine and the cabinet is similar to the one I currently use. Oh, he knows how to win over his Gege's heart! I can't wait to hear what else he's been up too :-) Well this month consists of St. Patrick's Day & Easter & the "April Gnome" by the Whole Country Caboodle is super cute. I used the left-over charm squares from the "Quilter Gnome" to complete the wrap. The charm squares by Maywood Studio compliment him perfectly :-) I did design a "scrappy wrap" trying to use as much of the beautiful fabric squares, but you could do a simple wrap like my first "February Gnome." Because it consists of a lot of piecing/sewing squares 2gether I'm showing in Phase 1 & 2 but you can totally jump ahead if need be. I did not "quilt" the wrap but if you decide too just remember to add your "low loft batting" to size needed. Plus, you would need to sew more like a quilt with binding verses the "simple wrap" like I've been doing. Whatever you decide just to remember to have fun! I love a fun & simple design using one pillow as a space saver. These patterns by The Whole Country Caboodle are so easy to follow and super cute. Remember if you need supplies by link to Missouri Star Quilt Co. (upper left on home page) will save you 20% off $50. or more until March 31st. to celebrate National Quilting Month. I'll be featuring a super sweet design later this week too so check back soon. Thanks so much for following and hope this "April Gnome" brings you as much joy as he has me. Enjoy!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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Here's all you need...

* April Gnome pattern by "The Whole Country Caboodle"

* Maywood Studio 5" Charm pack "KimberBell Basics...Bright Lights" or your desired Charm sq's.

* Sulky light weight tear-easy stabilizer

* Pressing sheet

* Gingher scissors 

* MSQC 50# thread white for piecing

* Aurifil 50# thread 2026, 2588, 2780

* No sew Velcro dots

Here's all you do...

* Select 16...5" charm squares as desired.

* Layout squares as desired into 8 rows of 2 squares per row. (the scrappier the better) :-)

* Rotary cut 1 inch off each 5" square (you will now have a 4 x 5 " square) save scraps.

* Using different 5" squares.... rotary cut strips 1 1/2 x 5 and place on left/right sides of squares to achieve a "scrappy accent border)

Tip...I used the extra scrap pieces first from the "Quilter Gnome" :-)

* Sew strips to squares with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press.

* Sew rows 2gether to make 4 sections.

* Fuse your "April Gnome" to desired section following instructions on pattern,

Note...remember to use your pressing sheet when fusing to protect your iron :-)

* Stitch or a-play-que as desired.

* I did straight stitch with Aurifil thread then had a blast accenting his beard & ears with Aurifil 50# 2026....he's so cute....have fun & get creative :-)

* Sew sections with right sides 2gether using a 1/4" seam allowance & matching seams Press

Isn't he adorable? ;-) :-) 

Check back soon for Phase 2,

Cat

Cats Tip of the Day! "Charm Square Storage Box from MSQC"

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great weekend. I wanted to share an organizing tip w/ you. As we all know I love charm squares & have many scraps pieces left with my designs. Well Missouri Star Quilt co has these wonderful box's to store your charm square scraps in plus they are clear to see your fabrics. I'm guilty of putting my scraps in plastic bags but I'm determined to be a bit more organized this year and these will definitely help. Missouri Star Quilt co also has larger ones too if needed. They have many organizing items on their website. You can save 20% off $50. or more until March 31st. with my affiliate link (upper right on home page) from MSQC to celebrate National Quilting Month. I hope this organizing tip helps you as it did me. Thanks so much for following and stay tuned for another fun project this week using the "left over" scraps from the cute Quilter Gnome project. Talk soon!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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Paid Partnership w/MSQC

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"Quilter Gnome Wall decor"...Phase 2 & finishing!

 Hey quilter's...hope y'all are having a great Friday. I know a lot of y'all are getting ready for Spring Break. I'll be checking in tonight to see what plans my grandson has for his week off. I'm sure it will be sports related. He amazes me every day...so thankful! Well, I hope you're having fun with your "Quilter Gnome" by the Whole Country Caboodle from Missouri Star Quilt co. Oh my gosh she makes me smile every time I look at her. I'm still working on a name...I thought of Quilti-Pie but then it makes me want to eat pie :-) I propped her right beside my "Aurifil thread" for inspiration. I have an industrial shelf that I bought from Wayfair that hold my machines that I'm not using. I love it...the shelves hold up to 26 pds which is perfect for sewing machines. I marked my stitch lines with a heat erasable pen then did basic outline stitching around the design using small stitch length for easier pivoting. (see pic). Then accent quilting in center star/heart block. I left the pins off...she's so cute that I couldn't poke her :-) :-) I wrapped the design onto the canvas then used a staple gun to secure. I did start at the bottom...then sides...and finished at top smoothing as I stapled. Here's a tip...if you're corners look bulky carefully trim away the batting just at the corners then wrap to back. This will help the corners lay flat. It's an old upholstery trick but I use it a lot on canvas prints. I then trimmed away any extra fabric on back so it will lay smooth if hung on wall. This pattern & design was so much fun to work with & we'll be using the rest of the charm squares by Maywood Studio real soon. I hope y'all are enjoying National Quilting Month and don't forget my link (upper right on home page) will save you 20% off $50. or more all month from Missouri Star Quilt co. Thanks so much for following and have a great weekend!

Blessed Quilting from My Home to Yours,

Cat

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