#kittyquilter Mini Quilt Tutorial


kitty quilter mini quilt

Hey there all you crazy cat quilter friends!  I have a fun mini quilt for you!!  I love using the hashtag #kittyquilter on Instagram.  There is something about felines and quilting that just go so well together!  Baby Mufasa is involved in every step of the quilting process: choosing fabric, cutting, basting, and binding – he’s right there!

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This fun little quilt sews up fast.  The fabrics are from Blend Fabrics’ Best in Show fabric line.  I am sew in love with the kitty faces fabric – I ordered more yardage to make a skirt!!!   You could easily make this with your favorite cat theme print fabric.

This quilt has 2 different traditional quilt blocks: Kitty in the Corner and King’s Crown.  I choose kitty in the corner for obvious reasons and I choose King’s Crown because Mufasa means King!  Isn’t that the cutest!!  Let’s get started!  (1/4″ seams throughout)

Supplies:

1/4 yard of a variety of coordinating fabrics including cat theme print

Heat n Bond Lite EZ print Sheets

#kittyquilter letters

batting

1/2 yard backing

1/4 yard binding

Fussy Cut (4) Cats

Choose the cats you want in the center of the blocks and cut them 3.5″ square.

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Kitty in the Corner Block 6.5″ finished

Make (2) of these

Cut the fabric according to the diagram pictured below.  I don’t know about you, but I love when measurements are shown in pictures and not in a long list of cutting instructions.

kitty in the corner quilt block diagram

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the (4) white squares.  Match a white square and a patterned square right sides together and sew on the pencil line.  Cut 1/4″ away from the seam.  Press to the dark.  Do this with each of the (4) white blocks and (4) patterned blocks.  This makes (4) half square triangle (HST) units.  Arrange them as pictured below and sew as you would a traditional 9-patch.

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Kings Crown Block 6.5″ finished

Cut the fabrics according to the picture below.  Make sure to cut (8) white 2″x2″ squares, I only have 4 in the picture.
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Draw a diagonal line on the back of the (8) white squares.  Next make (4) flying geese units by laying the white square right sides together with a patterned rectangle, matching up the 3 edges.  Sew on the line as pictured below:

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Trim 1/4″ next to the seam and press toward the dark.  Place another white square on top of that unit and sew on the line, as pictured below:

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Cut 1/4″ away from the seam and press again.  The block should look like this:
kitty quilter mini quilt

If you turn the flying geese blocks around it makes a Sawtooth Star pattern.  I love that each of these blocks has the same center measurement and only a variation on the 2″ sides!

Sew the block together and press seams open.

kitty quilter mini quilt 8Happy Cat blocks!!

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Prepare the applique

Print the letters on the EZ print sheets and iron them to the back of the desired fabric.  Cut around each letter and peel off the backing paper.

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Cut the remaining strips according to this cutting diagram:

#kittyquilter design

Position the letters on the white strip and press in place.  Top stitch around each letter.
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Sew the (4) blocks together and press seams open.  Sew each of the rows together according to the layout diagram.  Quilt, bind, and let the cat have a nap on it:)

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Mufasa loves it!  and I hope you do too!!!

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Sizzix Fish Bubbles Pillow

fish bubbles intro

I am super excited to share my Fish Bubbles Pillow Tutorial – It’s over on the Sizzix Blog today!  Did you know I love all things Nautical?  (hee hee)fish bubbles pillow

I choose to use Day Sail from Moda – I love this fabric line!!!  Add some Therm O Web Heat n Bond and run it though the Sizzix Fabi and you’ve got yourself a cute fish pillow!
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I love that I can cut so many perfect circles at once!!!  Now more hand cutting circles – yippie!!!!daysail fish bubbles pillow 18

This pillow makes me think of Summer!  I wish it was July!!!!daysail fish bubbles pillow 20

The back is even cute 🙂  Hop on over to the Sizzix Blog for the full set of instructions so you can make one for YOU!!!!

May the Fourth Be With You

star wars skirts. 13May the 4th is a HUGE holiday in our family – yes I said holiday!!!!!  For some reason we are all Star Wars Nerds!    We needed to do a little sewing to celebrate this totally awesome day and to show our true level of nerdiness!  When I saw this fabric I knew it was perfect for skirts for the girls – I love that there is pink and aqua in it!

star wars skirtsI immediately went to my Potato Chip Skirt and Chocolate Chip Skirt patterns from Tie Dye Diva.  They are FUN to make!  In fact, Ella sewed her entire skirt by herself!

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Mufasa slept on the cutting table the entire time!IMG_6517

 

I LOVE how they turned out!  The girls were both up extra early this morning so excited to wear their new outfits!star wars skirts. 14

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I put Ella in charge of the T-Shirts.  She drew the heart, applied the Heat n Bond Lite and ironed it on.  We did a little top stitching to secure.  star wars skirts. 9

Of course we needed some Jedi hair styling!!  I love the Jedi Braids!!!

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Jedi Master Mufasa also wishes you a Happy May the Fourth!!!

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Sizzix Whale Bookmark Tutorial

whale bookmark tutorial

In celebration of Earth Day, today, I thought I would share this fast and fun tutorial for a whale bookmark using the Sizzix Whale Die.  I have loved whales my whole life.  I remember as a little girl saving up my money to buy a $5 gold colored whale necklace; I was so excited because a portion of the money would go to the “Save the Whales” fund.

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Here’s what you need to make the bookmark:

scrap of aqua, gray dots, and red fabrics

Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece

Sizzix Whale Die

Heat n Bond Lite fusible applique

Grommet or large eyelet

scraps of ribbon/trim

Instructions

Begin by cutting the aqua fabric (2) 4″ x 10″

Cut the Fusible Fleece the same size, 4″ x 10″

(sorry for the photo quality, I do my best work late at night!!!!)
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Draw an angle in the upper corners to form the shape of a tag.  Notice where I positioned my lines in comparison to the grid:

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Iron the fusible fleece to one of the aqua pieces on the wrong side.  Plaace right sides of the bookmark pieces together. Sew around the bookmark,using a generous 1/4″ seam.  Leave an opening along the side for turning.  Trim the edges close to the seam and clip corners.  Turn right side out, press.  Top stitch.

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For the whale and heart appliqué pieces, iron the Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong side of the gray fabric.  Cut out a rectangle roughly the size of the Sizzix Whale Die.  Run it through the Big Shot or Fabi Machine.  For the heart, I cut it freehand.  Peel the backing paper off.sizzix whale bookmark 3
Position the appliqué pieces as desired.  Iron in place.  Top stitch around the whale and the hart.
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When you are finished, add a grommet or eyelet and tie ribbons through it.

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It also doubles as a cat toy!!!sizzix whale bookmark 7

I think it’s the cutest and I totally needed an new bookmark!!!
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Choose Happy {quilt pattern}

choose happy cover

Meet my newest quilt pattern “Choose Happy”!!!!!  Its a free pattern available on the Therm O Web Blog.  The fabrics are from Pat Sloan’s newest Moda line called “The Sweet Life”.  They are so bright and cheerful and HAPPY!!!

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Of course my #kittyquilter Mufasa had to get his paws on the project 🙂  The letters and flower are appliquéd using Heat n Bond Lite EZ print sheets.  You can print the patterns from the Therm O Web Blog.  I love pinwheels and I thought they were perfect to use with this fabric!  The center quilting is “pebbles” and the main part of the quilt is loop-de-loos.choose happy quilt 24

This would quilt would be darling on your sewing room wall or as a sweet gift for a friend.  I’m going to sew up another one soon!!!
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Mini Kitty Quilt Pattern Now Available!

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Meet Mini Kitty – my very first published quilt pattern!  This little mini quilt has brought me so much joy in my life!  I was inspired to make it as a gift for a friend.  Since then, it has been recreated over and over as gifts, and has even been the inspiration for our #kittyquilter group on Instagram!  I love connecting with friends who love quilting and their fur-babies!!!  My pattern is available to purchase on Etsy at Emily Ann’s Kloset and on Craftsy.  I hope you like it!!!kitty love mini quilt 18

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I love all the combinations and variations you can make with this one pattern!!20150404_183528-1024x576
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I really should make one for Baby Mufasa instead of always giving them away 🙂

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Sew News Placemat & Napkin Set

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I I have a hard time keeping secrets!  Especially since August 2014!  My quilted bunny placemats and reversible bunny napkins are in the April/May 2015 issue of Sew News!  I still giggle a little when I see my name in print.  I am very grateful to Sew News for liking my pattern ideas 🙂  The fabrics I choose are from the Grace line from Blend.  They scream Spring to me!!!IMG_4978

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Mufasa thinks they make a nice new napping spot for him!DSC_1765

I love the texture the quilting gives the placemats.  The added lace and the pieced floral fabrics makes it seem a little vintage!bunny placemat

I love the addition of this ecru lace trim to the napkins.  I also love that they are reversible – no exposed seams!  If you like this project, pick up copy of Sew News and read all about it!
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Ahoy! Nautical Composition Book Tutorial

nautical anchor composition book tutorial

I am having so much fun with my nautical projects – I hope you are enjoying them.  I ready to buy a sailboat!!! (haha)  I take a covered composition book with me everywhere I go.  I have one in my purse for daily notes, lists, etc.  I have one I take to church and keep inspirational thoughts in.  I have one as a gratitude journal.  I have one for my sewing journal where I write down everything I sew, measurements, etc.  I know it’s totally old school – but I love notebooks!!!  You can see my other composition book tutorials here, here, and here.  I change them up each time I make one.  This one has lace, an appliqué anchor and writing that I foiled with Deco Foil!

Here’s how you can make one:

Supplies:

1/3 yard fabric for outside cover

1/3 yard for lining

piece of cotton batting

scrap for applique

11″ piece of navy lace trim

Deco Foil in Red

Deco Foil Transfer Adhesive

Heat n Bond Lite EZ Print Sheets

Anchor pattern, click here

Hair Elastic

Button

cutting instruct

cover batting

You can pin to hold in place, or add a little Spray n Bond basting spray.  (You can see my I cut my batting with scissors, I will square it up in a minute.)  Fold the cover in half and position the lace as pictured.  Use the basting spray or pin to secure.  Sew in matching thread along both sides of the lace.

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For the anchor, print it on the EZ print sheets, or trace to fusible appliqué paper.  Cut out the anchor and iron in place.

nautical composition book applique

Top stitch around the anchor.  Cut off any excess batting.  Find the center of the left side of the cover.  Mark and baste the hair elastic in place:

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flaps

Lay the flaps on the lining fabric, lining up raw edges.  The fold of the flaps should be toward the center.

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Place the cover on top of the lining/flap piece, right sides together.  Pin all the way around.  Sew, using 1/4″ seams all the way around.  Leave a 3″ opening at the bottom center.  Turn right side out and press.  Tuck the opening in, press, and top stitch to secure.

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Mark where the button should go and sew the button by hand, careful not to catch the flap.  Mufasa was trying his hardest to bite off the button!!

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Take the Deco Foil Transfer Adhesive and write Ahoy (or any word you want).  This totally brought back memories of cheerleading days in the 90’s – we rocked the puffy paint!!!  I was bad at writing with it then, and I’m still not that great at it!  Let the adhesive dry until completely clear.  I let mine sit for a few hours.

anchor composition book applique 6Once the adhesive is dry, rub the wrong side of the foil on the letters.  This part feels super magical!!  The foil sticks to the adhesive only!  This stuff is awesome!!!

anchor composition book applique 7Now I am left with shiny foil letters!!

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Make more than one and give them to your friends!!  I will be giving one away on Instagram later in the week 🙂nautical composition book applique 11

Lucky Pillow – Version 2.0

lucky pillow tutorial

Since I was already in the St. Patrick’s Day sewing mode after sewing a banner, I thought I would whip up a throw pillow!  I’m sure you know by now that I love throw pillows!  Last year I also made a “Lucky” patchwork pillow, so I am calling this one version 2.0.

St-Patrick-s-Day-Pillow-Tutorial1Here’s how you can make one!

Supplies

Scraps of green fabric – I used fabric from Blend: Tea Garden, Turkish Delight, and the Makers

blackish/grayish denim or other fabric for lettering

Heat n bond Lite

Heat n bond EZ print sheets

Sizzix Shamrock Die

Lucky words, click HERE – print in reverse

20″ square natural canvas

20″ square green print for back, I used Yuletide Greetings by Anna Griffin

22″ zipper

20″ pillow form

Begin by ironing the Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong side of the green fabrics and the “lucky” fabrics.  Run the green fabrics through the Sizzix Big Shot.  If you don’t have a Big Shot machine, you can hand cut the shamrocks.

lucky pillowPrint off the “lucky” letters and iron them to the wrong side of the fabric.  Cut with scissors.  This takes a little bit of patience 🙂 IMG_4173Peel off the backing paper and position the word and shamrocks as desired.  Outline stitch around each shamrock 2 times in black thread.  There was no way I was sewing around the cursive letters more than once!!

lucky pillow 2 3Prepare the back of the pillow by cutting a 20″ square.  Make a cut at the 2″ mark for the zipper.  You can put the zipper where ever you like, or you can insert an invisible zipper.

lucky pillow 2Sew the zipper in just like you were piecing a strip of fabric in between the two pieces – only use a zipper foot.lucky pillow 4Cut off the excess zipper ends.  Partially open the zipper and place the pillow top and the pillow back, right sides together. matching and pinning all edges.  Sew 1/4″ all the way around the pillow.

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Turn the pillow right side out and insert the pillow form.lucky pillow 9I put the zipper in the bottom portion of the pillow.  I like that you can see the zipper.

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You’re done!  Aren’t you LUCKY!!!!!lucky pillow 6

St. Patrick’s Day Banner

st. patricks day bannerI love sewing quick little banners!  This one can be made in 1 hour, or less if you’re speedy!  It’s the perfect size to hang in a window, on a frame, or a chalkboard.  I rummaged through my stash of fabrics and found these darling green prints from 3 different lines of Blend Fabric: Turkish DelightTea Garden, and The Makers.  I ironed Heat n Bond Lite to the back of the fabric and used my Sizzix Big Shot to cut out the shapes. Here’s how you can make one:

Supplies

1/3 yard burlap

1.5 yards green lace

scraps of green fabric for shamrocks

scraps of lace & white/yellow fabric for flowers.

Heat n Bond Lite

Sizzix Shamrock Die , flower die, and Flower Layers Die
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Cut (5) burlap rectangles 8″ x 5.5″shamrock banner st. patricks day 5

Fold the rectangles in half lengthwise and cut a 1.5″ angle off the bottom. 

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Iron the Heat n Bond Lite to the back of the appliqué fabric.  Then have your cat run it through the Sizzix Big Shot.

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Peel off the backing fabric of the shapes and press it to the burlap flags.
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Cut the lace out with the flower die cut.  Don’t put Heat n Bond on the lace.  Put the Heat n Bond on the center flower instead.  I was going to put buttons in the center of the flowers but totally forgot!

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Sew around each image using a straight stitch.  Then line them up and sew the lace to the tops.shamrock banner st. patricks day 14

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It’s done!  Go hang it somewhere fun!!!

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Mine is on my front porch 🙂shamrock banner st. patricks day 11