Kitty Block #9

 I'm moving right along on the Whiskers N Catnip quilt by Deb's Cats N Quilts. This is the 9th block in the quilt and it uses that block in my last post, a split cat's cradle. Each corner has a split cat's cradle as well as flying geese in between the corners. It measures 12.5" square. There are 9 blocks in the main part of the quilt but I'll also be making 4 identical blocks for each corner of the flying geese border. I'm getting there!

As I work on the blocks, I also make flying geese for the borders. These borders measure about 36.5" X 4.5" so far. I still have more to go! I'm really enjoying working on this quilt. I'm taking my time and enjoying the process, which is not what I usually do. 

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend! It's supposed to rain Sunday but I'm hoping Monday isn't too bad.

A New Block

It feels like the middle of summer today! We've been having sort of cool weather until the last few days. I opted to stay inside today so I could keep comfortable. The humidity is pretty awful as well. They expect cool weather for the Memorial Day weekend. Figures!

This block is new to me. I've had to make many Cat's Cradle blocks for the quilt I'm working on. This one is called Split Cat's Cradle and has that little background triangle added in the corner. It seems to change the whole look of the block. I use a Cat's Cradle ruler to make my blocks. I tried without the ruler but the blocks weren't very accurate.

And my socks ae done! I don't think I'll be using them in this weather but they'll be ready for me when it gets a little cooler!

 

I Like Thursday # 314

 It's time for Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna over at Not Afraid of Color to link up with more participating blogs. This is block #7 for my Whiskers N Catnip quilt. Once it's all sewn together, it should (hopefully) measure 12.5" square. I'm really enjoying making this quilt. The directions are well written and the fabric is gorgeous!

My second sock is almost done! Once the heel is turned, the hard part is over and you just have to keep going to finish it up.

I had a great Mother's Day, hope you did too! My husband got this cake and it was wonderful! Chocolate cake with vanilla frosting is always a great combo.

The conversation starter this week asks us if we wore a mini skirt, halter and fish net stockings. Yes, I surely did! I also wore body suits and hip hugger pants. I sure more those days. I was very thin back then and felt I would always stay the same. Wrong!!! Those were great times and I have great memories of my younger self!

Have a great weekend!

 

My Second Cross Stitch Kitty Pillow

 This is the second cross stitch kitty pillow I made. The first one I made for a gift. I really loved it and just had to make one for me! However, there are quite a few steps before you get this cute pillow.

After cross stitching the cat, I had to iron on a lightweight interfacing. After the interfacing was done, I had to make dots 1/2" around the cat as well as a parallel 1" around the cat. The outer line was the cutting line and the inner line was the sewing line. Makes sense!

At this point, I had to choose a backing. I knew I wanted to use a cat themed fabric so I had to look through my fabric bins to find one I liked. I ended up using this fat quarter.

I cut on the outer line and sewed on the inner line. I left a few inches to turn it inside out. I wish I'd left a little more than 2" but I got it to work.

Here's the kitty right side out and ironed. It just has to be stuffed at this point. The hard part is done!! This cute pillow is sitting on my couch watching TV with me!!

Whiskers N Catnip

I'm not sure why but I just haven't had the time to sew lately. It just seems like this past week has been so busy. I thought this would be a good time to share what I've been doing. I received this quilt kit from my son and his wife years before they got married. It's an adorable quilt with a ton of fabric included. It finishes at 96" square which is huge! I've had it in my sewing room for a while now so I thought it was a great time to work on it. 

I've made these blocks so far. They measure 12.5" square. The directions are clear and very easy to follow. It's been fun to make these blocks. I'm working at a slow pace since I have a few unfinished projects I'm trying to get to. 

You work on the border at the same time while making blocks. This is how far I've come on the flying geese border. As you work on a block, you make another color of flying geese. These flying geese measure 2" X 4" finished. 

I did manage to sew on the binding on Facets this morning. I love that polka dot fabric! I'm glad I found it when I visited my local quilt shop. Now, I just need some time to sew down the binding!!

Facets is Quilted!

I finished quilting Facets this past weekend. I was so excited to take it off the longarm! It came out great. I love the quilting and just love how flat it looks! It was easy to quilt. Nothing seemed to go wrong. My tension was good and everything just worked out very easily. The quilt measures about 90" X 90". 

I tried to get a closeup so you can see the quilting. It's scattered feathers on a small scale which matches this quilt quite nicely.

Here's the backing. Pantographs always ensure that the quilting design is even throughout the quilt. The back always looks nice. I'm getting the binding ready. I still can't believe this one is just about done. This quilt seemed to take forever. I think it took me about a year from start to finish. Oh, well, on to the next project!!

I Like Thursday #313

It's time for Thursday Likes! Please visit LeeAnna to link up with more participating blogs that post fun and uplifting content. Let's all wish Molly a Happy Birthday! She is 12 years old today. I can't believe it! We got her at 4 months old and has been with us ever since. She's always had a healthy appetite so I thought it was funny that she was sitting on my walking pad. She may want to use it! The walking pad is a gift to me from my daughter's boyfriend. He's the best!

I decided that this will be the binding for Facets. I wanted something with a little color since the quilt is so colorful. The quilt made by the author has a pale yellow binding but I opted for a more vibrant fabric.

I'm so looking forward to May 5. This book is coming out that day. This is the same author as The Help and I can't wait to read it! I've been on the hold list in Libby for awhile now so I should be one of the first to get it!

The conversation starter this week asks us if we spring clean. I wash all my windows as well as curtains once a year. I start in the spring but never finish until sometime in the summer. It takes too long! I also have to wash my hardwood floors because I put it off last fall. Ugh! I'll get to it eventually!

Have a great weekend!