FAQs, WIPs & A Channel Update

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[@sewhappysarahr8912]

Cathy, it is ok to not keep those collars and cuffs! In my family we say "you can't hug every cat" when we are worried about getting hoardy! Also, those vacuum sucker bags are great for compressing weirdo fabric scraps for storage.

[@saraborisch5343]

I bag up my buttons and pass the on to a charity shop. My sewing room has only so much room for storage! I throw out my cuffs and collars unless they aren't fused together and I compost my cotton scraps. They also can be used to start fire for those with wood stoves.I am betting that you don't heat with wood, Cathy!

[@brendamc3535]

An idea for buttons I did: I took an old Christmas ball and glued small buttons all over it for my tree. It really looked cool.

[@glynisreynolds446]

What a wonderful idea 🤩⭐️ I can probably just about decorate a whole tree 🤣🤣 but one or two of these will be just right 😃 Thanks for sharing this great idea 👏👏🇬🇧

[@juliemillar4394]

With my leftover shirt peices I made a supermarket bag. The button and button hole bands were woven into the bag structure then stitched to secure. I used shirt hems braided into a long handle that went under the bag for support and created 2 handles. And lined it with a repurposed wool blanket sewn into a box shape so it insulates chilled items for the trip home. The bag comes in handy for picnics etc too.

[@debbiegallett1125]

I would use that nice yellow sheet on the back of the baby boy quilt.

[@susanstaley9810]

Lol. No butter with the Kaffe😅. But it would be most beautiful on the blue baby quilt🤭🤭

[@katharinemichie2178]

I agree! That butter colour sheet fabric would be lovely for the blue baby quilt

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lots of comments suggesting that very thing! I think it must be meant to be!❤️

[@jojorey6886]

You can sew a button in the center of a fabric yo-yo and use them to embellish projects. I made a scrap quilt out of fabric I had stored away from the early 90s and I added a yo-yo embellishment in each corner where the border met the quilt. I’ve also used buttons for eyes in a quilt I made where the blocks were birds.

[@erinbaye8723]

I LOVE Sunday Morning Quilts too!! Made almost every quilt in there! You are my constant " companion " as I Iongarm...love hearing you chatting away while I work. :)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you, Erin!

[@Kara_Sews_N_Quilts]

Cathy, I love to see your progress and your WIPS or UFO's as I like to call them. My grandmother would save her buttons in a tin box and recycle them when she sewed garments. She would gift them to me when I sewed garments as well. I watch Tiffany's quilting like and she longarm 's and Missouri Star also has services as well!!😊

[@annerankin1191]

Cathy, I concur that the Kaffe quilt would work well with a darker background! Are you a member of your local guild? You may find a longarmer through there. I love creating lists and striking things off….something I’ve inherited from my dad! XOX

[@paulusher5139]

What about a golden yellow? Or cheddar color?

[@pegpage8618]

Cathy and Paul - thanks for another great video and discussion. I love seeing your WIP’s - in the cross stitch world we call it a “WIP Parade” and there’s something so fun to see what projects our friends are working on. I think it can be hard for all creative people to keep their WIP pile under control, for me it’s taking small little bites as time permits. Now that I’m retired, I machine quilt most of my own quilts as I have more time than money 😂 - plus it’s so expensive to have them professionally done. 🤗 ❤️

[@lindamasson3094]

I do believe the pale yellow back is kinda bland fir the Kaffe top. It deserves more saturation. You inspired me to start a celestial stripes quilt for my adult son, using mostly shirt fabrics in blues, reds and whites. (For the first time). I hope to finish for Christmas. Your WIPS are glorious. I'm sure keeping up your channel eats up a lot of sewing time. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@marshawallace7522]

Yes, seams cut offs would make great gardening ties and could also be used as ribbon when wrapping gifts. I love the trivet/mug rug too. I truly love the Quilt Stars quilt blocks that you are working on!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Marsha! ❤️

[@marlenemiller1424]

The yellow would be lovely for the backing of the baby boy quilt. Just a thought. 😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Marlene, you are one of several comments saying that! So maybe it's meant to be for that project! ❤️

[@sharonarrendale8418]

You are so funny. Pole beans are a real thing. I'm from Georgia. Not crazy about the pole beans. Good idea with the string pieces off of your shirts. Such a great idea. I think that you could crochet with them too! Happy quilting!😻🐦❤

[@glynisreynolds446]

You have some great quilts to finish 🤩 I would straight line quilt most of them, just in a push to get them finished 🤔 I’m with you on the yellow for backing, it has no link to the quilt front and seems too bright to go with it 😳 As usual you have made a great video to share with us and inspire us so thank you both 👏👏🇬🇧

[@deejenkins8314]

I use all my quilt scraps that are just too small to use as stuffing for dog beds I donate to my local animal shelter. I actually use my cuffs and collars to use on fidget quilts for autistic children and Alzheimer’s patients.

[@juliemillar4394]

I'd love to learn more about the fidget quilts

[@laverywendy]

I think the butter yellow backing for the Kaffe quilt is not vibrant or saturated enough. It is very pretty - but for another project. I have a button tin and remember my grandmother and mother both having button tins which we used to play with as children. I know a lot of people here who have similar memories.

[@kylierigby1953]

Lovely to see you and all your projects! BTW, I have button jars just like that, and I love "playing" with them also.😂. So tactily pleasing. The serpentine or wave stitch is a good one to quilt with using the walking foot. Not sure if your machine has that, or maybe Jennifer's does? It can get them done super fast and looks great. I miss my LQS also. ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kylie! ❤️ Glad to know I'm not the only one who likes to play with the buttons! My machine won't do anything but a straight line, but it's good to know that for the future. And yes, RIP LQS!

[@kimbetts4282]

Hi Cathy and Paul 👋 lovely to spend a little time with you again ♥ I keep buttons as i think ive mentioned here. Being predominately a knitter and dressmaker, it's always handy to keep buttons in my stash. But i think they can be used for lots of things. Ihave seen them used as a decorative addition when tieing quilts. Theyre great for flower centres and doll clothes and to make collaged pictures with too. Another handy tip for selvedge strips and off cut seams, apart from tying up pretty parcels, is to use them to stabilise seams when sewing with knit/jersey type fabrics. It saves on buying stablising tape that one might only use to stabilise a pair of shoulder seams or pocket edges and no-one but you will know its there. Another idea is to make coiled baskets. There's a knitting podcast i occasionally watch called Chevyrell, and she has a tutorial for making coil baskets in her 'popular ' section. In it, Chevy uses yarns, fibres and fabric scraps and the baskets are beautiful and useful for bits and bobs. So I hope that helps with another option for our pretty scraps Live from Melbourne ♥

[@juliasander1680]

Some guilds make dog beds for shelters & use scraps to fill the beds. Maybe you could check with one in your area.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

I like your knitting idea. What great "yarn" from seams! I'm an avid crocheter. It most definitely would work wth crochet. You can crochet jewelry with wire. Any yarn you can knit, can also be used in crochet. Both knit and crochet are versatile. Creative people can share the love of each craft.

[@cece624]

Fun story about schools and buttons for arts and crafts. My sister, a retired elementary school teacher, was recently looking for a button in her mending/sewing case. No buttons to be found. LOL, she apparently took all her misc. buttons to school for art projects with her students!!

[@ladyjane3660]

I think you would experience great satisfaction if you finish your Christmas quilt so you have it for the season, THIS YEAR, otherwise, you know it's still going to be in your basket of WIPs at this time next year.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Agreed!

[@heavensmountains323]

Thanks for sharing all your unfinished projects. I have many as well. 🥴I look forward to seeing your Christmas quilt completed. It looks very interesting! I’m not too fussy on the yellow backing either. Have a pleasantly productive day!🤗🇨🇦

[@rebeccasmith3448]

I put the buttons in a decorative jar or vase and it makes a fun sewing room decoration.

[@bettygentry9672]

Charcoal grey would be an excellent backing choice for the "K" quilt! IMO

[@marybeth4002]

I have a very large basket filled with the cuffs and plackets from the shirts... waiting for a 'ahh hah 'moment in which what to do with them. In the meantime, my 3 year old grandson loves to play with them. We sit on the floor and sort them by colors putting them in many piles and sometimes just throw them up in the air. Through the lens of a 3-yr old - what could be better than that? ❤ Thank you for another great video and I'm so glad you and Paul are taking the month of December off. 🎄

[@prosie1968]

You could make pattern weights from small scarps and buttons, I mean how many tiny buttons are needed in the world.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a great idea!

[@scarlet10sewing]

String piecing would be a good use of those cuffs, collars, etc. cut the longest strip you can and one or two strings in width. You’d still have a little waste with the seams, but it would be minimal.

[@snetterpie]

I agree, ditch the butter and go with a saturated color instead. Nice to see you as always Cathy.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Glad to have you with me, Jane! And yes, the more I look at that yellow, I'm like, NOPE. lol

[@texcurtis77006]

I’m a no on the yellow backing. ;-). And a yes on the charcoal gray, more on the darker gray side. Good luck!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Jeff, right?! As I watched the video (during editing), I saw the two together and went, "nope!" 😂 Then again, I'm kind of a sucker for a charcoal gray backing! 😍

[@texcurtis77006]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I saw the yellow and was an immediate nope, but then you said charcoal & I’m like ok she’s got this. Ha ha

[@lindalyzun8937]

The don kim youtube channel demonstrates sewing handbags and totes primarily from shirts, blouses and jeans. Some specifically make use of shirt plackets. My favorite is Look what I made out of the "placket front"/cute tote bag. While the front of Don't throw away the "placket" is covered by interwoven plackets set on point.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Linda, I have watched some of Don Kim's videos and I'm always amazed at what he makes! I'll have to look up that video and watch it! Thanks for the suggestion! ❤️

[@pooie0116]

I've been saving up interfaced collar, cuff and placket fabrics to experiment with kawandi-inspired technique. It may end up too stiff for a quilt to cuddle up in, but might make good placemats or a floor mat. (I haven't started assembling yet - still in the gathering phase 😉)

[@gardencat4952]

I have been using the cuffs and collars pieces in Terry Rowland's 2022 Colorwash scrap quilt. I only use the pieces that don't have interfacing on them. Terry Rowland has 3 great videos on her Colorwash quilts. It is a great way to use the smaller scraps in an improv block. I am using them as leaders and Enders blocks as I sew other things. It can have a very modern art in an easy to do scrap quilt.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

What a great idea! I am familiar with Terry Rowland's colorwash quilt because of Kate at the Last Homely House! How smart of you to do them as leaders and enders!🤓

[@giselleyoung3248]

Quick feedback (just watched today as we were in the mountains for a relaxing weekend). I think a less bright (darker) backing for your teal/purple Kaffe quilt.

[@nannettepiasini9824]

Thank you. ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're welcome, Nannette!

[@scarlet10sewing]

Have you considered Missouri Star Quilt Co, MSQC? They have quite a production. They have a KZbin video showing their studio and price list is online.

[@esthervonepp8908]

I braided some for handles on my shopping bags...some are for "brown paper packages"..lol

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Esther, that's a great idea! 🤓❤️

[@erinbaye8723]

HAHAHA! Just got to the part where you do a call out to quilters. Emailed you. :)

[@heidithatcher-miller9512]

I keep my buttons in a large jar as well. I think when it gets full, I will donate it to the local Mennonite thrift store, more likely to get picked up there I think. I think I will try the knitting with the seams too, I do hate just throwing it all away. I am not sold on the butter backing for the Kaffe, at least on the blues. I used a cream sheet on my rainbow Kaffe and it looks good. Not sure what I will use when I get the blue one done but will go through my thrifted sheets first ☺

[@sewing-Susan]

I googled “long arm quilters near me” and found a wonderful gal who works for a Babylock store, but also has two long arm machines in her home! She’s great, but too many people know this and my quilts have to wait at least 6-weeks for her to get to them. (I also think her prices are good.) I recently googled the search again and found someone almost in my neighborhood, but now I’m nervous to use someone else. It’s amazing how many quilts MSQC long arm, but putting a quilt in the mail kind of scares me.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Susan, that's where I am too--a little nervous to mail something away, and a little nervous to try someone new! BUT I know people who mail away quilts all the time without any problems, and if I don't try someone new, then I'm stuck doing my own quilts (which I honestly do not enjoy) so I guess it's time to "just do it!"

[@lauracurnan3255]

Thanks for the chat. Hope you have a wonderful week end. Hugs from Tampa.

[@jodystancliff7864]

I am one of the oddballs that does not have WIPs. I work on one quilt at a time from cutting, piecing, quilting, then binding. I get overwhelmed and confused trying to make two quilts at once. For the same reason, I can't read 2 books at the same time. LOL. Kudos to those who can. I wish I could have multiple projects going at one time. It just doesn't work for me.

[@davidhatfield5714]

I also do not have WIPS. I’m just can’t start a project and not finish it. BUT, I do like to keep my scraps organized. Meaning anything that is 10” or smaller, I cut them into 2 1/2, 3 1/2, 4”, 5” and 6” squares (Ready at any time for my scrappy quilt tops)..I alway have a “stack” of fabric ready to cut up..that is my WIPS😂 (KH)

[@sugarspiceverrier3778]

Hello Cathy, so many wip, 😮 was hoping to see your Flying Home quilt, but I can see that you have lots of projects.... Goody, can't wait to see all theses future gorgeous quilts... I am almost done quilting my flying home quilt... Thanks for sharing your WIP be blessed René, Canada Québec

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Rene'! ❤️ Have you enjoyed making your Flying Home Quilt? Mine is still in the "cutting fabric" phase! 😱

[@sugarspiceverrier3778]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Allo Cathy, yes I enjoyed making the flying home quilt,although I haven't finished quilting it. I wanted to have a long arm quilter to quilt it, but it was so expensive she was asking 475.00$ plus the taxes which is almost 19% added to the 475$ .Anyway I said if Cathy is able quilting a quilt for a quilt show.. just give it a try..Thanks Cathy you inspired me quilting my memory quilt.. Good luck with your admission too the quilt show.. René

[@patriciabryant6574]

Put that grey backing on your Kaffe and put the butter yellow backing on the jelly stripes? Just a thought. Thanks for the chat.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You're not the only one to suggest that--so maybe I will do just that!

[@sistersister2999]

I would consider the red/vermillion on the back on the K. Fassett quilt and use the yellow sheet on the back on the baby quilt! Quilt on!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Sister, great idea! I definitely think the KF quilt needs something more vibrant, especially now that I've seen them together in the video!

[@kellywood8306]

I inherited a jar of my grandmother’s buttons and my mom gave me a jar of her buttons. I have a set of 3 small tinsel trees (12-24”) that I couldn’t figure out how to decorate, then it hit me to put these buttons in them (used fishing line). They are now my favorite Christmas decor because of the connection to my loved ones. My sister made ornaments to hang on the tree with her MIL’s buttons. I now have my own jar of buttons (I also make quilts out of shirts) that I am deciding what to do with. I thought the same as another commenter: no to the yellow on the Kaffe (darker might be better) and the yellow would look nice on the other quilt. Enjoy your December…we will miss you but look forward to January.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Kelly, I love this idea of using the buttons on your little tinsel trees! 😍 I have made a few button-ornaments, but as you know, the buttons from men's shirts tend to be the cream-colored ones that just aren't as interesting or colorful enough. Yes, you and several others vote for darker fabric for the KF and yellow for the baby boy quilt---it's nice to have agreement/opinions among viewers! 🤓❤️ It would definitely make the baby boy quilt easier if I didn't have to find/purchase fabric for it! 🤩

[@wendybacin3488]

Gorgeous projects! But I vote "no" on the yellow backing for the Kaffe Fassett Blocks because the hue is different, if that makes any sense. It feels a little bit jarring. But your work is stunning. Thanks for your wonderful content!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Wendy! I've decided against the yellow---after seeing it in the video (while editing) I was like, Nope! Lol

[@stefflcus]

You know perfectly well that I had NOT forgotten about the orange-peel linen quilt!! 😂It's always fun to see all the lovely quilts in various stages. I'm with you on the yellow backing, though. Beautiful color, but uninspiring with that quilt top. Hmm. Can't help but notice that cup warmers you showed could be made with a cuff and *also* had buttons on them. But if you only keep the buttons for sensory distraction, that's also a use! I have friends who have a big bowl with polished rocks in it in their kitchen. If I'm over there and stressed, someone will sit me down and say, "Oh, honey, you better play with some rocks for a minute." And buttons just look interesting and nice in a jar on the table (but I'm someone who has a zillion Mason jars and considers them an interior design element (and also am part magpie), so maybe ask someone else for confirmation).

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Steff, I DID know that. And yes, the yellow backing just isn't inspiring enough (perfectly put, btw) to go with the Kaffe quilt top. I LOVE the idea of having the button jar simply for stress management/ASMR and now I might put them in a pretty bowl on my dining room table. It's nice to have permission to do that, btw. Just a friend saying, "hey it's ok for you to do that, btw" is sometimes all it takes for me. So thanks for that! ❤️

[@aanonymousname2575]

Cathy, those seams are used at my house. We have three parrots and I cut the seams in 4-6 inch lengths and stuff them in a paper towel or tp tube. Make a few cuts in the tube so some of them can dangle out. Tie the tube to the side if the cage, stick a nut or banana chip inside. Great forage opportunity for our girls.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

How fun!! And aren't you smart and creative and a thoughtful bird-owner! 🤓❤️🤩

[@tracyrigo9124]

OMG, i have been picking every single seam on the shirts I use. For the cuffs, collars, etc. I use them for the smaller pieces on the purses I make, especially since they usually have interfacing on them already.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Tracy, I just can't bring myself to pick out the hem or side seams anymore. It just takes so long!! And what a great use for cuffs and collars--I haven't made a lot of bags but that's a great idea! ❤️

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

I use the cuffs and yolks for my string and crazy quilt blocks. And I'm like you, I have a huge bag. The seams came in handy this year around the garden. We have lots of deer around the garden and these were great to deture them.

[@ninaplastinina4390]

Not only seams are good in the garden but selvedges also) my friends kind if compete to have 'grab bags, full of this stuff when the veggie season begins😂

[@AuntGrace]

💕I use the collar including the top button to wrap the broken down shirt. If collar is too large I secure it with the seam trimmings like you showed. So far buttons are going in a jar.

[@JayJoeJCJesh]

Checking with community gardens for the seams maybe?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a great idea! ❤️

[@favor8favors]

The butter sheet would be a nice backing for the flying goose quilt with the Kaffe fabrics.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a great idea--I might try that! 🤓👍🏻

[@doloresnash287]

Make a strip quilt out of the collars and cuffs, pot holders, put a bunch of the strips together and make a large pot holder for casserole dishes!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Love this idea, Dolores! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@pamelafowler4406]

Buttons are a welcomed craft item and often used at after-school programs and church for crafts

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I'll have to ask the local elementary school near me (church nearby too!) if they want them!

[@pamelafowler4406]

So many things can be made from collars and cuffs. I would put them to use. 😊

[@sophiaoldford7806]

Ideas, please! I have a HUGE stash of collars and cuffs!

[@terriellenhenninger7938]

Another name is P.I.G. aka projects in grocery bags😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ok I LOL'd at this, Terri Ellen! 😂 Have you been spying in my house?!? 😂😱❤️

[@annekortleve1478]

Cathy, great video, I cut my collars and cuff into 2.5-inch strips for a scrappy log cabin or strip quilt. If you're parting with your shirt collars, etc, I'd love some

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Email me, Anne, at [e-mail] and give me your address and I'll add you to my list of "collars and cuffs" seekers! ;)

[@Cassandra-..-]

I have Ridwell pickup every other week. They collect a Threads category, which can be clothing, but it can also be textile scraps/waste. I keep a cloth drawstring bag next to my machine, and all threads and small scraps go into that bag, which I include in the Threads bag when it’s full. It gets recycled, and so I don’t have to feel guilty for throwing out seams, collars, cuffs, etc. Unfortunately, it’s not yet available everywhere in the country. But you can look for textile recycling near you…?

[@julias.8236]

I was like "pweh!" when you said that you don't prewash your quilting cottons. I have some variety of gifted cottons or fabric bundels from othe quilters where I do not kniw if they are prewashed. Have some shirts and sheets and also regular store brought quilting cotton. So since I only had a bleeding fabric once and no trouble apart from that, I also do not prewash although I sometimes think it might be wise. I used the cut off seams from the shirts to wrap a quilt or a little present. I like the garden idea and will use it when I get a garden 😅

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

"When I get a garden"---Same, Julia. Same. ❤️

[@AuntGrace]

PS - I have a shopping bag I bought at the thrift. Black with white buttons sewn on in the shape of a peace sign. ☮ Don't use it for shopping - It hangs on the wall in the sewing room

[@AG-ni7ew]

WIW work in waiting

[@scarlet10sewing]

Darker backing for Kaffe quilt.

[@pamjones3594]

❤

[@silver_csmith]

That’s a fun idea for using the seams. I wonder if those would work as dish cloths or rags….? 🤔

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Charity, I think it would!!🤓❤️

[@monicavalentine8472]

I save my buttons like you. I have thought about contacting elementary school for crafts. My seams I'm saving for stuffing pet bed. I use the long bottom seam to tie my pkt of shirt fabric just like your friend.

[@kelleybee]

What about quilt as you go? I prefer the methods that do not use sashing and have almost invisible joins. I’m watching lots of videos to learn and planning my first blue and white checkered quilt from shirts to be qayg, I’ve not watched all of your videos just yet, so maybe you have tried qayg and I just don’t know it yet. I love your channel. Well, I’ve found I’m addicted to it at the moment. Thank you for sharing all your thoughts and ideas.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kelley, for watching and commenting and I'm so glad you're enjoying my channel! I haven't ever done QAYG until my most recent project (scrappy bag) but I'm interested in doing more! So maybe sometime soon I'll have a video on a new project for QAYG. 🤓👍🏻 Thank you for the suggestion! ❤️

[@sharonlalli1414]

I have had quilting cotton shrink as much as 3 inches.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Sharon, really!! 😱 My goodness--that's so much!

[@favor8favors]

Radient Beams quilt pattern designed by Allison Ramsing is a great pattern for all those yolks, cuffs, and collars. Just a thought. 😉

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Kelli, I checked it out, and I think you are right! Thanks for the suggestion! ❤️

[@pamelahill7164]

I take the cuffs and fold them over and sew the sides up and make gift card holders and they even button up. I then put them in my tree with the gift cards for family members. They think it’s cool

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

What a great idea! 🤓❤️

[@lisaulrich8549]

Great idea to knit the seams! I was wondering what could be done with them. I thought about make scrappy ribbons for hair ties but I dont have a little one that needs them. Loved seeing all your WIP projects. Where did you get that wide basket on wheels?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Lisa! ❤️ I think I got it at one of those TJMaxx for home decor stores, like HomeGoods. It was a big box bargain store---I hate I can't remember it, but I've had it for many years now. One of my girls used it as a laundry basket for a long time, and when she went to college, I reclaimed it. 😊

[@tinakercher8768]

Thanks! It is hard to see what you are showing - curious about the knitting seams.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Tina, maybe I'll do a tutorial on the knitted seams once I figure out the best way to do it! Basically it's just a simple garter stitch (so nothing complicated) and all you have to decide is how big to make it!

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

For the buttons .. i used the micro size crafting ziplock baggies, (dollar tree, or crafting stores) and i bag them as i pull them off BECAUSE there has been occasion i have needed buttons ..it is infuriating to pull out a handful of Similar but not quite the same buttons. Also when i get sick of keeping them & donate them ..i have saved the buyer the same frustration

[@lnldjimmieclouff1773]

Hi When you put the hands in the jar, I thought of Amélie Poulain.....

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Jimmie--I did TOO! And I think of it *every single time* I do anything like that! I LOVE that movie! ❤️

[@staceyjames5296]

No on the yellow backing. I think it’s incongruent with the saturation and intensity of the Kaffe colors.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I agree!

[@imogenethomas1138]

Wow Cathy! You do have lots of WIPs. I only have one, which I have managed to misplace. I started it very early in my quilting days. I was over optimistic about my skills at that time. I could easily finish it now (five years later), if I can only find it. What’s the pattern name your one that has blue and yellow strips? I like it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Imogene, now I want you to find that missing WIP and finish it! 😂🤓❤️ If it's the baby boy quilt that you're referencing, it's Celestial Stripes by Zen Chic. I LOVE that pattern--so easy and sews up fast! 🤩

[@josephneu1775]

Hi, this is Agi from Canada. You got me hooked on buying men’s shirts. I love the process of taking them apart. Now what? I need to start doing something with these lovely blue fabrics. What should be my first step. I thought to keep it simple as I am a beginner in quilting, Maybe a baby quilt or toddler size? Would you be able to do a beginners video? or is that too much to ask. Have a happy Thanksgiving (we have had ours in October, ) and enjoy your family and Merry Christmas as I know you are taking some off.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hi, Agi! I apologize for the late reply. I have a couple of videos (actually a ton) that might help you! The first is this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ3RdXSMmtOjr7M which is Part 1 of a many-part series that is geared toward beginner quilting and walks you through the process. The second is this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKndknSri62ieK8 which tries to answer the "I have broken down shirts and want to make a quilt, now what?" question. I think between the two you might find what you're looking for! And Happy belated Thanksgiving to you and thank you for your comment!

[@bonniegood5378]

We call our WIPs, UFOs....unfinished objects. There's no time pressure on finishing, just a statement. 😉

[@genier7829]

The traditional term is UFO- unfinished Object, sort of in recognition of a long term WIP....

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I have heard that term--but I'm unwilling to relegate any of my projects to UFO status! 😂

[@AvivaHadas]

For me, the yellow sheet is too buttery yellow for the Kaffe... (I'd be tempted to use it on the boy baby quilt though...)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Amy, as soon as I saw it on the video (during editing) I was like, "nope." And you are about the 5th or 6th person to suggest that I use it for the baby boy quilt, so maybe it's a sign? Good to see you in the comments, btw! 😘

[@christinahall3318]

Send your scraps - collars & cuffs - to me! I will send you a great surprise! PINK?! Someone said pink!!!

[@janiewilliams5803]

Girl! Maybe you need a staff 😂

[@soozulla]

What about DP for your concepts-in-progress? Dream Project :)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Sue, I LOVE it! DP it is! ❤️

[@cashby1425]

Hey Cathy how about a giveaway of the cuffs collars n yokes!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

C, I thought about that---but last giveaway opened a lot of folks up to scammers, so I'm reluctant to do another one! 😱 I've got a couple of "takers" on my current cuffs, collars and yokes, but if you want in on them, email me with your address, and I'll save some for you! 👍🏻

[@cashby1425]

Sorry how do I find your email address?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@cashby1425 it’s actually in the video if you make it that far 😂 But it’s [e-mail] if not! 😊👍🏻

[@cashby1425]

@@TheCatBirdQuiltsth anks!

[@louthompson1518]

Suggested TLA - -- NFY (not finished yet)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love that!!

[@louthompson1518]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts not to be confused with NDY (not dead yet)

[@janetdinatale9861]

How do you make your starch?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@janetdinatale9861 here’s a video I made about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXKUqYZsnrOpaqMsi=0rbZMXOVXNe2mGwB

[@SewGurl58]

PhD, projects half dreamt up

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Gurl, then I have a PhD many times over!! 😂

[@carolinefortheloveofcrochet]

Wips that you are not working on are called (Sleeping WIPS) 🤗❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love that! I have LOTS of sleeping WIPS then!!

[@carolinefortheloveofcrochet]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts you are an inspiration. Been with you since the beginning 👍 i just made my first quilt Top last week❤️ so excited for this new craft and all The possibilities ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@carolinefortheloveofcrochet oh my goodness! Congratulations! ❤️ and thanks for being with me all this time-that means the world to me!

[@yoshiew05]

I save the buttons in packets because I sew garments too. The one with advertiaing in the i.e. a brand name, I put into packets and donate them. Hmmm seams in the garden to break down may be problematic as the threads are probably polyester

[@yoshiew05]

Oops-I should have listened to whole video before commenting…