Quilt Stories - Nine Patch Gingham Quilt for Brooke

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[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

For anyone who is interested in the "pattern": Gingham/white squares for 9-patch: 3.5-inch squares unfinished. Solid white blocks: 9.5" unfinished. Finished blocks are 9 inches. Border is 3.5" unfinished by width/length of quilt. Finished quilt size is roughly 69" X 87." I used 32 total gingham nine-patch blocks (no gingham fabric color is repeated in Brooke's quilt.) Start and end top row with a gingham block, alternating with a solid block. Alternate rows beginning/ending with gingham or solid blocks; start and end last row with gingham blocks (to make an Irish chain pattern.) Mix and match ginghams so that contrasting blocks (light/dark) are interspersed throughout the quilt; same for the colors, placing complementary/adjacent colors near each other and avoiding too-similar colored gingham blocks from being too close to each other (e.g. avoid placing 2 blue blocks side by side or 2 yellows diagonally next to each other, etc.) All sizes of gingham are fair game for this quilt project! ❤

[@christinahall3318]

I love this quilt so much that I am actually thinking of doing one with 5” squares - big 9 patch blocks! I just purchased a gingham fat quarter bundle and this is what I think is going to be it’s purpose. I may intersperse some floral (another favorite) with the gingham.

[@valerieduff6498]

I made a sweet baby quilt with gingham shirts. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@silverraven2017]

Totally loving your beautiful quilt and its story!! It's the perfect wedding quilt gift I need to make. I too have had the very same thought process about how to quilt the solid block in 2 quilts that need a design decision to be made so that they can be finished, lol! Thank you for sharing and for the inspiration!!

[@MsAmberSunshine]

❤

[@sgtpepper.6511]

I love this quilt. It’s simple but bright and comfortable or homey to look at. You’ve given me a lot of things to think about with using 9 patches and 16 patches down the road. 💕

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

That catbird in the corner is why we hire the professional. Beautiful quilt, I love the gingham motif, and the quilting is just scrumptious. Love everything about this!! ❤❤❤

[@juliasander1680]

And it is definitely not “too plain!” A quilt does become a quilt when it is quilted! And it celebrates the love of gingham that you & your friend have!

[@cece624]

Such a lovely quilt. 😮 The rhythm of the colorful 9-patch blocks and the white blocks is visually comforting! 🧐 Quilt name suggestion: “For the Love of Gingham”

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

CeCe that is exactly the name that I put on the tag! ❤

[@cece624]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts 💗 Thanks for saying we can borrow this 9-patch quilt pattern which you developed. I’m going to rewatch the video and make notes RE what you said about the process. I’ll also note the channel name and video date for future reference. It’s so kind of you to share the quilt pattern info!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@cece624 of course! It’s my pleasure to share! ❤️

[@jostauffer6637]

Pardon me, I may get quite windy. Love your quilt. When you first unfolded it, I got this overwhelming sense of joy and nostalgia. I got all the way through your video before I finally realized why. About the 3rd quilt I made when I was a young mother and quilter (I am generous with my history to call myself that at that time) was a gingham and rosebud print log cabin baby quilt that I made for my second son. All the ginghams were medium strength multi color and included that yellow you used for your binding. That quilt and that child has brought me such joy over the years, and continues to do so now that his babies are sleeping in my home, sometimes covered in that quilt. In my minds eye, I see you and Brooke sitting on a couch in one of your homes, chatting and giggling and covered in your lovely, happy quilt you made for her! Loved your story about it, which is only the beginning of it. The quilt is not too simple, it is simply wonderful!!

[@laliichin5471]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours. Hearing about your friendship with Brooke, how the long arm quilter brought life to your quilt, the cornbread festival, collecting all your gingham, the “I love you” tag, to the sweetest personalized label. For me, your videos go live on Friday afternoon at 2pm. I usually take half days from work on Friday so it’s a joy to get to spend some time watching your videos to start my weekend. I particularly loved this one.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Lalii! ❤ I’m glad you enjoyed this video-it was easy to make since I just got to talk about all the things I love! 🥰

[@laliichin5471]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts that’s your superpower, Mary Catherine! Your storytelling is so warm and chatty. I feel like you are a friend and that brings me so much joy

[@sgtpepper.6511]

@@laliichin5471. I deem that way too. I grab a cup of tea and enjoy a conversation with Cathy.

[@Denise11Schultz]

Quilts are inherently stories. This is a fine story and a fine quilt. It is also a perfect example of how machine quilting Can be truly traditional. And we give our friends the very best, even when it means letting others help us do it. How lovely and how inspiring. 💙🌷🧵

[@coraromano8370]

your enthusiasm, clear explanations and chosen topics have gotten me to do my first quilt ever- and made of men's shirts. I am hooked on buying men's shirts!

[@PaperDiva67]

I love all of your philoso-phising about quilt making!!! That quilting is amazing! It truly brought your darling 9patch to life!What a wonderful way to celebrate your lifelong friendship ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Adrienne!🥰 You know I can’t stop all the musings about quilting and life!!😂

[@sherryfaires7931]

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous! Hats off to Paul for all the “seam reaping” that he did! Brooke will love it! It is a touching thing that you did! Sissy did a great job with the quilting!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sherry! ❤️ And yes, it was a team effort with Paul and Sissie coming in clutch for me! 🤩🤓

[@freddiehansen7324]

That is such a sweet story. I don't think a quilt can ever be "too simple" when it's made with love. The quilting is so lovely too.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Freddie! ❤️

[@stefflcus]

I was delayed in my viewing because I went to visit family, but this was worth the wait... and as a bonus, I only have to wait one more day before another episode! The quilt is lovely, and once again your outfit is perfect. I thought, "Oh, huh, the stripes with the hint of blue is cute" and moved on BUT THEN YOU MOVED THE QUILT AND I SAW THE SHOES WITH IT OMG. So stylish. (Yes, I've already combed the comments and saw what they are.) And of course: You are *also* funny, entertaining, and intelligent. 'Swhy we keep coming back!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Steff, I just love your guts! ❤️ Thank you thank you thank you, for being a huge source of encouragement and laughs and camaraderie--it makes making these videos so rewarding for me, too! 😘

[@Sharon-pb7so]

What a lovely story you told about you and your friend Brooke. I too have a very long term friendship and I just love my bestie, Claudia. I'm planning a quilt for her called twins, I saw it made by Eleanor Burns. She lost her identical twin in 2010 and she struggles without her in her life. We were like the 3 mouseketeers. Now there are 2. 😢 Your story brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure Brooke will love and treasure your beautiful quilt for the rest of her life. Please continue your quilt stories, they're endearing, insightful and helpful. Much respect to you from. .. the other Martin in Michigan. (Sharon) ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Martin girls! ❤ I love your plan for Claudia’s quilt-she will be so blessed by it, just as my friend will treasure the quilt I made her! And what a wonderful way for us to share our love for our friends, right?🥰

[@Cassandra-..-]

Laughing because my oldest (since 1975) friend also calls me by my full name. Her mother once introduced my mother to someone by saying, “Oh… our daughters are sisters.” Beautiful quilt. Relatable story. Lucky Brooke!❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Cassandra! And lucky you for having a long-time great friend that calls you by your full name!❤️

[@barbaraangier9967]

What a wonderful quilt story. I laughed, I cried - well I did have tears in my eyes at times. So inspiring. What a beautiful gift…and a beautiful friendship. I look forward to your videos each week. thank you for sharing 💜

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Barbara! ❤️

[@jbarnes1250]

With the Wedding (double wedding ring quilt and memory bears) and graduations over, I have finally begun my gingham quilt. I scored three XL white shirts to make it work. I have 30 different gingham shirts and the sleeves cut into 3 1/2” squares and I sewed 12 blocks today! Thank you for the inspiration! Blessings!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness, Janet! I'm so excited for you and your gingham quilt! 🤩 Thank you for sharing with me about your quilt---I'm humbled and honored to have inspired you. ❤️ Blessings right back to you! 🥰😘

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

What a wonderful story! Brooke will love your quilt because you made it with love.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, DiAnn! ❤️ I think you're right--it's the made with love that makes it special!

[@carmenbailey1560]

Your gingham quilt is adorable, now giving me something to think about the next time I’m looking at fabrics. Thanks so much for sharing 👍❤️🙂

[@abigaildolinger2754]

A very sweet, simple quilt with a fresh, spring vibe!

[@debbietrapp7757]

What a wonderful quilt journey ❤ your quilt is so beautiful and the love you put in your quilts warms my heart so much!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you , Debbie! ❤️

[@glynisreynolds446]

This video has made a great start to my day, and I’m still sitting here watching it instead of rushing about doing all the jobs in my head 🤣🤣🤣 What a wonderful quilt you have made for your friend, and what a journey you have been on 😃 It’s a great feeling when you make a quilt and it brings you joy!! I can only imagine the joy it will bring your friend as she wraps herself up in the love you have put in to this quilt ❤ Have a wonderful day and take great care of each other 👏👏🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Glynis!❤ it was definitely a journey getting there, but a fun one too! Hope you have a great weekend and take care!🥰 oh and how is/are your wrist(s)?

[@glynisreynolds446]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts wrists are just about back to normal 🎉🎉 and I’ve decided that they are just going to do everything they did before, even if they aren’t totally happy with it 🤣🤣 I’ve started a blue and white chequerboard quilt using white shirts and lots of different colours of blue shirts 🥰 Some times I’m sewing them as leaders and enders, and last night I just sewed them as I was tired - I’m so loving what it looks like already so many thanks for the inspiration 👏👍🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@glynisreynolds446 glad to know you’re almost back to normal! I would love to see your blue and white quilt-I bet it’s gonna be gorgeous!!

[@glynisreynolds446]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Fingers crossed 🤞

[@jbarnes1250]

Just to let you know, I’m collecting gingham shirts to make my own gingham quilt because I love yours so much. I have 25 so far, but I just can’t find white cotton shirts here in Indiana. Thank you for sharing your thinkings, so few of us “think about everything”, with you as a friend, I know I’m not alone. Blessings.

[@michellenisun6308]

I am also in Indiana and I never find white cotton shirts either.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, Janet! 🥰 Thank you so much! You won’t regret making an all-gingham quilt (so fun!) And I’m so glad that I can be your thinking friend and we can share the love of gingham and constant thought here together!❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh and ps: go to a thrift store in an area where bankers, lawyers or doctors live or work and you’ll have a better chance at finding those white cotton shirts! 👍🏻

[@laverywendy]

So beautiful! ‘Simple’ is sometimes profound

[@TheQuiltingLunchLady]

You have a post modern quilt style with a traditional bent thrown in for good measure. Your quilts are more modern, but you do some quilts with a more distinct traditional pattern. So post modern traditional bent it is. Ta da, a new quilt genre just for Cathy!!! What a lovely story to go with the quilt along with some joy and laughs I would guess as well!! I hope you are well, I haven’t posted in a while as I was wrapping up school and am missing my sewing machine because it is in the shop for service, so watching quilt videos was hard, when I am in serious quilting withdrawals!! Catch you soon in the next video!!

[@nicolebeauchamp7622]

Such a beautiful quilt. Thank you for sharing. I think the reason all gingham goes together is because the consistency of the white background makes it cohesive. ❤ 🇦🇺

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Nicole, I think you might be right (white background!) Thanks for your kind compliment and for watching and commenting!❤️

[@dianneakroosh5430]

There should be super 👍 for videos that bring such a large smile to my face. Witnessing your compassion for your craft and love for your childhood friend. Both very lucky ladies. ❤😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Dianne! ❤️

[@padmarubiales5184]

By the way, your husband does a great job with the little pop up inserts and sound effects. He is a natural! 😀👍🏼

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Padma! I agree, he does a GREAT job! 😊

[@pgiberti1407]

A "simple" quilt made with the love and thoughtfulness you have given it makes it a wonderful , intricate work of art.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much!❤️ (And I think you're right!)

[@marygeorge9688]

LOVE the quilt! Simple is my favorite. 💛

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Mary! ❤️

[@amymcadams6043]

I love all the different sizes of gingham. When we were little, my mom made lots of our clothes. (She was an expert seamstress and also very thrifty!). One Christmas she made my two sisters and me gingham tops in three sizes of red gingham: large for me (the oldest), medium for my middle sister and micro for the “baby”. Then she made chambray pinafores with long skirts (circa 1975) to wear over them. THEN she hand painted apples on the bib of mine, strawberries on the bib of the middle sized one and cherries on the little one. I sure wish I knew what happened to those! We just lost my mom last week and she made sure I knew that her sewing machine was meant for me. 😢

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness, Amy. I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom.😭😔 What a wonderful memory of the love and commitment of your mom (with her sounds-like-considerable skill) to the happiness of her 3 daughters! All my love to you as you grieve the loss of your mother.❤️

[@jennjennedington279]

@amymcadams6043 What a lovely memory and how very precious to have her machine. Your hands in the same place as hers…..

[@MsAmberSunshine]

Oh my goodness, gracious. Now I’m gonna have to start hunting through my men’s shirts that I have not even deconstructed. I know I want to make a beautiful gingham quilt like yours, it’s so beautiful. I know your friend will cherish it because we all do. I should’ve picked up that multicolored gingham chaps men’s shirt I saw the other day. I think it had all the colors are quite a few of them.. just love all your videos. Thank you so very much.. appreciate you and your crew too ❤

[@ladyjane3660]

Found a few (4) gingham items at my local resale shop. I got a Ralph Lauren 100% cotton boy's long sleeve gingham shirt for SEVENTY CENTS. It was marked down to a dollar but they were having 30% off all clothes. I know I can easily get five 3.5" blocks out of it, but suspect I will be able to get as many as 10. The other three adult sized items I got came to just under 10 bucks all together. Rummage sale at the church, tomorrow. I will see what I can find there. Can't wait to make this quilt. It's simple and should be quick to put together.

[@patgregory4320]

The quilt is beautiful your piecing and the longarm quilting just makes it come to life it is gorgeous

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Pat! ❤️

[@Making-Beth-Gain]

What a darling story and beautiful quilt………love it as usual!!! ❤

[@saraborisch5343]

Cathy, I have a friend I met in Kindergarten that I still keep in touch with. Our life paths have carried us in different directions but we always connect like we saw each other just yesterday. What a gift to have a 65+ year friendship. What I really want to know is where you got your shoes? I have been on the hunt for some red shoes.....and I love MaryJanes. I also have a real thing about gingham and thrifted men's shirts are my favorite fabric.ox

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well Sara, it sounds like we are just kindred spirits! ❤️ My shoes are Jambu/JBU and you can get them online from a lot of different retailers and sometimes DSW has them in--store. I have probably 6 different pairs in a variety of colors--I almost exclusively wear this brand to work since I'm on my feet all day. They are SUPER comfortable! 🤩

[@saraborisch5343]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I got my Jambu Red Magnolias. And I love them!!!! I don’t know how to send you a picture but you already know how cute and comfortable they are. My husband said they are snazzy. I thought we should go out for dinner but we are already in our leisure ware.

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity. The style and color choices are elegant. Some of the best couture clothing designs are seemingly “ simple”, and yet when someone less skilled tries to emulate them, it becomes clear that subtle elegance is actually very difficult to achieve. You might describe Amish quilts as “ simple”, and yet the genius of their design is impossible to fake. Your quilt is exquisite

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Barbara, I'm humbled and honored by your very kind and generous words--I would say I'm speechless, but we know that's not true! 😂 Thank you so very much!❤️

[@svs1551]

What a beautiful quilt … and story. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Susan! ❤️

[@CalicoJungle]

Its called a feathered wreath with a center grid.😊

[@lindamasson3094]

Lovely quilt. Thanks for the tip regarding cutting gingham. I have struggled to know if it is ok to follow the line of checks or plaid pattern, rather than paying strict attention to the grain. I like hearing Your inner thoughts and how you make fabric decisions. Your videos are more than just "how to's".

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Linda! That means so much to me! ❤️

[@marshawallace7522]

I love your quilt... everything about it is gorgeous❣️ I enjoyed this story too.

[@ladyjane3660]

OMG! I do not consider myself one who particularly likes gingham, although it does sometimes fit the bill. Your quilt turned out SO beautifully that it makes me want to make one. I have a thrift shop near me that always have lots of men's shirts, and I do already have some gingham in my stash so I'm pretty sure it's going to happen. The quilt has such a traditional, yet fresh, look about it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Lady Jane!! I think you should do it!!

[@jillbeck6531]

What a sweet story and quilt! Thank you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jill! ❤️

[@dedrasmitherman7983]

I love this quilt and the story. Thanks to you, I’m collecting gingham shirts too. 😊 I appreciate you showing the quilting. I think this would make a sweet baby quilt.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Dedra! ❤️ And YAY that you are collecting gingham--you will not be disappointed! 😊🤓 As for making this as a baby quilt, I think you're right! And if you scaled down the piece size (postage stamp would be the sweetest!) it would work especially well, I think! 🥰

[@sonialorenzo9223]

I learn a lot from others experiences and I can’t explain you how much I appreciate how you relate your story, your inspiration and the appreciation for the value that others can bring to your art.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sonia! ❤️

[@juliasander1680]

Great Quilt Story! I remember when you were facing the “unquilting” on your WIPS video. Kudos to your husband for his help, & great job with the vision of making the gingham quilt without a pattern! I love everything about the quilt! Great job!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Julia! ❤️

[@smchalk3535]

Beautiful quilt and story. I love your thoughtfulness

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Suzanne! 🥰 and thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@astorybookfinish5055]

I knew you must be southern neighbor! Hello from Huntsville (and Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro)! 👋

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

What a gorgeous quilt and made so special for your dear friend

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Marcella! ❤️

[@RobertTaylor-dn7kq]

It’s “simply” gorgeous Cathy! What a lovely heartfelt gift and a reminder that sometimes less is more… thank you for sharing your wonderful quilt stories….we love to hear them 💚 Annette

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Annette! ❤️

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

That quilt makes me happy. Thanks for video

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jeanette! It makes me happy, too---just all those happy colors together is a joy! 😊❤️

[@teresavicars9989]

Your quilt is so beautiful and so full of love. This makes my heart sing too!!! Recently I saw a quilt pattern that reminded me of you so I will tell you about it. Look up Prisims quilt by Brenda Riddle. It is made with gingham fabrics and looks relatively easy. Thank you for your love of quilting and the time you take to share it.💞

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Teresa! ❤️ And thank you for sharing the quilt pattern that made you think of me-I will check it out! 😊👍🏻

[@annettemaxie-mahmoud2390]

That turned out lovely! ❤ congratulations 🎉

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Annette!❤

[@quiltgram3056]

I actually gasped when you showed the gingham quilt as it is so beautiful. It’s the first time that I have wanted to make a quilt using ginghams. Goodness, my Grandma Knowles wore gingham dresses and aprons all the time. She was married to a dairy farmer and the family quilter who influenced me to following her footsteps. If it were possible, I’d give you a gigantic hug….all the way from Maine.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, Gram!! 🥰 I would return your gigantic hug and thank you for sharing part of your story with me! ❤️ Now go get some gingham shirts and make a quilt in memory of your Grandma Knowles! 😍🤓🤩

[@vanillayogurt5650]

Gingham gal…my name for “her”! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

“Gingham gal”-I love that!!

[@nettiyjensen4224]

Your gingham quilt is so incredibly beautiful I would love to try that idea I love this

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Netty! ❤️ I hope you do try it---it was a fun quilt to make! 😊

[@lysruiz3953]

Great story. Lovely quilt. Labor of love.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It WAS a labor of love---which is the best kind of labor, right? Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@gisellejones1139]

I would name this quilt " Glorious Gingham " as it is quite beautiful in it's deceptive simplicity and glorious quilting by your generous friend ❤❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you, Giselle! 🥰

[@kimbetts4282]

Gingham is just one of those fabrics that make you smile! ☺ I love it too. Even seeing all the bolts of different colours and different sized checks lined up in the fabric store is so much fun. Whilst 9 patch might be a simple or basic pattern, it's the fabrics that make it sing 🎶 and sometimes less is more. Cissy's long arm work is final addition to a beautiful quilt. Kind of like putting the last piece in a jigsaw. I'm sure your friend, Brooke will love and treasure this celebration of your friendship ♥

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Kim, it DOES! I don't know what it is about it, but it does make me so happy!🤓😊❤️ I do agree that Sissie's quilting was that final piece--it was missing for a while but now so satisfying that it all came together!

[@marshasetering3143]

I have been collecting gingham fabrics for awhile and seeing your quilt makes me just so excited to do my quilt.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay!! Marsha that is so exciting and wonderful that you are doing a gingham quilt! 🤩

[@joydalton4987]

I love this quilt, it’s beautiful and simple maybe but beautiful. You know the old saying less is best. Keep up the good work with these videos it’s so nice to listen to you talk normally I don’t like long-winded people but you are definitely entertaining and I enjoy listening to you and watching and learning. My dad recently passed away and I took a bunch of Dads shirts And I want to make quilts with them to give to the family I do have quite a few gingham shirts. I also have a new grandson and I thought about making him little jumpers out of some of these nice plaid shirts and gingham’s. Thank you, you are inspirational Mary Catherine!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Joy! ❤️ I'm glad you're enjoying the videos! Your family will be very blessed to receive quilts made from your dad's shirts!🥰

[@naomiowen3015]

The beauty is in the simplicity. I love it! Many of the quilts I see are just too modern for me. I absolutely love this.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you, Naomi! ❤️

[@debramiller254]

I love this quilt as I have all your other ones and really enjoyed your discussion of all the construction and completion details! Major Kudos to Paul for his seam reaper help! My husband would be still staring at me-saying "What's a seam ripper?" Your friendship with Brooke is the kind we all would love to have with our own friends. But, do not sell yourself short! I think you are funny, entertaining and incredibly intelligent! Also, I recently went in a local thrift store after a few months away and saw where they have increased some brands men's used shirts to $24.99 each!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

$24.99 each?! My goodness, that seems exceptionally high for a thrift store shirt!! And thank you for your sweet words! Paul does get all the kudos--he is a wonderful support in every way! 🥰❤️

[@elainelear4982]

I am enjoying the brightness and cheerfulness of this quilt. I also envy longarmers for their creative ability. I will not be able to do that.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Elaine, that is the exact word I have been looking for to describe this quilt: "cheerful!!" Thank you! ❤️

[@Siennaflower]

I love that backing fabric! If I was displaying that quilt, I would definitely fold it over to be able to see both sides! ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I love it so much--still when I see it I smile! And I would do the same. ❤️

[@sophiastamatis9235]

Okay, time for me to shop for gingham shirts…..love, love this quilt.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sophia!❤ it is so easy to make, you will love it!

[@annerankin1191]

One of favourite things is to piece the back and pattern match (and nailing it!!!!!!). The quilt is beautiful and I’m sure Brooke will love it as much as she loves you! I was waiting for the Paul unquilting rescue!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Anne, you know Paul has to come to the rescue with the unquilting! ❤😂🤓 Thanks for your sweet comment!🥰

[@christinahall3318]

Love Gingham! Love Simplicity! Brooke is going to love this quilt! You look fabulous! I love your realness 💖💖💖

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Christina! ❤️

[@coreygilles847]

I find that when I make quilts for those that I love (rather than just quilting to learn a technique that I don’t yet know what I plan to do with the finished quilt) that I tend to want to make the quilt perfect…which slows the process. And the more I love the recipient the longer it takes me to create. My poor niece waited almost 7 years for me to finally finish her quilt and it’s taken me just as much time to make my best friends quilt. As for it not being complicated or a hard quilt to make. I have found that makes little difference to the recipient…in most cases they don’t quilt so it all looks hard. And even if they understand that the design is “simple” they are just so happy that you thought to make them a gift of a quilt…and honestly, some of my favorite quilts are just one block made HUGE with very simple quilting

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Corey, I couldn't agree with you more!! I do take my time with quilts going to people that I love--and work toward excellence in them for that same reason! 🤓❤️

[@johnbarnby]

That is a beautiful comforting quilt. It's a cool rainy Sunday afternoon on the sofa while watching a movie....quilt. I don't know why 9-patch appeals to me so. Maybe it's the symmetry? Whatever it is, that quilt is perfection!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, John! And you are so right (cool rainy Sunday afternoon movie/nap quilt! Ahhh...can't you just feel it?!) I love a 9-patch and it appeals to me on a deep level (also don't know why. 🤷🏻‍♀️) I think I could do an Irish chain in two-tone in every color of the rainbow and be happy. New life goal! 😘

[@mariasapien3303]

Oh! My! Gosh! I love this quilt! AAAND, you just helped me with what I had been loosing sleep over! I have a memory quilt that I had been struggling on what to do for backing and quilting, thanks to this video, I know what to do! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Maria! ❤️ I'm SO happy that this video gave you some inspiration for backing and quilting---as I said (in the video lol) you never know what is going to give you inspiration!! 😊🥰

[@Kara_Sews_N_Quilts]

What a simply beautiful quilt. I love simple patterns they can surprise you sometimes. I am working on a scrappy log cabin quilt for my stepdaughter that is handicapped that love loves purple 💜. Making quilts are a labor of love with stories that are individual for each one. I do all mine on a domestic sewing machine. Thank you for sharing your stories. I always look forward to them. ❤❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kara! 🥰 I do love a simple quilt as well--they just have this timeless quality about them.🤩 Thank you for watching and commenting and sharing as well--I know your stepdaughter will love her purple scrappy quilt! ❤️

[@lindad6223]

I simply love an Irish Chain! I love the scrappy color scheme. I love the gingham theme. How blessed to be on your "quilt worthy" gifting list. I have a scrappy red & scrappy white that I need to get quilted before it becomes a dust collector. You've given me some ideas! Any clues as to why my bobbin thread keeps breaking??

[@jennjennedington279]

Oh Linda your response did not post under your comment. See above.

[@lindad6223]

@@jennjennedington279 different Linda, I think!

[@RobinHarris61]

I love gingham, too! It's a very beautiful quilt! Also love the mental image of a catbird "prowling" through the thrift stores. 😁 Quick story: We have a friend who's name is Field. He married a woman named Brooke. We were so disappointed that they didn't name their little boy, "Forrest". 😆🥰❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Why am I not surprised that you love gingham, Robin! 🥰 You know I'm always on the prowl for something!! Oh and I laughed about your friends' names---Forrest would have been an amazing name for that family!!❤️😂

[@junipers-tarot]

thanks for another fun video!

[@susanlusk9584]

Such a beautiful quilt! Love the catbird on the vine in the corner! I've been saving my gingham for a pine tree forest quilt, but now I have to put this lovely one in my "brain queue".

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Susan! ❤️🥰 Oh and a gingham pine tree forest quilt sounds AMAZING!

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

Cathy ,love the way this quilt came together❤ another beautiful job.!😘🙏🙆

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Neva! ❤

[@texcurtis77006]

Love the quilting. Just lovely. Did the 3 parallel lines in a recent quilt I did.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jeff! The quilting really did just make all the difference! ❤️

[@pammeinzer6757]

How beautiful!!! Less is definitely more. I am going to start collecting. You have out done yourself.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Pam! ❤️

[@kscheuerman5378]

It was so lovely to hear this story. I have been mia to watching yt because my husband and I are selling our house. We have spent 4 intense weeks working on it to get it ready, doing all kinds of needed repairs. You know all the little things we wanted to do but never got around to doing for ourselves to enjoy. Yesterday was the first day we took a break. I have missed so many videos. I enjoyed this so much. You and your friend are so lucky to have each other in your lives. God Bless you both. God Bless your husband Paul, he is so special!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

K, Paul and I have done that many times (intense weeks repairing/remodeling/restoring our home to ready it to sell) so I FEEL YOU. I'm so glad you enjoyed this video! And thank you---blessings back to you and your husband!❤️

[@anitabrantley5202]

Love it.

[@joandines2486]

This is stunning! Inspirational, I love it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! Thank you, Joan! ❤️

[@lauracurnan3255]

Simple and just beautiful!. Made with all sorts of LOVE. Of course she will love it and TREASURE it forever. You are the best friend ever!!!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you, Laura! 🥰

[@blairseibert1778]

I love gingham. I laughed to myself while watching your show when I realized I was wearing my black/white gingham shirt. Just pulled it out last week as it's been to cold before now. Love your content. Thanks!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Perfect timing then! We gingham lovers tend to find each other, I think! 😊😘

[@mygrommi]

Cathy, I have been anxiously awaiting your video on this amazingly beautiful quilt - it is my favorite of all the quilts you have done. I have collected quite a few gingham shirts and hope to soon get started on my quilt. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. I LOVE everything about this quilt - especially the yellow gingham binding.👏👏👏👏👍👍👍😍

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you, Renea! ❤️ I can't wait for you to get started on your quilt! 🤓🤩

[@dawnbrumfield7895]

Well, when I started watching, I thought that I wouldn't have a comment for today's video, but here I am! I was loving the story so much (what a treasure Brooke is for you) and low and behold, you say Lilly Pulitzer! My daughter and I LOVE Lilly Pulitzer. I have for a long, long time. My daughter went through her sorority when it was extremely popular. She even took all of her high school graduation money and bought Lilly bedding for her college dorm. As anyone who loves it knows, it is quite expensive. It was out of my price reach for most of my life, until I discovered consignment stores and thrifting. I have several pieces as does my daughter (she has a lot). But now that I am a quilter, I am a "collector". I don't have grandchildren yet, but one day, I'm going to have a granddaughter (I'm claiming that now), and she's GOING to have a Lilly Pulitzer quilt. I buy pieces at the consignment/thrift shops in any size available and I am diligently searching for the perfect quilt pattern to show it off. Thank you again for a great video to start my Friday. (If any of you have suggestions on a great quilt pattern to show off all of that busy fabric, please comment!)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Dawn, this is such a delightful comment--thank you for sharing! 🥰 And you can thank Sissie for that comparison to Lilly Pulitzer, it had been reminding me of something but I couldn't quite put my finger on it! I am certain that your (and your daughter's) Lilly Pulitzer collection will make an exquisite quilt! 🤩

[@marybeth4002]

Cathy, the quilt is absolutely lovely and such a beautiful gift for your dear friend. Since I 'found' you I've been having a great time purchasing/breaking down men's shirts. I have a deliciously colorful collection of gingham and it makes me sooo happy. This quilt pattern gives me such inspiration. LOVE the fabric on the back too! (My mother's name was Mary Catherine and went by Kay❤)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Mary Beth! ❤️ I'm so glad that you've found some inspiration from this simple quilt---the gingham did all the work though! And how wonderful about your mom and I sharing the same name! 🥰

[@janetsmith9372]

thank you

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Janet for always watching and commenting! So appreciate your support! 😘

[@sherryedwards5978]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sherry! ❤️

[@cynthiacook1985]

True story. My mother born in 1913 was named Mary Katherine with a (K). My Dad used to call her Mary Kay which I think she thought was endearing in the beginning but after about 10 years of Marriage she sat him down and lovingly explained that she preferred to be called Mary Katherine and he never called her Mary Kay again not even in jest. So lovely that your friend calls you by your full name.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness! What a funny (and touching) story---and how great of your dad to respect her so well! Sounds like they had a good marriage.❤️ I won't let just anyone call me Mary Catherine--Brooke is one of about 3 people that call me by my full name (I prefer Cathy) but it is so sweet coming from her.🥰

[@angielovett4159]

So incredibly lovely ⭐️⭐️⭐️. I’m sure your friend will cherish it 💕

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Angie! ❤️

[@trishbizuk5342]

Keep giggling with gingham, Girl!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol! You know I will! 😂❤️

[@amherstfarmersco-opgin161]

Love the gingham quilt!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you! ❤️

[@michele6708]

Have you tried bamboo batting? It drapes beautifully and breathes better than cotton to me. I love your quilts. This nine patch is lovely in its simplicity of design. :)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Michele! ❤️ I haven't tried bamboo batting, but I have heard that it is very soft and drapey!

[@CalicoJungle]

I once machine quilted a quilt on my home sewi g machine, didnt like the way it looked, and hand quilted; removing the machine stitches.

[@romonaelrod7870]

Hi Cathy,it is a beautiful quilt. I like your shoes. What brand are they. They look comfortable.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you. Romona! ❤ I wear this shoe brand a lot because they are so comfortable and I stand all day at work! They are JBU/Jambu-I lurv them!!

[@romonaelrod7870]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Thanks Cathy. I will have to try to find some of those shoes.

[@janetjohnson3795]

Aw, you've inspired me with great tips and ideas with this 9 patch. I have loved gingham since childhood. I, too, have a collection of various colors and sizes. Your friend will absolutely cherish your keepsake you made for her! BTW, tell me about that cornbread festival!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Janet! ❤️ The cornbread festival was so much fun: music, artisanal markets, fair food and rides, and lots of cornbread! 😊

[@sherylscherba185]

The quilt is beautiful- I love it!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sheryl!

[@juliekoone3569]

Beautiful story and that quilt is amazing. Thank you for all your videos❤️❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Julie! 🥰

[@debraigo2711]

All I can say, is love it !!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Debra! ❤️

[@dougandsuepflum7526]

Just simply beautiful!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sue! ❤️