Sewing with Rita. Watch while Rita makes a quilt from start to finish in one day!

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This is the longest video I have ever posted. Rita is visiting and we had a day sewing - she wanted to learn about quilting and we turned on the camera. It is not meant as a tutorial, just me and my lovely Girl Rita hanging out and sewing - Anna turns up, John too and I just left the camera rolling. So if this is not what you want to see, stay tuned for some Advent Videos coming soon - not every day of December, but as many days as we can manage - Anna and I - because - surprise surprise - real life happens here too at The Last Homely House!
I think that litter of star pei puppies will have some fabulous names from those Kona Solids - who wouldn't want a puppy called Shell, Creamsiclke, Yarrow, Bonsia, Celestial or ..... Bone? Ha ha!
the pattern is available free from The Wren Collective here
wren-collective.com/free-patt...
The Royalty Free music in this video is from Bensounds
Memories
Once Again
The Day is Close
Casey Don't You Fret
(in that order)

[@poppysmum9715]

I knit, crochet and cross stitch but cannot reach the dizzy heights of even sewing on a button!!!! I just know I’d not be able to do anything more than that. However, I love this channel. I carefully follow everything you say and advise (in my head) and become hooked on all the ongoing projects. Kate, I love you and the girls. Entertaining and so friendly. I love it and I’ve binged on loads of your (new to me) vids. xx

[@darlenem4940]

This is probably one of my favorite videos. You helping the girls and getting quilting, bonding time. So wonderful

[@loraparker6790]

You all just make my heart so happy. I lost my mom when I was 19, she was only 38 when an auto accident took her. Sewing with you makes my heart smile!

[@nonyabidness1623]

Good Morning from Texas, My first time seeing you and Rita, just want to say, I dont think Ive ever observed such laughing and giggling from you Kate, your smile is great, and laughter is addicting, so lovely, the two of you! What a wonderful family you have! Enjoyed viewing this video! lis😮

[@paularodery8074]

Two lovely daughters-in-law and both learning “the craft”.❤ I wish I had learned 50 yrs ago from my mother-in-law……

[@janisjagielkymiller6869]

What a beautiful quilt and a sweet room for Agnes! I been going through health issues and you always need to step back and take time to do what you love! It’s hard to do and I am still trying to figure that out as I am getting stronger.

[@heatherwatson7692]

I love watching this jam session with the three of you. So much fun!

[@lyndaevans1132]

Another way to teach someone to sew a careful 1/4" is to have them practice on lined notebook paper. That's how I have children begin.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

that is such a good idea! xxx

[@patcorona5979]

What a great idea. I’m going to do that with my 8 year old niece.

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

We need not forgive you anything Kate. Don't be hard on yourself. Lots of love to you and yours♥️

[@lillyjunke9395]

Thank u for showing such family comrodery. I may have spelled it better by using the words togetherness & getting along I am going to be 73 in November. LiLLy❤

[@ArleneW1]

Such a wonderful video ❤️ I really love Rita’s little quilt ❤️ You have such a lovely family !!

[@CheapEngineerCrafts]

So great to see the wonderful relationship you have with your children. You and they are so lucky to have each other.

[@tammydempsey8065]

LOVED this ...nott too long at all Kate....you areca wonderful teacher.....

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Well done to Rita on a great finish - I was so happy to see those star points come together, lined up perfectly :)

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

me too! the care and effort is worth it because even a tiny bit off would have looked wrong - she did great! xxx

[@maryo8511]

First time meeting your other DIL Rita. She is Fire!! Loved her! Ana is Water and you are Earth Mother. ❤❤❤ Wonderfully majical group of women.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

Oh this is such fun! I am having the most lovely vicarious time with you guys. I’m just bulging with happiness for you, Kate. Oh, I just learned about the thread bunny. I’m 73 yr. young and have been sewing since I was 12 and never heard of that bunny and am delighted to learn something today. ✌️❤️🇨🇦🙏

[@lesliemarie3061]

I don't understand the thread bunny. Could you or someone explain it to me, please?

[@hollywaddell6727]

Leslie Maree I'm late to watching this video, so perhaps you have your answer, but I'll put one in for you as well. What Kate calls a "thread bunny" can also be referred as "leader" (as in leading the way toward the next seam) and "ender;" or sometimes called a "jumper strip" (jumping from one unit to the next); or "headers" (heading for a new seam) and "footers." They are usually a double layer of fabric placed under the needle and presser foot upon which to begin sewing a line of stitches. Stop stitching just past the edge of the thread bunny Leave the presser foot down and the needle in the down position - do not pull the thread away and do not cut the thread. Now place the desired pieced unit of the quilt block in position just under the toe of the presser foot ready for a 1/4" seam allowance width and begin sewing that seam. When reaching the end of the seam for that unit, have another thread bunny ready to sew onto or, if there are several units ready to chain piece, just keep feeding them under the toe of the presser foot and sew on as before. Here is the why ... 1) Mainly to give the feed dogs something to bite into evenly rather than risking the needle pushing a raw edge of the unit down into the throat of the machine, which is especially bothersome when starting at a pointy corner as with half square triangles. 2) Helps avoid thread nests at the beginning edges of a new seam. 3) Saves time and thread not having to pull out a long tail of thread in order to clip it and get set up for the next unit. Some quilters have a few pre-cut patchwork squares sitting next to their machine, ready for joining, which they use for leaders and enders (I'm going to have to learn to say "thread bunnies.") This results in having some bonus units sewn together for another project.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

Thanks so much for telling me about the thread bunnies and all the other names. I have only made 2 quilts but many many clothes. I certainly now understand the efficiency of using thread bunnies when sewing quilt pieces. But now I can incorporate the bunnies into some sewing projects, quilts or not. Thank you!

[@Mariarosey]

over here we call them porcupines :)

[@tracymason7483]

That quilt was really good and beautiful well done

[@JanetFord-zk6uz]

This looks like so much fun! Wish I had a sewing buddy!

[@annecrisp7818]

When I watch it reminds me of home. The cold weather and the teapot covers. My cats walk all over my sewing table too..the colours and fabrics mix well together.. I really wish I had space for a sewing room too..keep inspiring.

[@fimuseum]

Good job Rita !

[@terrynero81]

You are a awesome teacher. I wish I lived close to you so I could hire you to teach me how to quilt.

[@barbarahudson8879]

Cat Rita looooves girl Rita! I LOL watching

[@ettalanuti7926]

There's a qui!t shop in Oregon called Jordan Fabrics. One of the best things I ever learned is from Donna and Matt, the owners. They use hand weights to hold down the far end of the ruler. Mine is a five pound weight I found at the thrift store for $1.59. Makes it so much easier ! Love your show!

[@mariekozma6867]

I learned the same thing from Donna! Instead of hand weights, I use an antique iron that my grandmother used. She had to heat it on the wood stove before it was put on the clothes. It is extremely heavy and has a wonderful handle! Perfect!

[@connimace258]

You have a beautiful family. Love the longer video. The cats are beautiful. Love seeing them Norma deserves to be in them all.

[@mountainsno]

as a mum this is the kind of family I aspire to have.... my kids are getting older and we have started doing projects together.... well done Rita on your first quit!! and thank you to all the family .... I loved this video so much. Love meeting everyone. Loved the quilt designs.

[@veracampbell9583]

I loved this video Kate. The children there and you all having a great day. Rita’s quilt looks amazing. I love the pattern. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family and wonderful quilting.

[@ethelpaul9023]

Thank you Kate i so enjoyed this video the girls are so sweet it’s so nice to do things together you are just a special lovely lady God bless ❤️🇦🇺

[@janetkeen8065]

A most beautiful episode! Kate you seemed a bit frazzled a time or two! Lol. I just love family time!

[@user-xg5vv4bz8c]

😊great video you are a good teacher and Rita was a good student I am so glad you are teaching her too and Anna is already good at it but still needs your guidance it's been a pleasant 😊

[@angiewarren6045]

I so enjoyed your video! You’re a great teacher! Very patient and knowledgeable! It really makes me want to get up in my sewing room and get some projects started!

[@willowhilldesigns7]

What a wonderful quilt Rita made and love the design! She’s a natural and picked things up very quickly! I loved Anna’s quilt too and the look of improv piecing! Both girls are sweeties and you’re bringing two more quilters into the fold ;-) - I love it! Enjoyed this video so much!

[@elizabethvallely4044]

REALLY REALLY Enjoy this video! Rita and Anna are lovely young ladies you are Blessed with a lovely family well done Kate thats because you'er a lovely beautiful lady! thank you for sharing with us all was a very interesting video as I have always wanted to do a quilt learned a lot watching thanks again you are a very good teacher!!! Hugs Liz...

[@user-ez5zm8bb4n]

That was very interesting, great to have family around. ❤

[@sharonoconnor7769]

That was so much fun to watch! Very special to see both girls sewing with you! I have 3 sons but don’t have daughters. I do have a lovely niece who learned to sew from my mom, but now my sister and I are her mentors. I am hoping that one of my granddaughters will take up quilting. You were so patient, and a great teacher. I loved Rita’s spunk and her confidence even though it was her first quilt. Job well done all the way around! Love your videos.

[@stephaniegatien6580]

Hi Kate the quilt was beautiful well done for the first one you are a great teacher Stephanie Sydney Australia

[@tuthillg]

So much fun to watch the warm interactions between you and your family, Kate. Reminds me of the olden days when women would gather around and hand quilt a large quilt and chat away. The quilt looks lovely! TFS the inspiration!

[@lynnk274]

I was so amused thinking that cat Rita was quilting💖 Beautiful quilt Rita.

[@lucybyrd2188]

Very fun to work together like that. I love the girls’ quilts. You are a good teacher.

[@rubylu8079]

beautiful job she did

[@SandraOranje]

Hi Kate, Rita, nice to 'meet' you, hi Anna, John and Owen (who I didn't see) 😉 This was so nice. It was like sitting at the other side of the table visiting. You are a really quick learner Rita, but you have a very skilled patient teacher. I didn't mind the lenght of the video at all. This was nice to see this quilt being made that I already saw finished on instagram. I loved the blue fabric. I'm a blue person. Also cat Rita had a great teacher, she must have watched Norma do the booty camera shots. 😂😂 It's really nice to get to know your beautiful family Kate. I hope you all had a really great time together. 💕💕💕xxxx

[@sylviatolan1814]

I think Cat Rita was "photo bumming.". Thanks for sharing your days with us.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Photo Bumming is now my new cat expression for videos - perfect! xxx

[@nancyoppegard6665]

I agree with everything Sandra said. I could watch you ladies sew all day. Rita is delightful. The David Bowie quilt...wonderful. I love looking at the inside of your home and seeing your kitties. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

@@sylviatolan1814 Great expression! 😂😂

[@gwenwiedner3392]

Really enjoyed watching Rita do her quilt. Wish you were right beside me when I had a question...LOL! Great to see Anna and John, as well!

[@jennstumpf1]

How very lovely. I enjoyed every moment! ❤️ Girl Rita has the stamp of approval from me. Lovely to see Anna & John and of course Cat Rita & furry company!! I would loved to have had a quilt instructor like you, Kate! What a lovely gathering of enthusiasts. 💖💕

[@gloriangarner9146]

Kate, I'll say it again, "you're an exceptional kind person" GG from Oregon

[@turtlerose7384]

That's wonderful, Rita! What a great first quilting project. Kate, thank you for sharing. Lovely to have spent an hour visiting with you and your family (I was able to get a lot of knitting done😊)...

[@karentzn]

Rita I’m so thrilled you had fun with Kate. Beautiful to watch. I’m cross stitching whilst listening and watching

[@pattiecoxey]

Such fun! I love a longer video from you. 💚

[@bananabradysmom]

I love how you interact with each other! Rita has a lovely sense of humor! Thanks for sharing!

[@glennissalls4734]

Well done Rita

[@Melodyflea]

Excellent video.....Loved it!❤

[@emilychadwick3857]

Good job Rita 💕🙋‍♀️

[@user-ng3gg5pe1v]

Oh I wish I'd have had a mother in law like you Kate.X

[@lupealvarado8860]

What a lovely treat to sit in and be a part of the family💗. I really didn't take notice of the length of the video. Enjoyed everything, now I see how much you enjoyed everyone.

[@th31ndieon34]

Love the simplicity of the quilt, the colour choices have real impact. Thank you for sharing the link for the free pattern and the detailed sew-along ❤

[@playme129]

When I saw the title, I thought you were going to teach Rita the cat to sew. Now that would have been quite a tutorial! Enjoyed this very much. Virginia in Ohio

[@sheenamaddock4534]

I thought it would be cat Rita too:)

[@cheryllasich9467]

this is quite funny to me; while you and your daughters in law are piecing your quilts together, I am sorting through my fussy cuts looking for embellishments for my first traveling themed tag book! I like this. Y'all are crafting with fabric and I'm crafting with paper and chipboard.

[@jenniferfarsh675]

Thanks ladies for inviting us in on this special day xx

[@pjl2963]

Absolutely beautiful first attempt, Rita!

[@catherinemclaughlin6949]

Hi Kate Rita and Anna nice to see ye all quilting togeather both quilts look beautiful love the colours great jobe for first quilt rita looking forward to seeing yours done Anna the ladies are so lucky having you for guidance Kate great video thank you all

[@clairehampton986]

The relationship you have with Rita and Anna is really quite amazing. Lovely young women which says a lot about the sons who are their partners. And that, my dear Kate is due to you.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

I am so very fortunate that all three of my kids are such good friends and that they all three have wonderful partners - I feel like I have six kids in fact - I love spending time with them all xxxx

[@patpoythress2254]

@@thelasthomelyhouse It shows! You all are an example for families everywhere! Your love for one another is so evident.

[@ingridellis8237]

Lovely Rita, both the quilt and you. Thanks for sharing.

[@barbaralam3778]

Great job Rita and your on your way. Having Kate as a teacher is an honor. Well done

[@julie3935]

I really enjoyed watching this whilst making a cottage pie for dinner (it is unseasonably cold here in Melbourne, Oz) The Ziggy stripe came out beautifully. I also loved seeing you pottering in the kitchen while Rita finished her quilt off. Its so nice seeing your family dropping in too, we have no relatives here and I do miss that part of family life.

[@DeborahBurton.]

Lovely.

[@melaniedzwonchyk7480]

Just watching this in early 2024 and realizing this is why I do love you, Kate, and your KZbin visits. What fun you and Rita, and the cats and Anna, are having on a sewing afternoon. Reminds me of sewing with my Mom and sisters in our basement sewing room decades ago, when we were really having a fun time with one another. Love the Cat Bingo!

[@deliaflores6309]

What fun watching you cutting the quilt.. oh by the way Rita, use your measurements to choose patterns and a good fitting book to help you. I was also choosing the size by the pattern listing and was disappointed with sewing. Kate’s suggestion of sewing a toile or sample is great advice. Love your colors and design.

[@monikawidensky8815]

I was watching (or rather listening) to your sewing while sewing myself. Such a fun to sew with a bunch of friendly nice people. Thanks!

[@lahhal252]

Crochet

[@terichiarelli6210]

Loved every minute of this Kate! I have pictures of me teaching my daughter in law to sew and she picked it up great...all was put on hold as babies started arriving😉 So nice to see you enjoying your family! All are blessed❤️

[@WhatVivididnext]

Oh I loved this video.....so relaxing to hang out with you all and watch a few pieces of fabric come to life. Well done Girl Rita! I actually enjoyed the video being long......I totally lost myself in it and forgot all abut my to-do list for a while. Wonderful. :-)

[@dixiebryant7563]

Great job ladies. I'm learning a lot from watching your videos!

[@carolynwatts2942]

I just learned something new about sewing strips together. It is interesting to watch you teaching the girls to sew and make quilts. Thank you.👍♥️

[@susanfryer1616]

The quilt turned out really well , well done Rita hope you enjoyed your stay in UK

[@ritaking8827]

From One Rita, to Cat Rita, and Girl Rita, well done! I enjoyed this video 🐈🐈🐈

[@juliebinyon1867]

I loved watching the quilt being made! Well done Rita! Also, Anna’s is coming along nicely.

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

Kate ,I gust found this video love love it .I feel like i am there with you girls thank you for sharing😇😍

[@ellekorb860]

Your children enjoy spending time with you. For a mother, a blessing of unfathomable magnitude. Well done, Kate, well done.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

Enjoyed the long time to “be” together with you guys. Made my day (evening).✌️❤️🇨🇦🙏

[@shadowette1950]

I love wdtching you teach your daughter-in-laws how to quilt ❤❤❤... it's so lovely to see family time

[@inge6280]

Lovely! Treated myself to a new sewing machine, so...... getting inspiration from this!

[@karentzn]

Rita you did an incredible first quilt. You are a gifted sewer and very confident. Well done

[@sewgatormomm]

Well done Anna and Rita! You chose the best teacher, but it's clear you both have loads of creative talent and excellent color/fabric choice instincts. Thank you for the longer video. It was a nice surprise.

[@user-bq6oe4lv9k]

Very nice

[@institches100]

Love to watch a newbie learning how to quilt. Rita seems to be a natural at this.

[@lancashirelass5903]

Hi everybody! Really enjoyed watching you all, i was knitting as i was watching. Lovely pattern Rita! Lovely job

[@mlupton8929]

Eyeing up the Liberty colour wash piece is the bottom left corner

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

it is a long overdue Part Two - you know how bad I am at Part Two Videos - (shame on me) xxx

[@suewilson3044]

Pleased to see you are ok and Norma too...........been looking forward to your video and this doesn't disappoint.

[@barbarainalabama460]

Enjoyed spending the day with y’all. Nice to meet girl Rita. I didn’t see Owen. Hi John and Anna. Rita your first quilt turned out great. Shalom

[@reglindiseckhardt9777]

There is NOTHING better than the opportunity to work on a project with friends and family. Love and laughter (and cats) in abundance.

[@twyla2575]

Great video with all the visitors. Loved how Rita and Prudence got in the mix. They are the official quilt inspectors!!!

[@angelafeather1301]

Wonderful work😁 how nice it is for you to be able to share a skill with your daughter in laws. I would love to do that with my daughter in laws but they have no desire to quilt, sew or knit ☹️

[@denisesefton9432]

You are so patient Kate! Good job Rita! A quilter is born.

[@joycebuell442]

Not bad for a first time ❤

[@debbiedaniels2390]

What amazing job for a first quilt!! Well done!

[@angief1330]

I enjoyed this video, it was fun to watch someone new at quilting and you teaching. Kate you are such a sweet, beautiful soul! 💚

[@janicesheppard2084]

Enjoyed so much watching you and Rita sew, while I was sew along with you guys.Anna is a great sewer as well , you have taught them well Kate, you are truly blessed 💕

[@brendaclark4152]

Ya rah girl Rita!

[@estherrubin867]

It was so lovely to watch you supporting both Anna and Rita (simultaneously) make their way through their projects and the mutual respect you all have for one another. Kate, you’ve made room for all of your kids and their partners and have a beautiful, mutually supportive family. My daughter in law and I share a love of knitting that we love to share together. I’m a seasoned knitter and she’s an adventurous beginning knitter which is so much fun. Thanks for the “thread bunny” tip as I can see how it makes sewing life so much smoother. All the best.

[@terrysheehan9831]

Does my heart good to see the three of you working together in your creative endeavors, Just beautiful.

[@judypierce2495]

My daughter had a black Labrador retriever named Bonsai!

[@mrscms831]

OH how fun that was. I missed Owen. Where was he? HA, Loved how cat Rita did not want to leave girl Rita alone. We don't normally see Cat Rita and Prudence as much. Good to see John after so long, we have all missed him. Is he done with his class? While you girls were quilting, I sat and did some embroidery and felt like I was at the table with you all. Nice job Girl Rita on your first quilt piece. I was a bit worried for you with all those angles needing to be aligned, but you pulled it off.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Owen was out and about around the place with his camera - it's his passion - John is part way though his course and it is very demanding plus full time work - so that's why we rarely see him these days - and yes - I was surprised by Cat Rita hanging around - she normally just (like now) sleeps the day away and hunts all night! xxx

[@TheCatfancier]

lol. I thought the exact same. Cat Rita was very much drawn to Girl Rita.

[@fimuseum]

What a delight watching you and Rita together. And Anna too. And then your son pops into the picture ! The cats crack me up. Love watching you and Rita trying to keep them off the work surface. Too funny.

[@HumbleVoyager]

That was fun! The project turned out great. Thanks for sharing your family, Kate. 😎