On My Sewing Table - Quilt Projects for September, 2023

[@kimbetts4282]

Well hello my quilty friend ♥ I have a particular fondness for Kaffe Fassett and his fellow designer friends. He is quite an enigma and will be sorely missed in the art and textile world when he leaves us. I think you should pick one of the fabrics from the fat 1/4's... psst, I think the big lotus print or are they nasturtiums (?) would look fabulous... and use that for the backing! It will give it depth but also ground it at the same time. See time stamp 31.20 minutes with the dark purple blocks....you have your left hand on one of the blocks. Loving the Quilty Stars block...I must admit I bought that pattern because of you 😂 I keep my fabrics and yarns in op shopped vintage suit cases and then use them as a coffe table and bedside table. It's a bit of a nuisance to unstack them sometimes but i try to keep luggage labels on them. I also use old wooden bobbins and cotton reels from woollen mills to wind my binding ,lace and ribbons onto and just stick a pin in to stop them unravelling. These days candle making suppliers are also selling lidded jars that look like old style lolly jars , so if you like that vintage look, like I do, the jars are great for buttons!

[@christinasears6232]

Your youngest daughter's quilt fabric selection and construction is beautiful! I appreciate how the both of you dialogued about the colors. Your denim and floral fabric block is beautiful. You are making something precious for your husband! I appreciated your point about working in the little pieces of lovely fabric from the yoke, cuffs, and label. I found this to be very resourceful. I look forward to seeing how this project develops in a future episode or two. The square block pattern featuring Kaffe Fassett (KF) is stunning! The color value combinations are lovely❤️ Thank-you for your wonderful content on your channel. I appreciate your ideas as you continue to inspire your viewers to find their deals in their community and make their expression in fabric❤️😊 Have you considered writing a soft cover guide on your quilting style? On my last trip to the thrift store, I found a couple of amazing men's shirts. I'd love to send a photo of them to you. Have a good day, Cathy. Thanks for inspiring your viewers and making lovely gifts for your family & friends. Christina🙂😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh my goodness, Christina! Thank you!❤️ And thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you! (to each of your points. 😘) I haven't considered writing anything, honestly! 😂 I didn't even realize I have a "quilting style" (apart from using men's shirts for fabric)---but you're the second person to comment on that lately, so I guess I do?!🤷🏻‍♀️ Maybe one day! 😘 If you want to send me a photo through messaging in IG or an email (in the about on my profile here) you are more than welcome to do that! I can't guarantee that I'll respond (or respond quickly!) but I'd love to see your thrift store score! Thanks again for watching and for the kind words in your comment! ❤️

[@christinasears6232]

Thank-you Cathy. The content you and your husband create for this channel is very meaningful and useful. Your Kaffe Fassett segment was superb. Keep having alot to say about fabric🙂😊 C

[@christinasears6232]

(My email was sent to a KZbin no-reply address. Not sure how send my email to you. 🙂😊C)9/14/23 9:47 pm PST.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@christinasears6232 try [e-mail]

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

I’ve only just found this channel in the past 2 wks & Christina put all the words just right to describe how I feel from watching your content! I also believe that your upbeat personality & natural charm, add to the appeal of ppl who love to sew AND *QUILT*!! I got turned onto quilting around ‘20’s - 20+ years ago, but haven’t done any “real” sewing in 10 yrs…your content is truly inspiring me & getting my creative juices flowing! I plan on making rag quilts for pets to sell & supplement my income-using thrifted denim (from MEN’S jeans😮😊), flannel & men’s shirting fabrics. But-HAH, after really finding some cool fabrics-like U mention/show on here for using in quilts--traditional quilting that is, I am now planning on making throw quilts to sell using the shirting fabrics as well…too nice to use in rag quilts LOL!! Really like it what i see/hear here-your personality is fun too-keeping it so real-love the authenticity…keep it up, I so appreciate what you’re sharing here!!! 😊❤️👍🙏🌞

[@sistersister2999]

The Kaffe quilt looks great! The arrangement of the solid colors, the fussy cut cabbages and the non-fussy cut “neighbors” help to move the viewers eye around the quilt. And, good for you for working out of your comfort zone! Well done, you!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Sister! ❤️

[@ms.booklover2676]

For the star quilt, use the pattern that creates the diamond in the center. It will be stunning! Don’t worry about the fixer-upper block. It’s like us humans. We are all fixer uppers. 🤣

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Donna, I will now be using "fixer-upper" block---coming soon to TCBQ video near you! 😉 Lord knows I'm a fixer upper so I relate! 🤓

[@ms.booklover2676]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I’m honored. I’m a fixer-upper too! 😂😂😂

[@ms.booklover2676]

You are quite welcome, Cathy. 😉 Being a scientist and a creative makes for stunning quilts! You have quite a gift.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Donna! ❤️ I thought you might recognize that yoke!😉

[@abigailthompson4456]

Possibly no one will notice the lines being inaccurate. IR you could pick 3 random blocks, and this one, to do some other swirly quilting pattern. Make a feature out of the oddness. I like that you managed keeping that one in the quilt. It makes me feel better about my accidents in quilts.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks for the suggestion, Abigail! I can definitely see myself featuring the "oddness" (as you put it) either in this quilt or one in the future! 🤓😊 For some reason, I like pointing out my mistakes (here on YT but also in person! LOL!) Maybe because I know it makes ME feel better when I see someone else's gorgeous quilt that also has an accident or two. No one is perfect and it's good to feel not alone in that! ❤️

[@cecilehoare3053]

Since you are making the whole quilt for your husband out of the shirt brand, you should leave the tag on the accent fabric and sew it into each block! I love seeing quirky things like that!

[@coreygilles847]

Done is better than fancy. I love a good crosshatch quilted quilt. Looks great on everything ❤ and honestly…after about three months after the quilt has been quilted you will actually start to have a hard time even finding the “flaws” My momma always reminded me that perfection is an illusion…and the “flaws” I saw in my quilts was just my creative fingerprint -like gemstones have inclusions when they are created by nature. It makes the quilt uniquely mine. And that is important to family and friends who would be the recipients of what I was making.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Corey, you are so right---that crosshatch does look great on everything! (and I love it too!) I love this analogy of the gemstones with inclusions. LOVE. THAT. ❤️ So thankful for mommas that remind us that perfection is an illusion and encourage us to have creative fingerprints in our work. What a blessing! Thank you for this really encouraging comment and for watching and supporting me here on TCBQ!🥰

[@bethliebman8169]

Pleasantly surprised at your Kaffe quilt. The last video those fabrics were a hot mess! Those wide squares give the quilt such a serene flow from blue to purple. Such a beauty. May all your wips come magically together.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Beth! ❤️ It will take magic or a miracle for my WIP's to come together, but I'm gonna keep plugging away at them anyway! 😂

[@patriciabryant6574]

You could still do the cross hatching but use a wave or serpentine stitch then any piecing shortfalls won’t show up in the overall scheme of things. 😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Super smart suggestion! Thanks! 🤓❤️

[@juliejeavons6949]

Those cabbage blocks are just gorgeous. I think I’d leave the actual label on one of those little squares and make it part of the quilt, or at least part of the quilt label on the back.

[@janiewilliams5803]

Your piecing solution for the small block in the magnolia quilt is a great idea. Personally, I don't think any inconsistency in the quilting would be noticeable when all is finished, bound, and loved. ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Janie! ❤️ I'm hoping it won't show, but then again, even if it does, my sweet friend won't care at all! And isn't that just the best reminder?

[@shannoneaster9311]

Wow! Love the quilt tops and their incredible variety! Your daughter’s quilt will be perfectly “her”. Creativity can be challenging, but you accept challenges beautifully. 👍🏼👍🏼 The straight line quilting will be effective on your magnolia quilt if it’s consistent. The pieced block pattern can sometimes recede into the background or float on top of an overall quilting pattern. Random swirls, straight lines, or anything that is consistent overall will become its own “thing” visually once the quilt is finished. If you were to quilt around each piece just inside the background, the colored blocks pop forward and the white background recedes. No matter what you choose, it will be absolutely beautiful…different block size difference and all! Try not to only look at your quilt tops with a “magnifying glass” view, but also view them from a distance and as a whole. Even squint your eyes. It can give you a completely different perspective on color use/placement and overall pattern. It’s a bit like seeing a quilt from afar as opposed to at arms length. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been “wowed” by a quilt at a quilt show but upon viewing it from close proximity, I’ve been shocked and amazed by the color and pattern choices. Quilts look so different from a distance. Most importantly, All of your quilts are lovely fabric hugs for people you love. And I’m certain no one has ever criticized your loving, warm hugs. ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Shannon! ❤️ I, too, noticed the wide variety between the different quilt tops I have going right now! Black and white, muted blues and greys, happy plaids and then the Kaffe fabric! Whew!! That's quite a range! 😂 Thank you for saying I accept challenges beautifully--that means so much! And thanks for all your encouraging and kind words in your comment, too! I am humbled and pleased and reminded and lifted up! What a blessing.🥰

[@jillcooper172]

I have been quilting for almost 60 yrs now and have found those flaws that seem to glare at us when we are making it no one will even notice it after it has been quilted and washed. Even if I happen to see a little flaw in someone else's quilt I just grin and giggle and think here is someone who is a woman after my own heart and just continue to admire her beautiful (if not perfect) work. Also my magnolia quilt made with the same purple plaid fabric you used (I just happened to have that fabric) I think I will quilt mine using big stitch with purple thread in the diamond pattern like you said so thanks for the idea. I am not good at machine quilting so hand quilt all of mine.

[@jennjennedington279]

That purple big stitch quilting is going to be GORGEOUS! I am big stitching my second quilt. It’s a very long term project…. needless to say. On my first one (an Irish chain) I did a rectangle crosshatch because I made a counting error in row three and that changed to course of the quilting. Errors become design.

[@jillcooper172]

Yes Jenn so true Errors become design😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Jennifer, I have never seen this quilt you speak of, so now I need to see it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Jill! I can't get past that first sentence: quilting for almost 60 years!! WOW! And you are my kinda girl (yes, I said girl and I stand by it in the sweet way!) Those of you who see the imperfections and still view the quilt it as beautiful are the folks that I want/need/love in my life! You're welcome for the diamond pattern quilting idea, and I think your big purple stitch quilting will be absolutely LOVELY. And also, how cool that we have the same fabric!! I love THAT too! ❤️

[@sallycrawford7205]

I love your Kaffe quilt! It will be so striking! Don’t be so hard on yourself with your quilting, only the quilt police will judge 😝. I am sure your daughter will love her special quilt. Keep up the good work.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sally! ❤️

[@debbiestorjohann3532]

Love the kaffe quilt. The colors are peaceful. I like that you use shirts in your piecing. Waste not. I love my Grandma's quilt b/c I can they were made from family clothing. Till next time, Thank you for the inspiration

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Debbie! ❤️ And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jbarnes1250]

Sorting my cuffs and collars while watching this on my table. Wish I could add a picture. Blue prints for navy star, ginghams for the gingham quilt, a pile of Christmas, a collection of beautiful plaids for a magnolia, medium solids for a tulip quilt that’s formulating in my brain (can I design it?), … so many shirts (yes, I’m obsessed); so little time! My daughter who goes with me to Goodwills has become skeptical of the many shirts I have collected, was astounded by the beauty of the combination in a set of samples I made from them while taking the Square in a Square options overview course from Jodi Barrow. I think she “gets it now”. Men’s shirts are fabulous. Thank you for your inspiration, dear friend. Blessings!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Janet, I can totally "see" your process even without a photo! 🤓 And yes, you can totally design a tulip quilt (the Copihue quilt pattern by Cotton + Joy would be a good inspiration tho, in my opinion. even though you didn't ask!) Yes, SO many shirts---it is hard for people outside our little shirt-turned-fabric quilting world to understand! But once they see these finished quilts with all the shirt fabrics (that don't look like shirt fabrics) they often go, "Ohhhhh!" Of course I live for that moment! 😘

[@annerankin1191]

I love that you show your “fixes”! No one, never, ever will ever notice! The beauty of quilting! Do you use a walking foot and number 14 needle? I think it will be awesome on the diagonal and once more no one will notice “a” clipped corner! And, your friend will LOVE it and likely not say - Oh, you clipped that corner! XOX

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Anne! ❤️ I think I always show my "fixes" so that (a) I don't hold myself as someone who does it perfectly or has it all together, (b) my viewers and YT community don't feel like they alone make mistakes or have oopsies and (c) I am compelled to tell the truth (even when no one asks. lol) about whatever I'm working on. It's worked for me for all these years, so I guess I've just stuck with it. 😂 I DO use a walking foot and number 14 needle, but I rush and also don't manage the weight of the quilt effectively across my sewing table. If I would slow down it would probably do a world of good for my quilting! 😘🤓

[@annerankin1191]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts as I have to keep reminding myself, it is a walking foot, not a running foot!!!! 🫤 And I have found with an increase in bulk the stitches just aren’t even! So the elusive perfection is nonsense as we have both found! I much prefer honesty when not asked for! You are fabulous!

[@gonefishing3644]

Both types of quilting on those covers look good to me, but I do prefer the one with the diamond shape in the center. It just looks more artistic to me. For the whole quilt sandwich, I would do some long lines of quilting across the edges of the blocks from one side of the quilt to the other side in a kind of big grid and then I would do separate sets of quilting just inside each block. I would not try to only do long lines of quilting from one edge of the quilt to the other side. This would be more like the old days when the quilting was done with hand-stitching using a very large embroidery hoop and the quilting often was in separate motifs. It is okay if the quilting takes a bit longer -- just take more rest breaks and reward yourself with a little piece of chocolate after each sewing session.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

This excellent advice from top to bottom. And I appreciate your thoughts so much--great reminders here! But honestly, you sealed the deal with "reward yourself with a little piece of chocolate"--I think I WILL! 😘

[@SharonRStudio]

Beautiful quilts. I love the Kaffe quilt. His designs are so colorful and busy. Love the sashing and matching you did. it highlights and calms down the fabric at the same time.

[@karenfulkerson5961]

All of your quilts are works of art! I love your use of men’s shirts! 😎

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Karen! That is so sweet! ❤️

[@Stacy-iu6ch]

Now that the whole world knows, will we see the difference? Your friend will LOVE it no matter what. You are so funny. Not about the lines, but just in general. 😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Stacy---right?! 😂 And I think my friend even watches my YT channel so she'll know ALL about it anyway! LOL! ❤️

[@heavensmountains323]

I love your analytical approach to the choosing of each & every step in the quilting process. Kinda entertaining!😊🇨🇦

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you, Heavens!❤️

[@barbarachattin-mcnichols2370]

Two sayings come to mind: If you can see the flaw from the back of a moving horse at 50 feet, fix it; and Close enough for government work. Virtually no one will notice when they are gazing on that beautiful quilt!

[@barbarawilliams8523]

That is one of the most lovely Kaffe quilts I’ve ever seen.

[@CalicoJungle]

Sometimes done is better than perfect. Thus stated, either unsew and fix or ignore the minor flaw.

[@juliasander1680]

Great job with the Kaffe quilt. I am afraid I wouldn’t have included the block with the different size, but your solution is great! As for the quilting, my experience is that once the quilt is done, I enjoy the overall quilt so much my “errors” don’t matter. I say “this is the best I could do as of today,” & I happily give it or use it. The quilting might hide the difference in the block and if it doesn’t, don’t point out the difference. We have a tendency to point out “mistakes” when other people just like the quilt! It is done! Celebrate the accomplishment!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Julia! ❤️ "This is the best I could do as of today" is WONDERFUL. Just absolutely exactly and totally the sort of affirmation that I think all of us need to remind ourselves.(probably about everything but especially about quilting!) Thank you so much for your kind-hearted and supportive comment! 🥰

[@wendyfrankle6435]

I had to laugh when you said the quilts had to be the same size for your daughters... I live that same life (insert eyeroll here). I love your On My Sewing Table segments... Its nice to see what others have on-going. I love your honesty about your projects too. And I have found that any "flaws" are soon lost once its quilted, washed and crinkly. My grandmother made a sailboat quilt that I slept under for YEARS before I realized it had one boat where the sails were backwards. You would think it would have been very noticeable, but it totally wasn't.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I'm so glad you laughed about my daughters--and YES my goodness, I eye roll about them on the reg. Thank you for the kind words about the "On My Sewing Table" videos--it always surprises me that TCBQ community seems to enjoy them so. I laughed about your sailboat quilt--you WOULD think it would be very noticeable. I guess not, huh?😂 And if that's not encouraging, I don't know what is! 😘🤓😊

[@beckyezra1]

thank you for the video. I too, don't like quilting but patchwork almost only. so I tie my quilts with 8 embroidery threads double knot and it works great.

[@jennjennedington279]

I have never tied a quilt but reading your comment I am ready to do it. It could add such a tiny but cool point of interest/texture/ color! Thanks!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a great idea, Becky! 🤓 Thank you for the suggestion and for giving some specifics which will help when I inevitably tie a quilt! 😘

[@glynisreynolds446]

Isn’t it hard to quilt a top that you love 🤔 I’m always worried that I’m going to ‘ruin’ it by what I do, after all the work I’ve put into sewing it all together 🤣🤣 But as Jenny Doan says - finished is better than perfect 🤷‍♀️ Once it’s quilted it can be used and loved - so make the decision and go with it as your quilt can only be beautiful 🤩 Love the Kaffe quilt 🥰 and the one behind you 🥰 Thanks for the inspiration 👏👏🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Glynis, it IS! I don't have many years of quilting under my belt so I feel like I'm "feeling my way" with every quilt. I do know that if the quilt top design is very angular, doing curvy quilting can be very pleasing, but that's just not in the cards for this one! 😂 Thank you for watching and commenting and all your support! 🥰

[@conniemurdoch8528]

Cathy, Cathy, Cathy! Don’t you remember the grocery store with a toddler and all that candy at eye level? Once you say yes once you will never be able to say no again!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Connie, it is so TRUE! 😂 But also, I have no regrets! 😉🤓❤️

[@conniemurdoch8528]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts that’s the ticket girl, now you’re talkin!

[@christinahall3318]

Sister you are definitely a CREATIVE! You have a great eye for color so that must be why you have a “colorist” daughter! Magnolia Quilt: You might consider shadow quilting. It will take more time but basically you are going inside each piece and “shadowing” the piece. Does that make sense? It will be beautiful any which way you decide. The Kaffee Quilt: What a beauty!!! WOW! Color & Design gets an A+ from me!!! Love ya sis! Have a perfectly stitched day!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Christina! ❤️ I need to Google "shadow quilting"---might be more than I want to do for THIS particular project, but it sounds like something I need to know! Thanks for all the kind words, girl. You are such an encourager! 🥰

[@christinahall3318]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Some people call it outlining where you stitch just inside the piece maybe 1/4”. Just an idea……

[@audreycando3537]

Thanks for sharing your progress, beautiful quilts !

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

Sometimes when I quilt my quilts I like use that curvy stitch that comes on most newer machines. It hides my imperfections in my lines. Don't worry about your quilting because once you get it all quilted it won't show up. Thanks for video

[@tonivizgirda296]

Thank you for sharing your thought process. I love everything you do. Good for you for figuring out a way to include that smaller block in your magnolia quilt. I really like the diagonal quilting and am not sure whether it will hide or accentuate the block you altered but, I think either way it will celebrate the homemade-ness of this quilt and will tell a story.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Toni! ❤️ I only had just the smallest amount of that Madras plaid and I couldn't bear to not include the very block that inspired the whole quilt! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what I settle on.🤓 Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 🥰

[@JamOw86]

You are such an inspiration. I love you thought process and attention to detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jammie! ❤️ And thank you for watching and commenting! 🥰

[@fionawhiteside5154]

The quilt behind you looks absolutely gorgeous Cathy......so calming and so beautiful ❤😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh goodness, thank you, Fiona! ❤️ It IS a very calming color palette.😌

[@cheekymare2779]

You could alternate between diagonal and horizontal/vertical cross hatches in the blocks. It will be just variant enough to keep you interested and may help with your wonky piecing issues you pointed out in the video

[@Cassandra-..-]

Ooh! That’s a great idea!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Cassandra that is EXACTLY what I said when I read Cheeky's comment!❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

SUCH a great idea! Thank you for suggesting it, CheekyMare! ❤️

[@cheekymare2779]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I just bought a baby long arm and i do this all the time. But it was not my idea originally. I watch a lot of Angela Walters videos. With quilting is my therapy. She has so many good ways to keep interest and camouflage mistakes. My favorite one of hers is "Once is a mistake, twice is a design choice." If you try something in one block and don't really like it... then just do it in one more block somewhere else on the quilt and it is a design choice, but you don't have to commit to a bad design through the whole quilt.

[@JeffMcFarland-r5g]

For the quilting of the magnolia quilt I really like the Diamond in the center of the block it gives some depth and interest to the center of the blocks.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I think so, too, but don't really relish the idea of managing the actual diagonal quilting!😱

[@valerievesper9216]

On the magnolia quilt, don’t worry too much about the size. I’ve done a king size on my home machine, which does not have an extended throat space. I would do whichever pattern you don’t have to mark. 😁 Use a walking foot and let the machine do the work. Your stitch length will be much more even that way. It will be beautiful!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Valerie! ❤️ It's the "let the machine do the work" that I think I struggle with---I rush (unsurprising), and either push/pull or don't maintain the weight of the quilt effectively on my sewing table. Practice and patience are the order of the day---both very hard for me! 😂

[@imogenethomas1138]

I’m so thrilled you added my favorite fabric back to your Kaffe quilt! I’m about to start my Celestial Stripes quilt this afternoon.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Imogene! I couldn't remember your name when we filmed, but I thought of you when I made those blocks with your favorite fabric! 🥰 You are going to have so much fun with that Celestial Stripes quilt---at least I hope so! 😊

[@carolbell8825]

I would do the diagonal lines and when you get to the pieces that are different sizes I would just go point to point. I know this would make the quilting lines not parallel but would only see this on the back, on the front the quilting lines would appear uniform as the lines would appear to be running along the same places in ever block

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Carol, that's a great suggestion! Thank you! 🤓👍🏻

[@louisepuketapu7365]

Cathy what is the quilt pattern behind you in this video, I too have a daughter that is very pedantic in her choices, she’s an interior designer, and her quilt is to be charcoal, beige and greys plus not fussy. That pattern would look fabulous in my minds eye for her and her hubby, haha he’s colour blind so to him everything needs to be black or white cause he can’t mess them up. It is funny because their daughter is a yellow pink and purple girl, she’s 3 now so mum is accepting of her choices but in the early stages of her choosing things my daughter used to physically cringe at her daughters choices and naturally Nana encouraged every colour choice just for fun 😂😂🌼🦋

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Louise, it's the Celestial Stripes quilt by Zen Chic. I've seen it done so many ways and it looks good in every one of them! 😊 I can just imagine you encouraging your granddaughter's love of those bright and happy yellows, pinks, and purples! 😂🥰

[@barbjs2000]

You and your husband do such a good job with the videos. I love the idea of reusing old shirts and making something beautiful. I thought this video could have been two videos. Also did you know that KZbin slammed this video ads. Looking forward to more content. Thank you.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Barb! To be honest, MOST of my videos could be two videos---I guess it's because I have a LOT to say! 😂 And don't get me started about the ads, YT decided that creators can't cut some of the ads (e.g. mid-roll ads, which we frequently cut) if we choose, so here we are. 😔 Thanks for watching and commenting and for your support!

[@RobinsNest-759]

Wow! You did something amazing with that Kaffe fabric! I love it! ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Robin! ❤️

[@lauracurnan3255]

Thank you for letting us into your head, to see how you work thru the color waves. Love , Love the quilt on your back drop. Have a great week, Hugs from Tampa.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Laura! ❤️ {{hug}}

[@Cassandra-..-]

Magnolia quilt block: However you quilt it, don’t hold that block to the overall lines of the quilt. Do more dot-to-dot quilting at the rectangle corners so that when you are using it with that block near you, you see the quilt lines match up with the corners of the piecing. I think that’s more important than the overall quilt’s lines, even if it’s on a bed. Maybe some of the lines will be cohesive in one direction but a little more “creative” in the other direction? You can make the adjustment by traveling along the nearby seam for about a half inch until you get to the corner and then quilt the rectangle the same way you would quilt it as a square. You might want to use a ruler foot and straight ruler to keep it all crisp. That is such a beautiful quilt, and I admire the precision of the plaids so much! That little extra strip was a good solution for keeping a gorgeous block!😍 Please remember that you are making a CUSTOM, PERSONALIZED quilt for a dear friend. One can always buy a mass produced quilt with all straight lines - this one shows all of the love and work you put forth for your friend. What does perfection have to do with that? Nothing!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Cassandra--oh I feel so much love and wisdom and encouragement in the last part of your comment. Thank you so much, I definitely need to be reminded of all of that! ❤️ Some great suggestions, too, for how to compensate in the quilting and I appreciate that!

[@Cassandra-..-]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I made a very, very inaccurate quilt for my childhood best friend. Riddled with mistakes. An overall diagonal motif turned to arcs toward one corner! I visited her recently, and she had redecorated her whole guest room around that quilt, and was so proud of it. Mission accomplished.

[@pegpage8618]

Another lovely video, Cathy and Paul. Thanks for all the work you put into these. I love listening to you talk about the fabric, color and quilting decisions that one makes on each quilt. Soooooo interesting. 🤗 ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Peg. I'm always so thankful for your support! ❤️

[@emilie1365]

"In the season of collecting" ♥

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lol. Right?! Not sure if that's a ❤️ or a 😱

[@Ldsks7591]

Either on the magnolia quilt would look good. I personally like the second better. Generally I have found that once done others don't notice our mistakes unless we point them out. Absolutely love the Kaffe quilt.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sheryl! That Kaffe quilt has been WAY out of my comfort zone but quite a few people have commented that my "style" (if I even have one) comes through anyway! 🤓 Thanks for watching and commenting and for your kind words!

[@tchr1106]

I thought about using embroidery floss and BIG Stitch your beautiful creation. You could outline the stars both inside and outside the blocks. I love your daughter's graduation quilt too. Thanks for sharing!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Roxanna!❤️ I love the idea of big stitch quilting-! I haven't done that type of quilting yet (and I'm not sure I have the time) BUT I think it would be SO pretty.

[@barbjs2000]

Half dozen of one 6 of another. I like the diagonal quilting

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I agree. Maybe that's why I can't land on it. 😘

[@bettygentry9672]

Crosshatch will probably "conceal" best. Love all your WIPS!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Betty! ❤️

[@amymcadams6043]

Team Crosshatch!!! also, love your lipstick and black looks great on you. 😉

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thank you, Amy! ❤️

[@freddiehansen7324]

The Kaffe quilt is very you even if you usually do less "loud" colors - the design is very you, organized, neat, and making sense 😀 The Magnolia is still gorgeous and I dislike quilting as much as you do🤣, so I can't offer any advice - but I will say this, no matter what you do NO ONe will see that one block is "wonky" unless you show them! I recently finished 4 WIP's and went back to the very first quilt I started a a quilt-as -you go ( batik in all blues -and now with greens) for my husband.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Freddie. ❤️ Your kind words mean so much to me. And QUILTING---ugh. Just ugh. Glad to know I'm not the only one.😘 I hope you are so proud of yourself for finishing your WIP's and your first QAYG!! I'm proud FOR you! Cheers for finishing! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@freddiehansen7324]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts 🎉 I am kinda proud even if I finished all the WIP's so I don't have to quilt my "oops I made a quilt quilt" lol It's 75x 80 so I' not looking forward to fitting it under my little machine 😅 Though I will get it done.. since my youngest keeps asking lol

[@barbaraangier9967]

I just LOVE your Kaffe quilt top❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Barbara! ❤️

[@elainelear4982]

Use 1/4 "tape or thin painters tape to see which method of quilting you prefer on the Magnolia quilt.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Genius! 🤓 Thank you so much for the suggestion, Elaine! ❤️

[@bbrown8353]

Do you use your walking foot when doing straight line quilting? If not you have to try it, it's a game changer! You still use your stich length setting so you don't have to control the speed of your sewing and they usually have a bar to insert in the foot to keep your spacing between lines - s less marking needed. Yuor quilt tops are beautiful!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I do! But sometimes I don't manage the weight of the quilt using my table/sewing machine extension and it pulls unnecessarily. I also rush (no surprise there) and don't let the machine do the work. It really is a matter of impatience and lack of practice, I think. And thank you! ❤️

[@melaniekey-k4o]

Quilt it and be pleased with your work

[@carmenbailey1560]

Great display of blocks, very impressive. Thanks for sharing. 👍❤️😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Carmen! ❤️

[@doloresnash287]

Love it all!!💕💕💕💕

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww, thanks Dolores! ❤️

[@pamelalucas6383]

Love love love all your projects! And your videos are wonderful - feels like we are chatting together! If we were, I'd say that i have 2 boys and totally get that the quilts cannot appear to be one better than the other! 😆 I would also that you please wash that beautiful black and white checkerboard quilt with a color catcher and cold water before gifting it. I have a beautiful drunkard's path quilt my mother made for me in 30's & 40's quilt store fabrics that included a few red & black blocks... They bled onto the white the first time i washed it years after she gave it to me. I feel heartsick when i see it, though i know there was no way i coukd have known it would do that. Look forward to the videos each Friday morning! Thank you, Catbird Team!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I feel relieved that other moms understand the struggle with the comparisons between siblings--good grief, though!🙄 I absolutely will wash the checkerboard with all the color catchers and yes DEFINITELY on cold the first time! 🤓👍🏻 (I keep a box of them for just that exact reason!😘)

[@MarySears]

Straight across, keep it simple! It looks lovely!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Mary! ❤️ I think that's the direction I'm leaning now!

[@susanchesworth9705]

love the kaffe quilt

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Susan! ❤️

[@yoshiew05]

For that one square on the Magnilia quilt, just custom quilt that one block to match the quilting pattern of other others. Or To paraphrase Karen Brown “Just get it done quilts” If you can’t see it from a galloping horse at 20 paces, it’s good.”

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing! 🤓❤️

[@anitabrantley5202]

No one will notice. I was taught to use 1/4 inch not scant 1/4 inch. Love the Kaffe.

[@BeckyMortonWeeks]

Use painters tape to quilt the cross hatch. I just discovered doing that and love the effect.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Vera, such a great idea! 🤓 Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️

[@BeckyMortonWeeks]

You can use the same tape to turn it the opposite way and it makes a nice little block at intersections. I actually heard about it from another quilter so I tried it and will use this often.

[@jojorey6886]

My husband has some very nice shirts; really nice prints but I’ve noticed manufacturers are blending the cotton with a little spandex or Lycra so the shirt is not as stiff and more comfortable to wear.

[@stefflcus]

Always love seeing these!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Steff! 😊🥰

[@Kaylene16]

I’m currently working on two quilts that have either fabric or a pattern that just does NOT inspire me creatively. It is so hard to be motivated to work on them. I picked both the pattern and fabric so I only have myself to blame, both were picked with the recipients in mind and I am mostly certain that both will love the finished products but gosh they are killing me! Fingers crossed I can get both finished in time to gift for Christmas and off of my to do list!!!! Also I love your Kaffe top! Thanks for another great video.

[@jennjennedington279]

It’s SO HARD to make quilts for someone when their taste is different from yours. Commission quilts even harder ( I won’t do that again). Is it selfish to say “I am only going to ask color preference and that’s all you get to choose”? It might be but I am going to stick to it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh goodness, Kaylene! That is so hard. Kudos to you, though, for doing what the recipients will love! I'm sure they will be delighted and you will have the relief and pleasure of knowing it was truly made with them in mind! But just know that you are not alone---I'm sure SO many of the viewers here would give a hearty "yasss, girl!" to your woes! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️

[@marticote3442]

I love the changes you made to the Kaffe quilt. I’m making the Magnolia quilt also and I never would have noticed the square/rectangle difference if you hadn’t pointed it out. Maybe some kind of circular or serpentine quilting so you wouldn’t have to worry about the corners. I know it will be beautiful no matter what!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Marti! ❤️ Those changes really did need to happen, so I'm glad other quilters agree and see it too! That Magnolia quilt really is such a great pattern---if I didn't have about 30 other quilt patterns I want to make, I'd do another one! 🤓😂

[@QUILTINGCHAP]

It is lot harderto to quilt diagonally because you have to deal with the bulk of the quilt on each line. Also as someone said do you have a walking foot? It is a game changer and definitely a necessity

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Chap, I DO have a walking foot, but I often rush and don't manage the weight of the quilt across my sewing table effectively hence the too many/too few stitches. I'm patient in many areas, but quilting is not one of them and it shows! 😂 Thank you for the reminder about the bulk of the quilt and quilting diagonally---that may be the very reason I ended up abandoning my former diagonal quilting on the gingham irish chain quilt. It just got too burdensome! 😱

[@QUILTINGCHAP]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Maybe next on your list would be a table where your sewing machine sets down in it and provides a flat surface to hold the weight of the quilt.That make the actual quilting so much easier.

[@kathleenswan4184]

I think the diagonal lines will be less likely to accentuate the flaw. However, I didn’t see that until you mentioned it so it’s very likely it won’t be noticeable with either quilting direction.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kathleen! ❤️

[@sewing-Susan]

IMO, in the big picture, regarding the Magnolia quilting, it won’t matter which way you quilt it. There are times when I think, “Cathy, you are just too fussy”, however, your quilts are stunning! I love Kafe Fassett fabrics and finally bought some, made a quilt, and don’t like it so much. It is nice to sleep under, but I don’t love what I did with it. 😂 I keep hoping that I will love it. I even had it quilted and I don’t feel any different about it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Susan, I am OFTEN too fussy! 😂 But I don't want to have spent hours and hours working on a quilt and then get to the end and wish I had taken the time to "fix" whatever bothers me about it. It's a balance (leaving well enough alone/not settling) I think, and one that I'm constantly working on. I hate it for you that you don't love you KF quilt---his fabrics are beautiful but they don't always come together in a way that is lovely and harmonious, in my opinion!

[@beccachurch]

Love your color work! Thank you for the education!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Becca! ❤️

[@Mel_leit]

Love all your projects! I think the crosshatch will make the most sense on the quilt with plaids. I would never have noticed until you pointed it out, I’m sure once it’s washed, it will not show at all!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Melissa! ❤️ I'm sure you're right, but right now it's all I can see, you know?!🤦🏻‍♀️

[@gina8330]

I love the Denim and Flower and Cactus Man shirts. Strangely, I can only ever find them in the smaller sizes.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Gina, ME TOO! I thought it was just my imagination! 😊🤓👍🏻

[@beckyscheller9358]

Love the quilts. Don’t think the quilting on the magnolia quilt would show once it is all done. Unless you pointed it out. Love that one

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Becky! ❤️ "unless you pointed it out"---which I always do!! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️🤓

[@janetbieri2552]

put it on the back; incorporate it into the label

[@giselleyoung3248]

Cathy, I'm wondering what foot you are using for your straight line quilting (walking foot?). I love using a ruler foot and a straight edge quilting ruler for my domestic machine quilting.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Giselle, I use a walking foot but maybe I'll try a ruler foot and quilting ruler to help me struggle less with the quilting! 🤓👍🏻

[@patmoore4515]

So enjoyed this!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! I'm so glad! Thanks for watching and commenting!❤️

[@cyndih4720]

Very nice! 👍👍

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Cyndi!❤️

[@giselleyoung3248]

Love the Kaffe quilt (it is my favorite colors).❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you! I do love a cool-color combo too!

[@cynthiahillan4393]

I don’t know if the block in the Magnolia quilt will be noticeable or not. I’m so anal with my quilt blocks, I probably would have taken the block apart to fix it. But I’m curious to see if the quilting will hide it. From a distance it probably won’t be noticeable except to you because you know it is slightly different. I like the quilt!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Cynthia! ❤️ I like it too, and I am definitely anal about my blocks, but I have used all but the tiniest bit of that madras plaid and so redoing the block wasn't an option (or I would have!!) I think those limitations sometimes force me to "let go" ...and I suspect I always need that. 😂

[@tobinmoore35]

Beautiful WIPs!! What is that finished quilt hanging behind you?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Tobin! It is the Celestial Stripes quilt by Zen Chic. It is FUN and easy to make---and comes together so quickly! ❤️

[@kyststudio-epicartadventure]

What if you jogged up just for the one wonky sq it are? W h at do you do with all those colored pencils?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Cady, I thought about doing that very thing. 🤓 Great minds think alike! 😊 I use the colored pencils to work out colorways for quilts on graph paper! Sometimes I do a fabric pull and I really love it, but want to see if it will look like I'm imagining or envisioning in my mind's eye. Coloring it out (even if the colors aren't exact) helps me get a clear vision and make course corrections before cutting my fabric! 😘

[@patriciahomer5342]

I didn't even notice that block difference of the magnolia quilt. I don't think it will show in your quilting.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Patricia---and what a great reminder that the glaring mishaps maybe aren't really glaring at all. ❤️

[@tiffanyclark5745]

What is the name of the quilt pattern hanging behind you? It's gorgeous!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Celestial Stripes by Zen Chic (Brigitte Heitland for Moda)

[@ingridhunt7841]

Nobody will be able to see that 'rectangle that should be a square' but you. You'd be doing what THOUSANDS of quilters before you have done. IMPROVISE. I have a quilt my grandmother and aunt made and absolutely nothing is pointy or square. I love that quilt so much because they made it. We put way too much value on perfection. I mean we should do our best but sometimes you just need to wing it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ingrid, you are so right. 😊 And yes to doing our best, but this time I really did have to wing it! And of course it's far better than what I see---and isn't that the point and the reason gifted quilts are the best quilts?!❤️

[@robynbecker3443]

Is there a commercial pattern or a specific name of the pattern you used for the collar and cuffs blocks?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Quilty Stars by Emily Dennis of Quilty Love.

[@angiewarren6045]

I don’t think it will matter on the Magnolia quilt.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Angie! ❤️

[@debraigo2711]

If that block was placed towards the bottom, off center, it will most likely never be noticed.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Debra, I thought that too! In it's current orientation, it is all the way to the right and second row down, but if my friend uses it "upside down" (which is of course not even a thing) that will put it far left and second up from the bottom---exactly what you suggested! So maybe I'll put the tag on the back in such a way that forces that orientation. 😘

[@gisellejones1139]

Little mistakes are so annoyingly obvious to the maker but not so to the receiver. Just quilt it and youll see it mainly disapppear. Your daughter may not like her fabric choices later on but it will definitely mark where she was at during this time in her life!! I prefer the diagonal lines but both are very nice.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I think you're right on all points! Thank goodness quilting hides a multitude of "sins!" ❤️

[@PissedoffAmerican1159]

Longarm quilter here…if you wouldn’t notice it as you ride by on a galloping elephant…don’t sweat it!

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

I always enjoy your content. Git with that quilt. My boy is using his as a bedspread in his dorm.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Apache, I NEED to GIT WITH IT for sure!! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️😊 So glad your boy's quilt is getting good use in the dorm! ❤️