My quilt story : My work friend's daughter was young, unmarried and very pregnant. I was making a baby quilt for another friend but decided to give it to this poor kid. I had embroidered little rabbits onto fabric and made into the little quilt. She was thrilled with it. Sadly the baby was stillborn. I later found out she buried the baby wrapped in that quilt. I have never been so touched and humbled.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Oh Martha. That is equally heart-warming and heart-wrenching. And THIS is the perfect example of why we make quilts for others. You just never know how that kindness will impact someone. ❤️

@ddawe31635

3 ай бұрын

What a blessing. I'm so sorry she lilost her baby.

@pegpage8618

3 ай бұрын

Such a heartfelt story, Martha - and the kindness of your generosity is beyond words. I have lately been thinking of funeral/ coffin quilts - wouldn’t it be nice to line a coffin with a hand made quilt instead of that yucky silk whatever lining they use?

@nancymathisen9707

3 ай бұрын

No doubt your quilt made this experience a bit more bearable. I recently came across the KZread channel of a quilter named Zak Foster who makes beautiful funeral and burial quilts. I hadn’t thought of this before, but it’s a natural evolution of this craft.

@jennjennedington279

3 ай бұрын

My goodness pay no attention to the ugly comment above - what a beautiful story of a gift from a stranger bringing comfort. That’s what human interaction is FOR, and thank you for sharing a lovely example of shifting your intention when a situation presented itself.

My granddaughters (15 years old) are here for part of their spring break for “crafting & sewing” at their request (Yeah!), & I had told them about how you make quilts out of thrifted shirts! This particular episode was so enjoyable, & I was excited to share it with them! Also, my husband’s very well worn linen Ralph Lauren plaid shirt (many years old) will be the 1st shirt I actually use in an upcoming quilt as the collar has finally worn out! I confess I was excited to see the hole in the collar because I knew it could find a new home in a quilt! Thanks for all your inspiration & humor!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness, how wonderful, Julia! ❤️ So glad you enjoyed this video! But it sounds like the best part of your week is sewing with your granddaughters and using fabrics (yeah for beautiful shirts!) that you love! I'm not sure it can get much better than that!

❤I have to come right out and compliment your choices on this quilt matching your friend’s preferences for her son but stayed true to what you wanted to make. I think that is the hard line we walk as quilters. Keep on telling your stories. I am listening and feel encouraged.😊

It's a beautiful quilt, big enough and abstract enough that'll see him through his childhood. I hope it gets plenty of use.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Maggie! ❤️

It’s nice how you make your quilts to match your outfits! LOL! I like this quilt! Thank you, Cathy! Keep up the great work!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Sherry! ❤️ And I lol'd at "it's nice how you make your quilts to match your outfits!"😂

I’m not an abstract kinda girl but this is such a lovely quilt! It would be great for all the shirts I’ve collected. I love the stories behind the quilts. I’m in my gifting era and my hope is that they are all used until they fall apart. Made with love and well loved.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Pam! ❤️ It's such an interesting design because it is modern and abstract, but somehow it feels homey and comforting like a more traditional quilt. I like the idea of being in a "gifting era"---I think it's a good time/place to strive for and to stay in! 😘

Love this one! Thanks for sharing a great example that proves that cutting accidents can offer us the opportunity for unexpected creative success! ❤

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Giselle! ❤️ You know I'm all about redeeming my "Oops!" moments in quilting!

You picked the perfect complimentary color. Great job!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Bonnie! 😊

Beautiful quilt! If I had to be on an island with 1 fabric line. It would be spotted! Love it.

There's nothing better than knowing that a gifted quilt is being used. I'm always worried the quilt will be treated as a precious artifact and end up in someone's closet. BTW, I have that exact same orange fabric in my stash (shocking I know) and I just completed a blue/white baby quilt. If I'd only known how great the orange would look with the blue/white. Sigh....

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Of course I agree! And, of COURSE you have that exact fabric in your stash! 🥰🤩 (um, it's a beaut!) But now you do know that the orange will look great with blue/white---next time!

🥰There is nothing more satisfying to me as a quilter than to make & gift a quilt that is well loved. Those quilty hugs are the best! We’ll done Cathy and thank you for sharing. ❤️

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Shannon! ❤️ I agree---if my friend uses both quilts until they fall totally apart, I will consider that a successful gift!

I love your quilt and color combination. How awesome that your friend really uses the first quilt you gave her. It makes me very happy when my quilt gifts are really used as I had hoped.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Kathleen! ❤️ I'm glad I'm not the only one who loves it when quilts are really used!!

This quilt story is wonderful. Quilts are made to be loved and used. It reminds me of the children's book, "The Keeping Quilt" by Patricia Polacco.

@juliewilson1867

3 ай бұрын

Former teacher, love your book reference, great author!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! ❤️ I'll have to check out that children's book---I have a deep love for them (children's books!)

I love the grey on the back…it pulls the back to the front & love vermilion as binding too. I love your style. Thank you for sharing.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Susy! ❤️

I love your orange outfit! And the orange back 😉💕. It reminds me of Hot Wheels tracks! Perfect!

This is one of those rare perfect quilts. Gorgeous! De orange edge and the touch of grey in the back make it look fantastic!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Arabella! ❤️

Yes! Use it! Use it! Love it! And let those quilts have a life! 🥰⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Right?! Especially quilts with secondhand fabric---I want that second life to be a great one!❤️

Beautiful quilt Kathy 🧡 I started this pattern last year then changed my mind as the chosen fabrics were floral & didn’t work. I’m going to do it again now with inspiration from you. Thank you for sharing another quilt story with hugs from Scotland 💫

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Hugs to Scotland from Alabama! ❤️ Thank you, EmiLou! I hope you enjoy the pattern this time! 🤓😊👍🏻

I love this quilt story and the pattern (I’m ordering it tomorrow!). Love your color choices and the way you personalize and discuss your pattern and color choices! Depending on fabric choices, it is so versatile for any vibe. A simple, yet genius pattern. I can see making it more than once. I also watched the designer’s short video. The skinny border she uses between the wide borders is really unique and I hope to add that when I make. Thanks Kathy!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Deborah!❤️ I agree and can myself making it more than once as well---gotta do some other ones on my list first though!🤓

Not only did your slacks match the vermilion of the backing, but your couch and folded afghan matched the blue & white & gray front!!! I love it!! ❤

I saw your title and got all excited!. Then saw premieres in 23 hours. LOL. The jokes on me. See you tomorrow morning. Hugs from Tampa.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

LOL! Well early hugs to you, Laura!

@jenniferrichardson2702

3 ай бұрын

Waving from Tampa too!

@jenniferrichardson2702

3 ай бұрын

Nice story about this quilt.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

👋🏻 Hi Jennifer!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!❤️

I have two baby quilts sandwiched together and ready to quilt, for twin girls. I used the same pattern for both - FLOORED TEN by woolly petals. These quilts look so different as I choose unique fabrics for each; on one the medallions stand out and the exes on the other are the focal point. I can’t wait to finish them and gift them.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

I checked out that pattern since you mentioned it---love it! And I can totally see how using different fabrics would make the medallions vs the exes stand out! I suspect the whole family of the twin girls will love them! ❤️

Turned out lovely Cathy! I watched when you started it and love the bright backing and binding! ❤❤❤

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Annette!😊

You have shown us a great example of how we all make mistakes. Thanks. I also wanted to tell you that i recently finished a quilt with a facing binding. I liked it very much. Try it some time. Thanks again.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Pam! ❤️ I'm so glad your facing turned out great and you enjoyed it!

I’m sorry you miss cut your backing but glad to now I’m not alone with this issue. Glad the family is using your gift.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Surely it happens to all of us?!? If not all of us, then the two of us can just be in it together! 😘

I love this pattern, making one of my own as well. Stalled on my color for my borders, but I have to step away to ponder. Your quilt is beautiful and the colors are amazing! Thanks for sharing.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Ellie! ❤️ I stall on borders too, honestly, and have to "sit with it" to be able to make a decent decision. Maybe that's why I don't do a lot of quilts with borders?🤔😂

I love everything about it! One of my favorite quilt patterns and I will definitely try “Spotted” for backing. It’s so hard to know if a fabric has the right feel for backing!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Imogene! ❤️ And yes, for sure! I always want my backings to be soft and supple and buying fabric without touching it feels like a gamble!

Love love this!!

What a lovely quilt! You should make one just like it to use as a throw on your couch. I thought you had tried to match the backing with your slacks. You and your couch both coordinated perfectly with the quilt.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Jill, I think I just gravitate to that blue (of my couch)---I have SO many shirts from the thrift store that are in that color family! 🤔😆 And orange just works with it, I guess!

@jillbeck6531

3 ай бұрын

@@TheCatBirdQuilts It absolutely does!

Oh! I love Vermillion too!❤️

Good morning Cathy, this quilt is beautiful and I love the quilt story as well! The backing just makes the quilt pop, and I love seeing this, makes me see everything does not have to be in different shades of the same color I struggle with contrasting color 🥰 Happy Friday, have a wonderful weekend and hope you get to do some sewing! 🧵

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Good morning, Debbie!❤️ Unfortunately I did not get in any sewing (work, youngest daughter's birthday, etc.) but it was a good weekend nonetheless! Thanks for you kind words (as always); it is such a trick trying to put together the right balance of matching color AND contrast. But as you know, one of my favorite parts of the quilting process! 🤓

Great story. You are such an inspiration.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Marianne!❤️

It's beautiful! Love the contrast. That gray strip on the back is really good.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Shana! ❤️

Lovely quilt!! I do buy a fair amount of fabric online. I find that they key is to either start with the online purchase and coordinate in person or to purchase a known quantity. (A fabric from a specific collection you’re filling out or a solid I’ve already matched from my Kona or Michael Miller color cards.) I have gambled with online purchases before and have only about a 50% success rate at that. 🙄

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Valerie! And yes, this has been my experience as well---if I have some fabric that I know coordinates (either from a collection or a color card) then online purchasing is easy and works. But just picking out of the air? Ooof! I'd say 50% is about right for me, too! 😱

I'm all about a lot of color or a pop of color, whether that's apple red, vermillion, cone orange, chartreuse, sunny gold, azalea pink, or periwinkle blue! Also, completely agree with you - use the quilt! I have a quilt jacket I made out of a the family quilt I grew up with. It too lived a lot of time in the car for road trips to the mountains and the beach. When I cut it up to make the jacket, I found a tiny pocket of sand that I'm sure is from a beach on the gulf where we often spent vacation time - the tiniest of time capsules! Please, use the quilt!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Me too, Sister! There's something about a bright infusion of color (might be a little, might be a lot!) that makes me go "Oh!! I love that!" ❤️ I love that you shared about your quilt coat---and I can only imagine the wave of nostalgia that accompanied your discovery of sand in the quilt! I'm having vicarious delight just thinking about it. 😊

This baby quilt is reminiscent of tuning forks. Love the choices for a baby boy. ❤

Such a lovely quilt story today, Cathy. I loved the backing and will need to look for that fabric line - I think it set the quilt off perfectly. Listening to you every Friday is like being with a dear friend - thanks for sharing your color inspiration, your thought process and your finished pieces. As usually, they are just so lovely. I have you and Paul have a lovely week ahead. 🤗 💕

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Peg! ❤️ I'm so glad you join me in friendship here---if we were neighbors you could come have coffee while I talked your ear off! 😘 I hope you've had a wonderful weekend with lots of sewing time! 😊

@pegpage8618

3 ай бұрын

Coffee and chat sounds perfect and think about all the quilts we could reimagine and world problems we could solve. 😊

Yes, I did wonder about Celestial Stripes because I have made it twice since you recommended it. I love the pattern so much, and your suggestions are so spot on. Besides being easy to listen to (I love that you have a lot to say), your opinions are so, well, dependable!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! What a wonderful compliment! ❤️

Love your videos! Happy story, happy life!💖

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Jacque! ❤️

I have been sewing since I was 16; so for almost 50 years. I don't know when layer cakes, jelly rolls, and other precut bundles became "a thing", but I never bought pre-cuts until within the last 3 months when I bought a couple of seasonal jelly rolls because they were on sale. I just haven't wrapped my arms around the concept of somebody picking all of my fabric for me. To me, figuring out what you're going to use for the project is part of the project. I do realize some people aren't good at coordinating fabrics AND I may find that I like this whole concept of something matching up prints for me.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

I have NOT been quilting for 50 years (as you know) but I feel the same. I think I just enjoy coming up with my own unique combinations---to me it's a big part of the joy of quilting! That said, I recently used a Kaffe Fassett jelly roll that someone gave me (for a log cabin quilt pattern video coming up this week!) and it was nice just pick the ones I liked and sew them. It was much quicker than the other "side" of the log cabin in which I chose low-volume pinks from my stash. I guess there's room for it all in quilting (from precut quilt kits to thrift store sheets and shirts)---and maybe that's what I love most about quilting. ❤️

Love this❤lm shocked that you made a cutting error...lol ... that gray stripe looks yummy and boyish 😊

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Giselle! And yes, I think "boyish" is the perfect word! When I try and "hurry up and cut this back real quick" I make cutting errors. So, about every third or fourth backing. 😂😘

This is such a beautiful quilt! The thought and care put into its design will wrap the baby in love!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Love the quilt. Thanks for video

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Jeanette! ❤️

Beautiful ❤

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Joyce! ❤️

I thought you wore those pants on purpose 🤣😉 Love how this quilt came out! 👏🏻🫶🏻

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Lol, Charity! And thank you! ❤️

This is so heartwarming, and the quilt is fantastic! Blue and orange are so complimentary, and both the backing and the pattern keep it from being too much "blue is for boys!" while still being a very boyish quilt. Loved hearing the update for the sibling to this quilt, too!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Steff! ❤️

Lovely stories. So happy to hear them!. Perhaps you could inform us of what you write on your quilt labels? Do you mention the recycled fabrics? I wonder if anyone ever recognises fabric "grandpa had a shirt just like that" in a quilt. LOL. Have a happy week sewing goodies to show us.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Diane! ❤️ I usually put the name of the quilt (if it has one), "Made with love for ____ by Cathy Martin" and the either the date it was completed on the date it was started and completed. I don't mention the recycled fabrics since most of the people who I gift quilts to are friends and family and they know I quilt with thrifted materials. But yes, I bet they occasionally do! 😂🤓👍🏻

Noticed your pant color right way. You crack me up. Lovely quilt storie. Happy Friday.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Georgia! ❤️ Hope you have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

I have recently been introduced to Zen Chic. I have pre-ordered her new line (Flirtation) for a “Plus” EPP project. Love her fabric and patterns. As for ordering online, you do what you have to feed your habit/addiction when the is no fabric store within miles. Plus, my local thrift stores (two) have about 10 feet total of men’s shirts to pick from, and from what I can tell, there’s very little turnover in those shirts. (I have to whisper… I even checked my husband‘s old work shirts. Maybe if I get really desperate I will be shopping his closet.)

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Sandra, I think you're right---we crafters that use/love fabric just have to do what we have to do! ❤️

I love the back. i like color!!!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Teresa! ❤️ I like color too!

This is a beautiful quilt! Thanks for sharing!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Kimberly!❤️

Beautiful quilt, well done. The orange is gorgeous

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Lynnie! ❤️

I love it!

I love it! ❤ you are too hard on yourself! It’s a baby quilt, which is going to get used! It’s actually very appropriate for a baby! You’re an awesome person! Thank you for sharing!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Deborah! ❤️ You are too sweet!

❤❤❤ your channel

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Michelle!

I made a quilt for my best friend’s granddaughter. I explained, much like you, that this quilt is meant to be used! I also may have thrown in that I would be offended if she didn’t ask me how to patch it 😂

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Julia, I bet adding the part about being offended if you didn't need to patch it drove home the point in the best way! 😘

I’m on team “love the orange pants“ also

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Of course you are. ❤️

I would say that the quilting on your piece looks like speech balloons! It is very pretty and I love the pop of orange. Good job!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Sylvie! ❤️ I didn't see speech balloons before--but I will now!

I try to make the baby quilts I make to be wildly different from each other ❤even if they are for siblings

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Corey, that might be the way to do it---then there can be no comparison between them! 🤓

I looked at this pattern the last time you mentioned it. I dismissed it then because I hate to match seams. I’m wondering if I can offset the seams. We shall see. Yours is awesome and I’m positive it will always be loved.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Destry, I was surprised how easily the seams matched up (and some of them didn't--you'd never know) but I get the hesitation. You'll have to let me know how it goes if you decide to do it! And thank you, as always, for your kind words! ❤️

❤

Your sense of colour always amazes me, and inspires me to get more adventuresome. So far I have been pretty conservative with my choices but am trying. The orange would have been my absolute last choice, the traffic cone thing, but after seeing it have to admit I am reconsidering my biases. It is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the story, baby quilts are my favorite.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Deborah! ❤️ I wouldn't have said (in the beginning) that I wanted to pair those blues with traffic cone orange---but they needed something to lift them out of the borderline somber blue-gray and into something happier and I think the orange was just what it needed! It's all about *context*---a color in the right context can really make a project sing.😊🤓

♥️♥️♥️♥️

I really like the Celestial Stripes pattern and it looks great with the blues and greys. And I’m a sucker for the blue/orange combination: it was my go-to choice for my son’s jumpers etc and works for little boys and teenagers as well, so hopefully it will have many years of use as he won’t grow out of it in the way that happens with ‘cutesy’ baby quilts. Question: when you use a shop bought quilt fabric with your thrifted fabrics, do you pre-wash the shop bought fabric? I’m worried about the differential shrinkage, or have you not had a problem with this?

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, K! ❤️ No, I don't prewash--so far I haven't had any problems with shrinkage.🤓👍🏻

Cathy, first of all I love the quilt!! Second, did you cut the binding separately or use the roll over from the backing method? Just curious.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Dedra!❤️ I did cut the binding and sewed it on separately. I have done the roll over method on a small project or two, and it is just too fiddly at the corners for me!

I tell everyone I make a quilt for, USE IT!! Please!!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Dolores, YES!!❤️

How big is this quilt? I’ve made 2 complete baby quilts and several tops in progress. Mine are much smaller. Probably too small. I think the little boy will love to drive his cars on all the roads on this quilt.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

This one is 48"x48"...a great size, I think for babies/toddlers when they aren't infants anymore, but still not a big quilt.🤓

I think the quilting looks like dinosaur eggs!

Can you talk about free motion quilting? I made Megan Collins’ cloud quilt and it didn’t turn out great

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

I'll be honest, I don't really enjoy (and I'm not very good at) free motion quilting! So probably won't be doing any videos on FMQ soon! 😂

13 hours to go!

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

lol! yep!

Thank you for sharing! Do you find being a You Tuber keeps you accountable? Maybe that would help me. I must have upwards of twenty quilt tops wanting to be finished.

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

Yes, Theresa, it 100% does keep me accountable! But then sometimes I make quilts "for the channel" which adds to the WIP list AND the feeling of pressure to get a project completed, so....double edged sword, I guess?!

I like your hints but find it disturbing that you laugh too much, kind of not want to listen to your stories, sorry

@gallopingcat1745

3 ай бұрын

I personally enjoy this channel. Information is shared in a way that is engaging, organic, and GENUINE! It feels like having a conversation with a good friend. Catbird, keep up the great work! ❤

@kod8104

3 ай бұрын

Not every You Tube channel suits every viewer. For me (and, I reckon for most of us here) this channel is like having a delightful knowledgeable friend come round and sit in our living room chatting about quilting and doing ‘show and tell’ with each other. Cathy’s tag line is “I have a lot to say about it”, and the point of the Quilt Stories segments are to chat about why and how she made the quilt. I love it.

When you said, “Jen’s son is [and you paused] a year old-I thought you may say, “Jen’s son just got his first shaving kit.” 🥸

@TheCatBirdQuilts

3 ай бұрын

LOL! Donna! That is hysterical!

❤