Sunshine Feline Guards draught excluder

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As a Benartex Ambassador, I am thrilled to share my latest tutorial: a charming draught excluder inspired by the nearest ‘Sunshine Cats’ fabric collection fabric collection 2023 by Oxana Zaika!

Using the vibrant and playful panel from the collection, featuring a row of mischievous feline friends, I made a draught excluder that adds a touch of whimsy to any room. The cats’ lively expressions and vibrant colors are bound to bring a smile to your face.

Skill level Confident beginner Finished measurements 6 ¾” x 33”

To enhance its charm, I incorporated a fabric with bubbly print, creating the illusion of the cats floating and guarding you from any breeze in a world of joy and fun. It’s a playful twist that adds personality and uniqueness to the excluder project.

Originally intended for my husband, this project quickly became a favorite of my daughter as well. Now it proudly stands on a saucer in her room, keeping out the chilly breezes with a side of cuteness.

This project was a labor of love, combining practicality with whimsical creativity. It serves as a reminder that even the simplest creations can bring joy and warmth to our lives.

So let’s get started!

The overall process is sewing and quilting basics using stitching by hand or sewing machine if you prefer. The basic process is to cut the fabric according to the material list, work with laces/braids, stuffing, and put everything together! 

Materials and Tools

Fabric 

  • 7 ½” x 6 ½” 2 pieces for a panel sides 
  • 7 ½” x 30” 1 piece for backing 
  • 7 ½” x 24” 1 piece with main panel print

Threads 

  • piecing thread (40 wt)
  • transparent thread (monopoly thread by Superior Threads for example; optional)

Notions 

  • BERNINA Feet#37 (or#1) #38 & #20
  • wonder quilting clips
  • 24” length laces (optional) 
  • quilting ruler, sharp scissors and rotary cutter
  • wadding
  • Best Press spray for easy ironing (optional)
Tip: To show more beauty of lace and not looking for matching thread, I recommend transparent thread for top stitching
Step 1. Set up the zigzag stitch width to 2.2, stitch length to 1.95. Load the transparent thread on top and off-white into the bobbin.
Step 2. Attach Foot#20, take the panel piece, place the lace in place on the front side of the fabric and stitch from edge to edge.
Step 3. Set up straight stitch with length 2.50.
Step 4. Continue using the same thread set. Attach Foot#38, place the second lace in place on the front side of the fabric and stitch from edge to edge.
Step 5. Clip short sides of the panel strip and board pieces with right sides together, attach Foot#37, load top piecing thread same colour as in the bobbin and stitch with ¼” seam allowance.
Step 6. Press seam allowance.
Step 7. Fold the top and backing pieces with the right sides together. Pin and sew along the shape with ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 4″ opening at one of the short sides.
Step 8. Turn right sides out. Press.
Step 9. Gently stuff the excluder.
Step 10. For easy stitching after stuffing, turn the seam allowance inside and finger press, clip the opening. Blind-stitch the opening.
Try a different fabric mix to create more!!!

As a bonus you can FREE download tutorial in step-by-step pictures in PDF format here (click): Sunshine Feline Guards draught excluder

If any questions or help please don’t hesitate to text me on my Instagram

Stay Quilty!!!

Always yours,

Olesya

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