Katharine Hepburn quote

"If you obey all the rules

you miss all the fun."

Katharine Hepburn

Window Study 1

Window Study 1

10" x 10"

The Fast Friday Fabric Challenge was to use a photo of our choosing to sketch the lines to become inspiration for a quilt.  The colors were to come from another photo we used for photo inspiration.  To quote Cynthia Morgan, the "Challenge: Use the element of Line and the 3 elements of Color (Hue,Value, Intensity) in a design study piece. You will need 2 inspiration sources:  one for line, another for color."

Photo Inspiration and Sketch-Tracing

Color Inspiration

These colors came from a Rights Managed photo, so I am not posting that.  It is a photo of a spectacular fire works display over a body of water.  Besides lighting up the sky, the colors are reflected in the water.  I had to deviate from these somewhat because I do not have many bright colors in my stash.  What a dull stash I have.  I am working on getting bright colors.

Fat Cat and Mousey

Fat Cat and Mousey

32.75" x 39.5"

As you may have already guessed, this was a FUN project!  It is my response to a Fast Friday Fabric Challenge.  It is also my February charity quilt.

This started out as a comfort quilt for my guild's stash.  Unfortunately I had serious stitch tension problems which required me to apply glue on the back of ALL the stitching so that I didn't have to worry about it coming apart.  The glue made the back a bit stiff and scratchy; not much for a comfort.  My present idea is to find a place for it as a wall hanging in a hospital children's wing.  Someone at my guild mentioned the Barbara Bush Center in Portland, Maine.  Too far for me to drive, so I'll try to connect by phone to see if they might be interested.  I'll write a follow up, if and when, this happens.

Fat Cat and Mousey side view

The eyes and nose were freezer paper turned applique.  I never thought I would ever used this technique which was demonstrated last year at one of my guild meetings.  The ears were make using the pillow case technique then attached to the quilt.  I did this before I quilted.  However, it would be much easier to add them later. 

Fat Cat, closeup of face and tail

The whiskers were added after quilting because I wanted them to be really secure.   When I sewed the tail seam, I also sewed in two pieces of polyester quilt batting. I wanted the tail to puff out; didn't want to worry about the stuffing shifting.   It was a bear to turn inside out, but I do like the effect.  I stitched the tail down after quilting; leaving just a short end free.  The ruffled collar was created separately then attached to the quilt top.

Mousey

Mousey was created separately from a very simple shape, then stuffed with lots of polyester to keep the nice fat shape.  To get the tail to curl, I made a loop and left it for a while.  Fat Cat's paws have velcro on the ends for holding Mousey or some other object of a different size and shape.  The nose and eyes are heavily stitched.

Sketch/Pattern for Fat Cat

I used a large piece of newsprint to sketch what I hoped would be a charming, comical, playful cat that might appeal to a young child.  During the construction stage I cut the sketch apart.  I marked connection lines where two pieces would join.   Then, I cut and sewed; making several changes as I went to ease construction.

I took this quilt to my guild meeting tonight.  I was soo disappointed that no one liked it very much.  I love it.  Hope children will too.

Think Like a Child

The FFFC this month is "Think Like a Child".  What FUN I'm having!  It will be a while before this quilt if finished, but I could not wait to share one small part of it.

Mousey is going to be a part of this FUN quilt.

Before I am able to quilt the top, I need to bind my January charity quilt and quilt another persons' charity pieced top.  I volunteered to quilt charity quilts for those member of my guild who have a real problem with this.  I have limited the number so that I am not over whelmed.

Traveling Cape

Traveling Cape, 3/4 front

My cousin Tom's second son got married on January 1, 2012 in Monterrey, California.  The location, the brides hometown, was absolutely gorgeous. I planned to go early to visit galleries and other interests in Carmel.  Knowing the weather changed dramatically from Maine to California and also each day in Carmel; sun = warm; breeze after night meant chills.  This wool cape was the perfect thing for the visit.  It traveled well as a blanket, sides flung back it adjusted to the afternoon sun, closely wrapped around me, it warmed me each evening.  It worked well!  I also love the design which is in the style of Mondrian, to fit an Fast Friday Fabric Challenge 3 months ago.

Traveling Cape, back

Traveling Cape, side

All the wool was recycled from clothing either in my closet, Salvation Army, friends, or thrift shops.