Animals, two by two!

I added a few more things this weekend. I finished Mrs. Noah and the tree and then added some animals. I took the elephants from the Country Days book, but I think they look a bit babyish, so I can going to add tusks to mine.



On the right side I went with zebras. I used the horse pattern and traced it out a little differently, then used this fun striped fabric that my friend kelly gave me. Later I will add birds and some will go on a back or two. I think it is coming out a little wonky, trying to keep it with the bottom lines for layout, but my brain is wonky too, so wonky it shall be;)

Still waiting for the camera part, it is supposed to come on the 15th, but I sure wish they would hurry, so maybe I could get some shots that show the colors better. So, you will have to bear with me and look at my horrid photos for now;)

Noah's Ark!

I was going to wait to take a photo, but I thought I would show you my progress. The picture is horrid, but i have to put up with my old camera which only has 5 mp's, so even in light the photos aren't great. I am using the book Noah, by Patek, Brannock and Kimmel. I plan on adding a few embellishments like a beard, etc, after I finish stitching the piece. I just wanted something fun to work on and I will hang it over my double doors. The space is narrow, so the piece will be 9" by 68" long. I will probably add a black border just to frame it, since it can't be too big. After I sew Mrs Noah and the tree, I will start adding animals and then see what space is left and throw some birds in the empty areas.

Today I started out feeling horrid, but then I went out for a swim and felt good enough to do some garden work. I have two yellow squashes almost ready and the beans should be ready for this weekend. Just wish the tomatoes would ripen, next year I have to start earlier. I really appreciate all of your comments and well wishes. My brain works on and off, so I can only do so much thinking in one day;)

Cats in the Garden Quilt

I finally finished my Cats in the Garden. The original quilt is called "Six cats in the garden," by Linda Brannock. As you can see, I have four. Each one is done to represent my furry babies that have passed on and the top one is Dora. I use the brown paisley to represent my Tortie, then my big white guy and black for my beloved Black. I used a darker thread on Dora so that her face shows more than the others. I think this quilt pattern makes a great piece to memorialize your kitties.

I added a few of my own items, that kitties love to chase. I also added grass, because I placed my kitties in the wrong place, so that was an idea for a good fix it;) The quilt is hand appliqued and then I used free motion to quilt the top. The background pieces are done with meandering stitches and free form designs, and the border was done in a vine with leaves pattern.

I found a great way to draw designs onto your quilt before quilting. This is great for those of you who like to do their own designs and have a guide as you stitch. It is called a chaco liner pen by Clover. It is a chalk pen that comes out as you move the tiny wheel across the fabric. It is refillable and affordable, my new best friend for quilting.



I love how Dora's face came out. I use free motion quilting and draw the faces on with the thread. I even made a few little designs while I was doing the meandering. You can't see it, but there is a duck and a mouse hidden in the quilt;) When I get a chance, I will add tabs and hang it from a stick that I found and hang it over my entryway.