This Cat Nap quilt for our granddaughter's 14th birthday was created around a Cats in the Library panel made by Timeless Treasures. She loves kitties and recently rescued a cat from a shelter, so I wanted to make her a quilt to cuddle with "Griffin" the kitty.
Griffin
Close-up of some of the cat panel blocks
I was able to cut 8 blocks from the cat panel and had originally intended to make these Scrappy Susannah blocks to surround them, but I decided to do regular 16-patch blocks instead. In retrospect I wish I had done the Scrappy Susannah blocks or at least placed the white squares inside the blocks for more interest, but I still like the way it turned out.
For the back I framed blocks of leftover fabric in navy.
The quilt shrunk 2 inches in width and 4 inches in length when I washed it
Quilt size: 46w X 61h
Fabrics: Pool and Moutarde Grunge, an orange Grunge (Burnt Orange?), PB&J Daisy Mae Picnic in floral yellow, and white and navy grunge-like fabrics purchased at Hobby Lobby (I will find the names and update them here). The white reminded me of Basic Grey Grunge White Paper, but it is soft and almost gauze-like.
Backing: Mostly white "grunge" by Hobby Lobby plus leftover fabrics from blocks
Binding: Navy "grunge" by Hobby Lobby
Quilting: Diagonal straight lines on two corners and wavy lines for the remainder
Thread: Superior So Fine #50 Genoa Gray
Things I Learned: Washing a quilt prior to giving it away is important. I haven't washed a quilt prior to gifting it since 2013, when the bright fabrics on a quilt I intended to give away "bled" badly onto the white fabric. I kept the quilt and tried in vain to remove all the spots of color. I don't even notice the spots now! So I washed this quilt first and was very happy with the result. There was "no bleeding"! The navy softened to a dark faded denim-look after laundering and the quilt became very soft and snugly.
Woman, you blow my mind. Not only with your skill, but also with the volume of fine work that you do. I've said it once, I'll say it again, I wish we lived closer. I would love to make a quilt, but can't manage to screw up my courage to even take the first step.
ReplyDeletePattie you make me feel so good! Yes I wish we lived on the same street so I could enjoy your food on your fabulous lanai!
DeleteAre you at all into taking a quilting class? That is how I got started. It taught me the basics and there was a project completed by the end of the class. There are also some excellent classes online, like at Craftsy. Take the plunge! :)
I love the cats in the bookshelves! So fun! The colors you chose for this one are beautiful, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Diann! :)
DeleteI'm so glad I opened this on my computer instead of my teeny tiny phone screen so I could really see those cats in the library. Purrfect fabric for you!! And it appears your granddaughter is following in your footsteps with her cute little kitty. What fun for both of you. Yea for a good washing--all that crinkly goodness with your wonderful quilting and layout. Aren't you glad fabrics are more stable these days? I still throw lots of color catchers in the wash with mine and take a deep breath, but fabric dyes do seem to have improved a lot.
ReplyDeleteThanks you Janine! Yes I love that kitty fabric and the fact that fabrics are more stable now. I have not used "color catchers" - thanks so much for the tip!! :)
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