Hi everyone!
I’ve been posting regularly on Instagram under the name @nwquiltedcat. I’ve joined a few mini quilt swaps and have been busily working on those fun projects. I have 3 due by late March/early April so I’ll blog about them one my partners have received their packages.
In the meantime, I started working on a fabulous new block-of-the-month for myself. This BOM is called Technicolor Galaxy by Alyssa over at Pile O Fabric. It’s a stunning quilt that you can do in your choice of color scheme. I’m going with the rainbow color scheme because I really love the look right now.
The BOM is designed to teach new skills throughout the year. I’m also participating via the Portland Modern Quilt Guild, which has a discount code for the pattern if you are a guild member. If you are a member, send an email to the guild for the code.
For February, our assignment is to make the color wheel for block 1 using a bias tape applique technique. I’m using Kona Snow for my bias tape and a combination of 2015 Sun Prints by Alison Glass and Kona solids for the color wheel.
This is a quilt-as-you-go BOM so I used a Superior variegated King Tut thread on the top and Aurifil white in the bobbin. I did free-motion quilting using my Bernina.
Here’s a look at the front of my color wheel:
Technicolor Galaxy BOM, Color Wheel
Close-up view of the free-motion quilting:
Color Wheel Close-up
I really love how the Aurifil white thread blends into the Kona solid backing in this picture:
Color Wheel Back
This is a vibrant and cheerful quilt that I’m excited to work on over the course of the year in addition to focusing on mini quilts.
Recently, I had some sad news. My best buddy and hiking dog, Brutus, was diagnosed with cancer. It’s an advanced form and pretty aggressive. I met with a veterinary oncologist today, but I fear that chemotherapy treatments will be too expensive. We’re probably going to focus on palliative care for him and give him the best last few months that we can. He’s not in pain currently so that’s great, and I’m also grateful he’s still active and enjoying life.
Happy quilting!
~Jennifer
NW Quilted Cat 
I’m so sorry to hear about Brutus. I’m glad you have a plan for him. Your block is wonderful. The colors are perfect, but the quilting is the best part.
Dear Jennifer, I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet dog. My heart goes out to you as I know what you are going through. As for the color wheel BOM….HOLY COW!!!! That thing is waaaaay awesome!! I do love the block and your fmq’ing is over the top amazing!! I can’t wait to see how the other blocks look!! Take care!
So sorry about Brutus. As a dog lover with exposure to a few thousand Corgis around the world, there are certain types of cancer that don’t reliably respond to treatment and palliative care actually has been a better choice as far as quality of life. They can get so sick from chemo, just as people do, so for lymphoma and some others, they have been able to stay comfortable for the time they have left, and not susceptible to the kinds of infections and other side effects of the treatments. It all depends on each particular case.
I hope you and he are able to make the most of the time that you are blessed with, whether it is months, weeks, or even less. Just love him and talk to him every day, and try to create new memories. And take LOTS of photos. And spoil him. You’re always going to wish there was more time, and wish you had done “more” – more walks, etc. but just make each day count. Can you tell I’ve been through this?
I wish you both the best, and he will let you know when it is time to say goodbye. 3
Great block – you did a lovely job with the quilting! I’m so sorry to hear about your beloved Brutus…they leave us much too soon. I pray that he is pain free until the end.
Hi!!!!! I love your block!!!! It really pops!!!!! The bias and quilting look wonderful!!!!! Sorry to hear about your dog….but glad he is being loved. hugs