Category Archives: Dogs

Scrappy Summer Sew Along + Update on Pepper

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Hi everyone,

I posted about joining a scrappy summer sew along a few weeks ago here. This quilt uses your scrap bin to make a 9-patch blocks for a scrappy finish!

I used a bunch of yellows plus pinks/reds to make a “Raspberry Lemonade” scrappy quilt. I started sewing my 9-patch blocks as leaders/enders while working on other projects. Then, a bunch of crazy life stuff happened, and I had to stop sewing for a couple of weeks.

Here’s a look at some of my 9-patch blocks, with sunlight filtering in through a side window:

Scrappy 9-patch blocks

Sunday was the last day to post our finished top on Instagram as part of the sew along. I pulled out the 9-patch blocks that I had completed, and I had just enough for a baby sized quilt. My quilt inspector helped me to sort the blocks into rows and columns.

Romeo inspects the
9-patch blocks

I enjoyed sewing these little blocks together as a sort of meditative time for myself. We had beautiful weather here yesterday so I was able to get a picture of the quilt flimsy, fluttering in the breeze, on a nearby little bridge.

Scrappy Summer Sew Along Flimsy – Raspberry Lemonade!

I’m going to back this little quilt with some soft, cuddly Minky fabric and likely donate it.

You can find other participants and fun quilts from this sew along by searching on the hashtag #scrappysummersal2020 on Instagram.

One of the life events that happened recently is a major (and expensive) surgery for our girl, Pepper. She had the surgery one week ago today, and she is doing pretty well with her recovery. We’re hoping that she’ll be back to hiking with us later this winter or next spring. She needs a full 8-10 weeks for recovery plus multiple physical therapy sessions.

If you’d like to help, I started a GoFundMe to offset some of the cost of the surgery and physical therapy.

Here’s a look at Pepper post-op with her poor, furless leg and incision:

Pepper, resting after knee surgery

Each day, she is getting stronger! We just have to keep this very active dog from running or jumping for 8 weeks. Whew!

Happy quilting!

Jen

GoFundMe for Pepper’s TPLO Surgery

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Hi everyone,

Today’s post is a little departure from quilting. Our best girl and hiking buddy sustained a torn ligament while hiking, and she now needs a very expensive surgery to repair it called TPLO.

We’ve had 3 different vet opinions, and they all agree on the same surgery. It’s in the $3000 to $5000 range, depending on vet, any complications that might pop up, and pre-surgery work.

We have a GoFundMe set up if you like to contribute and get Pepper out hiking on the trails again! I have also been destashing quilting fabric on my Instagram account to raise funds (@nwquiltedcat).

Pepper at the beach

Thanks for all your support and words of encouragement! Pepper gives everyone a big doggie hug and kiss.

Best,

Jen

2020 Mini Series SAL – Week 8

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Hi everyone!

We are now at week 8 in the Mini Series SAL with the last block called Criss Cross! These past 8 weeks have been very surreal, with time warping strangely due to working-from-home during this pandemic. I’m so grateful to Alison Glass and Giucy Giuce for organizing and hosting this great SAL!

The Criss Cross block is one of the more difficult blocks in the series due to the section joins. I took it slow and careful, taking time to pin the seams together and doing a basting stitch test alignment. I love the itty bitty flying geese in this block!

Here’s a look at my Criss Cross block in a field of lupine:

Criss Cross block

I also completed my bonus block this week, called String Block. This block is very easy and comes together quickly.

String Block (bonus for SAL participants)

I love all these little 4-inch foundation paper pieced blocks! We now have 2 weeks to make a project (or projects) to earn a finisher’s pin.

I’m leaning towards making a mini quilt, but I might also make little fabric baskets. Hmm, what to make!

Mini Series SAL, finished blocks

When I took a walk earlier this week to photograph my Criss Cross block, I took my hiking girl, Pepper. We dodged rain clouds, and we had a marvelous time just being outdoors together, taking in fresh air. I wanted to get some pictures of her in the field of lupine, but she had a hard time focusing with several people walking by and smiling at her. A doggie smile has the power to lift people up, even in uncertain times!

Pepper smiling in the lupine
Pepper laughing in the lupine

Stay tuned for my finished project with these blocks! Are you doing the SAL? Leave me a comment!

Happy quilting!

~Jennifer

A Dachshund Pillow!

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Hello quilty friends!

I’ve been working on making a small version of the new Dogs in Sweaters pattern by Elizabeth Hartman. After I finished making the 4 dog blocks (post to come soon!) using plaid fabric for the dog sweaters, I decided to make another dog using bright colors in the pillow size.

I pulled these fabrics to use:

  • Friedlander Fabric, Elevation in White for the background. It has a subtle pattern of cross-hatching lines.
  • Kona Coal for the ears and tail.
  • Essex Yarn Dyed Metallic in Fog for extra sparkle in the dog’s body, face, and feet.
  • Spectrum by V and Co for Moda #10862 for the pink sweater and pillow binding.
  • Remix #15240-50 by Ann Kelle for Robert Kaufman for the lime green sweater trim.
  • The pillow background is a green print from my stash. I don’t have the selvege anymore so I’m not sure what line it is from.

This pattern uses traditional piecing methods and comes together pretty quickly. I pieced the dog with Aurifil 2600, a light gray/silver color, in 50 wt. I also used the same thread to quilt diagonal cross-hatching lines across the pillow front.

I used Aurifil 5017, a lime green color, 50 wt to stitch around the eye glasses and to do the same diagonal quilting on the pillow back.

I couldn’t find the right size pillow form at any local quilt stores, but I finally found one at Ikea! Naturally, I picked up an extra form so I can made a second pillow eventually! 🙂

For a final accent, I added 2 pink hot-fix crystals to the glasses.

I really love how this pillow turned out! It’s a cute, easy project that you can do in a day.

I’ve finished piecing the small quilt using the same pattern, and hope to get it quilted in the next week!

Dachshund Pillow!

Pillow Back

Close-Up of the Glasses and Extra Bling!

I think Pepper approves!

Happy quilting!

~Jennifer

Brutus Quilt, First Finish of 2016

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Happy New Year, everyone!

My quilty goal this year is to finish more projects before starting new ones! Sound familiar?

In a bittersweet first finish for the year, I completed the quilting and binding on my Brutus memory quilt this week.

I posted earlier that Janeen of Quilt Art Designs drafted this wonderful foundation paper-pieced pattern for me of my dog, Brutus, who passed away in September 2015 after fighting cancer.

The pattern is based off a photo that I took of Brutus with us on the Broken Top hike in central Oregon in August 2015.

Brutus hikes the Broken Top trail with the Three Sisters in the background

Brutus hikes the Broken Top trail with the Three Sisters in the background

I pieced the quilt using Aurifil 50 weight threads in light tan and black. The blue background is Moda Grunge, the solids are all Kona cotton, and the blacks and grays are from various fabric manufacturers pulled from my stash.

I did a free-motion swirly quilting all over his fur, switching from black thread to a variegated brown thread when needed. For the blue background, I did straight-line quilting using Rainbow thread by Superior. It has a subtle shimmer that you can see in person, but the pictures do not show it well.

For the binding, I went with a black and white print from Cotton & Steel. I like how it vaguely resembles an old film strip yet brings the focus to Brutus.

Brutus Memory Quilt 1

Brutus Memory Quilt 2

I love how this quilt turned out! I think it is my favorite quilt that I have made, and I plan to hang it in our house this weekend. I miss Brutus fiercely and still feel his sweet doggie presence.

Sincere thanks to Janeen for the pattern. Please check out her Craftsy store and her wonderful selection of foundation paper-piecing patterns!

Happy quilting,

~Jennifer

Dog Memory Quilt

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In my last post, I talked about losing our best dog friend, Brutus. I reached out to the wonderful Janeen of Quilt Art Designs to design a foundation paper-pieced memory quilt of Brutus.

I’ve finished the quilt flimsy, and it looks just like him!!

Brutus Memory Quilt Flimsy

Brutus Memory Quilt Flimsy

At this time, I think I will leave the quilt without borders to keep the focus on Brutus. I’m going to quilt it next week at my sister’s house since she has a lovely new HQ Avante.

If you get a chance, pop on over to Janeen’s Craftsy store and check out her wonderful foundation paper-pieced patterns!

Remember to hug your furry friends today!

Happy Quilting,
Jennifer

Losing a Dog Friend

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Hi quilty friends,

It’s been a rough month for my family since we lost our best buddy, Brutus, to cancer. We had 12 wonderful years with him, filled with many hiking and camping adventures. I miss him, and I feel the loss of his special spirit in the house every day. We do have a 7-month old puppy who is helping to keep our doggy adventures on-going.

Here’s a little collage of Brutus:

Brutus

Brutus

To remember him, I’m making a special quilt designed by Janeen of Quilt Art Designs. If you get a chance, pop on over to her Craftsy store and check out her wonderful foundation paper-pieced patterns! I’m also making her Forest and Lake QAL, which I hope to finish by year’s end.

I started selecting fabrics and making one of the eyes this week:

Detail of dog eye; foundation paper-pieced

Detail of dog eye; foundation paper-pieced

Here’s what that eye section looks like, side-by-side with the foundation:

Dog eye, foundation

Dog eye, foundation

This is going to be a fabulous art quilt, and I really want to finish it over the next month. I need to choose a nice background fabric and several mauve tones for the tongue. Otherwise, I’m pulling all the other fabrics from my stash since they are mostly blacks and tans.

Have you hugged your pet today?
~Jennifer

Pets on Quilts Contest

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Hi everyone,

With summertime schedules, work, and mini quilt swaps on Instagram, I haven’t had a chance to update my blog for a while!

However, today I have a special treat for you! I’m participating in the Pets on Quilts contest sponsored by Lily Pad Quilting.

My entry features my little puppy, Pepper, sitting prettily on my Grand Illusion Mystery quilt. This quilt is designed by the fabulous Bonnie Hunter as her mystery quilt for last year. I’m entering the “Pup on Quilt” category.

In this photo, Pepper is about 10 weeks old. Don’t you just love her cute little ears?!

Pepper Sits on a Grand Illusion Mystery Quilt

Pepper Sits on a Grand Illusion Mystery Quilt

I made my Grand Illusion Mystery quilt using green scraps from my stash and Moda Grunges for the solids. It is a lap-sized quilt so perfectly sized for cuddling on the couch with a pup or cat!

You can check out all the other wonderful entries in the Pets on Quilts contest in the linky party here.

Enjoy and happy quilting!
~Jennifer

Dog Days of Summer Mini Quilt Swap Signups!

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Hi everyone,

I’ve decided to host my first Instagram mini quilt swap, using a dog theme! I recently participated in a cat themed swap so I think we need equal time devoted to our canine friends.

Dog Days of Summer SignUps Now!!

Dog Days of Summer SignUps Now!!

The signups for the “Dog Days of Summer” mini quilt swap are now live. This is an Instagram only swap so you need to have an account. My Instagram name is @nwquiltedcat so please visit me!

The URL to sign up is here.

I’ll leave signups open until April 15, 2015.

The rules:

  • Swap is open to everyone of all skill levels.
  • You are committing to making and sending a mini quilt to your partner by August 10, 2015.
  • This is a blind swap. Don’t tag your partner!
  • Mini quilts are typically no smaller than 12×12 and no larger than 24×24.
  • Use the tag #dogmini2015 for all IG posts.
  • Post an inspiration mosaic to IG for your partner to get ideas!
  • Post a minimum of 3 progress photos throughout the swap.
  • Be sure to post a pic of the mini you receive and thank your partner!
  • Additional details will be in the partner assignment emails.
  • Have fun! woof! woof!

If you have any questions, please email me!

Enjoy!

~Jennifer

Technicolor Galaxy BOM, Block 1 Color Wheel

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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

Technicolor Galaxy BOM, Color Wheel

Close-up view of the free-motion quilting:

Color Wheel Close-up

Color Wheel Close-up

I really love how the Aurifil white thread blends into the Kona solid backing in this picture:

Color Wheel Back

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