PAPER-PIECED CATS

As you already know, I am the proud owner of the lovely Sofia, my gray cat.   Becoming a cat lover means you must express your cat adoration in all aspects of life.   Here is my latest--

 "Tribute to a Cat" creation.  

This pillow top was made using scraps from my ever-growing scrap basket.  It was paper pieced, 'cause I love, love, love paper piecing.  I hope you can see the cats included in most of the blocks.  I had such fun making this!  The finished pillow will be sent to a special cat lover as a gift.  I hope she likes it as much as I do.

And Kitty Makes Three.....

I just cannot explain it!  I adore my gray, fluffy, one-eyed cat.

Her name is Sofia Loren (after the the actress, of course.)  She was named by my daughter, who was the original owner of lovely Sofia until an emergency brought Sofia to my doorstep.  I had no desire to take care of a cat, but took in Ms Sofia because my daughter asked.  It was supposed to be temporary, but as the months went by I began to dread the day my daughter would reclaim Sofia.  Well, that never happened.  Sofia has been with us now for 6 years.  She is a member of our family--me, my husband and Sofia.

I should be jealous, because Sofia adores my husband, Tom.  He calls her "Kitty Cat", not Sofia, but she doesn't seem to mind.  She sits on his lap with her head on his chest and sleeps while he watches whatever sport is on TV.

Here is my latest Glam Shot of Sofia.

PILLOW TALK

My motto:  You can never have enough pillows.  Or maybe I should say I cannot stop making pillows because I love making quilt blocks.   I peruse books, magazine, look at blogs, and search quilting websites to find new ideas for quilt blocks.  Once I find a interesting pattern, I dash to my sewing machine to try to replicate it.  But usually, I stop at one block which then becomes another pillow top.

Here is my newest addition to my pillow collection.

I found this block pattern on McCallsquilting.com, called "40 Shades of Green".   Instead of different shades of green,  I chose to use one of my charm packs with bright, primary colors.   Normally, I avoid appliqué,  because it's a stressful experience for me.  But  I enjoyed creating this block.  Maybe I will make another using just one color, as the original block pattern suggested.

What's one more pillow!

MY PAPER PIECING PROJECT

I love paper piecing.  Don't know why; I just do.   I love "Craftsy" and this is one of the projects from a course with Peggy Martin.

The Plan:  to make a throw-size quilt for a gift to a grandson who likes all things about stars, planets, airplanes, etc.  The back of the quilt will be a big surprise!  More to come.....

The is the first day of my attempt at blogging.  I have spent the last year reading and enjoying blogs of quilters, sewists (sewers just sounds wrong) and crafters who generously contribute their ideas and projects to the blogging world.  I have been the benefactor of all the creative ideas, knowledge and inspiration.   Everyone is extremely willing to share.  Although my contributions will be limited by my expertise, I want to be part of this delightful world.

So hello world--Bernie 'n me are ready!