9/10/12

Dots on Dots Blog Hop: Smitty's World


Welcome to the Dots on Dots Blog Hop!  I'm so glad you stopped by.  Today, I'm joined by


so please stop in to see what they've created for this fun blog hop.  Click here to see the complete schedule of participating blogs.  

Here's my block.  It's 12.5 inches as you see it here:


Every fabric is a polka dot fabric of some kind.  And since I love polka dots, there was no shortage of fabrics in my stash to choose from.

My block is inspired by a block called (appropriately) "Cat and Sunflower" that I found at Free Quilt Patterns.  I decided to add the sun, which was simple enough to make up myself.  And I added the grass, also simple enough.  Then, because I'm a terrible artist, I used another block I found at TLC Home called "Fly Away Ladybug!" to create the ladybug you see.  I printed the quilt block, then scanned it into the computer at 35% of the original size, and then appliqued it to the larger block.  I machine embroidered the antennae and the little curlicue flight path.

And as long as I did all that, I decided to make a wall hanging from the block.  I'm calling my little quilt "Smitty's World".


I added a 2-inch border all around and then free motion quilted it.    It ended up at 15 inches square.  

I added rays to the sun,


veins to the leaves of the sunflower,


and stippling to the sky.  Also, I quilted a little heart motif into the border.


And, because I love kitties, I couldn't resist quilting a heart on the cat's tummy to go along with the border.


And you didn't think I'd put just a plain back on it, did you?  No!  What else would I choose for the back and the binding, but more polka dots!


And here's my real inspiration:  my sweet little buddy, Smitty the kitty, who never fails to smell the flowers while he chases the bees and the ladybugs.


I hope you like my block!  

162 comments:

Unknown said...

This is such a cute and adorable project. Your love for cats becomes obvious.... Great entry!
Regina in Germany

Nati said...

Wow, I was right when I said mine was going to be an easy block! This is amazing, such a skill... My first Dots on Dots visit, this hop is so promising.

Denise :) said...

Barbara, I love this! The cat silhouette is darling, darling and the dots just make it! Great stuff! :)

Kim said...

This is so cute! I love the adorable cat silhoutte and the scene is awesome.

Britt-Inger said...

You have made a wonderfull wallquilt, with the cat and the sun. I love it and your qullting is wonderful.
thanks for sharing

Susie said...

Hi Barbara, I love your little wall hanging, so cute and I love Smitty too. Thanks for sharing. Susie x

quiltzyx said...

Terrific job Barbara!! Your quilt stitching is looking better & better & better too. You did a wonderful job putting together parts from different sources into a great little scene. Woohooo!

quiltzyx said...

Terrific job Barbara!! Your quilt stitching is looking better & better & better too. You did a wonderful job putting together parts from different sources into a great little scene. Woohooo!

Lyndsey said...

I love the block you have created and the finished mini quilt is just so cute. With Smitty as inspiration it could fail to be fabulous. Thanks for sharing.

Fischtown Lady said...

It´s so cute! I love it!
Greetings from Gemany, Marita

charlotte said...

Barbara, very cute cat block. Love those dots.

BizyStitches said...

VERY cute. Thanks.

Thearica said...

This is too cute!! Love it!

Sparky said...

Good Morning Barbara...everything about this is PURRFECT....sew darn pleased you joined in, you are most certainly the cats meow this morning..beautifully crafted

Gill said...

Beautiful! and so appropriate!

Debby said...

Barbara. Fabulous! Your work is lovely and I love that you showed all the details. I'm not a cat person, but even my dog (sitting right here at my feet) had to agree that your cat is worthy of such a lovely quilt! Thanks for sharing. Some visit me on Friday! Debby

Sheila said...

Love your block! I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy all of the dots, but I am loving this hop! You can't have too many helpers. Thanks for sharing.

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

This is beautiful!

KaHolly said...

LIKE your block??? I LOVE it!

PolkaDotClassic said...

Love your little quilt,! Barbara, is just beautiful with all the details . Thanks fr saring
Marta

Pauline said...

What a lovely combination of patterns, I love your cute kittycat!
Thanks for showing.

Michele said...

Gorgeous block and really adorable inspiration.

Rose Prairie Quilts and Farm said...

Sooo cute. Standards are set high now. I feel the pressure but I think is tops. Thanks so much

beaquilter said...

very cute mini quilt and kitty of course too

krislovesfabric said...

Absolutely love those quilted sunrays!

Pamela said...

You did an awesome job. Love the ladybug!

Missy Shay said...

I love your wall hanging, it turned out great!

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Rosemary B here:
Sweeeet and really cute. I love everything about this block.
I am learning how to Free motion quilt, and yours is very very neat and wonderful.
Smitty the kitty is sooo handsome.
I just looked at your previous post and that shop looks like heaven on earth. Love that sign about hubby calling.
Thank you so much for showing your marvelous creativity

Anonymous said...

I love it!

Quilt n Queen said...

Good morning Barbara, your creation of Smitty is adorable. A great start to the Dots on Dots blog hop...happy stitching!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I just knew you would do a kitty! And when did you raid my stash - I think I have everyone of those 'dots'. Just a fun piece and thank you for sharing.

Karen said...

What a great block! I bet Smitty would be jumping to get that flower if he was outside - he's so spunky! Thanks for sharing!

Sheila said...

Just adorable Barb , wonderful job!!

tink's mom said...

Love your use of Dots. Smitty is wonderful. The quilting just a wonderful addition.

trish said...

Oh how precious! :o)

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

How adorable!! Love the dots and especially love the inspiration for your darling mini quilt.

Rachel said...

Love every dot of it!

Teresa in Music City said...

Beautiful and inspiring block Barbara! As usual, you've done a great job with all the details :*)

Heleen Groot said...

Way cute! I love it. Your real inspiration is adorable!

Ariane said...

Your little quilt is so adorable!! I just love all the details. Wonderful!!

Patty said...

very sweet - I really like the bug!

Maria Kievit said...

Love your block! Absolutely adorable! Thanks for sharing.

Linda said...

How adorable! I love your project and your quilting!

StitchinByTheLake said...

Barbara this is just the cutest thing! I am totally jealous of your quilting - maybe with a little more practice I can learn to do those hearts but right now they are completely lopsided. :) And the rays you put on the sun are perfect - great touches you added with the quilting. blessings, marlene

Fignie said...

Love it - at first glance, you don't "see" all the polka dots -- very neat way of using them all up! Looks adorable!

Lisa said...

I think your block is just beautiful!

Sunshine Girl said...

Your block is adorable as is the kitty! Thanks for sharing.

Kathy H said...

I am in love with all your polka dots! And i always like to see quilts of kitties and pictures too. I really admire your quilting. That blue dotty background made the perfect sky.

SewWhatsNew said...

Really lovely block. Thanks for sharing the information. I will keep it for a future use.

kathy-o said...

Darling - LOVE the quilting, too!

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

What a great and fun use of all those dots....lovely.

Kelly

Needled Mom said...

Very cute and your inspiration for it looks so sweet too.

Wendy said...

My daughter says "AWESOME" ... and I would have to agree!!

LethargicLass said...

now that just screams fun!

Just Quilt It said...

I love this block and all of your dots! This is a beautiful project--your quilting is great. Isn't it amazing how quilting a block adds so much to it?

Corrie said...

Barbara, It turned out so nice. Your quilting really makes it special. What sweet inspiration!

Gmama Jane said...

Meow!!! I Love your *dotty* little cat portrait!!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Ohhhhhhh your block is delightful...love the whole thing!!

LethargicLass said...

I just noticed how your flower matches up in the two photos showing the quilting... nice job lol!

Julianne said...

Barbara! Its so precious, I really like it alot. I saved the pattern so I can make one too. I justlove anything kitty cat! Hey, crazy me started a blog...check it out.

http://quiltingwithcalicos.blogspot.com/

Rosa said...

You have made gorgeous wallhanging!!

blueberrymoon said...

Wowza!!! I love it!!! But you had me at kitten . I must show my Merlin( Kitty quilting companion ) . Although I think he perfers to chase shadows......

Catherine said...

Beautiful and unique! Sweet cat too.

dream quilt create said...

You did an outstanding job, your block is gorgeous! The quilting on your block is very pretty and creative too :)

Anonymous said...

Barbara- Love, love, love your block! Anything with cats is great! I have 3 feline helpers who keep life interesting when the children have left the nest. Never a dull moment as Tabitha, my little black sweetheart is the epitome of the curious cat-her latest antic is to knock over all the waste baskets! I love polka dots and gingham, but not necessarily together. Thanks for the opportunity of winning some great fabrics.

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

What a fun block Barbara...love all those wonderful details you added!!! TFS

Mary said...

I love your Cat Quilt idea. Never can have too many cats!

Willa said...

Love the dotty kitty!

Fun project.

Anonymous said...

Very cute! I love your dots and Smitty looks like a real love!

Snoodles said...

Aww, this is adorable! You did a super job, and I love it! I think I shall have to make one similar to it....imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, ya know! LOL

Phyllis said...

Great block! I love the dots!

The Slow Quilter said...

what inspiration, love it.

Brenda said...

I love the way you added the extra quilting for the sun's rays! Wonderful block!

Sallie said...

This is so cute! Thanks for sharing!

carla said...

Hi!!! Your block is adorable!!! I love it!!! All the love in it really shows!!! Thank You

Judith said...

Beautiful Block and love how you added your very own details. Smitty is very lucky to be loved by you....Thank you for sharing. Judith, Texas

Anonymous said...

TOO CUTE-LOVE IT!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

Patty said...

Oh I like this. Well done!

VickiT said...

Ooh I LOVE this little quilt. Adorable cat.

Judy B said...

What a cute quilt! Love the ladybug.

Judy1522 said...

I absolutely love your block. It turned out beautiful and I like that Smitty was your inspiration.

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

Well, well done! I love everything about his block because you put what you love into it. Great job!

Susan said...

Love your cat wallhanging! It is well done and creative and reminds me of my kitty. Thanks for sharing your creative talents and for being first!

Joyce Carter said...

Hi Barbara. Your block is so adorable! I especially love the Ladybug. I think it really makes the block, but I may be a little prejudiced! LOL!(It's my favorite of all the bugs.)

Tanyia said...

awww, this is so sweet! You did a wonderful job! I love the touch of the sewn rays!

WoolenSails said...

I love your blog and love Smitty, such a great piece and so fun with dots.

Debbie

Diann said...

I like your block. The polka dotted sun especially made me smile.

Betteem said...

Obviously you love cats and your dotty block is very beautiful.
A dotty sunshine...wonderful!

KatieQ said...

What could be better than cats and dots. I absolutely love this block. I'm sure Smitty approves too.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Great use of dots. Love the variety of sizes and colors.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Great use of dots. Love the variety of sizes and colors.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Great use of dots. Love the variety of sizes and colors.

Scrapbook-ChickADoodle said...

Great use of dots. Love the variety of sizes and colors.

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Lindo bloco,também amo bolinhas.Será por que os gatos também gostam de bolinhas de lã?Parabéns.

Beth said...

What a great block - I love all the quilting details you added.

Carol Swift said...

I love that appliqued kitty! Your dot project turned out so cute and fun and your real-life model is just adorable. So glad I got to hop with you today! :O)

Katherine said...

Aw, that is the sweetest mini quilt! I just love your adorable kitty in dots, stopping to enjoy the flowers.

Thanks so much for sharing and being a part of the hop!

Mrs.Pickles said...

Lovely block it is too cute!

Mommarock said...

A true plethora of polka dots! You did great at choosing the quilt, and the fabrics, and your quilting turned out wonderful!

Laura Ann said...

Such a cute little kitty.. love your quilting :)

Cliodana said...

just beautiful this appliqué!love the cat... but have a big crush for the ladybug! visit me tomorrow, have a giveaway for the blog hop

legato1958 said...

I just love your block! Thanks for wonderful ideas!!

Your Smittyis too cute!

susie
legato1958@aol.com

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'm totally in love with your Dotty Block....just too cute and creative.

Lee Ann L. said...

Oh my goodness, this is so cute!

barbara woods said...

that is so cute

Chris said...

What a sweet kitty! And I love your kitty dot block, too (lol).

tubakk said...

Oh what a cutie! Thanks for showing us.

Teresa Quilts said...

I love your wall hanging! You did an awesome job.

pinsandneedles said...

Very cute block! Love the addition of the sun and ladybug! Thanks!

Sarah said...

Both your mini and Smitty are adorable! I've downloaded the pattern and added it to my to do list!

Rose E. Glasses said...

Hi, I liked your kitty quilt. I REALLY liked the older post pictures of the golden waves of grain! Good eye.

Unknown said...

You've created a very lively block. Love the ladybug addition.

Bobbie said...

I love reading about Smitty's adventures andyour block is very fitting- I think Im Smitten with your kitten

evelyn said...

My first reaction was-I want that pattern! so thanks for the info. I love what you did with it-the sun and ladybug. I am just starting applique, so seeing your close-ups up stitching was a bonus. Great block!

Joan said...

Your block is so cute. Love it!

SpartanBabe said...

I love this block! It is too cute. Almost as cute as Smitty! Thanks for sharing with us :o)

Cherry's Prairie Primitives said...

Super cute design!!

Nita said...

Awwwwww! Very cute!

MoeWest said...

Your mini quilt is very cute, just like Smitty. Our cat used to chase bees too and I always worried that he would be stung but he never was, even when he caught and ate them.

SIMPLESEW said...

Great Job, love it.

Eat Sleep Quilt said...

I like your quilt, polka dot fabrics are one of my favorites!

sandra said...

It's a very sweet block and certainly shows how much you love your cats. (me to). Blessings

Susan said...

Very nice beginning to our wonderful 'Dot'-Hop! Sweet kitty, I especially love the lady-bug though!

LJ said...

I do like your block; it's adorable. Your quilting was so creative.

Michele T said...

What a sweet idea!! Thanks for sharing in the blog hop!!

Kate said...

Beautiful block! It's very sweet block, very artistically done (even if you can't draw).

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

What a great little quilt! Your free motion quilting is so perfect and the details of the sun are amazing!

Julie said...

Really cute! Great fabric choices!

In stitches and seams said...

cute block ... love the lady bug. And your details added with your fmq ...nice..
in stitches

Unknown said...

Beautiful appliqué and quilting! What a cute Smitty!,,

Shannon said...

The kitty is SO cute!! You have done wonderful quilting! I love it!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your kitty is just too cute and what a wonderful way to use dots!! Smitty is the perfect inspiration!

Anita said...

I love your block and all the great detail! You should have got an honorable mention at least, the quilting was beautiful!

Wendy said...

oh this is such a cute block! Your FMQ is beautiful!

Maria said...

Hi I'm your newest follower. I've been looking through your blog and have enjoyed reading a bit about you and your life. I love your quilts, I love your cats and your photography is awesome. I don't share your love of cooking but after seeing some of the lovely things you make that might change. Your grandmothers quilts are really special too.

Sharon B said...

Just too darn cute! Love the little fady bug. Right now my fav fabric is the Ghastlies and Coven (Tula Pink).

Truffle queen said...

Love EVERYTHING about your block! What a great start to the hop!! Thanks for sharing!

Aurea said...

Your block is very striking nad I just love how the colors jump out at me. What a great start to my day. Thanks for sharing.

Jane's Quilting said...

You block, wall hanging is so sweet, I love it. I have a buddy too, her name is "KC". She is with me all the time when I quilt. Everyone needs a buddy.

Cecilia said...

Very cute! I love all of the little details you added. Thanks for sharing.

gpc said...

I love your polka cat! :)

Anonymous said...

Lots of dots in your project! Very nicely done.
Thanks for sharing and hopping along with us.

Cindy said...

Adorable! Such a fun little quilt.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Looooooooooooove! What a fantastic block! Love your precious kitties too!

Junebug613 said...

I LOVE Smitty's world! How awesome and simple at the same time! I may have to steal this one for a few of my other cat loving friends.

Sue said...

I love cats so I really love your block! The cats are so cute!

Jodi - usairdoll said...

Oh your mini is so cute! Great fabrics and love your quiling with all the fun extras you did. Thanks for sharing and super job!

Joanne said...

Cute block! Unfortunately this is as close to as cat as I can have to due allergies so this was fun to see. :-)

JudyC said...

Oh, this is my favorite Dotty Block. I love your colors, well, really, just everything about it. Great job!!!

Leah said...

Aw, what a wonderful block! The cat is perfect!!

Annieofbluegables said...

I love your kitty. Darling dot block

Nanbon44 said...

I don't like your block, I love it... My Mother in law is the cat lady of our family and I would love to make her a lap quilt with cats...

Helen L said...

such a sweet block, and I love your Mr. Smitty: such a beautiful cat!!

Suze said...

I, too, love polka dots and this is adorable! What an inspiration for fellow quilters! I love the details in the quilting.

Gosia @ Quilts My Way said...

Beautiful applique and quilting! Thanks for sharing !!!

sandyb said...

I just adore you block.

Thank you for sharing.

Carolyn in Kentucky said...

I love your beautiful cat block, cats are my favorite.

♥Duff said...

puurrrrfect in every way!!

Pat said...

Very cute!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Cute Smitty block.

edyB said...

Sweet dotty kitty!

Anita in Florida said...

What a wonderful little quilt. I love everything about it, love your quilting too!