11/1/15

First Finish in November

The first finish on the first of the month. It's kind of like when I start hand-sewing my bindings just inches from the first corner so that I can feel as if I'm making progress. Work out the timing on your calendar, and you can feel as if you're screaming along in the sewing room. So, let's just see what it is, shall we?


Well, this is embarrassing.


I hardly know what to say!


I've seen some cats in my time, but this fellow...well, he's exquisitely handsome...and there's something so familiar about him. Hmmmm.


I wonder if he tastes anything like Gracie...


Just as I suspected. Green. He'll need some time to ripen before I eat him.


I'll just wait right here. Maybe I'll just nibble this corner a bit while he ages.


So excited was I to put the finishing touches on Smitty's pawtrait that I didn't even get dressed before heading into the sewing room. You'll be happy to know that I did take time to brush my teeth. TMI? Then I was so completely absorbed in my sewing that I didn't take any pictures of the process of finishing him off. So sorry.

To summarize, I top-stitched all the applique pieces. For that, I used an invisible monofilament for the lightest parts, and a smoky monofilament for the darkest parts. Also, I used a 60/8 needle to avoid putting big holes into the layers of applique. It was necessary to look again at Gracie's quilt to remember how I'd done this. I couldn't remember if I'd used a stabilizer or sewn through the batting when I did the machine embroidery. For Smitty's quilt, I simply put the stitch regulator on the machine, dropped the feed dogs, and then did a zigzagging free motion embroidery to fill in the fuzzies on the fur.

When that was finished, the regular foot went back on to stitch the whiskers and the eyebrows. For that, I needed some kind of stabilizer, and so I simply added the batting and stitched through it. Then, I added a French knot to each eye for the eye spot. When all of that was finished, I added the backing fabric and then gave it a cursory quilting. At 8 x 11 inches, there isn't much room for doing anything fancy. And then I sewed on the binding. And....done!

These were very fun projects. Now I'm fresh out of pets. I might be persuaded to start on the kids' cats...five in all. That should keep me busy for a while.

33 comments:

gpc said...

Incredible -- love it! You could make a business out of this, although that might take the fun out of it. Or you could get more cats. -- you did an amazing job! :)

Anonymous said...

Smitty is perfect!! Or should I say purrfect!

Linda M @ Pieceful Kingdom said...

Wow! It turned out great. I love the green background with Smitty's eyes. Great job!

Sally Trude said...

You captured him perfectly. Now I suggest you capture him admiring his likeness. My choice would be the second to last photo in this post.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Oh my gosh, just to purrfect! Amazing job on Smitty's pawtrait - just wish he appreciated it a little more.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! You are very talented.

Cherry said...

Or perhaps it's time for Three Cats Ranch to get the elusive third cat so you can do another portrait...
Both of these turned out great!

Shepherdess55 said...

Your pawtrait of Smitty turned out purrfect!

Quilting Babcia said...

I've said it before but I'll say it again - it's perfect! Smitty obviously approves.

Christine M said...

What a fantastic pawtrait of Smitty! Well done, Barbara.

Julianne said...

Wow! Its Awesome!

Lyndsey said...

Wow Smitty, you are perfect, both the real you and that fabulous pawtrait. What a great finish

Jenny - the lilac cat said...

I love this. Absolutely beautiful. You've inspired me with your very helpful pics and info on this and earlier posts. I have 2 cats and all rated up to go just a case of finding fabric.....

Michele said...

I love it and Sunshine does too. I hope he plays nice with it.

Dana Gaffney said...

Wow, just wow! I think you should secretly do the kid's cats, Christmas is coming.

SJSM said...

Incredible shading on the face of Smitty. This is a great quilt. Do you think it can be used as an entry in a contest? I love the zig zag in the dark fur to give him stripes, also.

Lou said...

Smitty is SO handsome!!! The quilt is nice too:) ha ha!!!
You did an amazing job on his pawtrait !!

works4me said...

You did a wonderful job with Gracie's quilt but you really hit it out of the park with Smitty's. I'm also thinking his colouring was a bit easier to work with than Miss Gracie's.
Well done.

Beth said...

I hate to fawn over the little man, but he is exquisite!

gayle said...

He's gorgeous! (Both the portrait and the kitty himself!)

Cathy said...

Your little cat is so cute! Well, both of them actually. :)

Christine B said...

What a beautiful 'pawtrait! So much lovely detail! Christine x

Janarama said...

Barbara, you did a fabulous job on Smitty's quilt (and Gracie's too)! You amaze me with a lot of the things you tackle and are a very talented lady.

Shari said...

These are adorable. I'm just amazed at all you get done and how well you do it.

Marlene said...

This is fantastic and I think Smitty approves of his pawtrait.

Cath said...

my goodness Barbara.....I am impressed and by the way, if you want to give doggies a go....I have two very beautiful 'models'! Shame your linky photo got lost in the blogosphere but thanks for linking up to Design Board Monday at Bits'nBobs.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Smitty looks smitten with himself....:)

beaquilter said...

that one looks great and kitty likes it too!

Lynette said...

I enjoy your Smitty posts so much. :) Very nice attention to details on this, like the French knot eye sparkles.

ArgusMom said...

This is absolutely gorgeous! I'm awed by your talent.

Kate said...

Smitty's portrait turned out beautifully! Congrats on the finish.

quiltzyx said...

Wow! I totally understand that you went right into the sewing room from the bedroom to work on this one! Smitty's portrait is spot on!

Tami C said...

I love Smitty's portrait! You did such a beautiful job on it.