It only took a little more time to add the neck and the body and the applique was finished. From there, I peeled it up off the pressing sheet. This is best done by actually peeling the pressing sheet away from the cat, if that makes sense. You're pulling on the pressing sheet rather than the fabric. I laid it on the lightbox to check for holes, and you can see there are a few little gaps.
Not to worry. I just hunted around the sewing room floor for the little cut off bits of applique and patched it from behind using those pieces. I auditioned a few backgrounds, but eventually settled for this teal background. I liked the contrast with the colors of the fur, and it also complemented the eyes.
Next, I'll be top-stitching the edges of the applique pieces with both smoky and clear monofilament thread. For that I'll use a very small 80/6 needle to avoid making big holes in the applique. I want the top-stitching to fade to invisible as much as possible. Once that's finished, I'll add details with a white embroidery thread...whiskers, eyebrows, and ear fur...and then I'll quilt it using one or all of these variegated threads. I'm thinking the thread will help lighten the colors of the fur to give it the more dilute appearance of Maggie's colors.
For today, I'll take a little break from it and stare at it for a while. Staring gives me time to plan my attack.
In the meantime, I'll get to work on Rachel's block for the Live, Love, Teach quilt.
I've actually been looking forward to doing this one since I started the quilt. I've been doing the blocks in order as they came from the bottom to the top of the stack, and this one finally came up. It'll take a little time, but I know just what to do.
Chile-Braised Short Ribs are on tonight's dinner menu. I made this dish once last year. It requires making a "marinade" that more closely resembles a rub. That was accomplished yesterday afternoon, and they've been sitting overnight in the refrigerator. I'll get those started braising early this afternoon and by evening, the house will be smelling delicious. Makes me hungry thinking about it.
15 comments:
You really have captured her incredibly well, her eyes are perfect.
She's standing her own very well and I still think they are going to be equals and playmates in the end. It's that initial I hate you - then they fall for each other lol
That's just incredible.
Love the background fabric. It really sets her off.Going to be a beauty!
You nailed that eye color! Maggie should be very happy with her pawtrait.
The school bus is going to be adorable! I love watching your cat portraits. With each one I go through a series of head shakes and disbelief and then poof! you pull out the finished product and it is always perfect. Magic.
Lovely job on Maggie's pawtrait. The school bus block looks like fun to work on.
Maggie's portrait is beautiful and I love the background.
Maggie's Pawtrait quilt looks like an award winning quilt in the making. Absolutely gorgeous.
QuiltShopGal
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You just get better and better on your pawtraits. Can't wait to see it finished up.
It really looks great and I can't wait to see it finished. Juno can't either and now he's wondering if I'm going to make a pawtrait of him too.
I've really enjoyed seeing how you do your amazing cat pawtraits. In fact it was your earlier cat picture that introduced me to your wonderful blog. Do you iron it as you go to secure the pieces or iron it just before you peel the sewing cloth off. I'd love to have a go at doing our cats. I did one of our younger cat using the confetti technique which is OK but didn't capture her in the same you have with Maggie and think this technique is more precise. Look forward to seeing the next instalment!
I just can't get over how perfect the blue fabric is for her eyes... she is so beautiful!
Love the teal fabric you picked for Maggie's background. Really just sets her off perfectly.
That bus looks like a lot of fun. It really is going to be the quilt of a lifetime for Lisa.
The bus block looks fun. I understand staring at a project for a while to decide how to finish it!
The pawtrait is looking fantastic!
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