6/25/19

Just Getting Started

Yesterday's sewing was a bit of an exercise in persistence. The first pieces for Clementine's Pawtrait were laid down. The template is confusing enough, made worse because I crossed out a couple of lines near the right eye.


But start, I did, and here are Clementine's eyes.


It takes a long time for the kitty to emerge, and that can be discouraging.


By day's end, she looked like this. Hard to see a cat there.


It always goes this way when I attempt one of these. Last night, I read through some old blog posts to fortify my confidence. In all cases, I started out frustrated and discouraged, and ended up with a pretty good likeness of the pet.


Sadie's pawtrait was probably the most difficult because of the many colors in her fur.


And yet, there she is. So I'll keep going, and eventually Clementine will emerge. I think today I'll work my way up through the ears. Usually adding the ears helps to bring out the kitty. Also, it's important to keep in mind that the thread painting at the end adds a lot.

At the end of the day, I relaxed in our recliner with my furry friends.


Smitty was gazing out over the landscape thinking of how delicious those squirrels would be if only he could get at them.


Sadie gazes at Smitty considering her many options for bothering him.


I spoke with Coyote Man by phone yesterday to try to pin him down on this coyote trapping process. He's a very nice man and patiently explained that this is not a quick process, and that one must be careful in the beginning not to scare the coyotes away with human scent. So he's laid down bait in the areas where the coyotes spend the most time. He'll be back in a few days to check for any activity at the bait. If the coyotes have been around, he will set traps then. He says he's been known to trap three animals in a single attempt, but that we should be prepared for a bit of a wait. I asked if this would take all summer, and he said it would not. So that was somewhat encouraging. It still sounds as if it's going to be at least a few more weeks, if not longer, until we get the all clear sign.

We heard the coyotes very close to the house in the middle of the night. This morning, I heard a lone one howling from down in our woods. Far away, I heard another howl in answer. Even farther away, I heard one more. I'm sorry to be doing this to them...but only a little.

Today I'll continue on with Clementine. I'd like to get well along because the week is going to get busier, and I'd like to have her to flimsy stage by the weekend.

6 comments:

Julierose said...

I think Clementine's eyes look amazing already...and your finished pet pawtraits are really lovely. Hang in there--it's obviously not a quick project and one that will take patience, right? I am looking forward to seeing her come together...hugs, Julierose

Norma said...

I love your work. I want to do a portrait of my Spidey-Cat. This is inspiring me to give it a try. I also love your beautiful cats.

Debbie said...

Don't get discouraged....you do such a wonderful job with the portraits! I enjoy seeing your process and am glad you have the patience for the tiny pieces that make the personality appear.
At least the coyote man is trying to do something for you. wish they would move on of their own accord.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Your pawtraits are always wonderful - and I remember you stressing at this very point with every one of them.

piecefulwendy said...

I enjoy seeing your pawtrait work; you do such a great job with it. I'm not sure I'd have the patience. I have a Laura Hein cat that I bought (somewhat impulsively) and I'm considering selling it. I don't think I'll ever complete it. Clementine is taking shape -- I can see her. I hope Coyote Man gets the whole gang in the first attempt, and soon.

quiltzyx said...

I don't think Smitty or Sadie ever take a bad photo! I do wish Coyote Man great luck in trapping them together and soon!

I know that Clementine's pawtrait is really done, but I agree with Vroomans' Quilts above, you do always have your beginning moments of not being able to get it right. But you do!