I've been so fortunate to have
Jennifer's West Indies fabrics before their release. What a privilege to stir up excitement before it hits the shops. In the last post I promised you a reveal. The colors are so vibrant it's hard to get just the right lighting to show them off. I've been frustrated for days trying to get the right light, the right feel. This afternoon I tried again--with some help. I decided this was "it".
Cat approval is the sign of a job well done. Stinka looks so relaxed here, doesn't she? Well, don't let that fool you.
This is what most of the shots are like. Claws out, ears back, playing with everything.
A little hide and seek.
Several pounces from behind the pillow.
There's some special affinity between cats and fabric. Maybe one day
we'll know how to explain it scientifically. In the meantime, I'm
willing to accept a magical explanation. Especially when it comes to
black cats.
The center field of the quilt uses Free Spirit Designer Dapples in
Fuchsia mixed with fussy cut squares and triangles. I used
approximately 7/8 of a yard of Marie in yellow. Apart from a few
scraps, there is nothing left of that print. The first border is Free
Spirit Designer Dapples in Lemon. To keep things lively, I followed it
with a pieced border. The size of these pieces varies and includes
something from everything in the collection.
Because the quilt has a nostalgic feel to me, I chose to tie the center field with #5 pearl cotton in a bright yellow. I machine stitched around the borders with Rowan quilting thread. It's the perfect size for a baby quilt, a picnic quilt or a wall hanging.
The pillow is simply pieced using four 90 degree triangles which have been fussy cut to create a kaleidoscopic effect. A simple border frames the square. You can read about the stitching on the pillow in the previous post.
There are other West Indies projects to come. Stay tuned for those. Meanwhile, call your local quilt shop and be sure they've placed their order for West Indies. This will be a quick selling collection. About as quick as a small black cat.
Oh I love the colours and especially the lovely large cabbages rose design. Thanks for the preview and stunning quilt
ReplyDeleteI already have a quilt-loving black cat, so clearly stocking up on this entire gorgeous collection is a must-do.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful. I loved the different colored border on the quilt. I enlarged all the photos - I still can't get over just how cool the hand stitching looks on the pillow. Carolina
ReplyDeleteIt's so very pretty! Stinka is cracking me UP. Claws out and ears back! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWow, Melissa! That is so much of what I would do given those fabrics! Just love it!! Thanks for the peek of everything & your cat! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely the bright fabrics and what you made with them!
ReplyDeleteYour cat does look very playful, hopefully he won't damage your fine work.
I wrote a comment this morning but it dosent seem to have worked, I did write it as I was rushing to work. I love this quilt Melissa! It's so bright and joyful and your fussy cutting shows off that gorgeous Sis Boom fabric! The pieced border of the whole range is a stroke of genius! The cushion is the cherry on the cake. Oh that funny Stinka, she's very cute in a fearsome panther kind've way.
ReplyDeleteLittle Miss Stinka is making me laugh pretty hard! What a cutie pie! Melissa...I hope you never get tired of me telling you how inspiring you are. I LOVE THIS!! The fabric is beautiful and you have showcased it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt. Of course love your work and Jennifer's designs. And that cat is killing me, especially in that one picture where she looks super crazy with her ears back and claws out.YIKES.
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