Thursday 16 March 2017

sampler HST flimsy quilt, Sofie , Alfie

On 26 february we very sadly had to have Sofie put to sleep as she was in heart failure and struggling to breathe.  Sofie was Catherine`s cat and Mum of Alfie who we lost on 26 november last year. Sofie was about 19 and Sal my granddaughter has not known life without her,  she is so upset and sat up all night on 25th with Sofie so she was not alone.  What a lovely cat she was and she brought so much joy into our lives, she is now with Alfie in cat heaven.  Helen and I plan to have a needle felted cat made from her photos,  Helen had one of Alfie done too.





This is Alfie   the needle felting looks much better than this in real life,  for some reason the photo shows in very much a funny shape, note the winking eye,  he used to wink at the camera a lot! The lady who made him is so busy now since Helen shared the photo on facebook and does all sorts of pets for people.





I have been quite busy this month,  finally got my 24 HST blocks which I did with Blossomhearts blog in 2016 put together into a flimsy.  I enjoyed this challenge as we used the 2, 4 and 8 way methods of making HSTs.  I did not like the 4 method but loved the 8 one and now if I have 6 or more HSTs in a block I use this way and just add the extras to my stash!   Not quilted yet as I do not have anything suitable for a backing,  it measures 86" x 56" so will hopefully be able to pick up a king size duvet cover on my travels for it and the other half will be used for another quilt.  Pondering about what I will use for binding,  yellow and orange have been suggested but will wait till quilted before I make my mind up



I also used a hexie piece to make into a pouch for my pintangle tast stitches   must get some more done. I do these with Sharon from pintangle who is about to bring out a crazy quilting book,  I have it on pre order from amazon.


At last I made the effort and got my Women of the Bible instructions out,  decided I did not want to do the blocks all 10" or 15" in size and altered them to 9" 12" and 15". I found the instructions very difficult and as most went together better as these sizes was able to work them out though some I could not work out so they were left out.  Some have been duplicated in the different sizes and I now have 25  12" blocks which I am pleased with and want a square quilt. I plan to add sashing and corner stones but have no idea what colour to do but as lilac is used in all the blocks to link them together I think maybe I will use purple and do the corner stones in the lilac.  It has not show up well looks more like pale blue  n the photos.



There are 12  9" blocks   not sure what these will be  maybe just go in the blocks box.



 now for the 15" only 6 of these but maybe will make some more if I have any lilac left



I have also made 3 more winter solstice blocks and have one more downloaded,  one Childrens library block, 1 crazy red block, 3 bee blessed blocks 2 I will send to bee blessed and keep one for myself and 2 red work blocks.
Now I am taking time to sort out my narrow scraps as I want to do some string blocks,  only got the purple, black and grey done yesterday so think it will take a few days to get them sorted.,
So far this year has been pretty productive hopefully it will continue.




34 comments:

Nana said...

It´s always so sad when a so much loved animal leaves us... it´s a true loss. But still we should be happy that we were part of the animals live too and keep remembering it with a warm and happy heart. But still I feel very sorry for you.

Nana

Anonymous said...

Once again Margaret you have created lovely quilt blocks. I am sorry to hear the sad news, he was such a beautiful cat. I can see why people have taken to the felted Alfie, he is so cute and such a lovely reminder of what a character he was!

The Inside Stori said...

Oh I’m so sorry to hear about your loss…….we all do get so attached to our pets! Loved the idea of the felted cat as a remembrance! AND….last but not least….gosh, you’ve been so very busy with your projects…..big kuddos for jobs well done!

Staci said...

I'm so sorry you've lost your dear little friend!
It is very hard, and I hope your heart will be comforted
as you remember that furry little life and all the joy
you had together.

The quilt top is lovely--you have made some great blocks!

Queeniepatch said...

What sad news. It must be especially hard for Sal as Sofie has always been a part of her life.
Your quilts are colorful and striking, an you are working amazingly fast, and accurately.

Séverine said...

Your blocs are beautiful !

Gaia said...

- May fond memories of your beloved Sofie,warm your heart always.
All the quilt blocks are wonderfully made, I specially like the hexie one.

crafty cat corner said...

so sad about sophie, it's always hard when we lose any pet. My 5 are 9 now and I watch them like a hawk in case anything goes wrong with them.
Loving the colourful blocks, more colour the better for me.
Briony
x

PaulaB quilts said...

So sorry about the loss of Sophie, a well loved cat for so many years. Your flimsie finish is terrific with the black sashing. It really sparkles. I think the purple would be a good choice, dark like the black to add contrast, but tied in with the blocks. You've done such an amazing amount of work lately. I'm sure it makes you feel better about these cold days. Take good care of yourself.

Rebecca in AK said...

I am so very sorry to hear about Sophie. Our calico cats were always the best cats. Amazing felted cat! Wow! You have been busy! I like your idea about cutting a king size batting in half.

liniecat said...

Such sad news and so soon after Alfie too, so, so sorry for all three of you.
It is the last act of love we can give our furry pals but it is by far the hardest,
I know all too well.
Some fantastic blocks, you've clearly been busy : )

Anita said...

I am sorry about your cats, but that's the way life goes.
You have been very busy making gorgeous projects!

Celtic Thistle said...

Pretty productive is an understatement Margaret, you are whipping up gorgeous quilt tops like a woman possessed :)

Rosie said...

So sorry to hear about your beloved cats and I love the little felt cat. At least he will never make a mess of the food bowl! Love all your blocks.

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Yes, me too. It's never easy having to let a pet go. ALfie I am sure had a wonderful life with you. It always takes awhile to stop missing them huh.
I've been catching up on your blog and oh my! Have you been busy!!! So many quilts, but I have to agree your rabbit quilt is a favorite of mine too.

Stitching Lady said...

Oh, what sad news, Margaret. The photo of Sofie - or is it Alfie?? - is so wonderful. What a beautiful companion it has been. It is the sad thing about life with animals, they have a short life only. But you can be happy anyway to have had them with all the joy they brought to you and your daughter and grand-daughter.
And about your quilt tops, you are so incredibly productive - I nearly can't believe it. You seem to be sitting day and night at the machine. The precision of your blocks is admirable.

Monica said...

That is hard to lose them both in a short time span. It must feel like the end of an era! But, she had a wonderful life, and made a lot of people happy.

You have done a great job on both these projects! You really seem to be developing a clear, crisp style. Could you put all the Women of the Bible blocks together, like a puzzle? That could look awesome. :D

Jane said...

sorry to hear about Sofie, it's tough when they have been a part of your life for so long. You've definitely been busy, they all look great

Annet said...

So sorry to hear about Sophie. But it's good to see you're still a busy bee.

Sarah said...

You have certainly been busy!!!

So sorry to hear about Sofie - it's so hard to lose a furbabe, especially when you have not known life without her. Sadly, my Bleu passed this past weekend so I certainly share your pain. Our furbabes live on in our hearts.

Adore the needle felted cat - it's such a neat way to preserve our favorite cat traits.

Sarah said...

Sorry to hear you lost your sofie but you were lucky to have her in your lives for so long, you have been super productive with your block making!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

So sorry to hear about your kitty Margaret.

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

Dear Magaret,
sorry for your lost.
Allthough you have been so busy, I love your sampler blocks and how you make wonderful quilts with them.

Createology said...

My sincere condolences on kitty. They really do become a part of our families and our heart. I still miss my Sasha BooBoo kitty. Very interesting about the felted version of kitty. You have really gotten miles of sewing accomplished. The hexie pouch looks wonderful and a great place for your TAST projects. Blessings Dear...<3

Benta AtSLIKstitches said...

My gosh you have been busy! Very sorry to hear about Sophie - we lost our itchy earlier this year and her sister is still confused. Love to all (from Texas!!!)

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

To say that this year has been productive is an understatement! Wow, so many great projects nearing completion. Great job!

Anonymous said...

You had a busy first half of March! You've finished a couple of things that are on my still to finish and still to do lists!

Joy from Days Filled With Joy said...

Lovely quilt blocks... so sorry about your gorgeous Sofie... it is always hard losing a well loved pet.. xx

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Sorry to hear about your cat. Your HST blocks look great.

Jane in Cumbria said...

That must be very hard to lose a cat that you have known all your life! I can understand her sadness. And you have been very busy with all those wonderful colours!

sewyouquilt2 said...

so sorry for your pet loss. your blocks all look great.

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