Lynette Anderson - Its Quilting Cats & Dogs: 17 Stitchery and Patchwork Projects for You to Treasure

Its

Quilting

Cats & Dogs

Lynette Anderson

www.rucraft.co.uk

introduction

W elcome to my world of dogs and cats those endearing creatures that many of us share our lives with and the inspiration for the needlecraft projects in this book. I cannot remember a time without cats and dogs, or without some form of sewing. Crafts and particularly textiles have played a big part in my life from the age of five when I learnt to embroider with my Grandmother as my teacher.

In our household we currently have one dog and three cats, who are our friends and constant companions. I love the way they follow me around the house and settle into chairs and on top of cupboards anywhere as long as they are close to me.

There are many stitching delights that await you within the pages of this book, as well as the adventures of Hugo the dog, Felix the cat and their feathered friend Mr Bird. There is some really enjoyable patchwork and quilting, some charming appliqu motifs and a gorgeous array of embroidery designs that you will enjoy sewing, plus a few stitching techniques you may not have tried before, such as punch needle work.

The Kitty Cat in the Garden chapter shows you how to make a beautiful quilt which is really easy to piece together. The quilt is adorned with little stitched panels of a contented cat as she makes herself at home amid the warm and mellow colours. There is also a charming journal cover to make perfect for all your sewing notes or to jot down stories of your cat or dog.

The Puppy Dog Sewing Collection features a cute puppy and little bird stitched in simple embroidery stitches on a lovely sewing bag, needle case and scissor keeper, which could be made as a set or as individual items to give as gifts for friends. The colours are stylish and contemporary but the designs lend themselves to any fabrics.

The I Love My Cat chapter celebrates all cats free-roaming toms, home-loving tabbies and elegant pedigrees. A fabulous wall hanging tells everyone you are a cat lover and combines several techniques, including crazy patchwork, strip piecing and blanket stitch appliqu. A blue and tan colour scheme adds extra zing. Some sweet pincushions in the shape of a curled-up sleeping cat make quick and easy gifts.

The Woof! Woof! chapter was inspired by my affection for my dog Hugo and the devoted work of the Seeing Eye dogs. The bed-sized quilt in this chapter is a combination of patchwork and appliqu. Its a real delight and destined to be much admired. There is also a wonderful dog-themed cushion that children will love.

The Best of Friends chapter features a really useful and roomy hand bag and a charming little purse. They were such fun to design and Im sure you will love creating the crazy patchwork for the bag, which is quick and fun to do. I like to keep my coins in a separate purse and a little purse with some charming stitchery is the perfect size.

The Summer Holiday chapter was dreamt up whilst I lazed at our beach house. At Christmas, Easter and every weekend we can manage we escape there, loading the car up with all we need, plus our beloved furry friends. The lap quilt has easy nine-patch blocks and amusing scenes of Hugo, Felix and Mr Bird enjoying their holiday. A single stitched panel is used to decorate a stylish photo album.

The Forever Friends chapter celebrates the close companionship of Hugo and Felix in the sweetest little wall hanging created by punch needle embroidery, which is an old technique but really rewarding to do. A handy box showing Hugo with Mr Bird also uses the punch needle technique, and the idea could be used on the lid of any container.

The combination of patchwork, stitchery and appliqu is currently my favourite look and I hope you will enjoy it too. I love attention to detail but only use basic stitches, so my designs are achievable for all skill levels. All of the projects are described and illustrated with step-by-step instructions. A materials and equipment section is provided, followed by the basic techniques. A link is provided to download the templates in the template section.

If you love dogs and cats, or know someone who does, or you simply love to sew something gorgeous and a touch quirky, then the charming projects in this book should bring you hours of stitching pleasure and satisfaction.

puppy dog sewing collection

This lovely collection of sewing bag, needle case and scissor keeper is such fun to make and features charming stitched panels with quirky scenes of a puppy, little bird and sewing motifs. The embroideries are a delightful combination of needle-turn appliqu and surface embroidery stitches.

The collection was inspired by thoughts of a relaxing weekend away, with time to work on a sewing project. You could stitch all three as a collection for your own use or select just one project to make as a gift. Ive chosen a black and white colour theme for the collection with touches of sage and red for contrast, creating a stylish yet appealing look.