April in Review

April was a surprising long month. At least, time seemed to go at normal pace, not zoom by as many months seem to. And what a full month it was!!

The month started out with parties and celebrations, planting, visits, and the weather warming up, life heated up, settled down, and I feel like we are cementing our place in this new environment. There is so much to look forward to in May, but let's take a look back at how awesome April was. 

1) Little nugget. 2)Springtime in Ocean Grove. 3) All the Pinks in Asbury Park. 4) A safe shard. 

I got a good amount of sewing in in April! I was right on track with making one quilt a month at the beginning of April, but I fell behind, somehow... I will try to make this up at some point. I've really enjoyed being part of the 2016 Finish Along, OMG, and Year Of The Stash, so far this year... I can't wait to continue.  

1) My May goal. 2) A new block. 3) Vintage squares. 4) A city by the sea.

Planting, plants, yard work, and the beach were big themes this month. Having a yard is great, even when we have to mow! It's really exciting to plant this year, while keeping in mind how it will look next year, as well. An opportunity I've never had before!

1) A broken bud comes inside. 2) An expected azalea. 3) Yard blooms. 4) Party Leftovers. 

April started out with parties but there was a lot of work to be done, as well. But we had some relaxing time with family and friends. 

1) The look of someone who should not be in the guest room. 2) The look of someone who should not be in the sink. 3) Flounder finds some space. 4) Just the right place. 

So many amazing things happened this April, you guys! I hope everyone out there feels as happy and excited about this month as I did, and I hope that feeling carries us right through May!

Sunday Stash: Yard Sale Finds

In my Year of the Stash Manifesto, I stated that I would try not to add too much to my stash this year. The exception would be vintage or reclaimed fabric. For 4 months, I did a good job at not buying or aquiring anything. 

But now it's yard sale season!

Right after I wrote a YoTS post (here), I added quite a few yards to my stash. Better get sewing!

Today I'm linking up with Mollie Sparkles for Sunday Stash. 

April OMG Finish + May Goal

I finished my April goal early in the month so I could add it to my Q1 finish Along completed list, as well. Check out the post here. 

So I'm on to May!

I've been working on this Ohio Star quilt for a looooong time. It's been on every one of my Finish Along lists for 2015, and 2016. I think May is my month to get it done!

Linking up with Red Letter Quilts for OMG May.
Since I started this quilt way back in 2014, all the cats have had a hand in helping me. Here, pit gives me some advice about how to continue the quilting and reach my May Goal!

Bangkok 8

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here.

Another book from my unread book pile, I think I originally picked Bangkok 8 by John Burddett up off a stoop or at a cheap book sale but it may also have been given to me by a fellow mystery lover purging his collection.

I did not pay $2 for this book, that I do remember. I'm pretty sure it was totally free. 

Thai Police Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep is trying to stay on the path to enlightenment with the Buddha, but it doesn't come as naturally to him as it does to his partner and best friend.  When Sonchai's partner is killed as a result of a mysterious and snake filled murder, he must solve the case and put aside his spiritual ascension to seek revenge. Although a gifted detective, the case proves difficult not the least bc of a sexy and forward FBI agent also on the trail. Sonchai's learning a lot about about Western vs Thai culture, life in general and himself. Will he be able to avenge his brother when the time comes? 

I really enjoyed this book, it has an interesting pacing and inner monolog of it's main character, both of which switched back and forth from a seemingly Western pace and mentality, to a more Eastern slow and spiritual approach.. The details of life in Thailand make it clear that the Author spent a lot of time there but I still felt that the reader was getting the information translated through a Western white male perspective. I felt that took away from the book a bit bc I felt dubious about some of the feelings and reactions in the book. This might have just been my take on it, tho. I really enjoyed the fact that I wasn't sure what the resolution would be, right up to the last chapter. I would recommend this book to those who like foreign thrillers, books set in exotic locals, and people who enjoy reading about Buddhist mentality.  

Have you read this novel? Can you suggest other books set in Thailand?

Something New: Bullet Journaling

I'm a list maker. I make a list everyday. I like to cross things off, to add things in, sometimes to add things in just to then cross them off.

But lists get lost, they get full, new lists need to be made. I'm also a note taker. But where to keep these notes? How to find them?

Even with my notes and lists, I'm not so great at self motivating for well, myself. Give me a job, at work, I'm all over it. But me telling myself I need to do some laundry, or complete a project, or any number of tasks I'm doing for myself, just isn't the same.  
When I realized that I would be working less, and being home more, I knew I needed a real system. 

That's when I discovered Bullet Journaling. I first found it through a link on Rowdy Kittens, and thought it was intriguing.

Bullet Journalling is an analog way to keep your to-dos, appointments, lists, events, personal notes, calendars, habit tracking, reminders, etc.... in one place and away from the internet/phone. It really appealed to me bc it's physical, simple, and easy. 
The idea behind BuJo is simple, keep every thing you need in one place, a single notebook. But the possibilities and variations are endless.

You can find everything you need for the basic set up in the Bullet Journal video. I really love that you don't need any special supplies, you only need a note book and a pen (of course, there is a special BuJo notebook you can buy if you want to). 
Bullet Journal suggests you set up 4 basic things in the journal: An index (where you keep track of everything in the journal), a six month over view or Future Log (where you keep track of large events, holidays, birthdays, etc...), a monthly calendar with checklist (which you make at the beginning of every month and where you keep an overview of that moths events and tasks), and a daily log (which you make day of or a day or two in advance and contains tasks, notes, etc... that pertain to each day). There is a set of symbols to use for each item on any list: a dot for task (to be crossed out when finished), a circle for events, and a dash for notes. It suggests covering these with a forward arrow to move to the next day or month, and a backward arrow to go far in advance (onto the six month overview). 
In addition to the basics, you can take notes (classes, meetings, etc...), make lists (movies to watch, books to read, shopping, and so on), track your habits (water intake, exercise, whatever!), set goals, track social media, log expenses, make charts, graphs, note the weather, draw, practice your calligraphy, and pretty up your journal however you want, to name a few. 
Many people fancy up their journals, making them sketchbook, inspiration book, note book, calendar, appointment book, scrap book, and diary all in one. They use washi tape, markers, fancy headers, stickers, mantras, and anything thing else one can think of. There are tons of site and videos to watch for inspiration and ideas. Some creators have reached near guru status.  

Most people seem to use either a Moleskien or the Leuchtturm 1917 journal but I just rummaged around until I found a blank book with graph paper that I already had. I use a black pen (either a uni-ball, or paper-mate). I don't make any attempt to make it pretty, I really use my Bullet Journal in a utilitarian way.

Here's what I have in my Journal so far:
The Index - My index is a mess! I wasn't really sure how I wanted to set this up so the first page is ugly. That's OK! One of the great things about BuJo is when you "mess up" you can just move on, keep going, and not worry about it. I changed the way I made my index from the first to second page, and I will most likely change the whole thing when I start a new journal
The Future Log - Since I started this journal in April, I made mine until the end of the year. I keep birthdays, holidays, and major events here. It's nice to reference back to when I'm like "when is Calvin's christening?" or "what month are we seeing the Violent Femmes?"
Monthly Calendars - I started this book in mid April and used that month as a test for how I would set up my monthly calendars. So far, I'm making them just the way BuJo suggests; I list the dates of the month, what days the dates fall on, and fill them in with events, appointments, and birthdays. I reference back to this when I need to see only one month, not my entire Future Log. 
Monthly Tasks - Next to each month, I put a list of larger tasks that I want or need to accomplish that month. These are mostly items that do not have a specific date to get done. I refer back to this list to see what I've finished without realizing it (cleaning the microwave) or to add to a daily list if I think I can. 
Daily Log - I use one page for each day of the week (except Sat/Sun, they share a page) to list the tasks I need to or want to get done each day. These can be as mundane as doing the dishes or laundry, cleaning the cat boxes, etc... I use this space for my work schedule, events for the day, and keeping track of getting work at home done. I use the bottom of each page for making notes about that day. I like to keep track of when I took a nap, when interesting things happen, or anything I think I might want to reference back to like "won at cards with Al and Sienna" or "opened all the windows today" etc... My Daily Log is by far my most used and most helpful pages. When the day is over, I make sure to move things forward and cross things off.
Habit Tracker - This is where I keep track of things that I want to get done or things that I do on a very regular basis, or that I want to keep track of how often I actually do them. I list things like exercise, quilting, drawing, juicing, watering the plants, and other things for each day of the week there. When I have completed it, I fill in the little box for the appropriate day and item. I have been doing a weekly habit tracker this month, but for May I'm moving to a monthly one. A nice thing about BuJo is that it's very easy to try new methods of keeping track. You can find what works for you. I think a monthly tracker will give me a better overview of which of these tasks I get done and when I do. If I see I'm not doing something on the regular, I can add it to my Daily Logs. 
Expenses/Earnings - I keep a weekly record of everything that I spend and everything that I earn. I divide one page in three parts, at the top I put my expenses and the date they were purchased, and in the middle I put my earnings for the week (from work, web sales, etc...). At the bottom of this page, I make any note I want to look back on. I'm working on a monthly overview for this as well, to see what I made, spent, and saved, what went to bills, eating out, etc... I haven't worked out how to best log this yet. Any ideas?
Lists and Notes - I keep a few running lists (my yard wish list, things I need my husband to help me with, long term goals...) and a few reoccurring lists (groceries, food that needs to be eaten, dinners for the week...). I keep some notes on budgeting (expenses and time), future projects, and other things.  I add to these whenever necessary. 

These are the symbols I use:
Dot ( • ) - I use the dot for an and all tasks.
Circle - I use this for events such as "work (10am - 3pm)", "drinks with Mike", "rummage sale". 
Dash - I use this for notes in my daily logs, expenses, lists, etc...
X - I X out all finished tasks and events. If I do a task twice, I add an additional X next to it (say washing the dishes twice in one day).
Forward Arrow - I use this when I'm "migrating" a task, when I move a task from one day to the next, or one month to the next if it's a monthly task. I use a double forward arrow when I'm moving something far in the future (more than a day or two). 
Box - I use boxes for habits. I also use them on daily tasks when the task was halfway completed. I fill in boxes as I go. 
Eyeball - I use the eyeball for a research task. Bc I might not need to get this done in a specific time frame, or bc it's easier than writing " • research how to make a bullet point with the keyboard". 

I've only been Bullet Journalling for about three weeks now, but I'm pretty sold. I'm excited to have a small, simple space for all my planning, and to add to it in the future. I can see it being becoming an essential tool in my lifestyle journey. And I can see improving on how I use it to an almost infinite degree. I like it as a day to day tool, but I also like seeing my progress, process and evolution in work and home life I can't wait to see that on a larger scale as weeks and months go by. 

Who out there uses a bullet journal? Share your experiences and links to pics in the comments!

New Block: Tree Of Life Variation

A little while ago, I was inspired to make a baby quilt in white, silver, red and black. Not my usual palate, but I thought I'd give it a try. Then I set out to find a pattern that interested me. 

I've long thought that a Tree of Life Block would make a great focal point for a baby quilt. I've avoided this block because... so many HSTs! After looking around on Google images, I worked out a variation and got to work. It's a little wonky but that's kinda my style. At least Elvis likes it:

I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. 

On My Mind on Friday Morning

I'm looking for a good, recycled, environmentally friendly, made in the USA, kitchen sponge. Is that too much to ask? I found a few: this one seems simple and good, these are all good options, and these all seem interesting, too.  Anyone out there have any ideas?
I love it when my favorite blogs seem to be reading my mind! Since we moved, we've had a huge junk mail problem, Erin has the answers! 
I love this blog from the NYC Zoos, and was so happy to see one of our favorite attractions from our favorite zoo featured!
New Zealand has a sock stealing cat.
Check out this Ultimate Guide to Quilt Sizes. Important info and a great graphic!

I've looked all around the internet for a good chart and easy access to quilt sizes, so I was so pleased when I was directed to Suzy Quilts article. Anyone have any other good resources on this subject?

Commissions: Two Open Slots + Pricing

I've made several commissioned quilts and I really enjoy them! 
I wish I could say that I could make them all the time. But the truth is, they take me a long time!! I have not picked the easiest way to make quilts (sometimes I wish I liked working on the sewing machine). All my quilts are hand pieced, basted, quilted, and bound. I find they take me 3 months, at the very least, if I'm working on nothing else. To be safe, I'd say they take me 5 months to make a baby quilt (or lab) quilt. 

I've been planning out some quilting for the year and I would really like to take on a few commissions! Being April, I calculate that I have time to do 2 baby or lab quilts before xmas. To be sent out in time to give as gifts. 

Please use the contact tab above if you are interested in a Mad Cat Quilts commission. 

Quilts have base prices, and then money gets added on for design complexity, fabric selection, quilting complexity, backing, etc... Which all can range from $20 - $?? above the starting prices depending on what we choose together. Here are the starting prices :
Minis start at $75
Baby or crib quilts start at $175
I don't have time for a larger quilt at the moment, but here are the larger size prices:
Throw start at $225
Twin size starts at $350
Full start at $400
Queen start at $650
King start at $850

The way my commissions usually go is pretty organic. I get some info from the buyer about what they would like, come up with some color, fabric, and pattern ideas to run by them. Once that is decided, I show them the start of the top, and we kinda go from there. If someone has something specific in mind, we look at those options. I've always had really good luck in that my clients know and like my style of quilting: slow and all hand done, no measuring... etc... People seek me out for this style and that's really lovely.  

I really hope I can make a few special quilts for my readers out there!! I'm really excited to work with some new people on great new quilts. Please use the contact tab above if you're interested in one of the slots!

New Block: Drunkard's Path

I knew I would eventually try the drunkard's path block during the MadCatBOM. But what an intimidating block!! I bet a lot of quilters feel that way! Curves!! How nerve-wracking. But guess what? This block was awesome to make. 

I looked at a few tutorials for this block, but in the end I really didn't use one. I just winged it! I tried to bring in some brighter and new colors with this block. I'm hoping to add more and pull it all together at the end. 

As you know, I don't measure my fabric, I free hand measure and cut all my work. I found this worked well for the curves in this block, but the block itself came out quite a bit smaller than my other blocks for the BOM. So I might add a boarder later. 

You can find the rest of the MadCatBOM blocks here. I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching today. Are you?

Thoughts On... A Lifestyle Column

I wouldn't call this a "Lifestyle Blog".

But it kind of is one. It's a blog about my life, my lifestyle and how I want to live. 

Recently, especially since the move, I've been trying to identify the things that make my life better. These are usually small, everyday things, routines, products, mantras, practices. Little things that make my life easier, make me happy, or help me to hone the lifestyle I want to create. These are my thoughts on...

Making the Bed. 

A few years ago, I had a friend staying with me who always made the bed. I had never done this before. We weren't a bed making family growing up. She made hospital corners. She was the inspiration for me to start making the bed, but not regularly. 

Now I try to make the bed every day. I don't go crazy. I mostly just straighten the pillows, brush off the fitted sheet, and reapply the blankets in a more orderly fashion. That's it. Nothing fancy. 

But it really makes me feel quite good! I feel like I'm getting something done when I do it and it's nice to get into a made bed at the end of the day. 

Now, we have 5 cats, so sometimes I don't want to disturb them. Or sometimes I'm just lazy, or sometimes I just don't want to. But I know that when I do make the bed, I feel a little better about life. I don't feel worse if I don't make it, but I feel better when I do. It's not a chore, it's a helpful practice. It makes my life a little more orderly, going to bed a little less of a struggle, and doesn't a made bed look sweet covered in cats?

Who out there makes the bed regularly? Who hates making the bed?

Neither Here Nor There

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here.

Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson was a book that I had in my "not yet read" pile of books. 

My "not yet read" pile of books is actually about 20 wine boxes of not yet read books now housed in our basement. It's my goal to get thru at least some of them this year. Last year, I read A Walk in the Woods and really enjoyed it, so now when I see a Bill Bryson book, on a stoop, or thrift shop, I usually pick it up and add it to the pile. I can't recall where I picked this copy up, but I was pleased to note it too had traveled to Europe:

Neither Here Nor There sees Bryson retracing the steps of travels he took nearly 20 years before in Europe. Now a seasoned traveler, he wanders with relative ease and confidence, but the trip reminds him of a time when he was new to traveling and new to Europe. He remineces about his past trip, his memorable travel partner (the infamous Kats), and how times have changed as he explores a "new" Europe.   

Bill Bryson makes you want to be a better writer. His style is so easy, effortless and approachable, you start to think "Well, if he can do it, so can I!". For this I think I will enjoy all his books. In this book, he makes apt and interesting observations as he wanders rather aimlessly thru various countries. Even though this book was written some 30 years ago, and many things have changed, the pleasures, annoyances, victories and defeats of travel never do, and Bryson makes you feel as if you are right there with him. 
I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys travelogs, people who have traveled in Europe and those who wish to. 

Have you read this book? Have you traveled in Europe?

YOTS Check In

This year I'm participating in Year Of The Stash. I've vowed to try and not buy much new fabric, but to use what I already have in my awesome stash! You can read my YOTS Manifesto here. I think it's time for a good old check in. 

I've been pretty busy finishing up quilts this year so haven't been making many new things yet, so I haven't been using my stash much at all. I'm proud to say I haven't bought any fabric since the beginning of the year!! I was lucky enough to win a scrap pack from Quarter Inch From The Edge! Check out her post about the packaging of my scraps. (I still get a thrill when I see something on a blog I follow that later ends up in my hands!)

Here's what my fabric intake/usage looks like so far this year:
Fabric Added Since last Update: Approx 1/2 yard
Fabric Added Year to Date:  6 yards
Fabric Used Since last update: approximately 1 yard
Fabric Used year to Date: Approx. 4 1/4 yards

So far this year, I've been using my stash for my MadCatBOM, I used some stash to finish my Original Mini, and I'm using lots of it in new projects. 

Please share your YOTS update in the comments!

2016 Finish Along Q1 Recap + Q2 List

Q1 was pretty productive!! Here's the list:

1) Finish piecing, baste, quilt, bind and label OC/GC Baby Quilt.
Done! 
2) Finish piecing the back, baste, quilt, bind, label, Baby Quilt Commission #2.
Done!
3) Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt for Grandma Doris.
Not done, I must have a mental block about this one... gotta get past that...
4) Quilt, bind, and label Geometric Gift Quilt.
Not even close to done. It's so big, it's a bit daunting...
5) Finish quilting, bind, and label Original Mini.
Done!

Now on to the Q2 list!

I think 5 projects was a good number to aim for in the last quarter. I plan to continue with that number in Q2. I sort of kept up with my goal of one finish per month. At least, I had three finishes in about three months. I tried to keep last quarter's list in order of what needed to get done first, but I'm scrapping that idea for Q2, so here's the list in no particular order:

1. Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt For Grandma Doris.

I've lost soooo much steam on this... I've second guessed so much about it that it's become quite a struggle. 

2. Quilt, bind, and label Geometric Gift Quilt. 

I made no progress on this since last Summer. Must get it done! This will be a good one to work on in the in-between moments. 

3. Make backing, baste, bind, and label Alabama Quilt Top. 

While we were in Alabama last September, I picked up a vintage unfinished quilt top for $5 in some lonesome thrift shop. I've never finished a vintage top, so I'm excited!

4. Quilt, bind, and label Maybe Lyz Quilt.

A friend might like this one, so I'll try to finish it up for her and see what she thinks. 

5. Piece front and back, baste, quilt, bind and label Atlanta Falcons Quilt. 

I'm tentatively naming this quilt after the teams colors (no, I don't watch football). This is a wild card... I have the fabric pull, have the idea, but I'm not sure if I'll actually get to it let alone this quarter. And even if I do, I'm not sure it'll go to who inspired it. 

It's hard to look at another list that is almost all older projects needing to get finished! I'm tempted to add a bunch more starter projects. But I know I want to clean, clear and finish before I start new so I'm sticking with this list. I only hope my Q2 be as productive as Q1. 

I'm linking up with the 2016 Finish Along and with Slow Sunday Stitching. 

On My Mind on Friday Morning

I want to replace our house numbers, my idea is to have ceramic ones, like in NOLA (I love 1 but they don't have the right numbers, 2, 3).
This is an interesting article and video about Linden, TN. (Previous article here)
Speaking of New Orleans; Two years ago, if you asked me to move to NOLA, I would have. In a heartbeat. After our trip last year, I might think about it for a few minutes. Here's an interesting take on the argument for, or against. 
Who in this day and age thinks it's a bad idea for kids to go barefoot? Interesting article on the benefits here. I really enjoy Lauren's blog as well. And I really enjoy going barefoot. Come one summer!!!
Here's an On My Mind... update:

We're working on our yard. Clearly, it needs it. 

Last time, I talked about a fire pit we might get. Above is the one we chose! We have only used it once, really, but I really like it. It's very simple design and function wise. I do want to get a grate to put over it, so that we can cook on it if we feel like. But for now, I'm waiting for the nights to get a wee warmer so we can spend them outside around the fire. 

Original Mini: A Finish

I started this mini on a visit to AZ way back in 2010 (I think... I had to call my friend bc I honestly couldn't remember). She was taking a sewing class and was going thru her fabric stash. I helped and got to pick put what I liked (which worked out to be things she didn't like, mostly) as a reward. I started hand sewing this mini then and there on her guest bed. 

Here we are 6 years later and I've finished it! This mini was a big inspiration to start quilting again. And it holds a spacial place in my heart

The quilt top is made up a various vintage, reclaimed and found fabrics. The backing is mostly a piece of lizard skin-ish green batik. Both were pieced in Chandler, AZ, at the house of my BFF, where she lived with her parents at the time. I had to add a bit of new black fabric to the backing to make the rolled binding.  

Original mini was basted with a few scraps of vintage poly batting, and quilted with light grey cotton thread in a stripy pattern. I added some black thread as well. The binding is rolled from the back. This mini finishes approximately 27" x 27 1/2" with a very wonky edge. 

I added a new little tag, with the name of the quilt, dates, and my name. This little mini is on my Q1 list for the 2016 Finish Along. I made it just under the wire (last day for links ups!). But I'm feeling good about it!! It was also my OMG finish for April, so that deadline is ahead of schedule!

Original Mini has been hanging around so long, I'm sure all my helpers had a hand in it. So here is Tom on the day I finished. 

Quilts for Baby - On Sale Now!

I don't know about you, but around my circle of friends, it's baby season!! I decided it was time to put my quilts on sale again for those looking for just the right gift!

Mad Cat Quilts has the perfect baby gift with a variety of quilts perfect for the new addition, or any tot who doesn't have a hand made quilt of his/her own!

BOTTOMS UP BUNNY QUILT - Now $180

Baby or lap quilt made entirely by hand using mostly new fabric. I fell in love with the sweet bunny fabric and tracked it down for this quilt especially. Details can be seen here. Bottoms Up Bunny features a simple cross pattern and simple pieced backing, mostly cotton fabric, and new cotton batting. Bottoms Up has a folded binding and is very soft, making it a perfect baby quilt or play mat, or a lap quilt to snuggle under. 

This quilt was pieced in Vermont and Brooklyn, bound and quilted in Brooklyn, NY. It measures about 43 1/2 square. This quilt features diagonal hand quilting and has been pre washed so that it's soft and cozy.

Like all Mad Cat Quilts, Bottoms Up Bunny Quilt is one of a kind, made with love, and comes from a household with cats. Although care has been taken to remove any cat hair, some may linger.

STORMY FRIENDSHIP MINI QUILT - Now $80

Baby or mini quilt made entirely by hand using thrifted and reclaimed, as well as new fabric. Stormy Friendship has a friendship star pattern, mostly cotton fabric, and vintage batting. The back of this quilt features a wonky square and stripe. The quilting on Stormy Friendship uses many different threads, and is very dense. This quilt would be great for a baby, play mat, or wall hanging. Clouds and anchors make this great for a little boy or anyone who enjoys a nautical theme.  

It was pieced, quilted and bound in Brooklyn, NY. Measures  and is almost square. This quilt features diagonal hand quilting and has been pre washed so that it's soft and cozy.

Like all Mad Cat Quilts, Stormy Friendship Quilt is one of a kind, made with love, and comes from a household with cats. Although care has been taken to remove any cat hair, some may linger.

PEACH SIDEWAY CITIES - Now $220

Baby or lap quilt made entirely by hand using thrifted and reclaimed, as well as new fabric. Features Mad Cat Quilts "Sideways Cities" pattern, mostly cotton fabric, and new cotton batting. Most of the fabric was found in thrift shops and quilt shops around Vermont and it was hand pieced there as well. It was basted and bound in Brooklyn, NY.

This quilt measures 40" x 41" and is definitely not square, tapering slightly larger to the bottom. This quilt features diagonal hand quilting and has been pre washed so that it's soft and cozy.

Like all Mad Cat Quilts, Peach Sideways Cities is one of a kind, made with love, and comes from a household with cats. Although care has been taken to remove any cat hair, some may linger.

NOT FOR MARION SIDEWAY CITIES QUILT - Now $220

Baby or lap quilt made entirely by hand using thrifted and reclaimed, as well as new fabric. Features Mad Cat Quilts "Sideways Cities" pattern, mostly cotton fabric, and new cotton batting. The back of this quilt uses vintage small green flowers print and employs a wonky star. The folded binding shows the green fabric on front as well.

It was pieced, quilted and bound in Brooklyn, NY. Measures 36" x 37 1/2" and is almost square. This quilt features diagonal hand quilting and has been pre washed so that it's soft and cozy.

Like all Mad Cat Quilts, Not for Marion is one of a kind, made with love, and comes from a household with cats. Although care has been taken to remove any cat hair, some may linger.

BLUE RED YELLOW QUILT - Now $220

Baby or lap quilt made entirely by hand using thrifted and reclaimed, as well as new fabric. Features a mixed matched squares and strips pattern, mostly cotton fabric, and new cotton batting. The back of this quilt is also a squares and strips improve design. The folded binding is wide in blue and yellow.

It was pieced in NY, quilted in VT and bound in Brooklyn, NY. This quilt measures 34" x 49" and is almost perfectly rectangular. This quilt features straight line hand quilting and has been pre washed so that it's soft and cozy. It's a super soft quilt!

Like all Mad Cat Quilts, Blue Red Yellow is one of a kind, made with love, and comes from a household with cats. Although care has been taken to remove any cat hair, some may linger.

"UGLY" FLOWERS LOG CABIN QUILT - Now $220

Lap or throw quilt made entirely by hand using thrifted and reclaimed, as well as new fabric. Features a modified log cabin pattern, mostly cotton fabric, and pieced cotton and poly batting. I used all the flower print and calico fabrics I could find in my stash, most of them vintage and thrifted. Because the front of this quilt is so busy, the back is a simple square design featuring a purple floral corduroy that was purchased new. The folded binding shows this fabric on the front as well.

This quilt was pieced, quilted, and bound by hand in Brooklyn, NY. Measures 41" x 43 1/2" and is almost square. This quilt features straight stripe hand quilting on only certain blocks and has been pre washed so that it's soft and cozy.

Like all Mad Cat Quilts, "Ugly Flowers" is one of a kind, made with love, and comes from a household with cats. Although care has been taken to remove any cat hair, some may linger.

Visit my shop to see what other Mad Cat and Library goodies we have for sale. 

And check out my instagram for instadeals. 

Orange Cat/Grey Cat - A Finished Quilt

When one of my best friends let me know she was pregnant, she also let me know that I would be making her a baby quilt. Luckily, I already knew just what to make her!
Orange Cat/Grey Cat is an ode to two wonderful cats that the family have had. Grey Cat sadly passed away, but Orange Cat is the resident babywatcher and watchercat. 

The top for OC/GC was made using mostly new but some vintage fabrics. Most of the cats are black or white, but please note the orange and grey cat hiding there. I know my friend likes bright colors, but couldn't resist the making the top stark black and white with hints of pattern and color. 

From the very start of this quilt I knew I wanted the back to be as bright a rainbow fabric as I could find. I really liked this wavy new fabric. Bc it was soo busy, I decided that it was enough on it's own and didn't need to be a pieced backing like many of my quilts.

I used a new cotton batting for this quilt. I had a really hard time deciding how to quilt OC/GC. I didn't want the quilting to stand out too much or take away from either side of the quilt. So I tried something new and used a clear poly thread. It was certainly a challenge to work with, but I love the results! I quilted it in a straight line grid pattern avoiding the cat faces when I could. 

I folded over the backing to make the binding (as is my usual style). I really like the way it added to the colors of the front of the quilt and focused the black and white. This quilt finished at approximately 46" x 39 1/2". 

I made a simple label with no stamp, just stating the name of the quilt, my name, and added "For Calvin". I took this quilt out for a walk around my new neighborhood to get some good shots. 

All my cat helpers worked on this quilt. But Pit was the most helpful as I basted and bound Orange Cat/Grey Cat. This quilt is on my Q1 list for the 2016 Finish Along and I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching.

March in Review

The first quarter of 2016 is over. March saw snow and seedlings. It was a busy month, with lots of waiting, circling, but with some settling down, too. 

1) Ritzy neighborhood #watcherdog. 2) Apartment #watchercat. 3) City dog one... 4) ...and two. 

We did some exploring around where we live. March finally started to feel like a month to be out and about in our new environment, especially when the weather started to get warm. 

1) Bright truck. 2) Bright blooms. 3) Gloomy lobster. 4) Grey bridge. 

A lot of quilting got done this month and for that I am grateful! I am cherishing the time I spend on my work. 

1) A finish. 2) A star. 3) My star. 4) Orange! 

We travelled a very little, ate well, saw friends, missed friends, saw family, and tried to get in the swing of new routines and time changes. 

1) Bedtime. 2) Yard time. 3) Jacket time. 4) Snack time. 

We enjoyed time at home and outside and made many plans for the coming months. 

March's famed lion was pretty tame, but the month sped up quickly. April is rolling in, let's see how well we roll with it.

OMG April Goal

My OMG (one monthy goal) for April is another finish for my 2016 Finish Along. This month I want to finish a very old WIP. I call it the Original Mini. 

Here's hoping I can finish this one soon, and also add it to my Q1 completed list! I will be linking up with Red Letter Quilts for OMG April!