Coaster Swap - the applique

I pressed all of the little pieces of fabric onto the plain, black Kona cotton I chose for the backing.  I didn't pay too much attention while I was pressing the outlines onto the fabric, so I got to play a little mix and match with this part.  Made me think I should have made three sets instead of only two.

Here are the two sets.  I think I like all of them.  I'll have a hard time picking which set to share.

This shot has slightly less wash-out from the flash.  I took the majority of these pictures well after sunset, so they lighting is less than ideal.  I'm so excited about the coaster swap.  You should stop by the Flickr group to see what others have made.  That is half the fun!

A crib quilt named Dino

A friend has a little one that will be entering the family.  She wanted to make sure her sister gets a hand-made quilt for this new little addition.  She asked if I could help her with the process and of course I said yes.  The fabrics are from Dinosaur Jungle Club by Benartex Fabrics.

I made simple changes to this great quilt pattern to make the quilt more of a crib size and we worked together to cut, stitch, press and quilt this little beauty.  I think it is just perfect for a little one even at this smaller size (around 38" x 45").  I wanted to make the back as much fun as the front.

This size would be ideal for a Quilts for Kids quilt, and I've asked Natalia at Piece N Quilt if I can resize the pattern for this and she kindly agreed.  I'm still working on the pattern, so you'll have to wait a little longer.  (Yes, I know, I just showed you that the pattern can be done, I just need to actually write all that down.)

Coaster Swap... backing up

The pattern calls for some simple blocks for the back.  I have to admit, the friendship star is one of my favorite blocks.  It is also one of my least favorite blocks when it comes to sewing.  Yes, I can sew a HST, I just don't like the squaring up.  Just seems so darn fussy to me.

Anyway... I put together some of the blocks from the pattern using some more batik scraps.  I don't know that the backs will always match the fronts, but what is the point of scrappy if I can't mix and match?

I also sewed up som of my scraps into these wonky, log cabin blocks.  Love making these.  The small 5" x 5" size makes them super quick and fun.  I wish I'd take more pictures of these, but you'll just have to pick them out of the stack.  (Yes, there are way more than I need to back four coasters, don't judge.)

Coaster Swap

 
I decided to jump into a swap being held by Quilting Gallery.  I've seen them before and been interested, but just didn't have the time.  This time, I wanted to play along.  These cute little coasters are keeping me entertained and I love how they're turning out.

I'll just throw some pictures in here and scatter them throughout the coming week.  I traced the shapes onto the paper side of the fusible and laid them all out.

I dug through the scraps and found pieces that fit with the little bits of fusible.  I really just went with it and didn't worry too much about coordinating.  I like scrappy and batiks just sort of "work" together anyway.

I had to set everything aside to work on another project, so I stacked everything neatly in this great box that was designed for scrap-booking supplies.  Best project box ever!

The pattern was created by Vicki over at the Quilting Lodge.

Mischief is a Batik Kitty

I had to grab this quilt from a few years ago (dated 2009) and take it outside to see the sun.  There is a quilter's show and tell over at the Quilting Gallery and I wanted to play along.  And... a great "Pets on Quilts Show over at Lily Pad Quilting.

Here is the text I included with my quilt in the Show & Tell:  "I made this quilt in memory of my cat Mischief.  She was my first baby after I got married. Every day she managed to live up to her name. She brightened my life and kept my feet warm for over 16 years. Today I have two beautiful, fun-loving, rescue dogs to keep my feet warm and make me laugh."

This picture doesn't show the quilt very well, but it does show you the smiling faces of my puppies.  The pattern I used for the applique is by Darcy Ashton  in her book Claire's Cats.  This book doesn't appear to be in print any longer, so availability may be limited.
The contest starts on Friday, so please go check it out and give me a little voting love.

Joanie over at Joanie's Trendy Quilts pointed me to Pets on Quilts.  Check it out at the link above.  I'm totally torn on this one, is it a "dog on quilt" picture or a "pet-themed quilt" or both?  Can it be both?  I don't know.  I suppose if I had to pick one, if I can't pick "dog on pet-themed quilt," is pet-themed quilt, since it really is about the quilt.