This was my view yesterday afternoon!
It took that long to really get going on this.
There was mail order to take care of, graphics to get drawn for tomorrow's Rhododendron Trail Part Seven release (Are you ready?) and other normal "another day in the office" kind of activities before I could really settle in to making some progress on Crazie Mazie.
There was a backing to piece. And there was a quilting design to decide on.
Let's start here. With the backing.
I ended up flanking that center panel of blue on yellow toile with some yellow I had just enough of.
The quilt is too wide for me to use two widths of 40'' wide fabric so I needed to go a bit wider.
The other print is a daffodil? Or some kind of springy thing anyway. There is enough of that smaller yellow print for the hanging sleeve and it will also be all gone.
There is no yellow/blue toile left. This is its final resting place.
It was a good day in the stash annihilation challenge!
Let the quilting commence!
On the upper right - you can see the sand colored thread I'm using. I auditioned several possibilities but this one blended through both light and dark areas without shouting too loudly from either.
On the upper left - LOLA the photo bomber. LOL!
For those who keep messaging me about Lola being alone at the studio at night let me assure you that I spend more time with her every day than I do with Zoey. I am at the studio at least 7 - 8 hours a day.
She has food. She has water. She has windows to watch the world. She has cat trees she loves to climb. (Not to mention the top of my cabinets and Quiltville Store shelving.)
I always leave hear with a clean litter box. She gets so much love and attention from me while I am there.
If I don't make it down there due to a storm, cats are FINE alone every once in a while.
She has put herself in this kind of "older age" single cat life (She is about 12) and will spend the rest of her days as a solo studio cat, even if it means she may go 24 hours without seeing a human should bad weather strand me on the mountain. It is not animal cruelty.
Please stop making me feel like a bad cat mama. She can not come to the cabin. She will kill Ivy. Zoey is terrified of her. Lola is NOT NICE to other animals. She is a terror.
She is well loved and well cared for and I have a friend on stand-by that could go check on her should I be away for more than a day.
Quilting under way.
I am quilting with an edge-to-edge design called Abacus from urbanelementz.com.
It looks like a woven mat, or a rail fence quilt set on point. I am loving the texture.
I spaced the stitching about 1/2 inch apart. I didn't want anything too fussy, or too dense - the quilt is already piece heavy with all of those seams. Looser quilting will keep the quilt soft and snuggly. The 80/20 batting will still have loft.
I'm having a blast revisiting these fabrics!
Binding has been chosen!
I didn't want a dark binding because I want those dark triangles in the border to float and the edge of the quilt to recede. But I didn't want a solid either. It needs something with a pop of color.
I have no idea how long this has been in the stash, but it is one of my favorite "neutrals with color" and I've had it over time in several colorways.
My guess is that it is 1990s. And it will be perfect to use as binding here - So that's the plan.
Last night's View From My Hoop -
We are into The Lost Symbol on Peacock. We love Dan Brown novels and movies and it is a fun thing to look forward to each evening as the series is 10 episodes long.
Found where I left it!
I came down the stairs in the morning light to find that yes, there is still snow on the deck, and the quilting is coming along nicely. I love the texture of fans - my favorite hand quilting fill of all time.
But that border?
I'll worry about what is going to fill that when I get there.
So here we are at Thursday. It is 30f and sunny right now, but we are expecting 1 inch of snow this afternoon/evening and another 1-3 overnight.
Tomorrow's high of 19 doesn't impress me in the least!
My plans for today include finishing up Part Seven, finishing the quilting on Crazy Mazie (I left it about half-way) and making a run for some groceries to see us into next week.
Lola well get a lot of love and attention today, and if I don't make it down the mountain until later tomorrow, she will be FINE. She is a cat. I am with her more than anyone who works a 9-5 job, is gone all day, and only sees their cat from dinner to bedtime.
What's ahead for your Thursday?
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
This quilt is part of a late 1990s half log cabin made by me, and reminds me reminds me daily of this journey.
Push yourself a little farther today than is comfortable.
There is no growth without struggle, and the rewards are far greater than you could ever imagine!
And the big question echoing in my brain - if I am snowed in at the cabin tomorrow, what will I work on at the machine??
Have a Terrific Thursday, folks!
I have had cats all my life. They are easier than dogs to take care of and much more independent. If I am gone for several days, I leave my cat alone in the house with someone to come daily to scoop the cat box and put out food. I have never had a problem with them being alone. I will be gone later this year for over two weeks, and will board my cat during that time because I don't have anyone who can take him for that long. He will be fine. I am sure that you take the best possible care of all your pets, including Lola.
ReplyDeleteI have said it before, Lola is Queen and I think she knows it. You can tell this beauty is living the good life. I'll bet she purrs up a storm most of the day. Isn't it funny how a smaller furball and rule the domaine that contains bigger creatures than themselves? (Secretly, she may be Zena the Warrior.) You certainly are living the good life with furbabies is both households. It has been proven that petting our beloved animals provides all sorts of healthful benefits. Love Crazie Mazie by the way!!!
ReplyDeleteI've met Lola and she is a very independent and happy cat! No one (or cat) goes uncared for under Bonnie's watch!
ReplyDeleteBefore my boy's passing, we used to leave him at home while we were away and he did fine. I put out a few bowls of food and water and a couple of litter boxes. I'd have a friend check in on him every 3-4 days and he was OK. I didn't want to board him as I didn't want him in contact with who knows what..fleas, etc. from other cats. But he was very happy to see us when we returned!
ReplyDeleteDear Bonnie,
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious looking at Lola she is well loved and cared for. You have nothing to feel bad about. Period! And I like the yellow backing! 😁 Hugs!
I also have cats because they are independent by nature. Your Lola is lucky to have such a good home. I wish all cats were that lucky.
ReplyDeleteOh for Pete's sake. Cat care shaming. I've had a few cats in my life and I have never been sure they cared if I was there or not, as long as they had food, water and a litter box and are able get a few pats and rubs - but only when they felt like it. Anyway - to make you feel better about your 'cool' weather - I just got back from my 2 mile walk and the temp is -8 degrees with a windchill of -28 degrees....Tomorrow morning says the temp is going to be -18 but not as windy. So the air temp will be nearly 40 degrees warmer tomorrow morning where you are than in SE MN! LOL. It does make for great quilting weather!! And thank you for the lovely mystery, I am ready for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteFor Pete'a sake indeed! How you put up with such ridiculous unnecessary emails amazes me. There all all kinds of people. It's usually the bothersome ones who are noisy.
DeleteCats for 30 years here - they are fine on their own the way you are doing it.
Most cats I've known would prefer it if I left a little more frequently, ha. Anyone can see you dote on your pets, Miss Bonnie, and some people need to get hobbies other than concern trolling bloggers. So impressed with all your hand sewing!
ReplyDeletetotally agree. I would not take it on myself to tell anyone how to take care of their animals. And as has been said the info we have from the blog tells us Bonnie's pets are luckier than most I suspect.
DeleteRetired small animal veterinarian here: what you are doing for Lola is fine! You are right - cats can be very independent and you have provided her with everything she needs and more. There may be some cats that would be unhappy with those living conditions, but you know her and her personality better than anyone reading your blog. Keep on doing what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteLove your backing and binding. Absolutely perfect! I'm sorry people give you a hard time about Lola. They probably know nothing about cats.
ReplyDeleteAs long as Lola has food and water, she can easily be left alone for at least 5 days!! Cats are so much more independent than dogs...they don't necessarily want or need their humans around all the time. She is in a happy, safe place where she is loved and cared for...who the heck would even think they needed to question you about her being a studio cat? Those people have way too much time on their hands and they need to learn to keep the noses out of other people's business! Crikey!!
ReplyDeleteCats actually seem to LIKE being alone from time to time. She is well-loved and in a safe environment. No guilt needed!!!
ReplyDeleteIf Lola wanted to be around Zoey or Ivy or the rest of the family any more than she is, she would have told you! It's obvious she wants to be an only child and does not play well with others... She's chosen what and how much attention she needs and wants and that's pretty clear...everybody has "voted" -- now on to fabric, quilting and the "good" stuff... Cats in Carlsbad, CA
ReplyDeleteThe top picture of the quilt reminds me of painted row houses or beach cabanas. With the triangle border forming the roof tops. So much color and scrappy goodness.
ReplyDeletePeople giving you grief about Lola have never lived in a home owned by a cat. I've never had a cat that wanted exclusively to sit on my lap and be petted. The occasional 'drive by', yes. I had 1 cat that would NOT lap sit, would NOT tolerate being picked up and held for more than 5 seconds. We've left cats as long as 48 hours with several bowls of food and water and deep cat litter.
ReplyDeleteCheers to Lola and cheers to you Bonnie!
My dear Bonnie, you are not a bad cat momma. You are parenting the cat you have. Don't pay any attention to those who want to direct your life, they simply do not understand all the nuances of your relationship. Keep on sharing what is happening in your quilting life, I love the patterns, the piecing and the finishes going on, so inspirational.
ReplyDeleteMy first employer has this sign in her lobby "Dogs have masters, Cats have servents". Just let that sink in.
ReplyDeleteI am going to love the Crazie Mazie quilt pattern when it comes out and I also love the half log cabin picture. very interesting. Bonnie, What happened or is happening to the Quiltmaker Mystery project you talked about? I haven't heard or read anything about it....just wondering. Hugs
ReplyDeleteYou do everything with manners, morals & a strong sense of doing the right thing & don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Manners don't seem to matter as people aren't face to face & no one is there to call them out for their rude & obnoxious behavior. What cowards! Do you have any way you can filter those people out so their comments will no longer show up? Good heavens what a world we live in that people feel they have the right to criticize another about anything they like without impunity. How much more toxic is our world going to become before we revert to the RIGHT direction...to kindness, being responsible for our words & actions & being responsible? Your blog is my favorite and its hurtful to those of us who have to read those rude & hurtful things said to you.
ReplyDeleteYou chose well as usual, Bonnie! The Crazie Masie Quilting is fun and this quilt will keep someone extra warm in the winter. It's extra wintry here in the PNW today. schools and businesses are closing, the temp is below freezing and I am SEW happy to be inside. Gotta put up my Portable Design wall for tomorrow. Ready Set SEW! Finished Part 6 last evening. Hourglass and Flying geese are ready for Part 7.
ReplyDeleteAbout the hand quilting for your border. I suggest a clamshell pattern. it would continue the circular shape from the center fans, but could be smaller in size to blend with the border piecing. PS Lola is a very lucky and happy cat!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, can you share what you accessed to get that weather information? I would love to get my local weather information to show up like that.
ReplyDeleteIt is a terrible shame that people don't have enough in their lives that they have the need to criticize and cat shame how others do things. Good grief people mind your own darn business. I hope you let this slide off your back as we should let most peoples opinions. I like to remind myself "you do you" and I will take care of myself. Oh, I am so not ready for Friday. But I repeat your wisdom, it is not a race.
ReplyDeleteWe got a history making snowfall overnight of 24". It is a day like this that I am grateful for my abundant fabric stash and plenty of food in the fridge, freezer and pantry. Pays to be prepared. Snowing again!
ReplyDeleteI have always said you don't own a cat, you are just their staff! I have never known a cat who couldn't survive for several days alone as long as they have water, food and a relatively clean litter box (or two or three!) You are great cat Momma...she has all she wants or needs and doesn't have to deal with your other animals.
ReplyDeleteI had a cat that could have cared less if we were home or not, she was not a social butterfly at all. You do you, and I know you are a good pet mommy!
ReplyDeleteCats are way more self-sufficient than dogs. You are a fine cat momma!
ReplyDeleteYour cat care makes us really look bad. Evidently ours snuck past me into the garage on my way to bed last night and hubby found her out there at five am. It was five below last night although of course not that cold in the garage.
ReplyDeleteI think quilters sometimes hope for a snow day just like when we were kids! Lol
ReplyDeleteI feel bad that you are being harassed about Lola. When we had a cat we were gone at least 12 hours a day. Intense job plus a commute. They survived quite well. I[m really enjoying Rhododendron Trail. I'm playing catch up as I spent two weeks with my grand twins and their parents as well as two single sons. I skipped the hour glasses for now but will get back to them. Thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteHere in Cedar Rapids, IA we would welcome temps in the teens. We are below zero, actual temp....with wind chills it is about 20 below. Lots of sewing ND reading going on! Waiting for next clue and all caught up.
ReplyDeleteI think a border of multiple rope cables would look great with your Baptist Fans. Would look similar yet carry through the border. Love Crazie Mazie.
ReplyDeletePeople are idiots. It's your cat. Cats are wonderful animals. No need for explanation. Anyone who has read your blog for years no you tried to assimilate the inherited cats and it was not successful due to their innate behavior.
ReplyDeleteGeez, people. Live your life and let others live their life.
You're fortunate to have the complete quilt world at your fingertips through years of hard work, quilt on and cut up and sew back together the thousands of pieces that make you happy. Hang those quilts out by the road and give them away for free, keep being you, keep making - making quilts is what makes you happy, so do it.
You are 100% a great cat/dog mommy. Lola is lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel any better, in Central Illinois it's 0 with a windchill of -18! Brrrr.......
ReplyDeleteSurely all your readers know that you are the last person to neglect a pet. In some of the photos of her she has that "look" in her eyes that says "don't mess with me" so I can see the she might not play well with others. Therefore, she is happy being on her own some of the time. At times we have to try to ignore comments that we know are not the truth about us.
ReplyDeleteSusan
I am amazed how much time people have on their hands to bother you about your beautiful cat who is obviously very content. I am aloo astonished with your patience with people...kudos to you Bonnie <3
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't have to comment on the cat, because most people shared my experience with cats. They are very independent and don't need or want you around 24/7. I had three cats and they were fine when I was gone 11 hrs at work. Which included 2 hrs travel time. Dogs are different because they are pack animals. While waiting for clue #7, I was working on the Bitcoin. Looking forward to seeing what #7 will bring us. Thank you, Bonnie, for all you do for us.
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie, you don't have to defend yourself to us, we all know that you are never going to do something that would be cruel, not to people and not to animals. let the obnoxious people alone with their obnoxious opinions!
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful cat mama. I am in love with crazy mazie's backing, what a great job! Can't wait to see what is next.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about quilt shop cats that live quite happily there. They are alone at night but they happily live that life. Cats are not dogs!! They do not need or want constand human interaction. Mine lives mostly in 2 rooms; the sewing room and the bedroom. Dogs crated at night so she takes her joy in snuggling then and when I am sewing. The dogs have the rest of the house all day because they are too rambunctious for her. It is detainee for the animals.
ReplyDeleteAll you have to do is look at Lola and you can see she is a loved and pampered house pet. What is wrong with people?? If you don't have anything positive to say, don't say anything!
ReplyDeletePeople writing to tell you how to lead your life? Ignore them.My grandmother would have said,"Well, Bless your heart!" and left it at that!
ReplyDeleteYou are a good cat AND dog mommy! I see how much you LOVE ALL ANIMALS! Love you and thank you for all you do!! After 40 years of quilting, I'm better because of YOU!!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter-in-law (who would not give up her cat when she found out my oldest granddaughter was allergic to cats) opens a couple bags of cat food, leaves several litter boxes and water in various places and goes away for a week or more. She has never had a problem with two and sometimes three cats being "home alone".
ReplyDeleteI really like your half log cabin. You have a way with color. I always thought a neutral was a solid or white on white, you have given me an whole new outlook. I have a lot more neutrals than I imagined. Thanks
Just catching up on your blog -- some people have too much time on their hands and want to get into everyone's business. You obviously love Lola - and you have posted on having other animals with her but it hasn't worked out. I am really amazed at what some people think they can tell others to do. I have only had one cat in my life - I have developed an allergy - and she was very happy to be left alone - but she was loved. My dog was terrified of her - always let her eat before he did. So he left her alone too! And that's how they were able to get along.
ReplyDeleteHope you are staying warm and cozy and enjoying your day off. I love seeing how your quilts come along. Thank you for everything you do. I am also enjoying the mystery - a little behind - those broken dishes are taking me forever! I should be able to start putting together some blocks in the next few days. Thank you Thank you!
This is your blog and your life Bonnie. Dont waste energy defending yourself for your pet care and what you do or say. I applaud you for all the positives you extend to us everyday. So sorry for those who are critical. I would block any negativity that seems to want to taint your blog!
ReplyDeleteYou are a good cat (and dog) mama. Don't pay attention to anyone who tries to tell you differently.
ReplyDelete