In these bleak, gray, cold, February days of winter, it seems the world could use some color and comfort to shift our collective mindset. Last week, I foraged time to finish three kitty quilts—all improvisationally pieced from scraps that were ready for a second life. Letting the scraps and color lead the way, the patchwork was built organically around blocks from fabric panels.
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| Two scrappy kitty quilts with blocks from a fabric panel. |
One quilt is going to a cat-loving friend and the other two are keeping our pack of outside cats snuggly in their cat boxes. The backing fabric is a cute bunny flannel print to make the quilts extra soft and cozy.
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| Three blocks from a fabric panel make this scrappy quilt. Finished quilt size: 27.75” x 24.25”. |
All three quilts were free-motion quilted—a simple quiltmaking task that keeps me grounded and renews my mental energy. The bindings were also finished by machine.
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| Scrappy binding made with seven different fabrics. The flannel “bunny” backing fabric can be seen here. |
I love the binding on this quilt that was made from scraps from seven different fabrics! Piecing together leftover bits for these quilts and the bindings—turning fabric scraps into something of value—is in keeping with a resilient spirit that is much needed today.
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| Scrappy kitty quilt. Improvisationally pieced and free-motion quilted. Finished quilt size: 27.5” x 23”. |
I recently read a blog post by a collage and mixed media artist, Lucie Duclos, that stated, “making something with your hands can help regulate your nervous system. It can be art, baking, knitting, stitching, whatever works for you.”
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| Detail: quilt block from a fabric panel incorporated into an improv quilt. Finished quilt size: 27” x 24.75”. |
Making and finishing these scrappy quilts gives me a sense of calm and joy. I’m sending this calm and joy to the recipients as well.
