06 September 2009

show and tell

Early layout and some help rearranging the patches for Kattelatte aka Cats in my garden.

This quilt was started back in 2008 and blogged about here. It has been a slow process, on and off, and was finished this spring / summer.


Cats in my garden uses a mix of thrifted clothes: linen trousers, cotton shirts and silk kimonos, with some homespun from my stash as well. It uses 6" squares from my batting scraps, and is handpieced together like english paper piecing. The batting is not removed, but stays. I used a double cotton sheet for backing, and folded it to the front as a binding / finish. The quilt is handquilted. Some of the blocks are sewn by machine.

The colors of the quilt is inspired by the colors of our two cats: Mars and Venus, as is the title.

Butterflies made of vintage kimono silk and silk brocade as in a norwegian national costume...

Bumble bees from shirttails...


Cats faces made of thrifted linen trousers and gifted mother of pearl buttons...


The quilt measures about 70" * 82". It is used as a wall quilt for our dining room or living room, and hung by curtain gliders. I am quite happy with the final result, warm and cosy colors adds a nice atmosphere to the room.


I had fun finding fabric for this quilt. And I want to play some more. If you want to be inspired too, take a look at this great reclaimed clothing quilt-a-long for inspiration. I think I will be on the hunt for cotton shirts now!

20 comments:

Janet said...

It looks great hanging on the wall and the colours are wonderful. You had a lot of help with it.

shellysquilts said...

Hey Marit, This quilt is FABULOUS! I love it! Well done!

MichelleB said...

I love this Marit! The colors are wonderful, and I love the all of the kitties and butterflies and bees.

Libby said...

Love the colors, and you can definitely tell that there is a lot of time and love put into it. Thanks for the inspiration!

Diane said...

What a unique quilt! At first, it looks warm, cozy, and deceptively simple. The cat and bug blocks, with their embroidery, buttons and 3D elements are fun and complex. This quilt tells a wonderful story!

allsewnup said...

This is a wonderful quilt, love the cats and is there a daisy or two as well?

Carolyn*

Unknown said...

oh, Marit - it's wonderful! How fantastic!

Locket Pocket said...

I love this quilt! It's so inventive! Lucy x

Andi said...

What a stunning quilt Marit!!

linda said...

I like it on the wall. Great quilt Marit!

Paula, the quilter said...

That is just such a cute quilt. You had a lot of 'help' from the kitties, I see.

Sharon said...

This is just delightful! What a fun, charming quilt. I love all the details that you put into it.

And Mars and Venus are beautiful kitties. I can tell they like to help you...I get the same kind of help here.

Allie said...

Love this quilt - the details are wonderful!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Hi there Marit. How wonderful and full of small surprises! I have drawers full of Fretex shirts from way back when I did not know there was such a thing as quilting fabric; maybe I should put them to use... Very inspiring!

Quiltefia said...

Hei!! Veldig fin quilt!! Jeg liker kvadrater veldig godt, og når det blir "løftet" av så forseggjorte blokker innimellom!! Og så er det morsomt med kattene som ser sitt snitt i å leke. Hvis du vil kan jeg sende deg en kopi av strikkejakka. Det er fler som skal ha. Jeg fant det via en blogg, men hvis du går in på Ravelery, er det masse. Det er en del du må betale for, men det er forsåvidt greit. Men hvis du sender adressen din på quiltefia@gmail.com kan du få et eks. AnneK:-)

Jantine said...

What a great quilt to hang on your wall and look at all the time! Love the 3D animals!

KateKwiltz said...

I love this! Wonderfully whimsical, and I love the combination of fabrics! Your kitties (real and sewn)are adorable, too!

Tonya Ricucci said...

it's beautiful - you did such a great job. gorgeous kitties too!

pippinsequim said...

What an inspiration this is to me! I think if you are going to make something by hand, you should take your time and enjoy making it unique. Beautiful work. :)

Selina said...

absolutely stunning quilt. I am very inspired, thank you!