Paws Day: Adios to the Dog Days of Summer

My dog has been ill since May.  At this point, after many tests and procedures all we know is that his liver is the problem (everything else was ruled out).  My job all summer has been to regulate his medication and keep him comfortable.  I don't mind.  As one writer stated, "Dogs are not our whole life--but they make our life whole."  Amen to that.

So I've spent the summer updating my inventory of quilts and finishing UFOs (unfinished quilts). The dog quilt above is one I just completed.  It was Ami Simms pattern, "Dog-Yeared."  I made many quilts using this pattern years ago and this is the last set of blocks.  Once quilted, I will probably donate it to the local hospital or to Camp Erin.

It is hard to imagine that the first day of autumn is later this week.  So I thought I would do another Paws Day posting as we hopefully say good-bye to the dog days of summer.  This one is entitled the "Cuddle Pup Coverlet".  

Here is a close-up; the photography is better:

I love the concept of this piece and think it is something to incorporate in kids' quilts today.  The wagon is actually a pocket and had a little stuffed puppy in it (a string kept him in the wagon-pocket.  I have the actual ad for this piece, in my McCall's Needlework, Fall/Winter 1953-53 magazine.  Isn't this an adorable idea?

Have a wonderful day! 

March 23: Puppy Day!

I don't know who determines what day should be what but I'm always ready to celebrate dogs!

 Dogs on Coverlets, Cats are good too (have to say that because of my grandkitten).

Dogs on hankies are good too:

Sometimes patterns crossover.  These dogs were part of a set that was produced for tablecloths but were incorporated in a quilt instead:

Happy Puppy Day from Seamus and me!

Paws Day...

18 days until Spring!!!  During my morning jaunts with my dog I am now seeing more and more evidence that spring approaches!  It seems almost fitting to celebrate rabbits this month.  Especially since Easter is around the corner.

This coverlet is a kit offered by Paragon in the 1950s.  Called "Playtime", it features a variety of animals with two rabbits in the center.  

Tonight I will be speaking at the Crazy Quilters Guild in Emmaus, PA and presenting quilts with a garden theme which seems perfect for this time of year.  

THINK SPRING!  

January Pawsday

The pups last summer.

Today seems like a perfect day for a Pawsday since we have 8 paws in our household instead of the usual 4.  Greta is my mother's poodle and is the white one in the foreground.  Behind her rests my poodle, Seamus.  

Greta is staying with us because she is ill and too much for my elderly mother right now.  She has a dermatitis on her paw and today's post is dedicated to her.

This is a coverlet gifted to me by cousin Daveen.  

I love this coverlet and enjoy the individual pups that are appliqued and embroidered.  This one appears to be holding up her paw, not unlike Greta these days:

According to Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Applique, the pattern originated from Wheeler Brooks (#1846).  I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday and give your pets an extra pet from me!

Paws-Day

I'll be presenting a number of monthly features on this blog to highlight my collection of quilts and textiles. Paws-day will focus on textiles that feature our furry and feathered friends.  

Illustration by Florence Petz Smalley, from the book

Something to Do, Girls!, copyright 1916

Because it's the holiday season, I thought I would feature a quilt I made in 2010.  I always tell quilt guilds that I am a mediocre quilter at best but I find quilting therapeutic.  This certainly was the case when I made this piece; I was grieving the loss of my poodle, Paddie.

 Paddie is featured at the top of the Christmas tree with a golden biscuit (her favorite treat).

To the left is our beloved Seamus and to the right is our darling Teddy.  Sadly, Teddy passed away during the summer of 2014.

I don't have a Christmas cat piece but in deference to my grandcat, Mitzi, I thought I would include this illustration from a 19th century McLoughlin Brothers book:

Happy Paws-Day! 

Be sure to give your faithful friend an extra pet or kiss today!