Friday, July 13, 2012

Friends, fun, felines, and a first

Long story short, I've had company this week... some very special friends from California. We met online, and then we actually met in person when they visited me here three years ago. So it was great fun to have them come again this week! You may have noticed their comments on here from time to time... Mark and "Live a Colorful Life" (a.k.a. Cindy). Mark takes great pride in having grown up in Minnesota!

Cindy and I have sewing in common, although where I am a "bag lady", she is a quilter... a FABULOUS quilter. And she made me a quilt, which she brought along with her this trip!!

Here's the back of it, along with Cindy's and my arms/fingers. :)


And here's the front. And the 'first'... an actual photo of me (with face included) on my own blog. Ack! I'll let you figure out which one of us is which. :)


This quilt is so cool!  Cindy put a lot of thought and planning into it, choosing fabrics that she just knew were 'me'. You can click on the photos above for a larger view, and here are some closer shots of the fabric. Just look at those CATS! You couldn't get fabric any more 'me' than that! Add the bare branches of a Minnesota winter and some snowflakes... how right on!


There are also a lot of paw prints:


And some "Kitty Chronical" articles. (It was Japanese fabric, so the spelling and translation is pretty interesting in places.) The back has more newsprint fabric (with better spelling this time), and lots of very "catty" articles to read. So fun!!


Here's a closer shot of one article:


The quilt means so much to me, because it was made entirely with me in mind, by a terrific friend! I love it! Thank you soooo much, Cindy!!

Oh... umm... Josie loves it, too. I had it on the table to read some of the articles yesterday, and before I got it put away, she discovered it.


I think she thinks it was made specially for her! Obviously it's quite comfy!


So, a cat quilt with real cat hair on it. How authentic, huh? But that's it. She's done. The quilt is MINE!!

Okay, I know I told you yesterday that I'd be showing you my latest sewing project. But for reasons I won't go into right now, I've decided not to show it yet... and probably not for a week or so. Nothing's wrong... it's been photographed, gifted, and received (by Cindy, incidentally). But it's gotta wait for a bit. Sorry. But don'tcha just love secrets (when you know them, at least)? Ahhh.... the suspense!!! ;)

14 comments:

Jessica Jones said...

Wow, it's great! What a thoughtful and special gift. It doesn't get more custom than that! And I'm so glad Josie likes it. Ha. Moocher.

The Luedtke Family said...

What a lovely treasure. First the friendship, then the quilt!

Looking forward in suspense to view the project.

I am done with round one of my bag. Now to tip it over and crochet the second layer.

The Luedtke Family said...

You look lovely, by the way! (I know which one you are:)

annie dee said...

That's a beautiful quilt! Great choice of fabrics and colors. And one very special friend! Lucky you. As for the photo of you - as my husband would say: you look like your face! It's a WONDERFUL photo of you (whichever one you are). I remain not so patient for the latest project.

Grandma G said...

Annie Dee... there's a pretty good clue somewhere on this page as to which one is me. ;)

Way to go on your bag, Becky! I'm looking forward to seeing YOUR project when it's done, too!

Y'know, I just got to thinking.... it's kind of amazing we didn't have 'real' cats in the outdoor photos, too! Usually they're right underfoot. Maybe they were afraid of the photographer. ;)

Anonymous said...

This whole post makes me happy for your good fortune in friends.
I love the quilts cat theme especially the cats in the trees.
Dale

Anonymous said...

Fantastic quilt...and a great picture! You are so lucky to have company. Wish someone would come visit me (hint,hint)! :)

Gwen

Grandma G said...

Thanks, Dale.

Gwen, I'll see if my friends will come visit you, too. ;) See you soon! But bring cooler weather when you come, okay?

Live a Colorful Life said...

Hah! I LOVE those pictures of Josie. We had the BEST time with you. Just wish it could have been LOTS longer!

Live a Colorful Life said...

P.S. All the alliteration in the title is a very nice touch...

Grandma G said...

Thanks, Cindy! I'm glad you weren't insulted that I let her on my brand new quilt! ;)

Grandma G said...

Speaking of alliteration (which, incidentally, is actually what I get all over my floors, thanks to having cats), did you notice all the f's in that 'f'ourth paragraph? Ha! I just now noticed it myself. :)

Geneviève said...

That quilt is awesome and seems to be a perfect fit for you! That quilt is such a sweet and thoughtful gift.

Grandma G said...

Yep, she knew I'm a cat lover. :) And yes, so very nice that she planned it just for me!