This was basically my view for most of the weekend. Sleeping cat and all. I started out using the ottoman to support the quilt I was working on, only to have Lily nudge it out of the way eventually. I can't believe how much a cat can sleep sometimes. I stitched on this binding for hours on end and she never opened her eyes once. Maybe that says something about both of us! Even so, all that time spent in the chair paid off. I finished this! And I'm feeling very very happy about that. It turned out lovely and little Sarah is thrilled that
it's finally done and it's all her very own now.
I'd thought of giving the quilts to the girls later, but that meant keeping secrets and having to do the sewing late at night when they were asleep. In the long run though I think it worked out better this way, because they could see all the work and love that went into making them. Plus there will be these "fond memories"of the making.
I've been looking high and low for the pattern I used for this but so far I haven't had any luck finding it. It was something I modified from an older pattern I found in a quilting pamphlet or maybe it was from an old workbasket magazine, or Aunt Martha's----I honestly can't remember. That was...um, some years ago and no telling what ever happened to it. I usually keep that kind of stuff but for some reason it wasn't where I thought it was, so it remains a mystery for now.
Each one of the Dutch Kids is different. Sarah likes looking at them. I'm sure she will have given them all names by the end of the day. I think designing all the outfits was the most fun. And of coarse, the finishing touch was the label applique on the back. I made this one into a heart, using this same freezer paper method. I love the polka dots and Grace said she thought the embroidery looked like pink icing. It does look yummy.
See the finished quilt over here on the flickr group Finish What You Have. A few finished projects are already rolling in...so now I guess it's time to start on Grace's Flower Pots quilt. Move over Lily!

Congratulations! The quilt looks beautiful (as does the cat...but then again, when don't they?) My mother and I were both admiring your quilting skills (she's a "hippie" quilter from way back, and said that she has a double wedding ring pattern she was quilting with a spider web design she hasn't finished somewhere...hmmm). This inspires me to dig in the ever growing pile...to finish up something!
Posted by: sadira | June 05, 2006 at 09:44 PM
It does look like pink icing! What wonderful memories your girls will have when they look at these lovely quilts through the years to come.
I don't know how the term 'catnap' came to mean a quick nap - My cats can sleep like hibernating bears! :-)
Posted by: tinker | June 05, 2006 at 11:50 PM
Hurrah for finishing! The quilt look terrific and I love the Dutch kids. :)
Lily is adorable! She looks so cosy and peaceful in the picture. Makes me wish I was a cat with endless napping time.
Posted by: Marie | June 06, 2006 at 12:37 AM
Gorgeous quilts! Great job! Your daughters are sure to treasure them (as will your grandchildren and great grandchildren, no doubt!)
Posted by: kirsty | June 06, 2006 at 02:03 AM
I bet you feel great having finished such a big project. Congrats!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | June 06, 2006 at 04:16 AM
Well, aren't you quick? It looks lovely! I think my June finishes will have to wait until after Graduation this weekend. I'm in a made rush for that. I'm making my list, though.
Posted by: Dana | June 06, 2006 at 04:41 AM
It always amazes me how I can get so close to finishing something and then just stop. The longer I leave it the bigger the job seems to grow and then when I finally go back to it, it takes almost no time at all. The idea of finish what you have will keep me going for months - I'm very good at starting, not so good at finishing.
Posted by: littlejennywren | June 06, 2006 at 06:04 AM
I have to tell you how beautiful your Dutch quilt is. I really, really would like that quilt for myself. It's so cheery and sweet. Congratulations. Glynda
Posted by: Glynda Black | June 06, 2006 at 06:34 AM
Vicki, what a charming quilt. You quite amaze me !! Good for you to, to work on what you have. Clarice
Posted by: Clarice | June 06, 2006 at 07:36 AM
Now I'm *really* feeling like a FWYH underachiever, because I'm still on the "Decide which of the UFOs to tackle" step...
me: try eenie meenie miney mo...
Posted by: Karen from Silver Seams | June 06, 2006 at 07:51 AM
Vicki, how cute! And you are right seeing all the time and love that goes into it will make her appreciate it alot more or atleast a lot sooner. My grandma made me a holly hobby one, that I just adore but as I child I never thought about how much she put into it, as it was keep a secret.
Posted by: Gina | June 06, 2006 at 11:11 AM
Nice cat and quilt!!! I have 3 cats and they all love to sleep on my quilts!!!
Posted by: Zee | June 06, 2006 at 01:41 PM
Oh my god this is so cute ! I'm in love also with the words in the heart :) You're so cute ! Smooches
Posted by: Sandrine (alias Didine ♥ ) | June 06, 2006 at 01:42 PM
These are wonderful gifts you are giving your daughters Vicki. I come from a family of quilters and know how much work is involved in each of these works of art. I have a couple of quilts made and given to me by family members. One of them was made by my grandmother who passed away a few years ago. I still feel her love and energy wrapped up in my quilt and it is truly one of my most treasured things.
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | June 06, 2006 at 09:50 PM
Yay, finished! And beautiful.
Posted by: Meg | June 07, 2006 at 04:36 AM