quiltersmuse.com Blog

When I saw this recently-made pillow, I fell in love. This is what the seller has to say about this one of a kind, fabric sculpture, by fiber artist, “Renate”:

A UNIQUE LITTLE COLLECTORS’ ACCENT PILLOW ~ 11″ X 11″ ~

AS IF STEPPING FROM THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE,

WAS MADE FROM A PIECE OF ANTIQUE WOOL, EYES ARE PAINTED

ALL ORIGINALLY DESIGNED AND METICULOUSLY HANDCRAFTED BY ME

FOR YOU THE DISCRIMINATING COLLECTOR.

I HAVE TO JUSTIFY TRYING TO MAKE THIS MY LIFE’S WORK …

I really enjoyed seeing this item and thought that you might, too. This is eBay auction 200310091672. Click on the link to go to this auction. The pillow fabrics are from the nineteenth century (1800s).

Many thanks to the seller “naturalsbyrenate” for allowing us to post this photo here, for all to enjoy!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications where I have posted a photo essay about a Bullfight I attended in Spain in 1972.

Of the many quilt types there are, somehow, I really appreciate quilts that depict animals. They are wonderful! I have seen a number of them in quilt shows. This year, there was at least one at the Cocheco Quilt guild, and at least one at Quilter’s By the Sea show in Rhode Island. Some of those were memorial quilts.

Of course, some great books exist about making cat quilts that look very lifelike. The only animal quilt of dogs that I have made, so far, is a replication of a photo of a Dalmation. Here is a picture of it, in an unfinished state. When it was done, I sent to my great nephew in California whose Dad is a firefighter.

Fire Dog Quilt

Dogs are great! There is a reason they are called “Man’s Best Friend.” Humans let them down, more than they would ever do the same. Like the Obama family, we are ready to adopt another shelter dog, preferably a “mutt.”

Purebred dogs are beautiful but often come with a high-strung disposition. We have been looking online, and have seen some great dogs at the shelters throughout New Hampshire. I even downloaded “adoption papers.” Today, one has to qualify by answering a slew of questions.

I have my own criteria for adopting: no more little dogs. A fat lady walking a tiny dog looks ridiculous, at best. I’ve owned a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and a miniature pinscher. Now, I think I would like a Golden Lab/ German Shepherd mix. Sounds like a combination made in heaven. I’m pretty excited about this new venture, but it will take some planning to make sure we have everything to make this a happy and safe environment for the teenage dog we hope to adopt.

Besides dogs, the shelters have ferrets, rabbits, many cats, horses, ponies, parrots, and other animals. There is a scaled fee associated with the transfer. The payment helps to offset the cost of neutering and care. In New Hampshire, only neutered animals are placed. There are many pitbulls available. They are hard to give away due to their reputation and territoriality.

I just really like dogs and I think this will be a great deal of fun. So, as we do with any decision, we will “study the possibilities.” Who knows? Maybe our new pet will inspire another quilt. I will have to put “doggie treats” on Santa’s list.

Patricia Cummings