Pinwheel Flower pattern on Etsy
Couple of months ago when we moved, I packed a box full of sewing projects that I would be able to work on while I was unpacking the rest of the boxes over time. This purple star quilt project was part of that box. The move went very smoothly, except one of my kitties became seriously ill very shortly thereafter. While he spent a whole day at the doctor’s office, I was at home trying to calm my nerves by sewing these sixteen paper pieced blocks. At that point I knew that instead of making another wall hanging, I wanted to make this quilt for him to snuggle on once he got better.
Graphical representation of the quilt
The Morning Star quilt pattern was conceived during a weekend doodle session on the computer. I was so excited to find exact matches for the fabric colors in the quilt store! I used Kona Pansy for the lighter purple and Kona Regal for the darker color. Purple is a pretty bright color for me, so I toned it down with Architextures Grey Crosshatch. I also offset the dull grey and brightened the quilt top back up again with a white print with lines on it that I had in my stash.
I really wanted to finish this little quilt as soon as possible, so I kept on working on it while my dear kitty slept on my other desk. He is really a very good work buddy.
I used my walking foot to quilt this one. First I quilted diagonal lines through the middle of the star blocks. Then I echo quilted following the outlines made by the two adjoining blocks. That made for a beautiful diamond star pattern. I also did stitch in the ditch quilting around the entire outer edge of the stars, so the design on the back would be framed as well. I worked on finishing the quilt as my kitty continued to recuperate.
I made this little toy for him yesterday and he started purring and playing with it instantly. I found the ball in his food bowl later on, a sure sign for me that he is doing a lot better now.
Pinwheel Flower pattern on Etsy
I added a one-inch border using the same white fabric used in the star blocks so the outer star points would not be covered up by the binding. Aside from the stitch in the ditch around the stars to frame the design in the back, I also quilted two squares going around the border to frame the quilt top. Instead of introducing another color, I used the same Kona Regal from the star for the binding. Here’s my finished quilt measuring 22″ x 22″. This one quilt will be always be very special to me. Do you also have those projects where it starts off as just another project and then suddenly becomes something really special?
Make sure to visit the Pantone Quilt Challenge page to feast your eyes on the beauties. I am entering mine as well! My quilt is made from the star quilt pattern called the Pinwheel Star, which can be found on my Etsy shop in case you would like to make one for yourself.
Happy Sewing,
Soma
79 thoughts on “Kitty Love”
Lara B. December 4, 2015 at 12:58
Soma, I was at the Pantome Challenge linky and wanted to see it I could guess which quilt was yours before coming over to see it here at Whims and Fancies. I guessed right the very first time. It is beautiful and congratulations on your win!
I am very glad your Monty is all better now!
Catherine May 7, 2014 at 20:22
What an absolutely gorgeous quilt! I think it would be beautiful if you had a plain white background, but I think those light gray alternating squares just take it up to another level. This is the type of quilt that would inspire someone to say “I just need to make a purple quilt now!” Really great work!
And I’m glad your kitty is on the mend! Mine was at the vet’s for two weeks in December, followed by a major surgery and two months of cone of shame wearing. He’s good as new now though! Amazing how attached to and worried about those little furbabies we get. :)
Sarah @ Berry Barn Designs March 29, 2014 at 05:12
Congratulations on the win! What a lovely quilt with so much meaning for you : ) Glad your “fur baby” is feeling much better, too!
Soma Acharya March 29, 2014 at 17:28
Thank you so much!! This definitely is such a special quilt for me and he enjoying it too :)
-Soma
Karen Schulz March 28, 2014 at 22:44
congratulations on the win. Gorgeous quilt, you deserve it
Soma Acharya March 29, 2014 at 17:25
Thank you for the lovely words, Karen!! I still can’t believe it!
-Soma :)
Katherine March 28, 2014 at 19:28
Congratulations, Soma! Absolutely gorgeous design and looks fabulous in the colour of the year. Well done!
Soma Acharya March 29, 2014 at 17:23
Thank you so much, Katherine!! I am still dazed :)
-Soma
Cynthia March 28, 2014 at 14:34
Great quilt! Congratulations!!!
Soma Acharya March 28, 2014 at 15:31
Thank you so much!! Super excited :)
-Soma
Malini March 28, 2014 at 13:22
Congratulations on the win, Soma!
Soma Acharya March 28, 2014 at 15:31
Thank you so much, Malini!! So happy :)
-Soma
Pantone Quilt Challenge: Radiant Orchid – Winners! | Play Crafts March 28, 2014 at 12:00
[…] Kitty Love by Whims and Fancies. Photo by Whims and Fancies. […]
Elizabeth Dackson March 27, 2014 at 10:30
I’m glad your cat’s doing better, our furry ones are so important! And I adore your quilt, it’s just stunning. So graphic, so sharp!
Soma Acharya March 27, 2014 at 16:26
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Elizabeth! You are so right about our furry ones. I loved making this one for my fur-baby :)
-Soma
Anne March 24, 2014 at 18:23
I’m so happy your kitty is feeling better! And what a gorgeous quilt you made for him, as well. I love that the background prints almost read as solids, but add just a little texture to the overall look. :) The two purples are lovely together, and there’s some beautiful things happening with the negative space and secondary shapes in your design. Beautiful work!
Soma Acharya March 24, 2014 at 19:36
Thank you so much for those lovely words and also for hosting this event, Anne!! Those little nuances that you talked about are exactly what I was thinking of as I was working on this quilt, so I am super glad to hear that you see them.
It has become one of my favorites and the recipient is enjoying it too :)
-Soma
Malini March 21, 2014 at 23:08
I love your design. The quilt is so stunning and beautiful!
It was great idea to add the outer border, it does make the outer stars pop.
Soma Acharya March 22, 2014 at 20:57
Thank you!! The outer border was really an impromptu decision, I am liking it too.
-Soma
Yvonne @ Quilting Jetgirl March 21, 2014 at 09:57
Oh my goodness, I would love to see a photo of your cute kitty cuddled up with the quilt. His coloring will compliment the color choices so well! :) I am glad to hear he is doing better.
Soma Acharya March 22, 2014 at 20:55
Thank you so much!! So I will definitely take a photo for you next time when he is relaxing on his quilt :)
-Soma
Lorna McMahon March 20, 2014 at 05:05
Wow! What a gorgeous starry quilt finish! Love the colours you chose. And the dark binding frames this perfectly. It’s a fabulous design. So glad to hear that your kitty is feeling much better, Soma!
Soma Acharya March 20, 2014 at 19:12
Thanks so much, Lorna!! I was glad to see how closely it matched the original plan. It’s definitely on the list of favorites and kitty loves it too :)
-Soma
Lisa March 19, 2014 at 13:44
Orange kitties are the best, aren’t they? I’ve owned cats for 45 years, so I’ve had quite a few, but it’s the orange ones that I get the closest to. I’m glad your guy is feeling better, and your quilt is stunning.
Soma Acharya March 20, 2014 at 19:10
Thank you!! Orange kitties definitely are extremely sweet and so very loving!! This one sticks to me like orange marmalade :)
-Soma
Andrea @ Mouse in My Pocket March 19, 2014 at 12:15
I totally understand making a quilt for a pet. Of course, I also know that if I tried to make my cat a quilt, she would ignore it and continue laying on every other quilt in the house. But that’s probably just my cat’s personality.
Soma Acharya March 20, 2014 at 19:05
Haha, it doesn’t stop them from piling up on the other quilts too. They are not fussy, any quilt will do :)
-Soma
Leanne Parsons March 19, 2014 at 06:04
Beautiful quilt! I really love those purples.
Soma Acharya March 20, 2014 at 19:04
Thank you so much!! I like how the combination worked out too.
-Soma
Bec March 17, 2014 at 14:59
This is a beautiful quilt and I’m glad it have you something to do while your furry baby got better. Glad to hear he’s on the mend. They really are part of the family aren’t they.
Soma Acharya March 17, 2014 at 16:21
Thank you, Bec! You are so right about their being part of family!! I am glad to see him purring on the quilt now as he relaxes :)
-Soma
Adrianne @ On the Windy Side March 16, 2014 at 16:45
I LOVE that you made a quilt for your cat! That’s seriously awesome, as is the quilt. I think the block itself is quite regal, and I like that that’s the name of one of the fabrics you’ve used. Great job and thanks for playing along with the Pantone Quilt Challenge!
Soma Acharya March 17, 2014 at 16:19
Thank you so much, Adrianne, for the lovely words!! That is really nice of you to say! It makes me happy that I was able sew this quilt for him :)
Thank you for hosting this fun event!!
-Soma
Cheryl March 16, 2014 at 06:16
Very cute quilt and such a cute kitty. I am glad that he is feeling better.
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 14:19
Thank you, Cheryl! I am more relaxed now too that my little boy is doing a lot better. This was an easy quilt to work on for a change :)
-Soma
Susie March 15, 2014 at 11:29
Your Kitty Love quilt is really pretty! I love the colors and your quilting with your pattern!
So glad your precious kitty is feeling better! They really are such blessings to us, aren’t they?
Susie
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 14:16
Thank you, Susie! I was glad to be working on this as a distraction. I really can’t imagine life without the kitties bobbing around the place :)
Jo Ferguson March 15, 2014 at 11:22
Absolutely wonderful colour choices, exquisite piecing and beautiful quilting….need I say more. Of course, I also hope your kitty is doing much better.
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 14:10
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Jo! He is definitely doing a lot better now :)
-Soma
Vera March 15, 2014 at 05:12
Looks great! Lovely pattern. Glad to hear your cat is doing better.
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 14:06
Thank you so much, Vera!! Yes, he is doing much better now :)
-Soma
Jennifer Faith March 15, 2014 at 03:23
Hi Soma
It’s amazing how much our fur babies affect our hearts and souls. They show us our unending capacity for love and scare the crap out of us when they are sick. Sewing is definitely an awesome way to burn off anxiety and as that anxiety and fear burn off all your love goes into your project and enhances it. So every time your baby uses it he will be enveloped in your love and safety. I’m so glad he’s doing better and enjoying your creation. It is truly beautiful, and not just because purple is my favorite color! The things we create often change shape or purpose as we work on them. We’re so good that they take on a life and will of their own!
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 14:05
Thank you so much for such a wonderful note, Jennifer! How true!! I love it when creativity unexpectedly takes on a life and will of their own and it becomes even more special with a happy ending!
Here’s to our fur babies!
-Soma :)
Charlotte March 15, 2014 at 01:52
love the crispness of the piecing – you must really love your sweet kitty to let him have it!
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 13:46
Thank you, Charlotte!! The kitties are definitely very spoiled around here :)
-Soma
Jen March 14, 2014 at 21:11
That block is so crisp! The quilt looks fabulous. I love it.
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 13:40
Thank you so much, Jen!! This little quilt makes me very happy :)
-Soma
Wendy March 14, 2014 at 20:35
This is lovely. Simple but effective design. Good luck in the challenge, and for your cat.
Soma Acharya March 16, 2014 at 13:28
Thank you, Wendy!! My little kitty is doing so much better now :)
-Soma
EP Power March 14, 2014 at 19:09
This is exquisite. Reminds me of a kaleidoscope. Really nicely done.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 21:46
Thank you so much!! Now that you mention it, it does look a lot like a kaleidoscope.
Have a great weekend,
-Soma
M-R @ Quilt Matters March 14, 2014 at 18:32
I’m glad to hear that your kitty is doing better. What a beautiful quilt to come out of a tough situation though. Great job!
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 21:43
Thank you!! Seeing him using the quilt makes me even happier :)
-Soma
Susan March 14, 2014 at 18:29
Glad to know your kitty is doing better. My cat, Scooter, who went to the Rainbow Bridge several years ago used to put his pom pom balls in his food dish (and sometimes water dish) too.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 21:42
Thanks, Susan! Isn’t it amazing how they leave their impressions behind, make us miss them even more.
-Soma
AmandaK@whatthebobbin.com March 14, 2014 at 17:56
This mini is just gorgeous! It really does look exactly like your moc up. Perfect fabric choices.
Glad all is well with your furbaby. :)
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 21:38
Thanks so much, Amanda! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted the Kona in the shop!
Yes, my furbaby is doing really well now. Hope yours are their usual sweet, mischievous selves :)
-Soma
Lisa March 14, 2014 at 17:33
This is a really beautiful quilt. The lighter purple is very calming and the darker purple really sets off the stars.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 17:58
Thank you so much, Lisa!! I also like how the two purples work with each other.
Have a great weekend,
Soma :)
Cathy March 14, 2014 at 17:24
What a lucky kitty and glad to hear he is on the mend. Give him an extra hug tonight!
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 17:55
Thank you, Cathy!! I will definitely will give him a huge hug when he cuddles tonight :)
Have a wonderful weekend,
Soma
Sarah from mila+cuatro March 14, 2014 at 14:51
It is very striking, I love the limited palette.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 17:05
Thank you so much!! I thought the limited palette would draw more attention to the stars.
Have a great weekend,
Soma
Krislovesfabric March 14, 2014 at 14:43
So good to see your kitty helping out! Love the pic of the toy in the bowl…ooohh, and that green really looks good with your purples…just sayin’…That quilt is a stunner…I am not really a big fan of purple but the shading effect you’ve done is really eye catching and makes me rethink whether I like purple afterall.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 17:02
Thanks so much, Kris!! I am not a huge purple lover either, but I don’t mind using it in combination with other colors that tone the purple down.
It’s always so funny to see the toys in the bowl!! Now that you mention it, I do like that green and the purple together :)
Have a lovely weekend,
Soma
Janine March 14, 2014 at 13:37
I’m glad it sounds like your poor little cat is on the mend. He’s so lucky to have this beautiful quilt :)
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 16:48
Thanks, Janine! He is definitely on the mend. Everyone tells me kitty and I are both mutually smitten :)
Have a great weekend,
-Soma
Ruthie Quilts March 14, 2014 at 12:47
Oh Soma… This is stunning! And I always love a kitty in the picture… LOL!
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 16:43
Thanks so much, Ruth!! With two photo bombing cats, I think you have no choice but to love kitty in the pictures! LOL!!
-Soma
Naomi Ruth March 14, 2014 at 12:15
Hi Soma, I love this. It’s beautiful, I am in love with the colour purple right now. My Butter Churn quilt is made with Kona Purple.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 12:27
Thank you so much, Naomi!! I am falling in love with purple too. It pops so nicely on a lighter color, like your beautiful Butter Churn quilt :)
Have a great weekend,
Soma
DebV March 14, 2014 at 10:52
Your kitty is beautiful. So glad he is feeling better. That is usually where I find my cats’ toys too. By the way, the quilt is beautiful too – purple is my favorite color.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 12:23
Thank you so much, Deb! Doesn’t that make you laugh to find the toys in the food bowl, so funny!!
Have a lovely weekend,
Soma
Kathleen March 14, 2014 at 08:13
Awww, such a sweet story! Love the food bowl with the toy on top. It’s like a thank you note from your kitty. The quilt is beautiful.
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 12:13
Thank you so much, Kathleen! You know, I never thought of it that way – a thank you note. I like that :)
Have a lovely weekend,
-Soma
Alida March 14, 2014 at 07:52
Great quilt! and for a great cause! :) I am glad that your kitty is doing better now!!
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 12:08
Thanks so much, Alida!! I am super happy too :)
Have a great weekend,
Soma
Susan the farm quilter March 14, 2014 at 07:47
Glad your sewing buddy is feeling better! Adorable quilt!!!
Soma Acharya March 14, 2014 at 12:00
Thank you!! It’s wonderful to have him around when I work :)
Have a wonderful weekend,
-Soma