Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story

...this week is all about instant gratification.  Microwave quick piecing, quilting and binding.  Pick it out, cut it out, piece it, sandwich it, quilt it and bind it in a just a few hours (while doing laundry, dishes and parenting).

This was such a nice break after working on large projects for a long time.

When Javi was a little boy, this was his placemat.  When he was done with it, I stashed it back because I hated to see it's usefulness be over.  When we got our dog, Lady, I thought it would be a neat thing to use for her dishmat (plus helping me see a reminder of my oldest's toddlerhood).

Needless to say, it's seen better days and I finally threw it away after having it for almost 19 years.

LOL

Yes, I've seen the show "Hoarders" and yes, we're working on it!

(love that owl scowl!)

I searched through my pink scraps to add with some black and white doggie fabric and prints.

The whole time I worked on this, I kept thinking, "What's black and white and pink all over?"  Lady!

She's a black and white Peagle (Pointer and Beagle mix) we adopted from her former owner.

She's my buddy.

Hubby sweets and the boys went with "Dad" (hubby's dad) to a woodworking show late last year.  Christmas morning, this was gifted to me by the men in my family.  This looks almost exactly like Lady.  I need to have it framed.  A man made this carving on softwood and it's just incredible!

By late morning I had a quilt sandwich and was ready for basting.  Have you ever tried curved basting pins?  Totally recommend them!

I just left my 1/4" foot on and sewed straight lines where I felt like sewing them.  Many of these scraps are gifts from my quilting sis. 

The finished dishmat ready for use.

I used to wonder about pet owners who would make mats, beds, quilts, etc for their pets.  I always thought to myself, "Boy, they have waaaaay too much time on their hands."

LOL

But now I get why some projects might be made.  This one was a simple, let your mind wander while your hands are sewing something small, fun, bright and able to be seen every day project.
For a very important part of the family!

Here she is already using the mat for her lunch.  I'm not sure how much she appreciates it, but I sure do love that doggie!

I'm linking up with Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story.  I just cannot tell you how inspirational these stories are.  And fun.  And sometimes sad.  What an awesome idea for a blog!  Grab your beverage of choice this morning and head on over!

Hope today treats you kindly!