Felines, Fabrics & Friends
My craft business name came about because I love our pet cats-we have three now, four others in the past-and I love sewing things from fabrics. The friends part comes from dogs we had in the past and I love making things from yarns. I see cats and dogs and fabrics and yarns all being a big, friendly, warm and cozy important part of my life forever.
So, some of my fabrics feature dogs and/or cats on them and I make items for the pets and their owners. Every quilted product has a cat somewhere on it, in the fabric or just on the label. "There is always a cat on my quilt."
I sew in my tiny sewing room, using my heavy metal Sears Kenmore sewing machine my husband bought me in 1974, a year after we married. I serge interior seams to prevent fraying on my New Home serger.
I first sewed on my Mother's old electric sewing machine, which was her mother's before her, and I have that. Mom sewed me dresses on it in the 1950's. I also have my grand Aunt Marian's sewing machine on which she made me a few dresses when I was little. I do not use them but having them near warms me. I also have a neat homemade sewing cabinet with red Bakelite handles my Mom's dad made in the 1930's, before he died, so that provides a connection with him.
I knit and crochet and hand sew in my comfy chair, sitting by my husband, Bob.
I am inspired by other things made by ancestors. I see a latch hook pillow, some embroidered linens, and crocheted pieces around my home.
Our home is filled with sewn, crocheted, knitted, quilted and other crafted items I have made through the years. I have also tried ceramics, embroidery, and weaving at times. Plus my husband and I daily wear clothing I have made us. I have sewn most of my clothing the past twenty years as a result of my Christian beliefs.
Making things for others is a way of spreading love, of enveloping them with something to warm and comfort them. We all need that, and I hope my creations can bring some warmth into your life.