Quilting, quilting

I've been doing lots of sewing this week, but have nothing new to show for it. I'm machine quilting Becky's Roses and getting a bit fed up with heaving the quilt about under the machine. (Incidentally, Becky's house purchase has fallen through, so she's back to square one. Poor Becky, but at least it takes the pressure off me to finish the quilt in record time!)

I've also been hand quilting Dog Show, and have finally finished it.

I just quilted round the dogs and then I've quilted a few bones in the blank spaces.

I machine quilted the borders, because I like a firm edge, and I've quilted a word of dog-speak in each corner too
(the others are woof and bow wow).

Hooray! I really love it!

Dogs labelled!

I have finished labelling my dogs in the Dog Show. the weather here has been unseasonally chilly, so a bit of hand sewing on a lap quilt has been perfect for sitting in front of the tv of an evening. Here's the whole quilt.

You can just about see the labels above each dog.

Here is Squiggledog, whose fur grows into dots and squiggles of a lighter shade, especially on his legs. He has a slightly nervous disposition, and is suitable for elderly or mature owners.

This is a Japanese breed, Chrysant, whose fur is in lovely shades of orange, red or purple, with lighter patches, rather remoniscent of the petals of a flower. Chrysant is a very refined dog, whose owners need to treat her with the love and attention she demands.

Primarydog has a coat of many colours, but mainly blue, yellow and red (with occasional green patches). His temperament is very lively and bouncy, and he's a perfect dog for a household with small children.This dog has two ears, but they look as if they're not always secured to her head! She has an impetuous nature, and loves nothing better than racing around the countryside, investigating smells, sights, and especially sounds!

This breed is extremely rare, but very sought-after by the retro crowd. Her fur is white with very distinctive, bright pink polka dots on it. She is an old-fashioned dog, who likes nothing better than to stretch out in front of a roaring fire.

Quite how this entrant managed to slink past the judges, I don't know, as it's clearly a cat!

And last, but not least is the dog of my childhood - Dinky. A sweet, loving dog, who loves seaside holidays, travelling in cars, and rolling about with small children. I couldn't resist including her in the show.

Now for the quilting!

Dog Show 2

Thanks to Jane's excellent suggestion, not only have I got a nice, gutsy border for my Dog Show quilt, but I didn't have to go and buy any! (No, I didn't steal it, and neither did Jane give it to me - generous as she is!) She suggested a piano keys border using the fabrics I had used for the dogs themselves. What a great idea. I didn't have enough of all the fabrics (as ever) but I think it works well.

I have decided to label all the breeds, because I'm not sure whether everyone will be familiar with them.

This is Robodog. (He was actually the first one I made, and turned out a little chunky!)

Here is Aussiedog, made from fabulous Australian fabric.

This is Pointer, who is so interested in something, his head has nearly left his body!

And here is Stripedog, a bit of a throwback from the hippie era, with his purple coat.

And now to label the rest!