Owl and the Pussycat are two projects I worked on over the weekend. Both of these designs are oldies from Briar Root Primitives. The patterns have been in my stash for years and this season seems to be a good one for adding them to my fall decor. While much of my quilting lately is bold and colorful, my crafting and quilting journey began when the primitive look was trending. So some of these patterns bring back happy memories of those days.
I can no longer locate these patterns online. The pattern names are Hocus the Halloween Cat and Owl-vin the Owl. Both were designed by Robin Vizzone of Briar Root Primitives. It was interesting to work on these older patterns and think about how much patterns have changed just in the last decade. Notions that make the construction so much easier – fusible, computerized drawings, etc. I did a fair amount of tweaking as I worked through both the owl and the pussycat. The owl pattern is actually quite a bit larger than my owl. I reduced the pattern to make it the size I wanted.
The cat is 4-1/2 inches wide by 15 inches tall. The pattern suggested stuffing the cat, then adding all the stitched details to the front. I opted to do the opposite and stitch all the details down first, then add the stuffing. The process was much easier in that order. The fabric for the cat body is a fat quarter from my stash, and all of the wool is from my stash. Both the owl and the pussycat have weighted bottoms so they stand upright. I used ground walnuts sealed in fabric (cat) and ziploc (owl), before adding to the base.
Since the owl pattern was too large to reduce using my copier, I drew the pattern freehand. It wasn’t too complicated, so it was quick to do. The owl stands about 8 inches tall and is about 6-1/2 inches wide. All of the wool used for the owl is from my stash.
Digging through my grandmother’s buttons for the two projects was fun. I keep these particular buttons separate from the other buttons because there is such a strange gathering of items mixed in. Old garter belt clips (or whatever you call them), belt buckles, a part of a bowtie clip, an arrowhead (added by me when I was a kid). My grandmother was a seamstress, and of the era where you saved things to be reused. So I enjoy using her buttons on my projects, thinking she would be pleased that I am using them.
Wilbs, of course, was very curious about this new cat and stayed close at hand, should I need assistance.
All that tail swishing made positioning those little eyes and nose a challenge, but we managed. Treats were involved.
Now that those projects are done, I’ve moved them up to the living room as I’m slowly getting my fall decor up.
This photo was taken late in the day, so the color is a little washed out, but you get the general idea. I just need to pull out my pumpkins and I think the decorating will be done. Notice the little bowl fillers on the right. The quilt is my version of Wind Drifter by Robin Pickens. It’s one of my favorite Autumn quilts. How about one more close up of owl and pussycat tucked into their corner.
On another note, remember that little fabric bowl I made a few weeks ago? Eva sent me her little bowl she stitched up this weekend. I thought you might like to see it, too!
How cute is that? There are bits of fabric I’ve sent to her, which is fun to see, and Mrs. Mouse looks quite pleased, too!
Now that Owl and Pussycat are done, it’s time for me to get back to other quilt projects that need some attention. I hope you have enjoyed a lovely weekend and that your Monday is filled with needle and thread!
Wendy
So much cute stuff here. You’ve been busy. Looks like you’ve been having fun with it.
Thanks! I am enjoying these little diversions!
Thank you for the Robin Pickens reference. I love your quilt! The colors are lovely. I went on the website and am so blown away by all her quilt and cross stitch patterns! I hope to follow up on some of those! As always, Wilbs is a star!!!!!
Thanks so much, from Wilbs and me!
A fine looking pair. Have you thought of making a pea green boat?
I am intrigued by the idea of fall decor. Your display is beautiful. (I love that quilt design.) Is it a custom in your part of the world?
An adorable pair! They look great in your fall display. Nice to see Wilbs is being so helpful.
So cute! That RP pattern which I really like, comes up regularly in my Pinterest. I’ve been sewing up some older kits too. This makes me think of a wool cat pattern I intended to make probably around the same time as your pattern. Might have to dig into my wool stash and make it!
Thanks, Sandra! I hope you find your wool cat and stitch it up!
How adorable!! Your custom additions to those sweet creatures are just perfect, and how nice to have your grandmother’s treasures to choose from. I’m sure Wilbs’ tail switching was beneficial in cleaning off stray threads. That niche you have is just made for your decor. Wind Drifter is just beautiful. I got that pattern because of your version, so that is a nice reminder to me to make it!
Eve’s bowl is exquisite, with the hand stitching and pretty fabrics.
I love reading your blog and seeing the many beautiful and fun projects you create. Your owl and cat brought a big smile to my face and the fall quilt is stunning. Thanks for sharing. Happy Fall.
oh wendy I Love them ALL, (and robin perkins patterns too)
I am smitten by the quilt design, must make
thanks, and pets to Wilbur
LeeAnna
Thanks, LeeAnna! Wilbs says thanks, too!
Super cute!! I especially love the owl so much!! What cute decor.
So original! I especially like your display area. What a fabulous idea.
Thank you!
I really like that owl!
Thanks, Karen!
Adorable!! I’m glad Wilbs was such a good helper and enjoyed some treats! LOL They look great with your fall quilt. So pretty. Have a great week, Wendy.
Both of your projects are quite nice. Perhaps primitives will make a comeback. Love that you used buttons from your grandmother’s stash. I see those odds and ends in the button box someone gave me. Eva’s little basket is darling.
What a lovely motivational blog today! These pattern will for sure soon be back, I am sure. All these things are coming back in a little changed way, but back!
Both are fabulous. My super love are owls… ok, may be because I am a night owl?
Wilbs is really a super model in the pictures. Glad Wilbs, you do not hunt Mrs. Mouse … :-))) with this blog news the week starts much nicer.
Oh the owl and cat is so perfect on display there! I just bought a new pattern for wool stuffies today, I’ll be using wool, felt and flannel for mine.
Thanks! It’s the season for wool stitching!
Wendy
I love the primitive style – it just soothes me for some reason. Love both of these projects! Your grandma is very happy to have you using her button jar!! Have a great day.
Thanks, Bernie!
Wendy, you always post the cutest little projects. They look like you had an enjoyable day with them. I’m glad Wibs is there to supervise. Let Eva know I’m envious of her little bowl skills. That is too cute. Your picture staging gives me ideas for decorating. Happy sewing and fall.
Wendy these are too cute and fit in with your fall decor perfectly. I love the quilt rail you have in your cabinet. It looks like you can hang the quilt at four different levels. Great addition for your cabinet!
Oh those are so stinkin’ cute! And I just love it all together in your fall display! How fun! Woot! (or maybe “Hoot!”??) Love ’em!
Your fall decor looks fantastic together! I think I would have opted to do the stitching details before stuffing as well. And I’m glad they have weighted bottoms – that sounds like they will be sturdy pieces.
The cat and owl turned out beautifully. What fun additions to hour seasonal decor. Fall themed without being too Halloweeny (is that a word?). Enjoy getting back to your other quilting projects.
These guys are very fun, Wendy! I like the primitive style when you’re making stuffed animals. I was wondering what Wilbur thought of the new cat in the house! Your Wind Drifter quilt is awesome – and perfect for fall. And cute little bowl from Eva, too!
The whole paragraph about your grandmother’s buttons (and other stuff) is an example of why we are kindred spirits. I can relate to every word and feeling of it… every single word and feeling…
Owl and pussycat are so cute! They are perfect for your fall decor.
I absolutely love your owl and pussy cat. What cheerful characters they are 🙂
The new critters you made look awesome with your Fall quilt! I hope Wilbs knows he is your main cat, ha!
I still love the primitive look and think your owl and pussycat are adorable. I love your autumn display! It’s cozy and charming.
I still love the cozy vibe of primitives, too. The cat was fun to make!
I had a lovely morning catching up on all your projects. These critters are so cute and I love the way you have arranged various creations together to portray autumn!