Title: A Year Of Cats…In Hats!
Author: Sheila Haynes Raven
Publisher: Martingale & Company: That Patchwork Place
Date Published: 2004
Pages: 98
Suggested Retail Price: $24.95
ISBN #: 1-56477-529-1

Review: By Dori Hawks

Do you love cats? Yes, then you will love this whimsical book. With 12 quilt blocks, one for each month of the year, each cat has a hat on their ears following a theme for each month. They are cute, humorous, something even a dog person like me would have fun making.

The book contains chapters titled for each month, and besides the twelve 9” quilt blocks, several months have one or more painting projects. They include floor cloths, tree ornaments, an umbrella, a table runner, a vase, a tray, a purse, and a paper maché box. You will have a variety of ways to use the “Cats In Hats” designs.

You could make a whole quilt using all twelve designs, or make one for each month to hang during the appropriate time of the year on a plaque she includes instructions for in the book.

Sheila also includes some interesting history about her background in an art, embroidery and textiles, then goes on to give a very thorough explanation of fabric, embroidery, and quilting techniques, and follows up with her painting instructions for several different applications. There are is even a good Resource section for locating supplies.

Each of the cat designs is fanciful and unique. The March block has a kite tied to each ear blowing in the wind, and the cat’s whiskers look like they are also blowing. The cat in December has decorated Christmas trees on each ear. Umbrellas cover the cat’s ears in April and of course flower pots adorn them in May.

You’ll have fun with these cat designs. Look for this book at your favorite quilt shop!

Publisher:
Martingale & Company: That Patchwork Place
20205 144th Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
1-800-426-3126

www.martingale-pub.com


©2004 Dori Hawks
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