One last challenge for Project Quilting this season - something that could be held in my hand. I've done my share of post cards and mug rugs for small projects, so I wanted to do something different. Hmmm... might be the perfect time to make a guinea pig? Years ago a blog reader brought this Gertrude Guinea Pig pattern to my attention; I bought a copy. It's been sitting on the shelf ever since.
The pattern shows the guinea pig in colorful prints but I wanted more realistic colors. I pulled a bunch of browns, blacks, white, greys and tans from my stash and Rob and I picked the ones we liked best. I've been hording that brown fabric for ages - I loved it but never quite found the right project for it. The black fabric and the funky white fabric were both excellent finds at Swanson's (the amazing "no-kill shelter for your fabric stash"). I didn't have any ¾-inch buttons for the eyes, but a trip back to Swanson's yielded a pair of shiny black shank buttons. How perfect are those?!? What a score.
This project reminded me why I stick to quilting. There were so many fiddly bits. The nose, chin, feet and ears took multiple attempts to get right (and even then there's a pucker or two). And WHAT is with that ear?!? I love guinea pigs that have sticky-uppy ears, but that is one seriously goofy looking ear. Those feet are a little weird, too (floppy and awkward). I simply had to make one black foot (oh, the dreaded black nails!).
It's seriously adorable! I'm amazed at how great those eyes look. I'm really glad we picked those fabrics. The pattern had instructions for a felt nose and mouth but I wasn't sure about them. I might embroider in nostrils and a mouth. For now, I like the simple look.
Sharing with:
Persimon Dreams - Project Quilting 17.6
Melva Loves Scraps - Sew & Tell
Quilting & Learning - What a Combo! - I Quilted This
A Quiltery - Put Your Foot Down Thursday
Alycia Quilts - Finished or Not Friday
Nina-Marie - Off the Wall Friday
Quilting Patchwork Applique - Patchwork & Quilts
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