Hi friends!
A while back I signed on to be an Island Batik Ambassador for this year. What does that mean? Well, it means I get a goodie box in the mail and suggestions on projects to create and then I can share them with you!
This month Island Batik asked us to create kennel quilts.
What is a kennel quilt you might ask? A small quilt 12″ x 18″ that will fit inside a small animal kennel/carrier.
Here is some information on their program: In 2016, Island Batik joined forces with an existing group of industry partners and supporters of the Petfinder Foundation to create the Piece for Shelter Pets (PFSP) initiative. The initiative supports the Petfinder Foundation, a “public charity that works to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets by assisting animal shelters and rescue groups across North America”, through financial contributions made possible by the sale of fabric, thread, and othe r quilting related products. PFSP sponsors include The Quilt Pattern Magazine, Island Batik, Aurifil Threads, QuiltyBox, Benartex, and Hancock’s of Paducah.
The TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team is a volunteer organization sponsored by The Quilt Pattern Magazine ( TQPM) that springs into action (or should we say “stitches” into action?) when disasters strike, sewing small kennel quilts for animals in need while they are separated from their humans and possibly injured. Creating kennel quilts is a way for quilters to help our animal friends in times of need by doing what we love. TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team supplies kennel quilts to shelters across the United States.
I must say, this project has Lily’s stamp of approval!
In my box there was some fun Valentine’s Day inspired fabrics. So I decided to use them for my first kennel quilt. I used my Braid Template to cut pieces 2″ x 6 ½”, sewed the pieces together and cut them into 6 squares 6 ½” x 6 ½”.
I sewed the squares together into a 12 ½” x 18 ½” top, lined it with batting and backing, sewed around all the sides leaving a small opening for turning.
Then I quilted it with this great Aurifil thread. You don’t use binding on kennel quilts.
I decided to wait to wash the fabrics until after the quilting so the whole thing could get soft and little cuddly.
I also used the braids I made for my Braid Template demo videos into a kennel quilt. More great batiks- another fun quilt!
I just have to finish the quilting. Love the thread!
I saw that one of the other ambassadors Sharon of Yellow Cat Designs created a sweet kennel quilt and she has a complete tutorial on her blog. I really want to make this one next.
If you would like to make some kennel quilts for dogs and cats in need, click here for more information from TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team for guidelines on the quilts, free patterns and information on where you can donate them. I have 3 ready to go… maybe I can squeeze in a few more before I send them out!
happy quilting,
Kate