NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

WE HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
janpatekquiltsinc@gmail.com.
Please send all emails to that address

Friday, May 1, 2015

And Kitty Makes 3

Hi, My name is Dueces - I'm Pep's cat.  


And this is my sister Wednesday (or Wendy), Jan's cat.


Mom saved the best until last!  :)

Did you see Me and My Sister's post earlier this week - the one with the lady with 8 arms, all moving at once?

That's what it's like around here before Market.  Like today.  On top of blogging (and doing the regular choring) she has to get dinner ready and in the fridge before she leaves to go to Kansas City for two days to help Brian move.  And of course she has to get her sewing ready to take with her.  Then tonight Jake will meet Cullen and Quinn's mom in Liberty and pick them up to bring them home for the weekend (it's their dads week to have them but he had surgery this week) and Jake will pop dinner in the oven.  Mom doesn't like the little kids schedule disrupted any more than usual and  Market will already do that.  Yada, yada, yada.  Sometimes we need a flow chart just to keep track of everything.
  
At least the quilts are safely at the quilters so she just has to get ready for schoolhouse.  And she always has something to sew.

I sleep at the end of the bed.  Every time Mom uses the facilities she just has to stop and give me a rub.  Petting a kitty slows her down and helps her focus on calm things.
Wendy spends a lot of time on the quilt on the back of Mom's chair - same thing.

You may have noticed a thread in all of our posts - keeping Mom calm and somewhat relaxed before Market!

And we all do our darndest to do a good job.

Mom designed this little quilt for the hop


 It's called "And Kitty Makes 3".  
You can get a free download of the pattern until Monday night by clicking here.
Or you can buy a kit to make it by clicking here
After Monday you can buy the pattern on the website if you missed it.

Now - for the other free part - the fabric part.
We have 3 Lilies of the Field precuts to give away courtesy of Moda.


Make a comment telling us how you manage to de-stress when big deadlines are looming.
Monday morning we'll have the random number generator pick one.

And now, don't forget to hop on over to see

Have fun!

Now I'd better get back to work.  A kitty's work is never done.

114 comments:

  1. Good morning! I try to get ahead, but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. Lots of warm tea helps to de-stress!

    ReplyDelete
  2. A kitty's work IS never done! My favorite de-stresser is to surround myself with furry beings, and have within arm's reach both handwork and a glass of wine (so I can alternate!)! Thanks for the opportunity and the free pattern, too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW--good thing you have Deuces and Wendy to pet to calm YOU down! Boy are you ever busy. Strangely enough when I am stressed I read or chain piece a ga-zillion 2-sies through Helga (my Viking machine hahaha) or sit and knit and sip tea. I LOVE that fabric --thanks so much for the generous download of your "And Kitty Makes Three" pattern. I love it...Am embarking on your Natalie's Baskets kit quilt this month--prepping for summertime deck sewing hugs, Julierose

    ReplyDelete
  4. I try to get out for a walk with one of our dogs. The movement and change of scenery helps me get a better perspective.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good morning! I already copied this beautiful little wallhanging! I got a fat quarter bundle of your Lilies of the field. I love this fabric line and it's mine! My name is Susanne which is hebrew and the translation is : Lily! I changed the design of this pattern slightly - instead of a dog I put another cat in -because I have two of those wonderfully destressing pets around me. Purring cats, doing some appliquework and LISTENING to the tele - this is my way to destress!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I go for a walk in my neighborhood. Then I have a hard cider and go into my sewing room to sew!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm loving this generous giveaway! I hold my 4 Pomeranian fur kids to distress, they make it all better.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I try to go for a walk and take deep breaths. Making sure that I realize that life is good and get to work!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like to listen Chris Tomlin songs when I am stress out!!. Thanks for the give away.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am enjoying reading all the blogs written by animals, grandchildren, children and husbands! So much fun! I try to "de-stress" by doing some handwork or reading.

    ReplyDelete
  11. At the end of a long day, I take my boys (dogs) for a walk, then come home and play in my sewing room.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I sit on my porch and read a quilt book and listen to the birds. Yes, reading quilt books does de-stress. Makes me dream of pretty quilts to make.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I sit on my porch and read a quilt book and listen to the birds. Yes, reading quilt books does de-stress. Makes me dream of pretty quilts to make.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am enjoying the animals blogs.
    auntie.clark@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I get Corgi snuggles. They're the best! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I relax by sitting in my recliner and working on my hand applique. bjchaplin@willcountyhealth.org

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sewing, when it is for me, is how I de-stress

    ReplyDelete
  18. Petting a cat always helps with stress--and as long as things are going good, quilting is also a help. Isn't is funny how cats seem to be naturally attracted to quilters? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I don't think there is anything better than a cat to de-stress! Your kitties are so pretty and their coats are beautiful! Thank you for the wonderful download and very generous giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. To keep calm, I have a cup of tea and roam the internet. Keep up the good work Deuce's and Wendy and thanks for the adorable pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  21. To calm myself down, I close my eyes, take deep breathes and exhale slowly.

    hl3smith@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I de-stress by taking a long walk, and when I come home I make a large cup of tea and read a chapter in my favorite book for the time being.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I go for a walk around my garden!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Jan! Great post! I hacpve had tons of changes and more to come as my husband passed away 5 weeks ago! So I am trying to keep calm by rubbing my little dog Simen and making a list of daily to dos! When done, I am done! I also bought a BIG agenda book, it has become my diary and organizers! Bills due, contacts, passwords, bank balances, etc!
    Unfortunately, dissecting my sewing room, so I am working on my hand appliqué UFO in the evenings and then I can go to bed. Thank you for the giveaway and the great pattern, will get that started! Is Home, Heart and Love all rolled into one! Take care, Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thank you very much for the cute pattern, Jan. I love it! Taking the dog for a walk on the beach and breathing in the salt air is always relaxing. Listening to the cat purring against my ear is another way to calm the spirit. Your cats are very sweet. Can you tell us about the quilt Dueces is sleeping on? Lucky cat!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I de-stress by making a list of everything that I need to do. Then as I do whatever is on the list, I cross it off! Everything gets done and I become calm(er)...and I KNOW that nothing is left to guess work! I hate that feeling 'did I pack my blow dryer'? as we back out of the driveway!!
    Have fun...and thanks for the chance to win this gorgeous fabric!
    Paulette

    ReplyDelete
  27. I de-stress by making a list of everything that I need to do. Then as I do whatever is on the list, I cross it off! Everything gets done and I become calm(er)...and I KNOW that nothing is left to guess work! I hate that feeling 'did I pack my blow dryer'? as we back out of the driveway!!
    Have fun...and thanks for the chance to win this gorgeous fabric!
    Paulette

    ReplyDelete
  28. I like to have a cup of tea and pet one of the cats and think about new quilt projects to start/finish.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Well obviously, I like to cuddle my cats when I need to distress! I'm also a list maker. I love crossing things off my list, and it helps to make sure I don't skip a step for whatever I need to accomplish. Thanks for a chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  30. To destress, I usually grab a handwork project, set a time frame to sit & sew, and keep my iPad nearby. Each time I think of something that needs to go on the to-do list I add it to the iPad. Usually by the time my sit & sew time is up, I'm feeling better and ready to tackle the to-do list.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Walking the streets in our subdivision with glimpses of snow-capped mountains helps me de-stress. Thanks for the free pattern and the chance in the giveaway. I love the colors and the title of this new fabric line.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lol. Destress? What's that? I don't know if it helps, but I drink a Mt. Dew.

    ReplyDelete
  33. To de-stress I get outside....take a walk, bicycle, work in the garden....I've even started jogging again. So now that the weather is finally nicer I'm de-stressing. It was a long cold winter without much outdoor time.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I de-stress by listening to southern gospel music and petting my cat. Although sometimes he causes more stress by sitting on my cutting table even though I have a rotary cutter in my hand. I also feel better as I cross things off my list. I hope you an de-stress a little before market. Thanks for the give away.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am retired and love reading blogs and sewing. I really never had deadlines. I was a nurse, mainly doing home care, so very little money, but more time to read!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have two cats, too, and like you've already noticed they are great help at de-stressing. Also some breaks and doing some fun things can help:-) Thanks for the pattern it's really cute!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I relax with a hot bath or a nap. Both usually do the trick...usually being the operative word...lol.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I like to wrestle with the pups. Nothing like a few moments of paw-to-hand combat ending with licks and tummy rubs to shake off the stress.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I like to just tune out for a few minutes to de-stress. Works wonders for me!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I de-stress by walking my 2 dogs. I always get so involved in what they are doing that I forget about my own worries!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I like to keep multiple projects going, switching from paper piecing to machine piecing, cutting to applique. Am self taught and enjoy all the phases. Have learned a lot from Jan Patek tutorials. When I do get overwhelmed, I usually walk outside, listen to birds, watch squirrels, just marvel at the way our Creator so beautifully pieced this world we get to live in! Those thoughts recharge and inspire me. PS- Love your Birds & Bunnies. Adorable. Thank You

    ReplyDelete
  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love that your cats are very different colours, but somehow have matching paws. I de-stress by reading. Then again I read all the time anyway, even when I'm sewing - I just switch to an audio book.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Walking or petting my dog Phoebe usually destresses me. She has a very big job around home!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I like to sit and do some kind of hand work, applique or crochet.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Sometimes taking a nice walk helps but my favorite way to de-stress is to get a big hug from my sweet hubby!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I like to sit and cuddle with one of my two kitties and read a good book! Kitties make sewing so much more fun!

    ReplyDelete
  48. First I make a cup of coffee :)! Then I head to my sewing room - even if it is just to organize or putter around among my fabrics. Sewing blocks is my best de-stresser. Thank you for this beautiful fabric giveaway chance.

    ReplyDelete
  49. If I need a break to rejuvenate I like to go out on the back deck and let the sun shine on my face. That warm sun always makes me feel so happy and calm, ready to take on the next project :-)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Well kitties, I've found nothing beats a foot, hand, or head rub from my husband and 10 minutes of lap time with my cat Belle. Her silky fur always makes me feel better, although then I feel guilty about making her get up when I need to get back to work.

    Thank you for the pattern, and also I enjoyed meeting the rest of the family in the other posts, please tell Jan I appreciate all she does and love seeing her works of art!

    ~Brandy

    ReplyDelete
  51. Sweet post! I destress by making sure I have easy to reheat dinners available, and lots of chocolate. Then I can concentrate on the task to get it done. Have fun at Market!

    ReplyDelete
  52. When I stress, I walk my Akita puppy named Chibby. Then I come home and sew for 10 minutes at least. It works for me!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I find that Chardonnay works well for me.... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  54. I destress by taking a walk if it's nice enough out. Watching TV while I am working on a project, also helps.

    ReplyDelete
  55. When I need to destress I will set down and read or work in my gardens. Also helps to have the quilt project all organized and ready to go. Thanks for the chance to win the beautiful fabrics.

    ReplyDelete
  56. de-stressing! I think reading while listening to nice music works. Or a walk listening to all the sounds you hear.

    ReplyDelete
  57. de-stressing! I think reading while listening to nice music works. Or a walk listening to all the sounds you hear.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I destress by watching some tv and working on a hand piece item.

    ReplyDelete
  59. This might sound odd, but when I need to destress, I clean! Yes, I admit it! Whenever I am up against a deadline or when life is far more hectic than I'd like, I clean. Having a clean, clutter-free environment calms and soothes my stressful nature more than I can explain. So, whenever I am stressed, I clean......then, I make myself a nice hot cup of tea! :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Yoga helps me to get away from all the things going 'round and 'round in my head. Going to a class on a regular basis helps, too, as it gets me out and in a different environment.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I make myself a cup of sleepy time tea, on my sofa with a lap quilt , my little yorkie. And something to hand stitch . Lol and maybe a good hallmark TV movie !!! Lol that works for me. Real cozy

    ReplyDelete
  62. My de-stresser is Baking.....almost anything! Sometimes the only place to put what I bake is the freezer because I can get carried away!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Gardening always helps me to de-stress. Of course, that doesn't work in winter here in PA. So sometimes I play the piano. Whatever works!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi,
    I destress by doing hand stitching, usually applique. The calming rhythm of the stitches is like a meditation, and very " grounding".
    Even ten minutes, on a busy day, relaxes and calms me.
    Best wishes,
    Jan Moore,
    England
    janinamoore@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  65. I always have a cup of tea and a scone..

    ReplyDelete
  66. I listen to the Celtic woman's cd's, just something about the music that calms me and gets me into the creative mood.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  67. Music! Put some oldies on and sing along. And those bindings just seem to stitch themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  68. To de stress upon deadlines, I make a "to do" list, including easy and quick jobs just so I can begin crossing them out. This makes me feel less stressed as I feel like my tests are manageable. I also make time to do a little sewing which is relaxing for me. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Love the free pattern. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I usually drink a small glass of wine.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I just focus on sewing and eats lots of chocolate!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I try to lean on my faith to give me Peace. I'll read some scriptures related to peace and God being in control. If I make a mistake in my project, I try to do what my mother taught me and "undo" the mistake and rip it out. It's much easier to come back to a project and start sewing than to have to rip out a mistake. It's a downer to know that you have to rip out a mistake. So, I try to leave a project with something to look forward to and it's fun to come back to it. That helps with the stress of a project, too.

    ReplyDelete
  72. A glass of wine always puts things back into perspective!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I go for a walk around the block or ride my bike. If I know a deadline is looming, I will try to add in time to ride my bike on a local errand. It keeps the thoughts clear. One of my college buddies said "if I feel like I'm drowning; go for a swim. If I feel like my problems are gaining on me, I go for a run." And so I go. Not always when I want to, but it is cherished time, just like that of the sewing machine.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I love to hand sew and hook rugs so just doing that helps me relax. If I add a little yoga, I'm calm as a cucumber!

    ReplyDelete
  75. I teach school so any type of stitching is what helps me relax!

    ReplyDelete
  76. I make a cup of coffee and relax. Thanks Jan for the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I enjoy a cup of hot tea and some time with my dog Indie when I am stressed.

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love to hand sew and hook rugs so just doing that helps me relax. If I add a little yoga, I'm calm as a cucumber!

    ReplyDelete
  79. I destress by petting and walking my dog and doing hand embroidery

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love to sit on the porch or lanai in the sunshine with a cup of tea or an ice tea and page through a quilt magazine or book for some new ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Odd as it sounds, I put on a Dean Martin CD and relax with a glass of Dr Pepper. That smooth cool voice just chases my stress away.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I take a long walk with my dog !

    ReplyDelete
  83. A glass of wine out on the screened in porch--usually works!!

    ReplyDelete
  84. I have to stay ahead of deadlines to keep the stress at bay. If I get too far behind I just fall apart and everything turns out wrong. If I've planned well enough I can work to the deadline but only if I have small things to do and I'm confident I can finish. Good luck in keeping your mom calm before her deadlines.

    ReplyDelete
  85. When I am stressed the only thing that works for me is to do some quilting. I go to my sewing room turn on some Southern Gospel music and sit down and start quilting. It helps to take my mind off of my worries and focus on what I am quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I try to keep my head clear by writing everything on a 'to do' list. Also I take care to sleep enough hours to be able to carry on. Keep calm! Enjoy what you do. Your fabric makes me smile, so thanks for a chance to win.
    Love from the Netherlands ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  87. I do some Zentangle and some zen quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I take the dog for a walk and let mother nature de stress me.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I like to have some music playing in the background to make things less stressful. And I always have lists to keep me on track.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I make a list and strart ahead of time, this applies to cooking Christmas dinner even.

    ReplyDelete
  91. I make a list with easy goals interspersed with harder goals if possible. Relaxing on the deck with a breeze and a cool drink is also therapeutic for me. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  92. When the weather is nice I sit quietly on the porch and listen to the birds and breezes through the trees.... and enjoy the aromas of blossoms and fresh cut grass... and when the weather is awful... I play with fabric, thread and wool! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  93. Sewing, or really anything connected to sewing/quilting - I like to organize or re-organize my fabric stash, or just look at quilting books and patterns. All these things calm me down as I ponder what things I might create next. Thank you for the chance at the fabric giveaway. You and your creations are favorites of mine. :D

    ReplyDelete
  94. I listen to very loud sing-a-long music and try to dance around a bit to get my head together and attack the next project!

    ReplyDelete
  95. This will amuse you Jan but I quilt to de-stress! When I sit down to sew it makes me so happy and calm that all the little stresses in my life fall away.

    ReplyDelete
  96. This will amuse you Jan but I quilt to de-stress! When I sit down to sew it makes me so happy and calm that all the little stresses in my life fall away.

    ReplyDelete
  97. hand quilting is the best destresser. If I don't have anything in the hoop, then a few minutes of cutting scraps into scrap buster sizes usually helps. Meggross@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  98. When I'm stressed, I tend to eat a lot of junk food. To de-stress, I go for a nice long walk. Works wonders for me!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I destress by having a glass of wine with my kitty.

    ReplyDelete
  100. I sit out on our screened porch with my pup and kitty and work on my hand quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  101. Focus, focus, focus with confidence!

    ReplyDelete
  102. I de-stress with a little meditation and a little embroidery.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Getting outside in the sunshine seems to help me de-stress.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Just have to sew when I want to destress better than a therapist

    ReplyDelete
  105. Getting my sister to help certainly relieves my stress. b.j.day68@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I distress by heading to my sewing room, uninterrupted bliss!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I often go down to my local quilt store and look at fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  108. I like to do embroidery to de-stress or take a nice walk

    ReplyDelete
  109. Sitting in the gazebo by the lake (in the warm months). Hand work is a bonus!

    ReplyDelete
  110. i de stress by looking through my quilt books I have three book shelves full!

    ReplyDelete
  111. I have a hot tub that gets quite a bit of use, nothing like it on a nice spring or summer evening (with a glass of wine)...

    ReplyDelete