32 degrees, light snow, and occasional sun. Could there be a more perfect winter day to visit a 19th-century village decorated for the holidays?
Based on the square filled with kids, young and old, building a snow family and playing in the snow, many found this to be the case.
In the MacKay House, we had a bit of fun as well. We pinned cats against dogs, encouraging visitors to vote for their favorites.
To help with the decision, or maybe make it harder, we displayed and discussed a variety of handmade cats and dogs. This assortment of Victorian fancy work and toys included pin cushions, needle-books, pen wipes, weaving designs, and early toys, all cat & dog themed. I even worked on an embroidered holiday cat pocket.
Several people inquired about making some of their own. Here are the directions or sources for most of them:
Dog Pin Cushion (also Good as a Toy)
This dog worked up well in soft, fulled wool, the type for rug hooking. I could see it made up in a wool felt or heavier cotton fabric as well. Thinner, softer fabrics would need an iron on stabilizer for more body. I discovered this pattern looks a little like a goat when cut & sewn according to the tempate. I made several changes to my second one, the plain brown one. I elongated the face, gave it a longer tail & ears, and made the body leaner. This PDF includes the original template and my alterations.
Cat Needle-book
I made the cat needle-book several years ago. Here are the original directions. I used thin pasteboard, 2 layers for the front and back, off-white wool on the outside, silk taffeta on the inside, and tropical wool for the needle pages inside.
Many people commented that the cat looked felted. I absolutely think this is a design someone could felt, particularly needle felt. I would love to see someone or multiple someones do so.
Patchwork Cat & Patchwork Dogs
The patchwork cat outline was taken directly from an original patchwork cat. The dogs are drawn from a photo of a lab. The dog in brown was made first, highlighting some problem spots with the design. Here are my outlines for these:
You will need siln or other fabric scraps, a cotton layer to sew the scraps to, a back fabric, and wool or poly-fill. I recommend tracing the cat or dog to the back side of your lining fabric. Do not cut the shape out until after you sew. Sew your silk or other fabric scraps to the front. Iron the front of your cat or dog smooth. Place your patchwork layer right sides together with the back fabric. Using the traced line as your sewing line, sew around your cat or dog. Leave a 2″ opening on the back to turn your cat or dog right side out. You will need to use a stick or pencil to help with small areas like the nose, ears, & tail. Fill with filling. Close the opening with a blind stitch.
Ithaca Cat – Ceasar & Friends
My full-size Ceasar Grimalkin, aka Ithaca Kitty, came from the History Center in Tompkins County. I intended to include a link to their shop but I do not see cats in the online shop currently. My small cats & dogs are courtesy of a friend. I also planned to include a link to a shop on Etsy where I’ve seen reproductions of the printed fabric available. That appears to be gone as well.
Cat Pen Wipe
Bad news first – My cat pen wipe was made years ago freehand looking at originals. I did not make a pattern or enough notes to make one.
Good news – I will be doing a program on Pen Wipes in February at the Wehle Gallery. Along with showing some original pen wipes and my reproduction pen wipes, visitors will have the opportunity to make your own simple pen wipe. More details to come.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 