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A grandma in glasses hand-stitches patchwork quilt squares while an orange tabby cat sleeps curled on the pile of fabric. 25 / 35

Abuela Rosa Laid Out Every Fabric Square for Her New Quilt. Mango Found Them First.

AI imageorange tabbyquiltingsewing room

The sewing table has disappeared under a soft mountain of fabric: plaid flannel, little calico florals, faded blues, and creamy prints, all waiting to become a quilt. Abuela Rosa sits in her gray sweater and apron, reading glasses low, pulling a needle through a pieced square with patient, practiced hands. Mango has found the softest part of the pile and curled up right on top of it, chin resting on his paws, eyes closed in deep contentment. A basket of yarn balls and a mug sit nearby, and a houseplant catches the window light.

Cats have an uncanny talent for finding exactly the spot you are using, and there are a few reasons why. Fabric that has been handled holds warmth and the familiar scent of their person, which makes it extra comforting. Soft, layered textiles are also just plain cozy. When sewing with a cat around, it is important to keep pins, needles, and thread out of reach, since cats can step on pins or swallow a needle with thread attached, which is a true emergency. A pincushion with a lid and a habit of counting needles at the end of each session help a lot.

Abuela Rosa has learned to work around her sleeping assistant, stitching from the edges while he snoozes in the middle. By the time the quilt is finished, it will probably smell a little like Mango, and that might be the best part of the whole design.

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