There’s a particular kind of quiet that settles into the studio when everything is laid out just right — blocks arranged on the wall, fabric smoothed flat, the next seam waiting.
And more often than not, Pips would find his way right to the center of it.
Sometimes it was the quilt top I’d just pressed.
Sometimes it was a stack of blocks I’d carefully laid out.
Occasionally, it was exactly the spot I needed to stand.
He had an instinct for it — for finding the softest place, the warmest patch of sunlight, or the one thing I was in the middle of working on.
Pips wasn’t just nearby while I learned how to quilt. He was part of it.
There through the first blocks, the tangled threads, the moments where things didn’t quite line up — and the ones where they finally did.
Over time, it became clear he had taken on a very important role in the studio.
Quilt Quality Control.
And if a quilt passed inspection, it was almost always because he had decided it was a good place to nap.
A Quiet Beginning
Did I ever tell you that I was attacked by a cat when I was a kid?!
One minute I was petting the cat, and the next it was going down my legs with its claws out. After realizing it had scratched me up pretty badly, it then chased my friend and me around the house. I ended up on the kitchen counter, and just as it was getting ready to pounce again, my friend’s father thankfully came back inside and shooed it away.
It stuck with me.
For years, I never thought I’d ever get a cat.
And then—fast forward a couple of decades—I found myself in a pet store, holding a tiny Pips in the palm of my hand while we picked up all his essentials 😊
As soon as we brought him home, he became part of the family. His spirit brought so much joy, and before long, I had a little sidekick.
That companionship naturally extended into the studio—and Pips was fully on board for all the quilty shenanigans.
Even as I stumbled my way through my first quilt, he was right there, proudly plopping himself onto my rows the moment I stepped away. If a freshly pressed quilt top was laid out, you could count on him testing it within seconds.
If you’ve ever tried to photograph a quilt with a cat nearby, you already know—that’s exactly the spot they want to nap.
Honestly, I was convinced he had built-in quilty radar. He could be in another room, fully asleep, and the moment a quilt hit the floor… there he was, stretching his way across it like he had been summoned.
The Official Role: Quilt Quality Control (QQC) 🐾
That’s how he earned the title of Quilt Quality Control.
There isn’t a single quilt made in this studio that he didn’t inspect at some point.
His duties included:
- Sitting on freshly pressed blocks
- Testing quilt softness
- Supervising layout decisions
- Keeping my sewing chair warm
It also explains why I always had sticky lint rollers nearby, doing my best to keep his fur at bay 😉
It wasn’t always practical—but I loved it.
There was something so endearing about his curiosity, and I can’t tell you how much it warmed my heart to see how quickly he’d curl up the moment a quilt was ready for “inspection.”
A Studio Companion Through It All
The best part?
His constant presence.
It didn’t matter if I made a mistake or if I was deep into a marathon chain-piecing session—Pips was there. Maybe napping, maybe supervising, but always nearby.
Sometimes he’d take over my sewing chair.
Other times he’d settle onto my sewing table or flatten out my paper patterns like he was helping (arguably, he was).
He brought a kind of quiet companionship that became part of the rhythm of making.
Pips even managed to make basting sessions fun—which says a lot, because those are still my least favourite. He loved sneaking under the batting as I rolled it out, turning the whole process into a bit of a game.
And when it came time to slow down and hand bind, he’d be right there beside me, curled up and content.
We were little sewing buddies.
And that made every part of the process that much more memorable—and joyful.
A Photo Story: Pips on Quilts
I took a trip down quilty memory lane and pulled together a few of my favourite shots of my little sewing companion hard at work 😉
What Our Sewing Companions Give Us
When I brought Pips home, I never imagined how deeply he would weave himself into my daily life—and my creative practice.
There’s something incredibly comforting about having a little fluffnugget nearby, quietly encouraging your progress. Every time I looked up from my cutting mat or sewing machine, there he was.
There’s something extra special about our furry companions sharing our creative spaces.
The joy.
The comfort.
The routine.
The grounding.
They don’t ask for much—just to be part of whatever has captured our attention.
And if you have a studio companion, you know just how special that is.
Carrying That Presence Forward
As I adjust to this new reality, I’m not quite sure what my quilting practice will feel like moving forward.
Pips was so intertwined in the process—it’s going to feel different without his curiosity and constant presence.
But the habits are still there.
The memories we created together are still there.
And his imprint on my work is, too.
A Small Thank You
I’m so thankful for the years we had together.
He brought something extra to my creative practice—something that simply wouldn’t exist without him.
This little ode to Pips is a reminder of how life evolves and changes, and how the memories we create along the way stay with us.
They live on in the quilts, in the photos, and in the quiet moments in the studio.
For more quilty inspiration, check out:
Here’s to savouring our time with our fluffy sewing companions—and cherishing every moment we get with them.
I’d love to hear—what’s your favourite memory of stitching with your sewing companion? 😊
Big hugs,
Shannon
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I am so sorry for your loss. He was beautiful.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Joan!
I’m so sorry to hear that you have lost your sewing companion. Big hugs being sent your way. I always enjoyed seeing pictures of Pips helping in your sewing room. I’m sure Pips is part of every quilt you have ever made, despite your best efforts with the lint roller.
Our granddog, Finn, stays with us a couple of months every year while our daughter is busy at work. He also likes to supervise my projects and is an expert at rearranging blocks that I have laid out on the floor. He also likes to assist in folding laundry that is fresh out of the dryer, warm and cozy.
Our pets wind their way into our hearts and souls. Pips lived a long and happy life, wrapped in your love… and your quilts, which Pips thought were really his all along. Take care. Gail
Lol – yes, Finn sounds excactly like, Pips! Their curiosity and special spirits truly make our lives so much richer. Thank you for your kind words, Gail. Give Finn a big hug from Pips and I!
Sorry for your loss of dear sweet Pips. Your photos and words are a lovely tribute to Pips.
Thank you, Linda. It was a bittersweet post to pull together, but one that I’m happy will live on to celebrate this memory. Big hugs!
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. When it’s time, and only you will know when, another furry soul will take hold of your heart. ❤️
My cat Rocky has taught me to put my tools away(and to always close my cutter), The little minks knocks anything left out on to the floor and plays with it He can destroy a spool of thread in seconds! But I love every second!!
Thinking of you and your beautiful Pips!!
I love hearing about your Rocky, Pam! Our furry friends really do make the sewing adventures that much more special 🙂 Thank you for your kind words.
Shannon, being a cat mom myself with cats who love quilts, my heart goes out to you… so sorry for the loss of Mr Pips. He really was a presence in your life. Every time I saw him, it was such a joy to see that handsome cat!! May he Rest in Peace. Our furry companions are truly our fur babies and although we know their lifespans are not as long as ours, we cherish so much the time they spent with us. Sending you lots of love xoxox
Thank you so much, Viv! It was fun sharing photos of Pips on quilts as he truly loved every moment of the quilty adventures 🙂 Give your fur babies extra cuddles from me. Big hugs
I feel your pain having Llosa many of my sewing companions. Hope another one finds you to carry on Pip’s legacy.
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 Trying to navigate this pain one day at a time
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful cat and had a wonderful life with you and your family. I love all the pictures of him helping you and checking out all the quilts. So sweet.
Thank you, Mary! I was telling my hubz how thankful I am that we took so many pictures of him – ha! Happy memories 🙂
Pips was such a handsome one. I loved seeing him in the blog pictures. He will be missed by many quilters. Thank you for sharing this blog. I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will regain your balance but he will always have a spot in your heart.
Thank you for the lovely message, Lisa. Even before Pips passed away, I used to receive emails and DMs inquiring about Pips 😉 I wanted to honour that connection. Big hugs
So much to say here – I’ve been down this road and know that walk. All the best.
Yup, that sums it up, my friend 😉 Big hugs!
Hi Shannon
SO sorry for your loss of Pips! The loneliness is real, but it does get a bit easier eventually.
Some 5 years after the passing of my best quilting buddy, (a rescue named Guinness), I find myself still making a small pile of fabric on one side of my ironing board for him (his favourite thing was to curl up after a roll in clean fabric!) His brother Oscar could have cared less about quilting, although the two of them would cuddle together as I was deciding the layout of each quilt. (Ask me how many rolls of lint brushes I went through!)
Your photos of Pips were heartwarming. I did the same thing; sent out emails with the notice of the loss of my best quilting buddy with photos. Honouring our companions this way helps everyone see the special moments and not take them for granted.
Sending you a comforting hug from the B.C. Rockies (I am a former Montrealer who lived on the West Island, so an extra hug for that as well!)
Oh, my goodness, Lori, I was just in the West Island doing my Costco run – ha! Thank you for the kind words and sharing an insight on some of your adventures with Guinness (I love a good stout!). Our furry friends really do have the most unique personalities, and Pips was firmly entrenched in our family – I couldn’t resist sharing an ode to his quilty adventures 😉
OMG there’s a Costco there now?! I’m shopping with you in spirit!!!
I’m so sorry for your loss of the beloved gato, Pip. He was your companion and we enjoyed his forays on your beautiful quilts. Take time to be with your grief. Cats are so much in the fabric of our lives. I lost my cat quilt companion 6 years ago and still miss her.
Ugh, Carolyn, this is exactly what I fear and hope for – that 6 years down the road I’ll still be thinking about Pips and our sewing adventures. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking, but gosh aren’t we lucky to have spent the time that we did with them. Big hugs.
Hey friend. You and Pips are still at the forefront of my mind. Tigger loves all the same things for the same reasons. In the thick of it. In the delicious middle of every project, every process. My heart is heavy for you. I know you will heal over time and that’s hard. But what an amazing tribute to Pips. He’ll never be forgotten. What a gem! ❤️
Thank you so much, Ruth-Anne! I know you get it. It’s hard, but I wouldn’t change a minute of the past 17+ years I got to spend with Pips. Give Tigger an extra cuddle for me 🙂
The loss is hard but remembering all the soft, funny, oddball cat-antics will be with you. Having been owned by several cats – yes I was their slave, I undertand. Thanks for sharing.