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1970's Vintage Cat Embroidery


Back in 1970, when even buying a banana was a luxury we could ill afford and I was consumed with the ills of poverty and tragedy,I found a way to create. Not from kits or patterns,but scraps of thread I scrounged and an old pillowcase.  I don't know where I got the pattern for the cat embroidery. It wasn't a transfer (couldn't afford that), and I can't remember if I made it up or not?  I do remember sitting on the settee in what was once my nana's council house, and was now our home, and all the woes of the world were held at snarling bay as I stitched away.


I look at it now and remember each stitch, the pain is gone, and what remains is a beautiful reminder that a life nurtured can blossom.

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good"
Romans 12:21

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EDITED TO ADD: Alas I can neither find the book or other photos of this cat online or who the designer was. 

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Comments

Woman of a Certain Age said…
Delightful, delightful.
6:29 PM
Unknown said…
The way you describe your circumstances at the time makes it sound very depressing. But there is nothing depressing about that cat! It is gorgeous.
It just shows how creativity can make the spirit soar.
Thanks for sharing.
8:00 PM
Megan H Carroll said…
that is gorgeous, embroidery is my new love and your cat is very inspiring.
5:54 AM
jafabrit said…
thank you all :)
6:02 AM
Victoria said…
I LOOOOOOVE that!! Cheeky indeed, with a side of sass... nothing like a good stitch to take your mind off the worst;o}
12:07 PM
Debrina said…
Go the 70s, I say (I was born in 1971)! Very hip, kool kat there Jafa lady. Would you believe it, myeord verification for leaving this comment is "hippe"!
4:02 AM
Jennibellie said…
Wow this cat is stunning, love it and it's lovely to hear the inspiring story behind it, thanks for sharing
2:59 PM
Libby Rudolf said…
a lovely kitty and wonderful artistic expression despite the world around you (us)
12:21 PM
Alyn said…
I think I have the pattern still.
5:07 AM
Alyn said…
My Nan stitched this very same cat. She did it in browns and oranges..
I love it. It hangs in my bedroom so I see it everyday.
I think I still have the pattern.
5:08 AM
jafabrit said…
Alyn,
that is so cool. Where was the pattern from, can you share a pic or any info on it?
8:03 AM
Alyn said…
How do I post a pic please
2:28 AM
jafabrit said…
Alyn, you can't post directly on my blog, but you can email a jpeg of your image using the contact form at the side of my blog and I will post it and credit you. :)
6:07 AM
Unknown said…
Hi, I have just purchased a framed embroidery of the same pattern in a charity shop, but in yellow ground with reds and oranges! I was born in 1959 and the 70s feel takes me back.
Liz
11:40 AM
jafabrit said…
OH that is awesome, please do send me a pic, would LOVE to see it. So obviously this was a very popular pattern at one time. Just use my contact form on the right or send me an email at jafagirlart at yahoo dot com

thanks for stopping by
7:41 PM
Carol Brown said…
I have the original transfer pattern it’s lovely to see one made one
5:41 AM
jafabrit said…
Carol, that is so cool, and how lucky to have the original pattern.
8:35 AM
Silvana said…
Hello, I am so glad to have found this page as I am having a clear out at home and found a picture of a cat I embroidered at school, in London, during the 70s! The same cat as in this blog! I Googled 1970s embroidered cat and found you :)

I have stored it in a dark place and it’s in excellent condition as I had it framed. I remember learning all the different embroidery stitches. I did wonder whether it was a transfer as I don’t recall drawing it.

I am now going to display it at home as it’s got history and is a great talking piece.
11:58 AM
jafabrit said…
How cool you left me a comment about this. I had wondered so long. You’ve inspired me to frame mine and display it. It must have been a free pattern or transfer from a magazine or a relative gave me a transfer. It’s a lovely design 😊 thanks for dropping by.
7:30 AM
Lyn said…
I embroidered this cat in the 1970’s but sadly, in relocating to different places, it has gone missing. I have a yearning to do it again and would be delighted to receive the transfer, should anyone still have it.
8:54 AM
jafabrit said…
hI Lyn,
I couldn't hunt down this transfer anywhere online. I don't even see variations of this image, let alone any transfers. My embroidery seems to the only one I can find online.
Such a shame because I think it would be popular for a new generation to try.
11:27 AM
Alicia * said…
I have booklet the pattern came from. It's Embroidery Panels, Coats Sewing Group Publication, Book number 1169. Price 25p. It's one of 7 patterns in the booklet. Published 1972.
8:32 PM
martin said…
Shame there is no mention of the designer for this embroidery,
the cat has a strong identity and it would be great to know who
did the original design.
Does the Coats Sewing book credit anyone for the image.
I recently bought a framed version of this embroidery in a
Charity shop, the background is brown cotton fabric lwith orange, yellow and other
bright embroidery colours.
10:02 AM
jafabrit said…
I agree Martin, I would love to give credit where credit is due. Alas I don't have the Coats Sewing book and I have hunted everywhere trying to find it and the image online.
If I ever do I will certainly update the blog entry.

Your version sounds absolutely wonderful.
3:49 PM
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