someone we know

Pets are someone we know. It sounds like a cliche but is very true nonetheless; a truth I learned in a fresh way this week.
I had started out blithely enough to make a small quilt for my niece and nephew; a portrait of their little dog Joey.
I felt fairly confident, but as the pieces of fabric came into place, and a dog face emerged, I wasn't so sure I recognized him. This is when I realized that pets, like people, are someone we know and the more we know them the more accurately they must be rendered to capture their likeness. Otherwise, it is sort of like looking at someones twin; familiar yet different.
Still, I hope this tribute to their little friend will bring them joy.

I have been trying to remember to take pictures as I work. It's fun to look at the time lapse later.

I usually start with the silhouette in a mid-value.

I thought I was adding my darks and lights but I went astray.

I didn't get the values right, so I needed to add lighter lights and darker darks.

I stitched with black thread and then white to hold the applique in place and replicate hair.

The background was quilted to look like curly hair.
This seemed like just the quilt to add to the fun linky event over at Lily Pad Quilting.
Pets on Quilts Show 2015 has a category for animal themed quilts so I've joined the fun.