Cut work Maltese Quilt
 

Inspired by "grammatjr" portrait quilts here on our board. I don't know if I did it correctly, but it is my own design. I am, however, debating on whether or not to leave in the heart...does it distract from the maltese? I was thinking if I remove it, to stitch it in instead. The dark blue fabric is dotted with light blue paw prints, which I just love and will also use for the binding.

Any ideas on quilting? I was thinking maybe an orange peal grid pattern in the white areas, but not positive yet.

This one will be donated to the "Spoiled Maltese Rescue Raffle" in the fall, in memory of my sweet Lexie who passed away on New Year's Eve. She was the love of my life and will be remembered always.

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That is very cute really great work! I do think the heart is too strong for the Maltese.

Very nice! Beautiful border, perfectly matched. Well done.

the heart is my favorite element, but maybe not on that particular quilt. Perhaps on the back?

Leave the heart! I think it's a great touch of color!

That's so cute. Sue

Beautiful, great work.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Cute quilt! Are you going to thread paint the hair on the dog in blue tones? But after looking closer, the blue lines are fabric? Maybe lines of white between the blue to emphasize the hair. Love the way it looks, as if it is flowing.
Maybe use white thread with plain hearts here and there around the upper part of the dog in different sizes and angles, like love radiating from him, and use the red heart on a label saying "In loving memory of ..." or something like "Dogs leave their paw print on our hearts. Made in loving memory of ...", etc. (All of a sudden, I miss my baby. Funny how they can become a part of you.)

I too think the heart is too strong, though a beautiful design. As you say, maybe in stictches, or how about in the same blue as the maltese? It's a beautiful quilt.

very nice quilt....

Beautiful "fur baby" memorial!

You did a wonderful job, and I would leave the heart. I'm sorry for the loss of your dear Lexie.

Wow you are very talented! Love the whole quilt just as it is.

Very cute, love the color choices. I'm not sure where the cutwork is. Is the dog's feature cut out. Normally cutwork is done with thread and using richeu (not spelled right)bars. I've done it by hand but my machine has the special needles and so its so much easier on an emb machine and using the cutwork needles. It is very cute and will make a great wall hanging

How about making the heart small and down in one corner on the same block as the dog, then it would be there but not take center stage.

Beautiful as is.

If you were making it for a specific person, then I might move the heart to the bottom right (like a signature) and add the dog's name where the heart is. But since this is for a raffle, the heart works where it is.

Lovely work! The heart does draw the eye because of intense red.

I like the heart. It adds a bit of color to the center panel and says "I love Maltese" to me.

nice job! I think that the heart should be lighter pink so it does not stand so much

Beautiful quilt. I love the heart, but it would be cute on the back too. Your quilting idea sounds great. Your piecing skills are fabulous! So sorry about the loss of your beloved Lexie. I hope the quilt brings a lot of money for the rescue group.

how adorable, came out great!

Oh is that totally wonderful. And what a wonderful frame around it.

That is precious!!!

Ditto here. You could use the heart on the back as part of a label stating "My Heart (design) belongs to Maltese (name). Then finish the label in redwork!

great job its beautiful!!!

I think that is the perfect answer. The heart on the back. You did a wonderful job on the Maltese. I am so sorry she is gone.

Oh I would leave the heart. it belongs there. Lovely quilt and great quilting ideas too!!

Just adorable.

I would love to see some instructions on how to do these.

Very nice. My fur baby is also a Maltese.

ditto .

What a darling quilt. Love it.

Beautiful. Wonderful work on it.

A really cute cute quilt and I love the heart in it. We really love our pets and mourn at their passing. But, they bring so much pleasure that it worth the mourning just to be able to love them for a while. Rescue programs are so important.

It is beautiful, heart and all.

I want to pet that little dog.

oh gosh, no! don't remove that heart!
I didn't notice it the first time, but after reading your story you
must leave it in.
It's just a spectacular quilt and a lovely quilt-memory of your Lexie.
I can't give much advice on the quilting, but I'd do something that didn't
detract from that beautiful dog :)

after reading some of the replies, in my own humble opinion, as I said,
I would leave the heart, but maybe if it were the same color as the dog,
you wouldn't be second guessing it?

My mother always advised, "When in doubt, leave it out!" In this case I would put it on the back of the quilt. I'm sorry for your loss. My beloved Gucci, my rescue Pomeranian, died just before Christmas. Thank goodness for my two Yorkies, Booger Bear and Wookie Doodle. They can't take her place, but they are wonderful. froggyintexas

Absolutely adore your quilt! I would leave the heart in. Yes, it's striking, but I feel the symbolism of the special place in your heart your dog held is a fitting tribute that everyone should see.

Love your quilt & I am so sorry about your loss. It is 5 years ago today (Apr. 1) that we lost our beloved Golden Retriever, Jessie & I still miss her terribly. She was so special. We become attached to our beloved pets & it's so hard when we lose them. Love the heart but perhaps on the label or on the back of the quilt, IMHO.