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Hello Reader,

Since the last newsletter, another 45 readers have joined in so here's a warm welcome and thank-you to all of you.

This month's topic is about giving ourselves a proverbial nudge to start on a Pet Portrait project we so dearly want to make, by busting 5 common myths that hold us back.

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It just so happens that besides making animal portraits and teaching others how to unravel the keys to creating a fantastic portrait, bicycling is my favorite thing in the world. It's just one pedal stroke after another and when you do this for hours on end, it's a bit zen-like. It's great for clearing out the cobwebs and for staying fit and healthy, too.

I was in one of those zen states, pedalling along a mountain road in Mallorca in May when the process of making a quilted pet portrait popped into my mind. The feral goats had been poking their heads out of the bushes watching me ride past and reminding me what a great portrait their photo could-a, should-a, would-a made. But, front and center in my mind was that I would definitely not be enjoying that uphill ride had I not set it as a training goal back in February. That's when it dawned on me that a quilted pet portrait can also feel like a lofty goal if you've never made one.

Setting a goal is super simple: just set your intention to do something. Then follow it up with a whole bunch of small actions that will lead you to the goal and, whatever you do, be sure to plan a reward at the end.

The day after we set the goal is when the mind games begin and our built-in chatterboxes make up reasons why we can't do it. I call these personal myths because we believe they are true at that moment.

So what can you do when you have dreams of making a quilted portait of your favorite furry friend, but so far they haven't gone anywhere? In the spirit of encouraging you to turn those dreams into reality, let's bust some of the myths that might be getting in the way.

Each one starts with: I really want to do a quilted portrait of [name that pet or animal], but...

...the process looks complicated.

Like any task, break it down into smaller steps and focus on one step at a time. Don't waste your time thinking about the next step until you get there.

...I need someone to make a pattern for me.

Remember when you learned how to trace, way back in elementary school? That's all you need to know. See that ear? Trace around it. See that nose? Trace around it. And repeat until the whole animal is traced. Voila... you have a pattern. No computer expertise required here.

...I don't have a fabric stash so I'd need to buy a lot of fabric.

Believe it or not, you only need six fabrics and very little of each, at that. A fat quarter of six different fabrics is plenty. If you want, you can add to that number for a more realistic looking portrait.

...I don't have the patience.

When you're having fun and working through each step, one at a time, lack of patience will be the last thing on your mind. And as soon as you lay down the eyes and see your pet looking back at you, you'll be smitten and thankful that you decided to do this.

...I am bad with colours and I am not artistic.

Few of us are born with a great sense of colour. For a pet portrait, you can simply mimic the colours in the photo which are usually from one or two colour families; when you need to create your own colour scheme, a color wheel is your best friend. As for not being an artist, you can most certainly learn some basic tricks and techniques that artists use and when you unlock the secret to success, you might even re-consider how artistic you really are.

That's it for now... 5 myths busted and dusted!

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Each month, I choose a different topic so stay tuned for the next newsletter and do let me know if there's a topic you'd like to see in a future edition. You can check out previous newsletters for more Pet Portrait fabric collage tips.

If you know someone who might enjoy this newsletter, please share it with them.

Thanks for reading and, until next time, be well.

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