Medetai

This was my first attempt at machine-quilting - after I dropped a wad of cash for all the bells & whistles that go with my machine.

The fabric series is "Medetai" by Blank Quilt Textiles. It will be nice to have a quilt for the humans in the living room, since so many guests are partial to the dog's quilt that we keep on the couch.

"Medetai" means "happy event" (Japanese)

Tai (Red sea-bream) is often served at weddings and other auspicious events.
Uchiwa (round fans) tell stories or convey messages. Roses symbolize love and plum blossoms symbolize hope & new beginnings. Red and white are lucky colors.
Maneki Neko (lucky cat) dates to the Edo period. The significance of the right and left raised paw differs with time and place. They often wear a decoration around their neck such as a bandana, scarf, collar, bell or bib.
Koban (coins) tie into the cat's good fortune and wealth. In Japanese, the phrase "koban to cats" is the equivalent of "pearls before swine" (things should not be put in front of people who don't appreciate their value).