Dream Big Cat Quilt Panel: A Quilt Full of Curiosity and Love
Every quilter knows — sometimes the best projects come straight from the heart. 💙 This one started with a simple idea and a very special cat: our Maine Coon, Max, who rules the house with his big paws and even bigger personality.
The Dream Big Cat Quilt Panel began as a personal project and quickly became one of our most-loved designs. Using the techniques from my YouTube series on creating personalized fabric panels, I transformed a picture of my husband's best pal, Max, into a fun, painterly scene that captures his curious, watchful spirit. The result? A panel that’s as whimsical as it is heartfelt — and a quilt my husband adored from the moment he saw it. 🐾
Max is the king of our 6-pet household (3 dogs and 3 cats) and enjoys spending time on his balcony overlooking his kingdom. The panel is a perfect image of him and every other Maine Coon cat that graces our world.
The Artistic Style
This design is full of color and wonder. It shows Max perched in a cozy window, gazing into the night sky filled with stars, planets, and a crescent moon — just as curious as a cat should be. The painterly art style gives the piece a soft, imaginative quality that feels both magical and modern.
The quote, “Dream big, stay curious, and always land on your feet,” ties everything together perfectly — a message of encouragement for kids, cat lovers, and dreamers of all ages.
From Panel to Quilt
When it came time to turn it into a quilt, we created our Dream Big Cat Quilt Pattern (available in the Freebies section of our store). The bold star corners and two-tone borders frame the panel beautifully and make it an approachable project for beginners.
We also offer a beginner-friendly quilt kit that includes the panel, coordinating fabrics, and pattern — perfect for anyone ready to bring this design to life. My husband received the first quilt, and let’s just say: he’s still its biggest fan. 😻
Make It Personal
What makes this project so special is how easily it can be personalized. In my YouTube tutorial, I show you how to create your own custom panels — using photos of your pets, family, or even favorite places — to turn fabric into a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
👉 Part 3 which includes how to create fabric panels of your pet: https://youtu.be/nvxHko7C1G4
👉 Part 4 which includes how to personalize your panel: https://youtu.be/Sl0JgaGrv24
👉 Then grab your panel, kit, or pattern right in our store! Dream Big Cat Beginner Quilt Kit – The Quilters Retreat Store
Perfect for Gifts and Home Décor
The Dream Big Cat Quilt Panel makes a purr-fect gift for:
- Cat lovers and pet owners 🐈
- Kids’ rooms or cozy reading corners
- Anyone who loves a quilt with a little magic and personality
Whether you make it for yourself or a loved one, this quilt reminds us all to stay curious, dream boldly, and always land on our feet.
About Our Panels
At The Quilters Retreat, all of our quilt panels are designed in-house with quilters in mind. Each design is one-of-a-kind and available exclusively through our store. We partner with Spoonflower to ensure that every panel is printed on premium Petal Signature Cotton® — a fabric known for its vibrant colors, smooth finish, and lasting durability.
That means you get original artistry paired with professional quality every time you order.
Stitch a Little Nighttime Magic 🌙
The Dream Big Cat Quilt Panel is more than a design — it’s a reminder to follow your curiosity and let your imagination shine. Check out the blog, watch the video, and create your own custom panel today!
👉 Shop the Dream Big Cat Panel
👉 Shop the Quilt Kit
👉 Get the Free Pattern
