I like the simplicity of Kokeshi Dolls and cats so I decided to combine the two for this pattern.

These are the original paintings of my kokeshi kitties.

This is how they turned out after Image Trace in Illustrator CC.

For my first pattern I created them in rows and added watercolor doodles using the watercolor brushes in Illustrator.  I can't decide if I like the pink background or the teal better.

Then I created a tossed pattern with the dolls going in different directions.  It's purrfect (i couldnt resist the pun) for quilting fabric.

I really, really enjoyed this method.  Sometimes Image Trace doesnt do watercolor justice but if the images are small and simple it keeps the watercolor look and feel.

Lynda M. Metcalf