{There's still time to enter our giveaway for the Marriage Prep course! Do check it out. Some couples are unable to get to their parish's preparation, some don't have any available to them, some — probably, dare I say, most/all — could use an in-depth supplement. Even if a couple are already married, they can learn so much from this course!}
We went on a long car ride to visit our Nick's family, which has grown by another little lad. His baptism took place this past weekend, and I had to quick, finish up not one but two quilts, because I am soooo behind on quilts. So FX got one and so did little Patrick, who shall be referred to as PJ. A darling if ever there was one, and of course, in need of a quilt (I will show you that one another day).
(Of course you would love to hear more and see a picture or two, because you are all the best; we will see about that. Thank you for understanding that Auntie Leila must be discreet.)
Now I'm doing piles of you-know-very-well-what and getting things organized. (When asked what I am doing on any particular day, the answer will likely be, “Trying to get organized.”)
Since FX is now three, I thought something fun that will carry him through a few years would be called for, although I'm trying not to set myself up for making a quilt for each stage of each grandchild's life, as that might turn out to be an unreachable goal. Might.
This car fabric caught my eye right away (not much to choose from at JoAnn's, but this one is a winner, for sure). He loved talking about each individual car/truck/gas pump/scooter, and the quilt went right on his bed, which makes me so happy!
I love how this quilting with pearl (aka “perle”) cotton looks and also goes so quickly. I have talked about it before, and this post about quilting with an embroidery needle and pearl thread has the links that will help if you want to do it as well. I just tied the middle of each square because I didn't want to interfere with the car/truck pattern.
And it turned out rather larger than anticipated (just about twin size, rather than the throw quilt I usually make), because, well, Auntie Leila can't count up squares with any reliability…
I have only three baby quilts and two wedding quilts to go! What are the odds that the world will hold still while I make them??
M'Lynn says
Priceless: Now I’m doing piles of you-know-very-well-what and getting things organized. (When asked what I am doing on any particular day, the answer will likely be, “Trying to get organized.”) Made me laugh out loud, of course only because the thought is so familiar. M’Lynn
Jenny says
What?! Did we know about PJ’s existence? Congratulations! Your heart must be bursting with all the babies.
BridgetAnn says
So sweet! Great colors too; I love the mustard yellow. This reminds me of my family’s “car blanket” growing up. (As in, there were cars on it, not that it was for the car.) It started out as a quilt made by my mom for my brother’s bed, when he was little. For years, it was what we sat on at the beach, at firework displays, etc. It has survived for this next generation too, as my mom has pulled it out grandchildren usage 🙂
priest's wife @byzcathwife says
Congratulations on another grandbaby- how about a cousin feet photo- or a photo with all the kids obscuring their faces, blowing party horns (well- I guess half are too young to blow on a party horn)- then we readers could ‘see’ them- but not see them (I admire your discretion- many bloggers could learn from you)
Laurel says
Adorable quilt! My mother and I have been searching for an easy pattern to use for a quilt we are making for a friend’s first baby. This one just might do the trick!
Elena says
Great choice of fabrics and colors! Can you tell us what you use for batting? Thanks!
Leila says
Elena, I usually buy the Warm and Natural batting from Joann’s — trying to use a coupon and getting the largest size I can. It’s a nice lofty cotton with a little poly for strength and to prevent bunching (which means that you can space your quilting out more).
If you plan to make a few little throw quilts, getting a king-sized batting is a good idea, and batting can always be pieced for those smaller projects.
I have also used random polyester fleece throws, making the quilt to the dimensions I happen to have (or cutting the fleece down).
Since the batting is inside, you can be creative 🙂
Natasha says
We love the quilts so much — thank you!! They are destined to be heirlooms for sure! And I will round up some pics of the boys w their quilts for posting. xxxx
angie says
how precious? My grandmother made my daughter a quilt when she was a baby and we still have it and now she has children of her own. Precious is all I can say can not put a value on it because it is a treasure in its own right
Jen @ Faith and Fabric says
What a beautiful quilt – and a beautiful gift. The marriage encounter you are offering is so sweet of a gift…my husband and I have been wanting to do one of these for a long time now. Marriage is something that always needs to be examined, worked at, nurtured, and cared for!
Anitra says
“Almost twin” sized quilts are the best! They get used a lot longer than crib-sized or small throw quilts.
(We have a dear friend who has made us a “wedding quilt” – with flannel backing! And she has made a throw-to-twin sized quilt for each of our children.)