Quick note: We've posted a new page with the booklists we recommend — it's under “Library Project” and hooray for having them all in one place!
So yes, I was quilting in the car. Luckily I had hours before my turn at the wheel came.
And I didn't actually finish, but had to put in those last stitches while we were there, while chatting and enjoying the visit before the baptism.
Have thread, will travel!
This baby quilt concept is brought to you courtesy of the committee of two, myself and Aunt Bridget. She has finally semi-resigned herself, when she's home, to being dragged on fabric-shopping trips and fulfilling the role of consultant. She definitely helped me tie in the fabrics I loved — the whimsical print (see the little animals??) and the backing.
Good thing she was there, or I would still be swirling around in the maelstrom of fabric choices.
My aim in quilts for kids (my own and my grandchildren and even the occasional non-family member for whom I can muster up the wherewithal to make a quilt, behind as I am — and I wish I could make one for each and every child!) is to make it somewhat portable.
A child should have a quilt that can be thrown on the floor for family movie night in the den — or over him while he convalesces on the sofa. It could be part of the bedding but also his own little comfort zone wherever he may be.
In theory, it could go to college too, although probably little animals, zoos, cowboys, and cars won't be choice decor for a dorm, but I simply can't commit to making a quilt for each stage in the child's life, because that would be crazy. Right?
FX's turned out a wee bit larger than this, due to my inability to count up squares. Still, I think it could be dragged.
PJ's is more suitable for a stroller ride and, of course, covering him in bed if he so chooses. I don't like to impose decorating choices on people, which is part of what takes me so long to make a quilt!
As usual, and as you might be able to predict based on these complicated musings, my process was not linear.
I wanted the print with the animals to be featured as panels, going right across the quilt top, but got confused when I moved from Plan A to Plan B with the triangles, based on how many I had — because of course I just bought material and THEN figured out what to do with it, since calculating beforehand “takes too much time.”
So I originally planned to have three panels in front, but the eventual evolution of a pinwheel arrangement of the half-square triangles, which I thought was so cute, dwindled the panels down to two, unbeknownst to me.
Yes, the patches have a will of their own.
Thus, left with a stray panel, I decided to migrate it to the back. Which actually, I like.
I used red pearl embroidery thread to quilt. That goes fast, which is nice, and looks handsome. (I talk about this kind of quilting in this post about Molly's baby quilt.)
Of course, it's maybe not making sense on the back, but that's how that cookie crumbles.
Just two more grandchildren to go, quiltwise! Although you know the flaw in that thinking! Never mind, It's all good.
Have you made anything lately?
Julie says
It’s beautiful! I am so grateful that you introduced us to quilting with perle – it is both lovely and quick…just the thing this mom needs. Because one should always tackle a large project with the beginning of school and a trip to the beach, I’m in the final stages of completing a large blanket for said vacation. And for the trip there…quilting a piecework US map for a friend and her last baby. I love projects!!!
Margo, Thrift at Home says
thanks for describing your design process!! I love the glimpse of a creative mind and it’s so easy to disparage that kind of process, but really, it’s amazing that you are turning out beautiful quilts with so much thoughtfulness and love.
Tia says
can said quilts be tossed in the wash? Or are they too delicate?
Leila says
Tia, oh yes, these quilts go in the wash! You bet! I would do cold water and a medium (permanent press) setting. Nothing too rough. And medium heat in the dryer. But for sure, it will need to be washed 😉
Jennie Cooper says
You know, all of my children still use their baby quilts just like you envision, and some of them are quite old!
As for the fabric, I buy a yard or two of prints that I love, then, when I’m ready to use them, I find other fabrics that will compliment, then choose a design based on what I have acquired. It’s not a bad technique. 🙂
Elizabeth says
lovely choice of fabrics, colours and I love homemade quilts!! I am working on a patchwork quilt for my goddaughter and a bigger fabric story block Thomas the Tank Engine quilt for my godson! My first forays into sewing! I am loving it! Your blog brings a lot of people joy and I thank God for you!
Laurel says
I’ve never done a quilt but my mother and I are about to embark on one for the baby of my childhood friend. I’m excited to learn!
In the meantime, I’m knitting up cap-sleeve sweaters for the Fall for my soon-to-be born niece and my two daughters. I feel a lot more inclined to work with fabrics and such when the weather is coolers so here’s to hoping the Fall comes soon! 🙂
Sara says
What a sweet baby quilt! I love the panel on the back. My mother-in-law supplies the baby quilts around here – she’s all caught up at the moment, although it helps that our kids don’t have any cousin competition, yet.
I just made a tie for my seven-year-old, who loves getting dressed up for Mass – and then getting grass stains on his good pants as soon as we have been sent in peace. It was the perfect little handwork project for the evenings when my husband reads aloud the bedtime stories (he just finished The Enchanted Castle and is about to start Narnia with the offspring for the first time, everyone is very excited).
ElizabethClare says
What a beautiful and unique quilt! I’ve never quilted, though I do sew occasionally (I was inspired by your baptismal gown). I am blessed with quilts for each baby by my mother-in-law, family friend, and our church family. They are special treasures!
Ona says
Crumbling cookies! Love your no nonsense approach to quilting! I’m inspired to try my hand at a smallish quilt for our only grandchild, he’s about to turn three. I’ve done simple 4-6″square block quilts before , but somehow felt that wouldn’t be “heirloom” enough for a grandchild. How sad is that? Thanks Leila, you are a blessing!
Katherine says
“Just two more grandchildren to go, quiltwise! Although you know the flaw in that thinking!”
Yes, being open to life does complicate leisurely quilting making, doesn’t it? Since you can’t slow down the fertility, I guess you’ll have to recruit Bridget for more fabric consultations to get things moving! My eldest daughter was 16 when my youngest was born and the dear girl made a large quilt for him to make up for my slackness.
I bought a quilt book this weekend – “Sunday Morning Quilts” – which specializes in using up scraps. The lady checking me out asked me if I was a quilter. I hesitated and replied that I don’t consider myself a quilter, but I have made a few children’s and baby quilts. Calligraphy and knitting and gardening and sewing and home repair and homeschooling and …. get it the way of my ever being a “real quilter.”
Gina says
This is just darling! I finished free-motion quilting my 6th baby’s quilt this week and need to bind it. Every time I see your hand-quilted pieces I want to try that!
Barbara says
Quilting, piecing, appliquéing or knitting in the car is a wonderful way to keep hands busy. We live in the country so during our 45 minute or so drive back and forth to town gives me lots of time to get stuff done, since my husband loves to do the driving. Love the baby quilt!