Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Quilt for Baby S


I recently made a baby quilt for one of my very best friends, Sandy.  She is expecting her first in a few short weeks.  San and I  {and our friend Ann} have known each other since our freshman year of High School.  I can't believe we were only 14 when we met.  It's so exciting to see her enter this new phase in her life.

San & her husband aren't finding out what they are having, so the most challenging part about his quilt was deciding on a gender neutral theme.  I decided on grey, aqua, orange, and yellow and started searching for fabric.  No green - can you believe it?! 

I don't have exact names of fabrics, but I purchased almost all of the fabric from Fabric Worm in their Children's Fabric section.  I just fell in love with the colors and patterns!


For the front of the quilt I followed the same pattern I used for the last baby quilt I made.  The pattern was designed by Vanessa Christenson of V and Co. and was featured on Moda Bake Shop.   You will find directions and templates for the letters there.  I altered the size of my quilt a bit, but followed the idea of her design for the front of the quilt. 

One note about the letters - I used Heat n Bond Feather Lite iron-on transfer.  I hated it.  The letters did not stick and I ended up having to redo most of them.  I will definitely not use it again.  I've never had any trouble with the other Heat n Bond iron-on adhesives I've used, so next time I will be sticking to them!




One thing I am really disappointed about - I used a pale yellow for the word 'sleep' and it's very hard to see!  You don't even notice it in the photo above.  I wanted to use an orange, but could not find the right shade, so I went with yellow.  Pretty bummed about it!  Luckily, I don't think Baby S will notice.
 
And the back of the quilt:
 
 
I didn't follow a pattern or the back, just had fun piecing different size strips together.  I knew that I wanted a full panel of the fabric below....Isn't it adorable?  The pattern is Jay-Cyn Designs for Birch Fabrics, pattern: Commute, Organic; color: To Work.  Find it HERE.




 
 
I used free motion quilting techniques for the quilt.  Free motion quilting is a lot of fun.  You put down the feed dogs on your sewing machine and you move the fabric with your hands to create the quilt pattern.  If you'd like to learn more, this is a great post from Oh, Fransson.  There is also a very helpful series on YouTube.
 
 
 
 
 


The only quilt batting I've ever used is from Warm & Natural.  I really like the feel of it and it washes up really nicely and gives the quilt a pretty puckered texture.


 


 

 
 
I had a lot of fun sewing this - I can't wait to make another quilt.
 
Here's a picture of us at Sandy's shower:
 
{ Ann, San, me }
 
I can't wait to meet Baby S!

25 comments:

  1. The quilt turned out great! I've been wanting to try free motion quilting. It seems like it would be a real challenge for someone like me who likes everything nice and symmetrical, forcing me out of my comfort zone.

    Baby S will love his special blankie!

    Ellen

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  2. I love the fabric your chose! Really nice colors and it turned out great!

    I love your dress too!

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  3. Wow that is a great quilt! I love it!

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  4. I admire you finishing the quilt. >.> I have several in various stages of work. I also have a baby quilt someone made for me when I was a baby and while it no longer fits me - cherish that little wheel barrow pushing bunny very much. They will love the quilt

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  5. Very beautiful quilt. You are talented. Cooking Tuesday, sewing today. Good working. Mary

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  6. I love the quilt! It's so cute and perfect for not knowing the gender! Great job :)

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  7. What a wonderful quilt, you are really talented & creative! Your friend San and baby S are blessed to have you as a friend. :)

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  8. Really love the back of the quilt. The scene is super cute too. Great job!

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  9. That is so stinkin' cute Alissa. I love it!

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  10. So I love the quilt, but I really want to ask about the dress you're wearing. Where is it from?!

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  11. Seriously, how do you find the time? I am amazed!! Beautiful quilt!

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  12. Alissa - you have outdone yourself again! Looks great despite not seeing the "sleep" well. Baby S will not care neither will it's mama!

    Hope you are having a great summer? I am enjoying my time of from teaching!

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  13. It's beautiful Alissa. I love the sentiment. I need a blanket that says the same thing : )
    Dana

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  14. woooow i cant beleive you made that! Its wonderful! wooow! im literally in awe! I love your blog. Im very crafty/creative too so i can relate.

    Check me out, follow back? My Fashion/DIY/HOW-TO/ADVICE/TIPS & TRICKS MAGAZINE BLOG
    summerxkim.blogspot.com
    xoxo =)

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  15. It's absolutely gorgeous, subtle sleep or not. It's about time I made my 3 year old a new quilt! Thanks so much for posting all your tips and links!
    xo

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  16. That is a beautiful quilt and an absolutely lovely gift. You sure have talent!

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  17. Beautiful quilt. I would love to make something like that. What type of machine do you use for the quilting?

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  18. You are so talented, Alissa! You really are!!! I love everything you do. Baby S will cherish this quilt always. My daughter still sleeps with quilts that were made for her as baby. Oops, did I just say that. Promise you won't tell her I just said that! ;)

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  19. That is super adorable. Well done and so special, too!

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  20. Loving your blog! And that dress is stunning! I wouldn't mind one bit if one appeared in my closet someday day :-) Xo
    megthecoolgirl.blogspot.com
    megthecoolgirl@hotmail.com

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  21. Loving your blog! And that dress is stunning! I wouldn't mind one bit if one appeared in my closet someday day :-) Xo
    megthecoolgirl.blogspot.com
    megthecoolgirl@hotmail.com

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  22. Such a pretty blanket, I love the fabric you picked out too, that elephant one is adorable!

    Stay in the Lines

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  23. Gosh, I wish you were my friend- what a wonderful gift! It is beautiful!!!
    I am expecting and would love to have a quilt made for the baby. Maybe someday I will get some courage to try quilting myself.

    Heather @ GreenWay Home

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  24. outstanding alissa!! i love a peach and blueberry galette and yours is way prettier than mine ever are. making this recipe for sure

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