A friend of mine had a baby just before Christmas and I decided to create a patchwork quilt for him. Possibly a tall order as I'd never made one before! I don't think people actually use baby quilts and blankets in cots now but he can hopefully use it as a play mat or something.
I knew he was going to be a boy but didn't want to go down the 'blue is for boys' route so opted for a fresh, spring-like colour palette of green, yellow and white. I didn't want it to be too cutesy as new mums seem to be inundated with a range of colours, patterns and styling they wouldn't ordinarily choose.
I assembled the squares to construct the front.
Then came the task of free motion quilting. I really need to learn how to not inadvertently hold my breath while I'm sewing! The results are by no means perfect. Some curves err a bit too much toward jagged rather than sweeping but it's getting easier.
The binding was machine sewn then hand finished. It feels like quite a soothing way to complete the project after the more frenetic quilting process.
I finished off by adding a couple of handmade labels incorporating a little bee handmade motif, the baby's initials and some washing instructions.
Ta da - the finished baby quilt.
Front view.
Back view.
Folded quilt.
I really like how tactile it seems once it's washed. I deliberately didn't prewash the fabrics as the soft, aged effect produced by the fabric puckering really adds to the whole look and feel of the quilt.
Now for a full size version for my own bed. I have to admit that I was slightly reluctant to post this one off. I hope that Jakob enjoys it.
