Somewhere in the middle of our pandemic, brand new neighbors moved in next door. They are a fun young couple with a 2 year old little girl. Last week, they had their second - another little girl. I've gotten a few peeks at this sweet one - all socially distant of course - and am excited to watch her grow up.
I wanted to make a simple baby quilt and found a charm pack from Kate Spain Paradiso. After trying out several layouts, this one was the winner!
For the back I combined large scraps of this pretty gray fabric (also used it as binding) with a scrap of another Kate Spain line. The colors really work with the front of the quilt and the back is pretty enough to be the front!
I use my walking foot to spiral quilt leaving a circle open in the center. Once all the quilting is done, I mark a finishing spiral and use my FMQ foot to finish things off.
I washed and dried the quilt before gifting. Frankly, I'm always torn about this for a gift quilt. Since the quilt is design to be used and loved and therefore washed and dried a lot, I do think it is helpful for me to do the first washing. And I love the crinkle from the dryer look. But I also love the crisp look of a freshly quilted quilt!
I am thinking about writing up a quick tutorial for this quick HST project. Interested?
I really love your quilt! My girlfriend always washes quilts before gifting; I never do but I have a small dryer. I'm sure your neighbor will love it!
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt, it's very pretty. I am also always torn about washing or not washing a gifted quilt as I love the crisp way it looks before washing and the crinkle effect after. I now give quilts unwashed unless it has any marks on it. I have always done this with baby quilts as the new mother can then use whatever washing powder etc she is going to use for the baby.
ReplyDeleteI'm always a bit torn about whether to wash or not, but so many people might not know that the crinkles is to be expected so I err on the side of pre-washing as well. What a kind gift for the new baby. I'm guessing your new neighbors have had quite the year with a move and new baby in the middle of everything else.
ReplyDeleteI love that design! Looks like the perfect gift for your new neighbor. Yes, a tutorial would be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift for your new neighbors - they will LOVE living by you!!
ReplyDeletei would love a tutorial for this quilt and maybe a few more tips for the concentric quilting.
ReplyDeletedefinitely interested
ReplyDeleteSewingGranda@gmail.com
Love your little baby quilt.
ReplyDeleteYes, please on the tutorial. The quilt is very sweet.
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt--your new neighbors will be so enchanted with it I am sure...as it is lovely..
ReplyDeleteI, for one, would definitely be interested in an HST project --hugs, Julierose
Lovely colors and great layout! What a fun babyquilt. And I agree, for gifting I prefer the clean look of an unwashed quilt. But for "quality control" or if there are marks on it, I might also wash it. So it is not a general thing I do but more a "what fits this quilt and recipient" thing :) Enjoy your finish!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful quilt and a tutorial would be great.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect gift for a new baby. It makes me want to search out a Charm Pack and get stitching straight away! The spiral quilting adds a lot of interest and texture to the patchwork - washed or not!
ReplyDeleteyes Please to the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea of FMQ the middle circle. I always struggle with the start.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my go-to quilt patterns. Easily made with HST, and can be made quickly! Your's is a beauty! Lucky neighbors!
ReplyDeleteLove it. Yes on tutorial!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet thing to do. I love the pattern and the quilting. I started washing more of my quilts that I give, so people aren't shocked when something looks different!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty quilt! I love your spiral quilting. I haven't washed a quilt before gifting it. My recent Arrow Point Path quilt was gifted unwashed to my nephew. He received it in a box smashed and half open, therefore he immediately washed and dried it without fear! I think I'll start washing them beforehand after that experience! But I do love the crisp look of an unwashed quilt.
ReplyDeleteLOvely, and sure to be loved by your new neighbors. I'm with you on washing vs. not washing a gift quilt. I too like the freshly quilted look, but recipients are less intimidated about using it if it's already washed. I do wash the baby quilts I donate.
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt, what lucky neighbors!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous quilt Patty!
ReplyDeleteA tutorial would be lovely!
Barbara x
Yes, please! Would love to make one of these beautiful, brightly colored baby quilts for a gift. Good job, Patty, and thanks for the hint on how you approached quilting it.
ReplyDelete