Sewing for Baby….

A couple of weeks ago, I went for an anatomy ultrasound.  I was on the fence the whole pregnancy about looking vs. not looking.  I wanted the baby’s gender to be a surprise, while Hubby wanted to know what we were having.

Well, we looked!  We were so shocked to find out that we are going to have a little girl!  I was so sure it was a boy, I even bought fabric for a little boy quilt.  I have to say there is something really special about knowing that I’m carrying a little girl, as opposed to a baby.  It makes the bond that much stronger…just my opinion (from someone who didn’t want to find out, so no hating please!).

Sewing for a baby girl has been so much fun already!  Awhile ago I picked up Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner.  There were so many projects in it I wanted to make, but never had the time nor motivation until recently.

The first project I picked was the quick change trousers.  They are so cute!  I made the smallest size (0-3 months) and plan on making bigger sizes after the baby arrives.  The pattern provides sizes for up to 24 months.  The only con, if you can even call it a con, is that you have to copy each pattern piece since there are multiple pattern pieces printed on top of each other on one page.

The pattern itself was really easy and the pants are completely reversible!  The only trouble I had was sewing the hem on the legs, because of the teeny tiny opening. This was done relatively easily by just sewing a little slower than normal.

I’ve made one pair so far and have 2 more in the works….including a pair in this cute Parisville shell fabric.  I might have to snag some more of this fabric before it’s hard to find!

Next, I’m going to try the pretty as a picture dress from Handmade Beginnings in this Amy Butler fabric.  I think it’s going to be adorable!

June Bee Block

Happy Summer Solstice!!!

I can’t believe it’s officially summer…we’ve had hot & humid weather for the past few weeks.  I’m sure it’s a sign of what we’re in for the rest of the summer.

June is Jenniffier’s month for the Scrap Bee on Flickr.  She requested blocks using this modified bento box tutorial in aqua and tangerine.  I used my Central Park scraps (the only orange in my stash!) & a little Bliss fabric.  Block size ~ 16 inches.

I can’t wait to see Jenniffier’s quilt all put together.  It’s the perfect summer quilt!

Also, I’ve received the majority of my spiderweb blocks for May in the Scrap Bee.  Sneak peek of the progress on that coming soon!

PMQG Kona Charm Pack Challenge

For the Philly Modern Quilt Guild’s May meeting, we were issued a challenge.  Take one charm pack of Robert Kaufman Kona solids (the Brights variety) and make something adding only prints. 

I knew right away what the perfect project was for this – Off The Rail by Jaybirdqults.  I even happened to have some of my fav fabric “It’s a Hoot” from Miss Julie herself all cut and ready to go. 

Julie’s pattern uses partial seams ::::gasp!:::::  Super scary, right?!  Wrong!  Easy as pie, really!!!

These blocks went together super quick and before I knew it, I had a quilt top.

For the back, I ran to JoAnn’s and picked up some Kona cotton in Coal(?) and pieced in my left over charm squares (plus a few extra) to make a pretty rainbow.  I LOVE the back. 

I went back and forth debating how to quilt it.  In the end, I went with straight line quilting vertically.  I  really like the way the back looks with the vertical lines.

And scrappy binding made from left over jellyroll strips from another It’s a Hoot quilt.

It’s a decent sized quilt….approximately 54x54”.  It will be living with me and is the first of many quilts I’ll be making for our new baby …coming October  2011.  Officially halfway there and so excited!

Wednesday Work in Progress

I love this quilt…I seriously can’t stop staring at it.  Isn’t she gorgeous?

The pattern is Jaybirdquilt’s Quarter Log Cabin as published on the Fon's and Porter website.  The blocks came together super easy.  I loved Julie’s original version of the quilt (especially after seeing it in person) that I knew I had to make it.  It took a little work to track down the Martinique (Moda) fabric but it was totally worth it.  This quilt is currently waiting for the rows to be sewn together and then it’s on to the borders. 

Do you like my design floor? I never know where to lay out my quilts, especially for basting.  Usually I’m dealing with 2 dogs and 2 cats.  I’ve even tried laying out quilts on my design…..grass??? (on a very windy day when the lawn was overdue for mowing!).

Jaybirdquilt’s Off the Rail pattern in It’s a Hoot by Momo for Moda.  Quilt is done and should be posted very shortly!

And no I would not baste a quilt on the grass…I’m not that silly!