THE MAKING OF A BABY CLOTHES QUILT - part 4

Now we get to the framing of the blocks. This gives us a cotton edge that fringes much better than the stabilized knits. The framing strips are 2.5" wide and 6.5" and 10" long. Of course I cut twice the number of blocks for each length. Below are the strips cut for this quilt.

I start by sewing the 6.5" strips down each side. (I like the way it looks with the longer strips across the top and bottom, but you could do it whichever way looks good to you.) I  use chain stitching to save on thread.

After the side strips are sewn I press them with the steam iron to make a nice, neat seam. Then the blocks are ready for the top and bottom strips.

These are sewn just like the side strips; chain sewning  again saves on thread.

And here's the finished framed block, ready for trimming. I'll show that and the "sandwiching" in the next blog post.



ANOTHER BABY CLOTHES QUILT DONE

I recently finished and shipped another baby clothes quilt that I am very proud of. The customer sent enough clothing that I was able to have an embroidered or printed design in every block. It looks like a miniature tshirt quilt. There were a number of sports-related blocks and I used a cute blue fabric with multicolor stars to play off that theme. At about 32" x 47" it will make a great crib, bed or lap quilt. And a great wall hanging, too.

I so enjoyed making this quilt that I'm going to ask for more clothing items for quilts in the future so I can have more of the solid blocks with a design. With all the cute baby clothes out there these days I don't think that will be a problem.

BACK ON EBAY

Well, y'all, I'm back on ebay. I only have two listings right now, but plan on a lot more soon. My kitty, Max, is in the hospital and I need to raise some money to pay for his care. I'll post more about him later. Right now I'd love for you to check out this cute little lap quilt I made from a MODA layer cake in the "Wee Woodland" collection by Keiki. It has the fall colors that are so perfect right now. It has one layer of flannel to make it the perfect weight to snuggle under on these cool autumn days. Go see at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBaylSAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320611380651&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

My next listing is a cute little holiday table topper in the Christmas colors of red, green and gold. I made some little four-patch blocks using two holly prints in green, red and metallic gold and framed them with a beautiful red, green, metallic gold and black paisley. The back is a green and red holly print on black. There's a middle layer of red flannel to add body and extra color. Check it out http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBaylSAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320611724902&ssPageName-STRK:MESELX:IT

Guess I'd better get back to sewing!! Thanks for stopping by.

BREAST CANCER QUILT PROJECT

Lately I've been working on my contribution to an upcoming charity auction quilt for my ebay group Quilters Corner. The quilt itself will probably be up for auction in the early fall and I think it will be our best one yet. The main block will be like the one shown below, though each person will have their own fabric combinations. There will also be other pieced and solid blocks. It will be constructed in the rag quilt style and will have pink flannel on the back with a layer of white flannel in the middle. Very comfy and cozy!


Not being much of a traditional quilter, I first thought that I'd never be able to construct such a complicated block. Well, with lots of patience and a nearby seam ripper, I managed to get one done. I've also been doing some BOM blocks from one of my favorite shops - FabricsnQuilts - and that's given me more confidence and practice in piecing blocks. Since the first ribbon block, I've assembled two more and it gets a bit easier with each one. I admit that I'm spatially challenged and have to really look at the pictures and compare them with the pieces that I have. It's been fun and gives me a great sense of accomplishment when my block closely resembles the pictures.

Please stay tuned for details on the charity auction. All of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation as they have in our previous auctions.

NEW TEDDY BEAR QUILT AND BURP CLOTH SET

I just listed another baby quilt, this one has a matching burp cloth. I just love the print in this one. It has all sorts of teddy bears in an all-over print. I paired it with a pretty dusty pink with white flannel on the back. I had enough left for one burp cloth. This would make a great shower gift. Anyway, I like it!

L'IL COWGIRL RAG QUILT

I finally got my little cowgirl quilt listed today. I made it with some Robert Kaufman fabric - a vintage style cowgirl print and added in a red print and a chambray blue solid. It's backed with dark blue flannel.

QUILT PICTURES

These are my two recently finished crib quilts - the teddy bear one for boys and the ballerina for girls. Both are backed with two layers of flannel and are the perfect size for a crib or car seat. They would also make a great "lovey" or security blanket for a toddler.

I can't wait for you to see the next one. I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of the weekend. Hint - it has little cowgirls on it!

NEW QUILTS ON ETSY

I just listed two new crib quilts on etsy - one for boys and one for girls. Go check them out http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22376545 and http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22376889

DIFFERENT DIRECTION

My little teddy bear crib quilt has sold already from my Etsy store so I'm going to be concentrating on making a few more crib quilts. In looking at recent sales, those are what has sold so . . . Keep watching here for new creations!!

NEW BABY QUILT

I just listed this cute little crib quilt. I'm trying so hard to use up the fabrics in my stash. I think this print was in a bunch of fabric I got from a lady on Freecycle a couple of years ago. Anyway, it was just enough for the quilt. The red was leftover from my grandson's Christmas present. I did have to buy the blue, but it's something I can use on other things.

I'm also working on another strip quilt. This one in all shades of green. I have three blocks done and may post some pictures later.