I’ve been working behind the scenes on two baby quilts. Now that they are gifted I can share them! One made with more Economy blocks (clearly I’ve been on an Economy Block kick – see my Pemberley Economy Block quilt here) and one that is simple patchwork. Because you can never go wrong with classic patchwork squares.
Baby Quilt #1 – Economy Blocks using Dorothy’s Adventure fabric
The first quilt was made mixing stash with some of the recent Riley Blake collection, Dorothy’s Journey designed by Jill Howarth. Jill is an illustrator frequently creating collections inspired by classic books. This collection is based on the Wizard of Oz. I wanted to feature those adorable illustrations so I took the prints and fussy cut them for the Economy block centers. (Hence the reason I chose this block in the first place.)
I am always a fan of Jill’s adorable illustrations. (You can see the other two quilts I’ve made with her collections: the Peter Pan Neverland quilt here and the Little Red Lost in the Woods quilt here.)
The Wizard of Oz illustrations are equally adorable. I paired the fussy-cut novelty prints with some of the coordinating prints from Dorothy’s Journey as well as fabrics from my stash. You can find the Dorothy’s Journey fabric prints and coordinates available from Etsy.
Melissa from Sew Shabby Quilting did the quilting on this one for me. I chose the Rainbow Hearts edge to edge design because: Rainbows + Dorothy go hand in hand, right? The backing print is Blossom in Bleached Denim from Riley Blake. It’s the perfect, subtle minty blue. I used it in some of the blocks as well. The binding is Kisses in Baby Pink. Which sounds appropriate, right? Especially when you see this girl:
This is my newest niece. She came to visit last week (along with her mom). She brought a lot of fun snuggles with her.
Her mom is my youngest sister. When she was little (age 3-4ish) she was obsessed with the Wizard of Oz and watched it almost every day (on VHS of course). This obsession also included dressing in a blue gingham dress, wearing red shoes, and calling my mom, “Aunt Em”. Which is the reason I couldn’t resist using this fabric in a quilt for her.
Another view of little miss cuteness. I haven’t had one of these for 14 years and won’t have a grandbaby for a while yet either. So I’m soaking up being the cozy, quilting aunt as much as I can.
Here’s the full 40″ x 56″ quilt. I made 35 Economy Blocks that finished at 8″ x 8″.
You can find a tutorial to make these Economy Blocks here – including a free printable page to download.
I promise to make something besides Economy blocks soon. But really, they’re just so much fun – especially playing with the different fabric and color combinations. You should give them a whirl.
Post Edit: Go here to see how much this quilt is loved 2 years later by mini Dorothy (and her little dog too.)
Baby Quilt #2: Patchwork Blues + Denim
Second baby quilt of the week. (Yes, I’m on a roll…) This one was super quick to make. You can’t go wrong with simple patchwork squares.
This one came from cutting up this pile of denims, blues and grays. In the end I decided not to add the dots or other prints – just keep it to wovens, plaids, and ginghams for a very masculine look. Most of these fabrics were leftover from making this larger patchwork quilt last spring.
This one is for a friend who just had her second grandbaby boy and decided last minute I needed to make her something for the occaision. So I went with simple, soft, and snuggly. A sure recipe for success. This quilt was quilted with a simple stipple design by my friend Monica. I love the added texture it gives to the more solid squares.
For this quilt I cut 5 ½″ x 5 ½″ squares and laid out the quilt 8 blocks across by 11 blocks down for a 40″ x 55″ crib-size quilt. I’ve got some good tips for using your stash to make simple patchwork quilts here.
I thoroughly enjoy making baby quilts. They’re a great way get a quick fix playing with a new color palette or fabric combination. And their smaller size helps increase the probability of defeating my ‘squirrel brain’ and actually finish the project. lol
Kay
This Wizard of Oz quilt is just so pretty and will las long after the baby stage, your sister must be thrilled. x
Melissa
Cute quilt, cutest baby
farmhousequiltsblog
Such sweet quilts and such a sweet baby girl!
Karen Seitz
I love both quilts and am excited to have a Dorothy’s Journey fat quarter bundle on its way to me from Bear Creek Quilting Company. I think it is due to arrive today. 🙂 The economy blocks are perfect for featuring the cute details.
Amy
Have fun with it!
Rosemaryflower
Ohhhhh Amy, congratulations on being an auntie. It is so fun when our siblings help add to the “family collection” hehe Both of these quilts are adorrrrrable.
Your little niece is beautiful. I am glad you could visit with your sister and her new baby girl
Amy
Me too! Thank you, Rosemary. xo
Adrienne
How adorable is adorable!!!! Both the quilt and the baby. Enjoy all the pleasure of it.
Melissa Reynolds
I have resisted buying the Wizard of Oz fabric since it came out, telling myself I don’t need ANY MORE fabric. I think my resolve just went out the window!!
Amy
Oh dear, hahah. Sorry about that!
Aileen
What lovely quilts. The economy block quilt is absolutely charming.
Adriene Grzenia
I think I need to invest in this line of Wizard of Oz fabric NOW. Youngest daughter, also obsessed with WOO…..down to the gingham dress and red sparkly shoes from Target (each bought in several sizes as she grew)…..she is marrying in April and this would be perfect for a baby quilt for her down the “yellow brick” road. LOL
Amy
It sounds like they would be kindred spirits!
Shasta
Both of these are adorable. And the baby too! Congratulations on a new niece in your family. The economy blocks is a great way to showcase the Wizard of Oz fabric!
Carol Wingo
These quilts are so sweet and that precious baby, too. Congratulations on the new niece. I love the economy blocks, I ordered and just received 2- 5 inch packs of Pemberley to see what I can do with them!
Danette
They are both wonderful quilts. I love how you have used your stash for the patchwork baby quilt, too.
Gwyn
Squee! Dorothy’s Journey is still available. I have Jill Howarth’s board book of “Pride and Prejudice”. 🙂 Love your quilts!!
Amy
Ooo. I think I need to get a copy of that Pride and Prejudice!
Audrey
Your blog is always so colorful, interesting, educational and full of projects that I enjoy. Your explanations and teaching style suits me. Thank you Amy!
Amy
I’m so glad! Thank you, Audrey.
Leslee
Too Cool! An “I Spy” quilt would be cute with your idea. Thank you for sharing! Love your blog!