I pulled out all of my novelty fabrics and past i-spy kits to put together two I-spy quilts. An i-spy quilt is typically made of novelty prints with little pictures to play a game of ‘i-spy’.
I love making i-spy quilts for baby gifts. They’re gender neutral and (hopefully) provide entertainment for older siblings as well.
I decided to try something different from my previous I-spy quilts. In the past I’ve used the Essex Linen as my off-setting squares. This time I decided to use the Riley Blake black Swiss-dot. I also laid out the colored blocks in color-spectrum order. I cut all my squares 3 ½″ x 3 ½″.
This particular quilt includes 98 novelty I-spy colored blocks and 97 black swiss dot off-set blocks (1 yard total).
I then pieced the squares together into rows of 13 blocks across and 15 blocks down (total 195 blocks) alternating I-spy and off-set blocks.
The finished size of this quilt is 39″ x 45″.
If you are careful, you can get away with 1 ⅜ yards for the back. ½ yard for the binding.
I really like the texture that the dots give. I think it makes for a fun change giving it a little more of a vintage look.
The backing on this one is a piece that I’ve had in my stash forever. It’s an Alexander Henry print that I got years ago called Paris Park. It was the perfect backing for this quilt.
And I’m feeling proud that I actually put a label on the quilt.
I also made one with alternating i-spy blocks. It makes the quilt a little busier, but gives you lots more things to “spy”.
I love the little black and white Moda micro dot on for the binding.
For the backing on this one I used the Moda Passport map of New York City. I only had a yard so I pieced some cheerful clouds above the city. 🙂
I frequently try and stock pre-cut I-spy kits in my Etsy Shop. They’ll always be unique, depending on the fabrics available when the kits are cut. You can find them here.
Finally, thank you SO much for all of the kind words this week. They were a huge boost and lift. I could not do an adequate job of thanking you all individually, but please know each kind word meant so much.
I have been feeling so sad for Paris. It’s one of my favorite cities and I’m praying for Paris. It’s awful to see that there is so much bitterness and sadness in the world, but encouraging to see the outpouring of love and support that brings people together under adversity. Keep being kind and seeking out the beautiful. Don’t let ugly win!
Shasta
Both of your I-spy quilts are lovely. Adding a sky above the city makes it even more special!
Kar
They are both beautiful! These kind of quilts are my favorite. : )
Janelle Thietje-Dunn
Very beautiful – and I love how they have a different feel even though they are so similar.
Colleen
Good Morning Amy,
Love love love these quilts!!!! You are a gift to this new quilter and I want you to know your efforts and your time are so VERY appreciated by me.
God bless your day!
Colleen
P.S. We had rain in Northern CA last night….yeah!!!!!
Amy Smart
Aww, thank you Colleen. 🙂 And hooray for rain!
Denise
Love this Amy…can’t wait till Wednesday, I totally missed it the last few times you put I spy charm packs in your shop!
Lara B.
So much to fall in love with in your quilts Amy! The Swiss dots, I Spy blocks and wonderful backs – all so terrific!
Amy Smart
Thank you!
Karen Seitz
Great quilts! I did an I-spy hexagon swap with quilty friends, but I have not put them into a quilt yet. It’s on my lengthy to-do list
Amy Smart
I hear you! 😉
VIVIAN
I think they are really fun. Like the spectrum color Quilt the best. You can see more going on.
GeminiJen NZ
Eye spy quilts are always fun and there are hours of exploring within yours! I like the dots as the background fabric. Very sad news for Paris. I shared a Ghandi quote with my Year Six pupils today for discussion “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” – the kids all agreed that it is a shame people feel they should hurt other people to make a point. Enjoy and appreciate your families…
Amy Smart
Beautiful quote – so wise. Those students are lucky to have you!
Jay
“Don’t let ugly win.” Thank you for these wise words, Amy. So important to remember this.
Karen
I’m a sucker for I Spy quilts–but these are particularly adorable! What fun 🙂
PatTi Olthoff
Lovely quilts! Just lovely!
I am wondering….
Are these new I-spy prints in your stash? I have ordered squares from you in the past and would like to order more but was hoping for some new prints in my mix. Any way you could send me a note to let me know?
Your blog is my fav!! You just inspire me so and from way over in Indiana I say a big “thank you” for all of the fun things you do here at Diary of a Quilter to keep us inspired and motivated to keep on sewing and making!!
Patti
Amy Smart
Patti – yes, this bundle will be a new selection. I can’t promise that there won’t be a few repeats, but most of them will be new. The listing goes live at 4:00 eastern today!
kathyinmn
Love these! And the material you used on the back is really awesome.
Cherie
These quilts are absolutely adorable! I feel that yes! I can make these, too. Thank you!
Brianna Robertson
These I-Spy quilts are such a good idea. A fun game for cozy mornings on the couch, I bet 🙂
Sue
I loved your quilts when I first read the post and decided I had to do some. Here they are, ready for Festival of Trees, and I give you credit in my blog post!
http://www.careyfamily.org/a-tale-of-two-quilts/
Amy Smart
That is so great!