It's a bit busy for my taste, but Lauren (my 2-year-old) absolutely loves the fabric as has lots of fun pointing out the owls, snails, turtles, trees, flowers and birds.
I used straight line quilting for this, mostly because I'm not brave enough to try free-motion quilting yet! I quilted straight lines 1/2" apart on the sashing, and eyeballed straight-ish lines approximately 1" apart across the blocks.
The fabric is Love U by Deb Strain for Moda, and I think it's perfect for a fun 2-year-old quilt.
Here's a peek at the back:
I just love those owls!
I used this tutorial by Elizabeth from Oh, Fransson! for the quilt pattern. Since the tutorial is for a baby quilt, I modified it a bit by adding 1 1/2 more charm squares to the width, and two additional rows to the length. I wanted this to be large enough for Lauren to use at night on her toddler mattress, although she hasn't really gotten the hang of sleeping under covers yet!
I was also feeling particularly brave yesterday and decided to hand-sew the binding to the back of this quilt. I usually machine sew my binding, and to be honest the result doesn't bother me much. I guess I'm not a "binding snob" . . . yet! But I was intrigued by the romantic notion I seem to hear about from all the other quilters - of curling up on the couch with my husband for several hours, chatting and watching tv while hand sewing binding.
I found this awesome tutorial that finally made sense of the hand sewing process for me. And after a mere five hours, I can finally say that I get it! It really does look pretty good, compared to machine sewing, but it sure did take a LONG time! And it was kind of nice to spend time with my family while sewing, and be a bit more productive while watching tv . . . but did I mention that it took a long time?!?! Well, at least I overcame my fear of hand-sewing, but I can't promise I won't go back to machine sewing binding, at least some of the time!
I'm linking up to Amy's Sew & Tell Friday. Hop on over and check out the other finishes too!
Have a great weekend!
Mary
cute cute cute, and yes, perfect for a 2 year old. My daughters would both love this quilt! You did such a great job. And way to go on the binding (don't worry - you'll get faster as it the more you do it). :)
ReplyDeleteOh, don't I just love those OWLS! This is perfect for a little one!
ReplyDeleteI love the finished product. I am now inspired to make one for my niece/nephew due today :-) But I'm going to use funky monkey, yay.
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt! This fabric is great. Owls, snails, flowers AND cupcakes! My kids would love this too.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely! Super cute!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute, That fabric is PERFECT for a little girl! I am one day going to be brave enough to try machine quilting myself... it's on my to-do list this year. Nice job.
ReplyDeleteThat is just adorable!!
ReplyDeletethis quilt is beautiful.i love the fabrics
ReplyDeletewhat a great finish to the week! It's so sweet and the owl fabric for the backing just rocks!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I have been thinking that I should make my daughter a quilt. That is so great that you did!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cheerful, happy quilt!! It has to have energy to keep up with a two year old!!!
ReplyDeleteit turned out darling! perfect for a two year old!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! It is very colorful, just the way 2 year olds like it!!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is just so gorgeous. Love your fabric choices and the quilting looks great. I am constantly amazed how great straight line quilting looks. My machine protests a lot when free motion quilting however it does straight line quilting perfectly. Great binding!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely the perfect quilt for a 2 year old. My kids would both love it too. Congratulations on your first handsewn binding! It will come faster next time.
ReplyDeleteHi, I think that this quilt looks great! I haven't tried straight line quilting yet but I love the way it looks! have you checked out Camilles tutorial on free motion? http://www.thimbleblossoms.com/Thimble_Blossoms/Thimble_Blossoms_Home/Thimble_Blossoms_Home_files/StipplingTutorial.pdf
ReplyDeleteWell worth a go! I also have never tried sewing binding by machine, I'm too scared I will miss the back bits... I'm sure this quilt will give your daughter some great dreams!
Kelli
xxx
Your binding was the first thing I noticed - it's perfect! You could totally do a double wedding ring, btw. I'm living proof. (Go to Quiltsmart.com - I used their pattern and interfacing and it was really REALLY easy.)
ReplyDeleteGreat, fun quilt! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun quilt! And I am so impressed how quickly you got it done.
ReplyDeleteLove the color combos!
I love this bright happy quilt. Very fun for your little girl.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it!!!! I'm so impressed that you managed to start and finish a quilt in the same week... amazing!!!!! 5 hours of hand sewing sounds like torture to me though.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I loved this when I saw it on Oh Fransson! I'm impressed you just went and did it. That's the hardest part for me.
ReplyDeleteAs for handsewing bindings - I love it. I used to dread it and the first few took me FOR.EV.ER. But once you get some practice you can actually get pretty fast at it. I would definitely suggest some beeswax or other sort of thread treatment. I really helps keep your thread from knotting up and being a pain.
I always feel like there is so much to do that it's hard for me to just sit and watch a movie. I like to have something to do that's productive!
This quilt is so cute and cheery! I'm so impressed by how quick you pulled it together too!
ReplyDeleteI just bought a Love U charmpack - thanks for showing me how wonderful the prints look in real life!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Christine
What a lovely quilt. Love the bright colours and how they pop out from the white strips in between.
ReplyDeleteI am new to this quilting thing and I am currently in the process of searching inspiration and information. And I found you. Lucky me!
Fantastic blog. So many beautiful pictures, great information and very inspiring. You should be very proud of yourself and I am now offically a follower. See you again soon. What a treat to find you. This is going to be a good day.