I am not much of a quilter--I would really love to be one, though. When my son was born, a friend made him a quilt. It was a little boy appliqued with his back turned. I found a free pattern on line for a Sun Bonnet Andy that looks like it. Any way, our son latched onto the quilt and carried it around until there was nothing left but a small piece. This son is expecting his first baby in June and it is a boy. I would love to surprise them with a quilt like this. Have any of you done one of these quilts and could share pictures or directions. Thank you so much!
Love, Marie

I would Google for a free pattern.Connie in CO

I can check my books and magazines.

Marie, This pattern goes by many names. I have heard it called Overall Bill, Sunbonnet Sam, and then there is Cowboy Bill. Do a search and you will find many.

The Quilt in a Day lady has a book out.

Google Sun Bonnet Sam and he pops up with all kinds of patterns.

Also called Suspender Sam - he's got quite a few names. :)

Here are a few drawings:
http://www.sunbonnetsue.com/sam.html

If you can download the pattern, you are halfway there. The next step is to decide what method you want to use to make the blocks. Years ago your son's quilt was probably made by hand with needleturn applique. Nowadays, though, there are many machine techniques for applique you can use. Freezer paper applique is my favorite method for this type of quilt, but there is also fusible applique (you have to use the right kind of fusible) and some people like the sew-to-interfacing-and-turn method. You will need to experiment a bit to determine which method you want to use in this quilt.

My favorite book for machine applique methods is Harriet Hargrave's:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mach.../dp/157120136X

One tip I can provide that I have not seen published is for the background fabric (for machine applique methods). I heavily starch the background fabric with a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, painting it on the yardage with a large wall painting brush. I toss the saturated fabric in the dryer, then iron with steam. This stiffens the background fabric so it will not distort while you machine applique pieces onto it.

It is also a good idea to cut your background squares an inch larger than needed, then cut down to exact size after the applique is finished.

This is not a hard quilt to make, but you need to get started!

Thanks to all of you for your help! I DO need to get started right away if I plan to have it finished by June, 28.
Love,
Marie