Digger quilt
 

A friend of the family saw my quilts and asked if I could make 2 quilts for their grandchildren. I am more than happy to do this as I am running out of people who might like one! The kids are 2 and 4 (I believe). They have said that the 2 year old love's diggers (like jcb) and the 4 year old would like anything to do with the little mermaid. The little mermaid was easy and I quickly found a panel on eBay. However the digger has me a bit stumped! I've found a couple of patterns on etsy for digger quilts, but they look a little simplistic for my liking. I guess I will use them if I can't find anything I like more but I thought here would be a good place to ask if anyone has any good ideas! I could always have a go at designing one myself but not sure how successful I would be!
Also, what size would you make the quilts for children that age? I'd want them to be able to use them for a long while so don't want to make them too small, but also don't want them to be too huge for them! I've only ever made huge quilts so definitely need some guidance on this one!

You can get some inspiration at Bug Fabric.

http://www.bugfabric.com/fabric/them...equipment.html

As for size, I would ask the parents what size they sou like... Possible twin size for both, or if the 2yr. Old is still in a crib maybe going through a youth bed next the size would be shorter than a twin (often 60" - 72" long)

Fantastic! They have a great range, and, most importantly, they ship internationally! I'll have a root around the internet to see if I can get any of the fabric from the UK, but otherwise I will order from them! Thanks so much!

You probably have seen most of these but I'll post the link.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=digge...w=1366&bih=643

I would make a nice lap size quilt. This would be small enough for a child to carry around and snuggle in now and big enough to snuggle in as they grow.

A problem with making a child's quilt after a character that they currently like is that they will outgrow that character and may not like/use the quilt anymore. I would choses quilt patterns and colors that the child likes or matches their room so the quiklt will be used for a long time. (ask me how I know this!). size 36x45.

How about Bob the Builder fabric? Lots of diggy things with Bob's crew. I'm doing kiddish quilts too using Hello Kitty and Monster University. Since I can't imagine these children liking these themes for too long, I'm incorporating the kiddie stuff on the back and picking out colors to use on the front. Sort of reversible quilts. I was sorry I asked their mom for ideas!

Good idea! I use 12" block, three across, five down with 2" sashing and a 4" border - comes out to 52x80 and is perfect to cuddle in, to use on a twin bed and small enough to take on a trip and cover up in the back seat. Have made scads of them this size and am getting ready to make another one for an adopted child who has Down Syndrome. I am making an I Spy quilt - it will help her learn English and will help her to learn what the I Spy pictures are. Good luck to you. Oh, yah, I tie them down. I don't hand quilt or machine quilt anything smaller than a double quilt. I tie generally with four strands of Perle thread - variegated I like the best. Edie

Wow how have I never seen the Bug Fabric website. There are so many awesome fabrics on there! Thanks. I need to make a quilt for my GS who will be moving to a big boy bed soon. I was thinking of making a digger quilt or maybe monsters. Thanks a lot. I could spend hours searching that site.

I made my girls care bear quilts when they were little. The quilts went with them to college. So I guess I would make what they like. I do like the idea of reverseable though.

I never make baby quilts except for my embroideried ABC quilts for grand kids. All the rest I use regular fabric that they can use for a long time.

In the end I found a digger panel on eBay (i'm not sure what words I was using to search the first time, there were loads when I looked again!) It had some blue around the edges with various "digger" words. I then found some fabric that was clearly from the same range as it was blue, with words and little pictures of diggers all over it! Couldn't have been more perfect! Although I am now considering using the fabric as the backing as then he could have it whichever way up he fancied at the time!
I've never used panels before but I can see how they make a quick and simple quilt, that will look fabulous! Maybe I will make more child quilts!
Also, i'm not too worried about them growing out of the characters/theme. I'm 26 and if someone had taken the time to make me a little mermaid quilt, I'd still love it!
As always, thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions :-)

When I need a certain idea for a design I want, I just go to a search engine and type "line drawing of ______" and find a starting point if not exactly what I want. Try "line drawing of steam shovel"?

Thanks for posting this link! I was wondering what on earth a digger was, and my google result was 'a group of Protestant English agrarian socialists'. :D

Katier825 had a good idea going to bugfabric.com for fabric. I once made a twin size quilt for a friend's grandson, and he wanted trucks. I believe I either used my standard 6 1/2" square alternating with a 9 patch, it's fast, easy and looks good whatever the fabric you're using. Also Warm Wishes come to mind, you can get the pattern on line, just type in Warm Wishes on your search - it's another easy but nice looking quilt you can make in many sizes.