We have some close friends that have been trying a VERY long time to have a baby with no luck... we just found out that she's about 8 weeks along!!! I am sooooooo excited for her and want to make her a special baby quilt, but am not sure what to do. I don't have a huge amount of experience so it can't be anything really complicated, but I want it to show that it's something special for a special baby, know what I mean? I was thinking maybe a 3D pinwheel?? Add some satin binding, or maybe some prarie points for a little texture. They don't know yet what they are having, and won't for almost 3 months.... I don't know if I can wait that long! Ha ha! "Gender neutral" never really seems gender neutral, it always feels more appropriate for a boy so if it's a girl I definitely want to focus on girl colors/patterns. Any thoughts and ideas would be much appreciated!

How exciting! Nowadays people are going less to the pink and blue, so if you choose teal, aqua type colors and peachy tans, it can go either way. I like to make flannel for the babies. If you go with flannel, make 3/8" seams and prewash the fabric. As far as design, start looking at fabric and let it choose the design for you. Also brights work well for babies, primary colors will go for either gender. Circus themes, jungle, etc.

my only though from your initial post is don't try a satin binding. They are hard to apply and won't hold up in wear and washing.

I hadn't thought about teal... hmmm... I know I saw a color scheme on here that I would never have thought to put together, but it would be perfect! I wish I could remember what posting it was! I think it had reds, teals, browns in a pinwheel pattern (all different sizes) - that would be a perfect quilt for what I have in mind! Now how do I find it? :lol:

I was kind of wondering that... good to know! Thanks for the heads up!

I agree with you on the satin binding. I did it once on a blanket and said never again, although, considering the times it has been washed it still looks good.

Bright green, purple and orange would look terrific with pinwheels and go happily with either a boy or a girl.

Or if you're not quite into that wild of a look, green and purple. Perfect for either gender.

have fun creating the baby quilt

Also, my experience with 3 D pinwheels on a baby quilt is that they get torn!! :(

Maybe I just have rambunctious nieces and nephews!!!LOL

In the new issue of Fons and Porter's Love of quilting magazine i just got there is a bright Dr.Seus Quilt.

I'll go take a picture and see if it looks like something they might like! Be right back!

Isn't that cute!!

Maybe a gender neutral quilt now, and later you can make another when they know the sex :D:D:D

There are a lot of fun kids quilt patterns here, easy raw edge applique

http://fatcatpatterns.com/

there's a nice pinwheel quilt at modabakeshop that turns out nice. Also one called criss cross quilt-don't remember the company it's from. both go together easy and neither take a lot of fabric. I would recomend either, I've made them both, machine quilted one and tied the other.

Yet another good point!

I also thought maybe an Ispy type quilt might be good, too. The Dr. Seuss one made me think about the one pic I saw where someone made a quilt out of the story book panels.... hmmmm... now the wheels are turning!

Take a look at dakotamaid's avatar quilt. The design and the colors are perfect!

Why not make a pregnant mommy blanket now and when you find out what the baby is make a baby blanket then? And you could do a really simple star design. It is always really exciting when you have been trying for a long time and finally get the baby.