My First Quilt
 

As a first time grandmother-to-be, I got an unstoppable urge to make a baby quilt after seeing a picture on the gallery forum here of the "Tale of 2 Kitties Quilt". I found the pattern and instructions online (by Jacqueline Patron) and had a great time finding fabric, mostly from the Little Fawn series by Dear Stella. I complicated the whole experience by deciding to make the quilt smaller than the pattern and by using fabric for the center panel that stretched my fairly basic sewing skills to the max as I had to fit the four parts into an 18-inch square, involving much patching-together and finagling. I had no idea how much math - not my strong point! - was involved in quilting!! I think the triangles (determining size) and the diagonal pattern added to the challenge. Once I had the patchwork finished I was lucky to find a talented local long-arm quilter to do the actual quilting. I do love how the fabric colors and patterns came together and I enjoyed fussy-cutting the little animals, ferns, etc. The quilt was finally finished in time for the baby shower, and my daughter's reaction upon seeing it was one word: "Perfect!". So it was well worth it and I have to thank those who contribute to this forum - it was a lifesaver to be able to search for helpful tips here!!

That is just the sweetest quilt ever! Fantastic job on your first quilt. Now what are you going to do for your next one? HaHa!

I think your daughter said it all, Perfect! What a sweet little quilt to remember as your first quilt. I love everything about it and the color has always been a favorite...greens. So...do you know if you're getting a grand girl or grand boy? Congratulations!

ps. I wanted to add that I had to smile, when you said you had no idea how much math was involved in quilting. I belong to a group of quilters. I get panels passed on to me when someone can't figure the math. I always loved math, thank goodness. You are so right that there is math involved figuring out a pattern, yardage and math also having to count and see if you have enough extra money to get that fabric, that you love so much! -lol

My goodness! You really did jump in at the deep end! Your first attempt is absolutely beautiful. Welcome to the Board and we all hope to see many many more of your quilting projects.

toogie -- The baby (expected next month) is a boy, and his nursery is green and yellow. I'm very much into girly things, so was happy that I found some green fabrics that inspired me. And what got me through the math quandries was a technical-minded husband plus of course the internet. It had been many years since I said the word "hypotenuse" out loud!!

That is sew cute. Great job

If this is your first quilt, I cannot wait to see your second one. The fabrics you used are great for a baby quilt and I love all the little animal squares that you were able to include in the design to go along with the middle animals. As ekuw wrote: "what are you going to do for the next one" as you know you are probably hooked now!

So cute!! Congrats on completing your first quilt, it is adorable!

It is perfect. and absolutely impressive for a first quilt! I hope you are addicted now. Welcome to the board.

Well that is just adorable!! Great job.

Wow, for a first try you really rocked it. Beautiful

Awesome quilt, you did a fantastic job!

Wonderful! It will be cherished

What a charming and well designed quilt! I agree... on to number two. It may not have the same inspiration as one for a soon to arrive grandson. You are certainly demonstrated skills for color and design that need to be put to use in a new quilt.. Keep it up. We will be here awaiting your next effort.

That is adorable! Hard to believe it's your first quilt. You did a fantastic job!
And congratulations on being a grandmother soon. It's the absolute best!!!!!!! I joined almost 3 years ago. :)

It's perfectly adorable. Congratulations!

Nothing like a grandbaby to inspire and finish a quilt. You did a fabulous job, first quilt or not. Can't wait to see you jump into the quilting world and provide us with mor " eye candy".

That's an instant heirloom! Beautiful, precious and "perfect."

Sweet quilt. You did a great job!

Rob

What a wonderful finish and your very first quilt! You did a spectacular job, its is sew adorable!

BEAUTIFUL! Congrats and don't be a stranger. What are you going to work on next?

Perfect! You should be very proud of yourself! Enjoy the journey…

Very sweet quilt! Well done! Congratulations on your first quilt and becoming a grandmother to be.

Really a cute quilt. Love the way you fussy cut the little animals. Babies grow fast, time to start planning a larger size for the toddler stage!!

Well done!! It's lovely.

Well the positive responses here by all of you kind quilting people have been more than I ever expected! I attended one local quilt group meeting some months ago -- just dipping my toe in -- and this forum supports my experience there. People who quilt are special people: very supportive, kind, and easy with encouragement and praise. Since here I am back on the forum, I'm including a picture of the second "quilt" I just finished, just to show those who have said "keep quilting!" that yes, you are right: I have been bitten by the bug!! (I put "quilt" in quotation marks because this is just a quick, small rag quilt and as promised based on online tutorials, it took very little skill and provided immediate gratification.) I think it will be practical and useful with a new baby, and although not at all as rewarding as my first quilt, it is bright and cheerful and it was fun to have a project and a reason to keep sewing. Thanks for all your kind words!

If that is a "first" quilt, I can only imagine what your future quilts will look like!!!

Your second quilt will be great for a baby/toddler as it appears to be very tactile. Someone with small hands is going to love feeling along those "frilly" seams for sure. There is no cure for the "quilt bug" so just carry on and get started on number 3.

That’s quite a beautiful quilt, and amazing fir your first one!

Fantastic
 

Fantastic quilt! It is so adorable. Such an amazing quilt, you are a natural. Can't wait to see more of the quilts you will make. Congrats on grandchild, they are the best quilt motivation.

You should be very proud.....you did a beautiful job and as your daughter said "Perfect"

Adorable baby quilt. Looks like you are a natural Quilter.

That first quilt is absolutely adorable. You really have a good eye for colors. Selecting colors that make into a beautiful quilt is the hard part of quilting for me. Your second quilt is so sweet & a baby will love the rag (exposed) seams. They love to "feel" things like that. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to see more & welcome from Texas!

What a beautiful first quilt!

Congrats on being a first time Grandma and making your first quilt. Your heart will melt when you see your grandchild enjoying your lovely quilt.

Sew Cute! Your grandbaby will be wrapped in love.