The Never-ending Cycle
Have you ever noticed how things seem to come in waves? It’s been that way at work and with friends lately. There must be something in the water here in Georgia, because lately I have been surrounded by friends that are expecting. So, while I have definitely sworn off the local water, I have been motivated (as any good quilter would) to make baby quilts.
Now we all know how this goes – hmmm…so-and-so is expecting. I’m make her a baby quilt – and since it is small – just a baby quilt, I’ll use us some of my stash and make a soft cuddly quilt – two goals accomplished in one! Right. I did manage to find a wonderful collection of bright flannel fat quarters – perfect! Ok – now for sashing and backing. And that was it – of course I didn’t have JUST THE RIGHT fabric – so a trip to the quilt shop was in order. Actually, a trip to several quilt shops was in order. I mean, hey, if I’m going to have to buy flannel for sashing and backing, it needs to be perfect, right? Did I measure or do any figuring before I headed to the shops? No – where is the challenge in that? So home I come to wash (hey – this is for a baby, and it needs to be soft, clean and ready to use), dry and iron all my snuggly flannels and begin my quilt.
My first baby quilt. And when did I begin said baby quilt? The baby shower was on Sunday afternoon – so naturally I began cutting and sewing Saturday. Twenty four hours, two bleary eyes, and many sore fingers later, the quilt was stitched, quilted, bound and wrapped. Success! Now on to baby quilt number two – but remember that “not measuring” tactic? Yep – I had enough fabric to squeeze out sashing – but not enough for block backgrounds and backing. So back to the quilt shop I go – this time with a good idea of which had the fabrics I need – and home I came with backing and background (and a few other fabrics that virtually attacked me and demanded to be brought home – but that’s another story).
So baby quilt #2 was on it’s way. And that should be the end of the baby quilts – but I still have some squares left from the first two quilts, and I’m thinking that they would make a really nice, colorful, fun baby quilt to stitch up and keep tucked back for emergencies – but I’m going to need some more sashing and backing fabric….
Tammy Silvers
Outside the Line Designs
Tags: Tammy Silvers
About the Author: Tammy Silvers
I have been quilting since my dear sister-in-law drug me kicking and screaming into a quilt shop to take a class with her 18 years ago. Even though my first quilt was gag-a-rific, I caught the quilting bug and have been quilting away ever since. My best friend and business partner, Julia LaBauve (Outside the Lines Designs) and her "what if we....?" questions continue to spark many a design fire in me.
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