My first quilt

 I few weeks ago I got this idea that I’d like to make a quilt for the babe.  My personal style for things around my house is more modern than fussy, so I wanted something simple and that had some interesting shapes and graphic pattern so that we could also use it as a floor mat early on (apparently babies need something called “tummy time”). I found this tutorial and pattern on See Kate Sew and decided I’d give it a try.

I bought 1/2 yard pieces of 6 different cottons – solid black, peach, ivory and teal, and two prints, a black and white star print and grey polka dot print.  For the back I used a small black and white floral, and bound the whole thing in pink bias tape (I didn’t make my own, but probably will for my next attempt!).

Having never quilted before, I did mess up a few things. When I assembled my first row of triangles, I forgot to add a 1/4″ seam allowance beyond the “peak” of the triangles so that when I sewed my next row onto it, the peaks stayed sharp…. I also had assembled it in such a way that I couldn’t press the seams open neatly, so my whole first row got picked apart and reassembled. Also, one corner got a little wonky when I was quilting it together. I think my assembly of the top wasn’t quite perfectly and I would up with a slightly bubbly corner… So, what I’ve learned is to press open my seams as I go, stitch very very accurately, and more carefully pin the topper to the batting and back.

I’m not sure I’d ever take on a much more complex or traditional style quilt than this, but I’ve learned that quilting is something that I DO really enjoy!  I’m already trying to find patterns for more modern style quilts, and contemplating trying to make a full size one for our bed.  I can see how quilting can quickly become an all-encompassing (and expensive!) hobby.