So kids, the quilt was a HUGE hit! And so were the dress and the top. But let me tell you, BOY was I nervous as the gifts were being opened.
As each present was opened,
"Oh, onesies!"
"Yay, bibs!"
"Cool, pacifiers!"
"Cute t-shirts!"
I was thinking to myself, these are all registry gifts! These gifts aren't fun all all (except for some cute t-shirts and a black bob marley onesie that said "roots rock baby" -- I want one!). But what if what they really want are all the practical things because they need them? Will they like my handmade gifts?
I mean, I would like my handmade gifts, especially if all everyone was getting me were registry items, right? Granted, I'm biased because I'm the one that spent hours and hours on these gifts. But you need something special to be the potential item to start the heirloom collection, right?
So they finally get to my gift, and it is the LAST gift they open. And I'm ALL nervous. The last gift needs to be a good one. She got plenty of other blankets and ones that match the crib sheet set. This is just another blanket and it doesn't even match the pastel pink of the crib sheets. They even got their Baby Bjorn and breast pump and were totally stoked about them. Can a quilt and some garments top that?
And yes, yes it did! (Apologies for the dark photos. It was raining like crazy this weekend so it made outdoor photos and good light nearly impossible)
I was so happy! Both mama and papa loved the quilt! When I talked to her after the crowd dispersed, she told me, "This is going with her EVERYWHERE."
Now this, people, is why I love gifting handmade.
Now onto the details.
Front
Back
Pattern: Log Cabin
Size: 40" x 40"
Fabrics: Thai Batik Print, Kona Cotton, Kaffe Fassett Aboriginal Dot
Notes:
Never would I ever thought that log cabin squares would be so fun and addicting. My original inspiration for the quilt was the log cabin one in the Last Minute Quilted and Patchwork quilts, the one with the Amy Butler print paired with the coordinating cotton that matched the background. I originally wanted to find solid to match the darker purple background in the print, but could only find a pink/magenta that matched the foreground swirls. But I'm glad it worked out this way because it makes the quilt a lot brighter and more cheerful. I also LOVE the yellow I used for the back and the binding. The Aboriginal Dot print was perfect, too, keeping the feel of the batik print on the front.
I quilted by following the checkmarks and then stabilized it by stitching in the ditch to outline each of the squares. It took me a few tries and many opinions to finally land on this arrangement. But I'm really happy with it.
My other favorite part of the quilt is the center square, the parrot. For those people that may have OCD tendencies, like me, and need to know which side is the right side. The parrot helps establish that.
And last but not least, a photo in natural light that most accurately represents the colors. Oh, an I almost forgot, I handstitched the binding. Never again will I machine stitch the binding on. It's so much prettier and cleaner when you hand stitch it. Also, never try to attach the binding in one session. Save your eyes!
Told you it was raining!
And now onto the garments. So the bloomers never made it to the shower. I was in the process of threading the waist elastic and just got too frustrated with the process. They've been promised for future delivery.
Pattern: Butterick 3405, View C
Size: Medium
Pattern: Butterick 3405, View A
Size: Medium
Notes:
This is a really easy, straightforward pattern. I made no modifications to the pattern other than attaching the collar binding by sewing it on with the machine instead of by hand. This will probably be my go to pattern for little baby girl presents if I don't have time to punch out a quilt.
The little details I love..
Awww, little pintucks!
Oooh, pearl snaps! -- as cute as they are, they're pretty violent to put in, hammer required.
Oh! A ruffle!
Perfection! - collar binding
My signature tag, in lieu of a proper label
Now if this doesn't make you want to become my friend and have a baby girl, then I don't know how much more perfect I could have made this gift.* Go start making babies!! Okay just kidding.
*I'm normally not this conceited, honestly. The reaction from friend just made my weekend. I'm so glad she loved everything!
Comments (20)
So glad it was a hit!!! You did a wonderful job!
Posted by adrienne | January 7, 2008 4:38 AM
Now that's the reaction we all love to see (and hear about), I'm so happy for you - and for them too. The quilt is amazing and the dresses - adorable!! I bow down to your mad sewing skilz.
Posted by schrodinger | January 7, 2008 4:54 AM
how could they not love it?! everything came out beautifully!
Posted by yahaira | January 7, 2008 5:39 AM
that quilt is beyond gorgeous. i would have been rendered utterly speechless if i received it. wow, sooo amazing.
and those dresses are too adorable. i want one in my size, please. ;)
Posted by Sandra | January 7, 2008 6:14 AM
This quilt is stunning - truly beautiful. I knew they would be thrilled. You did amazing work here, Angela! I love the dresses too ;)
Posted by Lolly | January 7, 2008 6:41 AM
Wow - those are BEAUTIFUL!!! I would have a big head after creating such beauties as well. :) I can't wait to get to know my machine well enough to make things like that.
Posted by Brandy | January 7, 2008 6:58 AM
You are so right that is the blanket of all blankets! What a perfect print/color/block combination. If you have enough scraps left over for, say, a queen size quilt, I wouldn't mind... :) He he.
I know how you feel when you said you were nervous about giving a handmade gift at the baby shower. But, you can rest assured that the quilt will still be around in 20 years while the breast pump will not. Enough said!
Posted by christina | January 7, 2008 7:05 AM
Wow, that's a lucky baby! Beautiful work. The quilt is gorgeous and the dress and top look SO professional!
Posted by Elizabeth | January 7, 2008 7:54 AM
I meant to tell you not to worry! I never do when I give handmade stuff, because I figure most people adore getting things someone has spent time and love on (and if I don't think so, I save my hours of sewing/knitting for somebody else). Also, because I've seen the things you make -- gorgeous!
This set, though, it just may be your creme de la creme! I LOVE it! I'm sure if people knew how to "register" for one of your quilts, they would. :)
Posted by sappmama | January 7, 2008 7:58 AM
Wow! Even though I know it's a fairly simple pattern, the fabric choice and positioning of the pink and thai batik are surprisingly new (and stunning).
Posted by Veronique | January 7, 2008 8:46 AM
Beautiful work, lady. I'm so glad they loved your gifts :)
Posted by Risa | January 7, 2008 9:46 AM
I'm so glad they were well received. That makes all your hard work on them so worth it!
Posted by Stephanie | January 7, 2008 10:41 AM
Told you, didn't I ;-)
That quilt is fabulous, and the little clothes too cute. Now I want pintucks.
Posted by Steph | January 7, 2008 10:44 AM
Wow, that quilt is totally amazing, and puts my three to shame! *sniff* I'm glad the parents liked it, it's beautiful and it's a thoughtful gift.
Happy New Year!
Posted by MJ | January 7, 2008 11:51 AM
I knew the gifts would be a huge hit. And they should have been. Everything turned out gorgeous. Way to go! Oh, and all that guilt isn't making me have a baby. Just so you know.
Posted by Stephanie | January 7, 2008 4:47 PM
OMG - everything is AMAZING! I know exactly how you felt, anxious that your gifts at a baby shower will be well received. I'm just in awe of that quilt - so inspiring!
Posted by mari | January 7, 2008 4:49 PM
Oh. And I forgive you for forcing me to buy that baby dress pattern. In both sizes. ;)
Posted by sappmama | January 7, 2008 8:53 PM
I have to say, the reactions from the handmade gifts, really, win out all the time. Of all the baby showers I have been to (and I have been to far too many, really), the handmade gifts get the prize every time (even though the baby Bjorn and pump thing are useful items...) it's all about the handmade (with love) goodness. And seriously, that quilt?! It's amazing. And I heart the dresses. That might be my first adventure in clothesmaking...little dresses....love!
Posted by nova | January 8, 2008 2:00 PM
That quilt is GOR-geous!
Posted by jillian | January 8, 2008 6:46 PM
Love, love, love the quilt! Would you mind if I do the same with my batik??
Posted by Siow Chin | January 14, 2008 6:26 AM