Yes, it was my very special friend Laura's baby shower on Sunday, so she needed an extra special gift! After a bit of research I decided upon Noodlehead's divided basket. It was the perfect storage for nappies and baby bits that don't always look so pretty in the nursery - so this seemed like an ideal solution! I think it will certainly brighten up the nursery with the cute Suzy Ultman print, which I've been saving for the perfect project! :)
I think lovely Laura liked them!!
The basket came together quite quickly; once I had spent *hours* auditioning fabric choices! For that reason I omitted the front pocket for the basket as I couldn't find a perfect match (and didn't have enough Suzy U print). The pattern is very clear so you don't feel lost at any stage, and there's lots of helpful photo's to keep you on track. Though I did struggle a lot with the top-stitching around the edge, it took me three attempts to get it finished! I used regular pins but Anna suggested using Clover wonder clips so I may have to invest in those for next time ;)
To make it a little more inviting I filled it with some baby bath toiletries and rubber duckies :)
A few day's before the shower I decided to make a baby quilt too. We don't know if it's going to be a boy or girl so I started pulling a bunch of my low volume fabrics I've been hoarding for too long - which I figured would be ideal for a neutral baby theme. I had planned to make a 'trip around the world' style design but miscalculated the fabric I needed, so in the end I came up with this design ...
I strip pieced 6 rows of prints, and then alternated them - if that makes sense? Perhaps I'll make another one and do a tutorial. I really did enjoy making this. I love making quilts for people when you know they will be loved and appreciated for years to come :) The backing fabric is Happy Go Lucky, Aqua Skip - and I think it might just be the most perfect backing ever! It works so well with the patchwork top, straight line quilting and being a neutral colour for boy/girl. Also my friend has a weakness for mint and turquoise, so it really is perfect! I hand sewed the binding in the nick of time Sunday morning! using Kona Snow.
What lovely gifts! I love the fabric choices. I always have trouble top stitching around bags - perhaps those clip things would be worth a try.
ReplyDeleteJenn @JennsCraftyWorld
The divided basket is too cute for words, I may have to try one myself, it would be perfect to carry my hand stitching in. I use a great deal of Bonnie and Camille fabrics but had to pass on Happy Go Lucky, I found a stack of Marmalade, Ruby and Vintage Modern and could not resist the price. So I filled my space and emptied my purse. I will be buying Scrumptious yardage and am looking forward to April Showers.
ReplyDeleteHandmade gifts are the best gifts, especially to welcome new babies. These are just darling! You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteI held off on buying Wonder Clips because I didn't really "need" them. Now that I finally have some, I've discovered that need them or not, I really love them.
This is all lovely, you have so much talent! Also, I've just completed my first ever quilt, a baby quilt for my future niece, and I couldn't have done it without you! I started reading your blog a while back after using your Chevron Pillow tutorial, and you inspired me to start quilting. I used your half-square triangles method to piece my quilt, came up with my own design, and am so proud of it! So I wanted to thank you for indirectly helping and inspiring me :)
ReplyDeleteBoth very beautiful makes! Perfect and wonderful gifts :)
ReplyDeleteS x
I love the basket and the quilt! Such a great gift.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bag and quilt you made!!!
ReplyDeleteThey are so very beautiful!
Great fabrics you used.
Beautiful! I love those Suzy U prints
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic - and I love the fabrics!
ReplyDeleteLove the basket, what a great idea. I especially love your quilt, it looks beautiful. I'd love a tutorial!
ReplyDeletetherese
Those presents are beautiful. The quilt is so pretty, would love to learn to make one of those. Could you share a tutorial, please?
ReplyDeleteThe choice of fabrics on both makes is fantastic. Thanks for so much inspiration, Pati x
So adorable...what lovely gifts!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved either of those gifts for any of my children! Really perfect gifts! And never too many photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm really resisting buying wonder clips, but everyone has said they really are brilliant!!
Such a beautiful and sweet quilt, and love the bag!! They will be loved and treasured!! Have a wonderful and creative week! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteBoth the basket and the quilt are perfect and such thoughtful and useful gifts! I love Anna's pattern too and the clover clips are definitely worth buying, I use them for so many more projects than I thought I would.
ReplyDeleteOoo, they really are perfect baby gifts! And the baby quilt is dreamy...
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the gifts! The baby quilt is just perfect sweetness.
ReplyDeleteI adore the divided basket, it's my go-to baby gift. And the quilt is just so precious :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. Those are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful!! What a great friend, I'm sure she appreciated it so much! Can you tell me how much fabric you needed for the squares, back and edge? Also how big your squares are?
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful!! What a great friend, I'm sure she appreciated it so much! Can you tell me how much fabric you needed for the squares, back and edge? Also how big your squares are?
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