I've loved this quilt pattern by
Alison of Cluck Cluck Sew since it first came out. I ordered the pattern and added it to the queue of future projects.
Then I saw
Nettie's scrappy version and I knew that's how I wanted to make mine.
I used a Nani Iro double gauze for the back,
purchased here. This is not a bargain basement fabric, but the cuddle factor is SO worth it. If you're making a baby quilt, I definitely recommend double gauze as an option.
I would rate this pattern as great for beginners. Not your first ever quilt, but possibly your second and for sure your third.
It's well written and straightforward and delivers a fun modern look.
Speaking of beginners, here's an idea I've been percolating:
Nothing is so dear to my heart as when people express an interest in learning to quilt! I know I'm biased, but I think it's got to be one of the best hobbies around! The reason it's so awesome is that you can invest endless creativity and beauty, and when it's completed it's one the most comforting and useful items around. I mean, how many pieces of art can you cuddle up with?!
That being said, it can be a little intimidating to jump right in when you've never made one before. I think a lot of people find the though of actually quilting and finishing (e.g. binding) to be quite overwhelming.
It's impossible to enjoy something when you're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and most likely you'll end up stuffing the whole thing in a back closet.
To avoid this, I consider it VERY important to start
small! and simple! Your first quilt should be the simplest quilt pattern known to man, it should not be a large quilt, (a small lap quilt like 50"x60" is the absolute biggest you should go) and preferably you should learn in a physical class with a nurturing positive teacher.
So I've been thinking of doing a little tutorial/quiltalong here over the next month or so. I will do picture by picture tutorials of the simplest quilt known to man (no, it's not patchwork squares!). We could all sew together. I'd start a Flickr group that you could add your photos if you liked, or you could email them to me and I'd share them here.
I'd also like it to be helpful with all kinds of tips, so I'd invite anyone to add their insight or ask questions in the comments. I'd also link to other tutorials that show similiar techniques, since I find that we all think and learn differently and seeing processes from different people's perspectives is so helpful.
So what do you think? Is there any beginning or not-yet quilters out there who are interested? I don't know who's reading here, so maybe it's not something that would be applicable.
