A Quick and Easy Baby Quilt

Are you ready for another baby quilt? No, we're not expecting another baby, this is just one I "have on hand." It's been done for a while, I just haven't shared it with you yet. This is actually the second one like this I have made, the first one went to a friend of Mark's for their first baby, Thomas, over a year ago.  Wow, time passes quickly...

You can't get much easier (or quicker) than a four patch with alternate plain blocks, and when it's done "from stash," all the better. I decided it was a good way to use up some odds and ends, bits and pieces of blues; gotta whittle down the blue stash, it's taking over!! I found the polka dot at my LQS, and couldn't resist. I do love anything "dotty."







I quilted both this and the first one with unevenly spaced straight lines, to resemble plaid. The first one was done with three shades of blue thread (for even more resemblance to plaid, or so I thought), but there wasn't enough differentiation in the three so they all looked pretty much the same. Lesson learned! This one was done with just one blue. I found a cute tone on tone blue print for the backing, with toy trains, planes, helicopters, scooters, diggers etc. Perfect for a little boy, I thought! The blocks are 5" square and the overall measurement is 35" x  45."










Here is baby Thomas snuggling under his quilt, "watching" football with his Daddy.













Not long ago my guild had a workday to make small quilts for our hospital's neo-natal unit. I was unable to attend, so made one up at home to use more blues and the rest of the polka dot and backing. Same design idea, but more "plain" blocks with just a few four patches. Blocks are 3.5" and overall size is about 24" square.












I pieced the backing to use up the rest of the blue tone on tone and polka dot. I was just a little short, so added in another blue which has "family" words all over it- mommy, daddy, baby, sister, brother etc.










This one is quilted with a 1.25" cross hatch with white Aurifil thread. Love the Aurifil 50 wt. when I just want the quilting to sink into the quilt. I hope it will bring a smile to the faces of anxious new parents with a NICU baby.

For baby quilts, often "simple" is best. Simple sure makes it quick and easy.

Up next, a runner finish. Have you finished any small projects lately?

Piece!
Linda

Planes, trains, trucks and toys,
There's nothing quite like little boys.

In the Bag...

Continuing on with the gift bag for baby Layelah...
Her quilt was finished just in time.. but her Raggedy Anne doll was finished early as I worked on it through the summer. When I was much younger, and all my friends were having babies, I made many Raggedy Annes and Andys, always in the traditional red; the last two I made were for my own two children (so we know that's a few years ago!) But I knew red just wouldn't work for Miss Layelah- not with a purple room!! So I set about making her a funky purple Raggedy Anne. What fun I had searching for the right fabrics for the dress, striped socks and look at the perfect gingham rickrack!!







Her face and I Love You heart are hand embroidered. She is 14" tall. I calculated that my pattern is about 40 years old.. so no wonder the embroidery transfers for the facial features were all dried up... I just traced them onto the fabric with pencil. All in all I was pleased with how she turned out.





Making the doll itself, the hair in particular, takes more time than the clothing. Every loop of the hair (and there are many) is secured with another stitch so little fingers can not pull the loops out. The hair probably takes longer than anything else. She is well dressed with pantaloons, dress and pinafore. Somewhat "dated" perhaps, in today's world, but still a classic in my mind.

In the gift bag as well were a lilac soft flannel receiving blanket and a copy of Sheree Fitch's Mabel Murple along with these two darling bunnies, knit by my friend Gail M. I begged, pleaded, coerced convinced Gail to make them for me, a boy bunny for big brother Noah and a girl bunny for baby Layelah. Aren't they just sweet? Gail does such a wonderful job on these, I would love to have a whole collection... errr.. litter? just for myself! Soooo cute! I "named" them Benny Bunny and Bitsy Bunny...

I guess you can see I had such great fun getting ready for this little girl's arrival...  ♥

I am linking up with Wendy's Peacock Party. Pop over to see what others have been working on here.


Love and Peace,
Grammie Linda

A granddaughter is a treasure whose worth you cannot measure except by the love in your heart.

The Baby Quilt

Miss Layelah is almost 6 month old and I haven't yet shown you the quilt I made for her, or her special doll. Shame on me! The nursery walls are painted a soft grey and most things are neutral- white crib, white chest of drawers, black curtains... but the accent colour is purple, so purple was going to be the main quilt colour.






I eventually found a nice soft lilac batik for the background, and set about going through all my batiks for fabrics that would work. I used 28 different fabrics, with a couple of donations from friends (thanks Lucy and Sandi!) Just pinks and purples seemed dull to me so I added a few corals as well as a couple of peachy-yellows. I cannot tell you the pattern name or source, I just found a picture on Pinterest I liked and made up my own version. I cut the "bricks" 2.5" x 5" so their finished size is 2" x 4.5" with 21 bricks in each vertical row (total of 84 bricks.) The inner sashing rows finish at 2" wide with the outer two on the sides wider at 4." The overall size is 40" x 42." (With no real pattern to follow, I just determined the sizes by what looked right/in proportion to my eye.) It was pieced with Aurifil 50 wt. thread, and was quick and easy to put together.


(Edit: My friend Carole tells me this is a Missouri Star Quilt Co. pattern. She thought it was called a Zipper quilt, but I haven't been able to find it when I searched their site. If anyone can shed light on this, please let me know.)

I quilted it with rows of serpentine stitch with a soft pink and purple 40 wt. variegated King Tut thread (#940 "Cotton Candy") by Superior Threads. (Ginger was such a great help with the pinning of the quilt sandwich! Thank you Ginger!!   ^..^   )








I was "down to the wire" getting this done, in fact I think it was finished just two days before she was born. She was overdue, so we joked that she was waiting for Grammy to finish her quilt!








Laura also made a quilt for Layelah during the summer. For her first effort, we chose something quick and simple - four patches and plain blocks, in whites, purples and greys. I helped with the cutting but she did all the sewing and quilting by herself, and I finished it off with the binding. Well done, my dear! (I may make a quilter of her yet!)

Up next, you'll see what else was in that purple gift bag...

Piece,
Linda

Today's "quote" is a poem.. I have no idea who penned it, but I've always loved it...

This quilt is made of cloth and thread     

To place upon your little bed.
It's not an heirloom just to keep,
But to lay upon, as you count sheep.
Or perhaps the floor's the perfect place
For a doll or teddy picnic space.
This quilt can be anything you dream,
From Superman's cape to the robe of a queen.
Pretend it's a raft adrift at sea
Or just cuddle up and watch TV.
So use it up and wear it out
I promise I won't yell or pout.
Just tell me when its days are through,
And I'll make another, just for you!

Introducing......

11 hours old...

...Our new granddaughter finally made her appearance in the wee hours of Monday morning, October 1. She was only a few days "late" for her due date of Sept. 27, but Mummy's OB was so sure she was going to arrive a few weeks early, the last few weeks of waiting seemed to go on forever... But, here she is. She was SO worth the wait!

Can you believe they didn't have any PINK hats left at the hospital??!!







Layelah Rose arrived at 2:40 a.m., very shortly after Mummy arrived at the hospital, and weighed in at a dainty 7 lbs. 1 oz. Her birth was quick and easy, so Mummy is doing well, recovery-wise. She looks exactly like her brother Noah did at birth- except for her darker hair, they could be twins. And speaking of hair, yes, she has lots! I think she'll need a hair appointment soon! lol








Big brother Noah is getting used to the idea of having a little sister. He wasn't terribly interested in her at first - was more interested in her swing! Typical boy! But after a few days, he's doing much better. Mummy and Daddy are doing a great job at involving him and making him feel important by giving him little jobs to do to help out. Today he was very proud to fasten her car seat buckles, and sit beside her in the van.  :)

 Yes, she's a little cutiepie! I think she's a  keeper!  ♥

3.5 days old here and already smiling at Mummy!


Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! You know what WE are giving Thanks for today...

                                                                                  



Peace and Love,
Grammy Linda

Such a BIG MIRACLE in such a little girl...

"Getting to Know You"

What a wonderful time we have had getting to know our grandson Noah a little better. It is SO great to have them much closer to home. Noah and his Mommy were here just 2 days before we packed up and headed to their new home to UNpack, but we squeezed a lot into that two days!










Noah had his first "official" haircut
right in Grammie's kitchen.










                                                                                                   
He learned to ride a firetruck (loves the "siren"....)

Photo Credit: Mummy Laura

                                                  and Uncle Marks' horsey....

Photo Credit: Mummy Laura

and Great Uncle Leigh is already teaching him about the ride-on mower.

Photo Credit: Mummy Laura

Once we got to his new house on Friday, he was SUCH a  big help....



Supervising Grampie to make sure he fixed the clothesline properly...

                                                             




Checking the newly installed gate to make sure it's secure.....

"What did Mummy put in here? I'm sure I can re-organize it..."


Ah yes, life is never dull with a little one around... he makes life interesting! He will soon be walking, as he is already taking a few steps on his own. It won't be long now.





Peace,
Linda

A child has a special way of adding joy to every day.

Noah!

Just a short post tonight. I am back from four days with Laura and Noah, helping them get unpacked and somewhat settled in their new home. We accomplished a lot in a short time!
But before I tell you about that, I want to share a few photos of sweet Noah with you. Before leaving Ontario, they had a photographer friend take some family photos. She wanted some practice with "lifestyle" photos, and low light conditions, so they agreed to be "models." Could there be a sweeter model than this little guy? I think not! Photo credit on all photos in this post to Tasha of https://www.tashabphotography.com/  Thanks Tasha for allowing me to share these here.
I hope you will visit Tasha's site and view her work.

Here are some of my favourites...

What a cutie pie he is! He's 10 months old now, and very close to walking on his own... Life is getting a whole lot more interesting...   :)

Peace,
Linda

"Every baby born into the world is a finer one than the last." ~ Charles Dickens

Noah Update

It's time for an update on grandson Noah. He is growing fast. At 7.5 months now, he's working hard on cutting his first tooth, and perfecting his crawling skills. For those of you who have been asking how he's doing, here are a few recent photos.

Photo Credit: Jolene Vovk

Photo Credit: Jolene Vovk

Photo Credit: Mommy Laura

He's really beginning to look less like a baby and more like a little boy, don't you think?

Peace,
Linda

"The child must know that he is a miracle. That since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him." ~ Pablo Casals

Taggie Blankets

A simple little sewing project to show you today. Have you heard of a taggie blanket? I can remember my friend Gail making these a few years back for her grandchildren and also for gifts.. I didn't pay close enough attention at the time. But now that I have a little grandson... now I'm taking notice!
A taggie blanket is a tactile experience for baby. It's made with a super soft fabric like Minkie on one side, and something soft and slippery on the back like satin. Around the edges are "tags" for them to grab and feel. I used 4" lengths of various ribbons folded in half to make a "tag" loop of just under 2". I used satin, grosgrain, sheer and any other type of ribbon I could find - anything that little fingers would find interesting to feel/rub/caress.. The more textures the better. The blanket itself is about 10" x 12", it doesn't need to be any bigger than that.

Now that Noah has received this little Valentines gift, I can show you. (I know, I know, HE doesn't read my blog, but his Mommy does...) Noah loves tags right now.. any toy that has a tag on it - well, I'm told he plays more with the tag than the toy, so this gift was well timed. I followed someone's wise advice and made two. That way, if he does get real attached to it (as some children do to their blankie, or bedtime stuffy, or whatever) and it gets lost, then there is a "backup."
They are quick and easy to make. Do you have a small child in your life who would like a taggie blanket?







Peace,
Linda

"A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it." ~ Frank A. Clark

All Dressed for Christmas

Now that they have been received and opened, I can show you one small sewing project/Christmas gift.
Laura wanted some bandana bibs (for drool bibs) for Noah. So I made a few Christmas ones so he would be "dressed for the season." There may or may not be more under the tree for him on Christmas day... not sayin'.  These were a hit with his Mommy, at least. One has Santas, the other has penguins all dressed in Christmas finery. Noah is modelling the red Santa one here.

Here is Noah with his "girlfriend," Charley Rose. Aren't they just two little sweetie pies? Charley is just a few days older than Noah.
















Since her parents love "country", and I just happened to have fabric with cowboy boots on it, I figured Charley should have a bandana bib made from the boots fabric. (Her Daddy always wears cowboy boots, even had them on in the delivery room, so I'm told...) Here's Charley modelling her new bib... She looks like she's all ready for the hoe-down!

















Here's a closer look at the bibs...they fasten with snaps in the back. Thanks to my friend Kathryn of Made by this Momma for adding the snaps for me.












Peace,
Linda

"Christmas,my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas."
~ Dale Evans

Update on Noah

For those of you who have been asking how my grandson is doing, here's a little update. Noah is doing just fine! He is gaining weight steadily, I think my daughter must be producing pure cream! He has gained close to 6 pounds in 8.5 weeks! He will be two months old tomorrow and is finally settling in to better feeding and sleeping patterns. And.  he.  is.  CUTE!!

He is learning to smile and laugh!!

















Mr. Chubby Cheeks!!!

Official "two months old" photo!



Now, you have to admit.. he IS pretty cute, isn't he? Of course I could be somewhat biased...




Peace,
Linda

When you're drawing up your first list of life's miracles, you might place near the top the first moment your baby smiles at you. Bob Greene

Birthdays...

It's time for a family update! Grandson Noah has just had his 1 month birthday! Here he is with his Mommy, doesn't he look handsome? And doesn't Mommy look great?! He has already gained over 2.5 pounds, so I guess we know there's no major problems with the breastfeeding!   :)

He is growing and getting more alert all the time. Now he just has to figure out the "nurse longer and fill my tummy so I can sleep for a longer stretch" thing... He seems to be in more of a snack and nap mode... lol  He's moved up a size in diapers, and is wearing 3 month size clothing. No more "newborn" for him!

And today is granddaughter Claire's third birthday!!  Wow! Where have three years disappeared to? She too is growing fast.. wearing size 5 clothing at age 3... We don't see her that often so see big differences with each visit, especially in her vocabulary. Wowzers! She will be meeting baby Noah in October. Can't wait to see what she thinks of him!

Peace,
Linda

"The world is as many times new as there are children in our lives."
~ R. Brault

Baby Noah

Baby Noah has stolen my heart. I flew to Ontario last Friday and my time here has flown by. His biggest issue was figuring out the breastfeeding thing, but seems to finally have got the hang of it. He had a second appointment with an excellent Lactation Consultant this morning and has gained 10 ounces since last Thursday! Laura is relieved and happy! So all is well. Now if Mummy and Daddy could just catch up on their sleep, things would be just ducky!
I am no portrait photographer, but these are a few of my favourite photos from the last four days....

And then there were three......

Uncle Mark came to visit!

Mummy Snuggles

Peace,
Linda

"Sometimes the smallest things take the most room in your heart." ~ Winnie the Pooh