Cut Glass Baby Quilt – Vintage Quilt Revival

I don’t buy many quilting books because I’d rather make my own projects most of the time. Vintage Quilt Revival was an exception. Almost as soon as I bought the book, I learned that Katie Blakesley was a member of the DCMQG at the time and that she’d be hosting a trunk show. When I saw her Cut Glass quilt, I fell in love.

It might be too strong to say I was hoarding the pattern, but I definitely had it in my pattern library and was waiting for an opportunity to use it! When two of my best law school friends announced they were having a baby, I knew I’d found the perfect match.

I made it baby-quilt-size instead of a regular-sized quilt because other new parents have told me they like having a mobile blanket. It can cover a stroller or car seat, protect a baby when lying in a germy public space, and becomes a “blankie” when the baby outgrows these uses.

Not only does the back side of the quilt match the gray and yellow nursery décor, but it is also reminiscent of the Steelers’ colors – baby’s dad is a huge fan!

Sew Kitschy – A Placemat Finish!

I started participating in the Sew Kitschy quilt-along (QAL), hosted by Kristy at Quiet Play, with the intent to make a quilt for my pastry chef sister. I lost steam a little before I made it halfway through. Then, when I thought I might revive the project, my sister saw the blocks and thought they might not fit her home décor bedroom aesthetic. (I guess not everyone loves BRIGHTS! haha)

I rescued the project and am able to check one UFO off my list by turning the finished blocks into placemats instead. The kitchen theme works perfectly in the kitchen! As an added bonus, the blocks match an oven mitt and some potholders I made my sister for Christmas a few years back.

Here are the back sides:

Glad to have one more project off my list. And my cutting mat.

Bonnie & Camille-Inspired Triple-Zip Pouch

August marked the last month of my #birthdayclubhandmade swap… although I’m only posting about it now! I learned a lot from hosting my first swap, and I got to know some quilters a little better since most of my “sewcializing” is done online. August’s birthday girl listed as inspiration mom and daughter duo Bonnie & Camille. I present the Bonnie & Camille-inspired triple-zip pouch!

(Sorry for the poor iPhone photos; I was in a hurry to post the package!)

I found that, although I like Bonnie & Camille fabrics, I didn’t have many in my stash. However, I had lots of fabrics that were in more or less the right colorway. I also had a Thimble Blossoms pattern: the mini swoon.

The mini swoon finishes at 8″. To fit the back of the pouch, I reduced by half. The swoon above is just 4″! Some of those HSTs are 1/2″. Who knew something so small could take so long to sew?! I know the number of pieces is more important than size in determining sewing time, at least in theory. I always forget when I decide to sew something small, haha.

Each of the interior pockets is a different color, too. I stitched a piece of vintage ribbon into the biggest pocket. It matched perfectly!

The triple-zip pouch is a pattern I have used before on several occasions. I love it!

On one hand, I’m sad the birthday swap is over. It was fun watching my Instagram feed to see what others in the group had made. On the other, I can’t wait for all of my sewing time to be spent on “me projects” for awhile! I also have a bunch of big life changes on the horizon, so fewer commitments will be a good thing. Thanks to everyone who participated or followed along!