Brooklyn's Quilt!

Almost 1 1/2 years ago, I saw these adorable Rag Quilts at my Aunt Susan's house. My Aunt Susan said they were so easy to make...so I decided to make one for Brooklyn's bed. I spent the next month buying all the different pink fabrics that would coordinate. I never knew there were so many different shades of pink and they don't all look good together. I really was happy with the fabrics I picked.

The fabrics then sat in my office for months! When my mother-in-law came this spring, we cut out most of the fabric squares. We cut out a total of 612 pieces with the inside batting pieces. I was excited to actually start the quilt.

Then all the squares sat in my office for another 6 months because our sewing machine had a few pieces missing. I finally took it in to get repaired and tuned up last month! Finally I could start sewing the quilt.

Sewing Step 1: Easy...sew an "X" on each square to hold the front, back and middle pieces together. Sounds easy...well not for me! I guess I didn't get my mom's sewing gift. I could sew one line fine but then the next line which completed the "X" would bunch up and pleat. And my fabric would slip and wouldn't stay lined up...oh I was frustrated. I spent so much money on the fabric...I just didn't want to ruin the quilt. After many phone calls to my mom (which was hard for her to help because she hasn't made one of these quilts before either)...my sister-in-law Amanda told me that her quilt did the same thing and that it would look fine once it was done. What a relief! So I kept going and going until all the squares were "Xed."

All done with the "X!"
Step #2- Select the pattern. This was fun...kind of. It took awhile and few switching around to finally get the pattern to work out. I had to cut out one row...but I am glad it finally worked out!

Sewing Step #3- Sew each row together in strips. This part wasn't bad at all. No problems!

Sewing Step 4: Now stitch the strips together and make the quilt. Everything lined up nicely and I was happy with the result!

Front Side!

Back Side!

(Eric likes this side better! He told me he doesn't like the "rag" look...I said too bad!)

I am so proud of myself...the lines actually line up pretty well...not bad for my first quilt!

Step 5: CUT, CUT, CUT! Ok I haven't really started this process yet...it will take time. This quilt is really big...which means lots and lots of cuts. I think I will take my time and leave some for my mom when she comes!

I can't wait to see the finished product on Brooklyn's Bed! Pictures to come...hopefully it won't be too long before it is all done!

My goal was to get it sewed together before the baby comes...and I did it!

I told Brooklyn that maybe I would keep it for myself since it was sooo cute...she said no way...she loves it!