sweet baby makes

I have a couple of cute baby projects to share that I made for Sewing Quarter in celebration of Natasha's baby shower recently.

This adorable hooded baby towel is based on one I had as a child, that my kids all used too! It's a combination of soft plush fleece fabric and towelling. Neither of which is easy to hand embroider but I used the brilliant Stitch-n-Tear with DMC perle cotton #5 and it worked really nicely!

In a few areas I cut away the plush, inside the bubbles for example, and I outlined the house with back stitch twice to get good definition. My tip for tearing away the Stitch-n-Tear is to hold your finger down on top of the stitches as you tear the paper away to stop them pulling. It's so easy to use that I can see it becoming a staple, tracing the pattern directly on to the paper means that it can be used on dark fabrics without the issue of transferring the design!

I have created a few designs featuring priarie points recently, they are so easy to do and add a touch of whimsy. This fun appliqué quilt features concentric circles too.  

The fabrics are Bloom Beautiful by Shell Rummel mixed with a few solids. I kept the quilting simple, echoing the circles from the centre outwards. I also decided to curve the corners using the Creative Grids curved corner cutter ruler. A simple way to soften the edges and give a sweet look to the quilt.

Lastly a more traditional looking quilt, with cute teddy bear appliqué centre and borders. In the corners I added in 3D pinwheels for some texture and interest. They are so easy to create and look very cute on a baby quilt. I made a slightly scrappy binding to use up fabric, it's my favourite kind of binding!

I'm currently spending time with family, including my sister and brother-in-law and their one year old daughter. I'm reminded of all the things you need when travelling with a little one and also all the joy of seeing them learn and explore. My lot are having such a brilliant time playing with their cousin and making her giggle. Children grow so fast and family is so precious.

I hope you're all enjoying August and spending time with people you love!