Not much has happened for another week in the sewing room. Well…I made some plans, I just didn’t execute them. First, let me tell you what I did do.
Here are my latest Lori Holt blocks for the Red Sampler Quilt Along.
In the past I have said that I hate sewing sampler quilts. I enjoy looking at them but just not making them. Making a single block has seemed so S-L-O-W. I don’t know if I’m at a different point in life or what but I’m loving this!
I am supposed to have another block done but I haven’t gotten to it yet. The last block is made using one of her latest videos. See the cute star block below? That’s the block I don’t have made yet. I would but I have to watch the video again as I forgot to write down the measurements the first time I watched.
If you haven’t watched or don’t know, Lori Holt has a wonderful series of videos out that are called “Sew Your Stash”. She presents fun and easy ways to make blocks from scraps. I’m warning you if you watch you might just end up wanting to purchase some of her fabrics. To date haven’t bought any but it’s so tempting. The fabrics are so cute and coordinate so nicely together.
Anyway…I’ll watch the video again and this time will remember to write down the measurements so I can make the block.
Some had asked me if a person would need all of the books to join the Quilt Along…I said no just sub in other blocks for the books that you don’t have. This block didn’t even require a book!!
Speaking of Lori Holt. I have two baby quilts that I need to make…one for Eli and one for Emmett. Kelli isn’t in a big hurry for them and that’s great as I finally figured out what I want to make. Kelli originally thought she’d like one in the style that Georgia’s is in….this is Georgia’s.
This is the doll quilt I made for Georgia for her birthday. It matches her big one.
These are made with recycled shirts. I had a blast making these.
I am totally okay with making the boys something similar is that is what Kelli really wants but I proposed another idea…The Plow Day Quilt by Lori Holt.
You can see the finished size is way too big for a baby quilt so I’ll adjust that and make fewer pinwheel blocks. I figured I’d make the tractor block and just start adding pinwheels until I get the size I want.
I proposed to Kelli that the entire quilt could be made with recycled shirts so it is soft and cuddly. She liked that idea.
Emmett’s would have a green tractor and Eli’s would have a blue tractor. Both would be scrappy.
If you’re curious, the pattern is in her Farm Girl Vintage book. Find it HERE on Amazon.
I think on the backside of the quilts I will put their names. This time around I think I’m going to get fancy and use her Spelling Bee book.
Then I might make a couple more blocks from the books and put a block on each side of their names. That’s what I’m thinking now. We’ll see what happens. All I know is that Kelli gave me the okay so that’s what I’m planning. The thing that makes me really excited about this is that I can putz at it a little at a time. I can do a block here and there like I am with the Red Sampler blocks then once things settle down around here and the garden is doing a better job of taking care of itself, I can actually get busy and really get to sewing. I set a goal of having the quilts done by September…We’ll see. I know there is no hurry.
In the meantime, I did finish cutting up the shirts I brought from Kelli’s house. YAHOO. Now I have more fabric options for the quilts.
I’m really excited about these quilts and can’t wait to jump in and make them.
That’s what I’ve been up to on the quilting front!!
I love your plan and will be excited to see them coming together!
Oh what fun to plan and do baby quilts. I think your idea is a great one for you new grand sons. Enjo the doing.
I plan my baby quilts for growing children. They average about 60″ finished. 48 to 50 inches are a good size too. That gives the baby’s momma something to put on the floor for tummy time and keep the wiggles still on a clean surface.
I love the Lori Holt Books. I have them all. They have easy to follow instructions and everything is so cute! I bought the books one by one and eventually, I have collected them all of them. While her fabrics are so beautiuul, I have been using my stash for the quilts. I don’t think I will ever get to the end of it.
I like your ideas! I’m curious how you organize the shirt pieces in your stash after you prep them?
Good day Jo, I am looking at your first photo of the two red blocks. I really like the choice of fabrics. As I am studying them, I noticed a quilted item just peeking out from underneath them. It is gray with gold and cream fabrics. Any chance you can show this item in a future post? It looks very interesting.
A question regarding size of a baby quilt. I am making my first baby quilt and I am unsure on size. I find dimension vary greatly in quilt books and on the internet. What size would you recommend for a 6-month old? Not sure if you already answered this type of question in an Ask Jo post . . . if so please point me to it. Thank you.
I make baby quilts really more of a toddler-sized. Because of SIDS, babies really don’t use quilts like they used to so that’s why I’ve switched to toddler size. Many people do something like 40 x 40 but mine are closer to around 50 x 50…more of a lap-sized quilt.
Agree with your sizing. I always use my mom’s rule of thumb for baby quilts. One yard of fabric. I don’t make a lot of those. I consider them the heirloom, baptism quilts with lots of hand embroidery and hand quilted. “Real” baby quilts I make are usually in the 50″ to 60″ square range. Throw them on the bed to change a diaper or on the floor as a playmat. Big enough to move to a toddler’s first bed and totally loved to death by kindergarten.
Jo, Thank you. I will plan for a 50″ x 50″ quilt. I’d love to do the tractor, but the quilt will be for a girl.
Your red block is so beautiful, you sew/piece so well. My goal someday is to make a block that well.
I love your idea for the quilts for the boys. What about red tractor for Holland Tractor (right tractor)? Or is there is a blue one that I am not familiar with.
Both Ford and New Holland tractors are blue! We see a whole rainbow of tractors around the 4th of July when our farmers bring out their antique tractors and line them up along Highway 26 between Monroe, WI and Orangeville, IL to celebrate both the holiday and our farming heritage.
Kris in Cheese Country (Green County, WI)
My brother has his tractor in this parade. He had a restored Massey -Harris tractor. Growing up we had a blue Ford tractor and Massey Ferguson too.
How about the blue and white tractor Lisa bought for Oliver on Green Acers (I think Mr. Zirkle ended up with it!
Love the idea for Eli’s and Emmett’s quilts. Can’t wait to see them finished.
Love. Love. Love your idea for the baby quilts! Can’t wait to see them come to life.
You are making good progress on your Sampler blocks, Jo. Love, love, LOVE the idea for the twins’ quilts!!!
Just a note,Jo. If anyone wants the book with the tractor its Book two.
Your plans for the boys quilts sounds great!
How about the blue and white tractor Lisa bought for Oliver on Green Acers (I think Mr. Zirkle ended up with it!
Love Lori Holt’s books and her “Sew your stash” videos! I’ve been having fun making blocks from Farm Girl Vintage and Farm Girl Vintage 2; they’re addictive. There is a tractor block in Farm Girl Vintage 2, but the tractor block Jo shows on her post is the one from Farm Girl Vintage (the first book).
Love making quilts with mens shirts also.