New Baby + New Year = New Quilt

There’s no better way to start a New Year than with a new quilt, made in celebration of the birth of a precious baby.  A gorgeous day at the beach called for a photoshoot. Sorry, not sorry if it’s snowing where you are - I’m sure that’s pretty too. 

For the January 2022 Aurifil Artisan showcase I am sharing my original design inspired by two gifted quilts that came before it.  But before I reveal those- let’s take a moment to admire how beautifully blended the variegated 50wt color 4670 quilted up. 

I also used a neutral 50wt for the piecing, color 2000 even though there are lights and darks in the fabric. 

Here’s the completed quilt for our niece and her husband’s  newborn son.  I’m so pleased with how it turned out and that it was actually gifted on time.  They have sent us adorable pictures of it being well loved. 

When it comes to deciding on what to make, I try to personalize at every opportunity.  I made the quilt shown below for their wedding present.  Pattern Chain+Link by Elizabeth Dackson 

The palette and design influence is pretty obvious I think.  

When their daughter was born a few years ago, I made her this Lone Star in a Sharon Winters workshop. I combined the elements of the two to make the newest one feel related (pun intended). 

The 50 wt thread lays so nicely with opens seems that I just had to include an underbelly shot. 

And here’s a close up of the prints - there are nine in all and my stash served me well. A cohesive scrappy modern traditional design is my preference lately. 

For hand stitching the binding, I used color 2784 with my new favorite cut width of 3” instead of 2.25” so that it gives a substantial edge. 

The quilt measures right on target  48” square. Big enough for baby to lay on now and small enough for him to drag around when he’s grown and toddling about. 

Backed in flannel with bamboo silk batting, a cozy combination. 

Be sure to check out the other featured makers to see what projects they have shared and follow along on instagram #aurifilartisan @capitolaquilter 

Happy Stitching, Karen