That’s what I wrote on the label for this quilt I just made… my first!

There is a new baby on the way for one of my Stitch n’ Beach girlfriends.

I started with a Jelly Roll of fabric from I think 2009 or 08 called “All you need is love”.  It was red, pink, and white, with some brown and a great green that just pops!

There are polka dots, stripes, hearts and lots of Love Love Love.  Very girly for the girl on the way. 

I was inspired by this pattern, which means, I read that pattern, and went and did my own thing.  I’m happy with the result.  (Do you love my giant red corkboard wall?  yeah, me too.  ahem.) 

It’s backed with the red hippos from IKEA. 

I don’t know what it is about this fabric that I love so much, but I do.  I have a pillow and duvet cover in the green hippos for La La’s crib and  I bought some more of the fabric because eventually she will outgrow her crib and I want to keep the fabric around. 

I quilted in straight lines, (uh, mostly) on the diagonal.  I started without a walking foot and then realized it would be better to get one and it made the rest of the lines much easier. 

I machine stitched the binding to the front, and hand stitched the back and even mitered the corners.  I got some advice from fellow SnB gal Carole who is an expert quilter, and I’m so glad I asked because what she showed me looked so much nicer than what I was trying to do at first. 

I started working on this quilt in February at the LA Modern Quilt Guild‘s Sewing Saturday.  They have a space where we can spend almost the whole day with great light, a great space and everyone brings their work, their machines, a few irons, ironing boards, cutting mats and rulers and everyone shared tools and advice and I had such a great time that I want to go back in March, but may have to wait for April. 

Just like my local SnB, there were women of all ages and skill levels, and even a few men.  I wish I could join the guild but will never be able to make it to a meeting, as they meet on Monday nights and getting around LA after work is not on my list of fun things to do.  I might join anyway, just to get in on these great Weekend Sews. 

I am so looking forward to meeting the recipient of this quilt.  She’s due in a month.

I didn’t get to stay at the baby shower Wednesday night because we’ve got the plague at casa adnohr right now.  Mom, Dad, and La La all have conjunctivitis, Mom also has an ear infection and laryngitis, and Dad has an ear infection and bronchitis.  We spent the day yesterday sanitizing the house because this needs to get out!!!  We are still coughing til we’re dizzy and are just miserable. 

I am really bummed because some of the women that don’t come on a regular basis always come for a special occasion, and I didn’t get to see them.  I just ran in, gave momma the gift and left.  I felt really bad, but didn’t want to make anyone else sick, this is no fun.  Especially momma who wouldn’t be able to take the good antibiotics to kill the bugs. 

But I’m really happy I was able to complete this in time for the shower.  I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to start on the next project.  It’s either going to be a quilt, some more doll clothes, or a really cute book for La La.  I’ll describe that later, once I iron out the details. 

ETA:  I forgot about Sew & Tell.  I wanted to link this up so I’ve added this line so you can see what others are sewing and sharing too!