I did say it was quick
Caleb’s quilt just needs quilting now. You may notice the selvages on the edges – while I even up the strips as I’m piecing, I just leave these on until the top is quilted and then I trim them off as I square up the quilt and get it ready for binding.
A close up of the monkeys….it may not look like much now but these are SO cute when they’re quilted and bound.
It’s funny that I’m piecing this one right now because there’s been some discussion on the HeartStrings group about quilting/learning to quilt on a domestic sewing machine.
When I first got my longarm, I wanted a quick donation quilt that I could practice my quilting on that didn’t take long to piece and designed this little quilt just for that purpose. With the different width strips it’s prefect for practicing sashing, border, and all over quilting designs and by the time you’ve repeated the design in all the strips through the quilt, they’re pretty well embedded in your brain.
This was also one of the first quilts that I posted instructions for on my MaryQuilts.com site and the one that is most frequently downloaded and that I get the most email about.
So if you’re one of those quilters who wants to practice your quilting — think about whipping up one of these little quilts and then donating it when you’re done.
I love your monkeys, I have a few monkeys at my house too. Have a great wednesday!:o)
That’s a really cute quilt and going back and seeing your first couple I can see how it would be great for getting some quilting practice in. I’ll keep this in mind.
Too cute, monkey’s are so popular nowdays. Wow May 23 is just around the corner. I’ve been working on our baby’s quilt (July 19) … no name yet.
Soooo cute!!! What a great way to use novelty fabric and still be able to enjoy the print. I’m going to have to make this one up for a grand-niece. And I’m always amazed at your heart strings quilts — every one is beautiful!
I have to say thank you again for this quilt pattern. I’ve personally made over 100 of these guys and my group of quilting ladies have made more than 300 of them. We’ve sent them as far away as Kazakhstan and as close as kids who have lost a parent to cancer. These quilts turn out so cute with all sorts of fabrics that I would never think go together. Three fabrics, one hour and you have a top completed. Another hour, it is quilted and bound. You can’t go out and buy something in 2 hours that looks this great. Thank you again Mary for sharing this one with me!
I have that monkey fabric! It’s great. I used it to make a quilt for my little cousin when he was born. Maybe one day I’ll have to try this quilt to practice some new techniques; it’s super cute.
That’s so cute! I bought a couple of fabrics at Paducah that I think will make great little stripey quilts.
Love the piecing of this quilt. I often piece fabrics together before I cut out an applique shape. Like you, I find it quicker and easier.
Nice work.
Amanda
http://heartathomepatterns.blogspot.com/
What a great quilt! I’m going to have to try a few of those out. I love things that go together quickly.
You know how much I like this pattern. It’s my favourite quilt to make for a baby or a small child and I love using border fabric to make them.
Hi Mary,
I too have made several of these quilts both for gifts and for donation. I am starting a Prayers & Squares group at my church and made 10 of these as kits for ladies to take…that worked out great! They are a perfect size for children or adults (snuggling up in a chair) and if a larger size is wanted then a simple border or 2 takes care of it! Thanks for putting the pattern out for us to use.
Quick. And cute! Love the monkey fabric.
Yes…I agree. These types of quilts are perfect for giving and for just whipping together to have something *real* to work (or practice) upon. Nothing bored me more when first beginning than the thoughts of practicing on plain yardage.
Those monkeys are so cute as is the overall pattern. Love the striped green fabric you used. Is it a Nancy Halvorsen fabric? I can also see how this would be a great quilt for practicing machine quilting.