Quilters can make all sorts of gifts for baby.
That little bundle of joy will need all sorts of practical items when he/she arrives. Just think of all the quilt projects you can make as gifts for baby and mom.
Start with a baby tote bag to hold everything Mom will need at a moment’s notice. Then, make a matching quilted bottle bag to keep baby’s food warm or cold during long commutes and shopping trips. A set of quilted baby bibs would be very welcome. A new Mom can never have too many.
A patchwork changing pad will ensure that baby will be clean and comfortable during those frequent diaper changes when he/she is out and about town.
Quilts of all different sizes will be needed as well. This joyful event definitely calls for a crib quilt. But, forego the matching pillow shams until baby is older. Smaller quilts and liners for baby carriers and strollers will also come in handy.
When it comes time to select fabrics for these projects, there is no shortage of suitable choices. Fabric stores carry entire lines of infant and juvenile prints. If you’re using cotton, be sure to preshrink it.
Novice quilters can easily learn as they go by starting with one of the pre-printed crib quilt panels. These are available in many familiar nursery themes. This quick and easy project can be finished in a weekend. Just add a coordinating print for borders, and the baby quilt top is ready.
Beginners will definitely want to start with patterns or quilt books for these projects. They’re widely available from various sources. For novices, there is a perfect book from Four Corners Designs called “Boutique Baby.” An invaluable, color-illustrated title, it features patterns for perfect baby totes along with all the accessories he/she will need, including ID tags for the bags. This book has easy to follow directions for each project. With each project, there is a chart showing what fabrics and supplies you will need, layouts, and ready to use pattern pieces.
Another Four Corners title, “Grab and Go Totes” is also a suitable title for baby. This book features tote bags in four different sizes and 15 different versions. Among these are several designed specifically for baby. In addition, this has patterns for matching accessories.
This title has fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions along with a handy table listing the materials and other items needed for each of the different bags. This also has full-size pattern pieces.
