Color Block Baby Quilt

You might have noticed that I love color and contrast (Star Light, Star Dark quilt, anyone?) :). Early this year, I submitted a proposal to Make Modern magazine for a scrappy, improvisational, log-cabin-like, color block quilt pattern, and it's now a reality! Issue 13 is right here and available for purchase (at the bottom of this post, there's a discount code, too)!

The making of this quilt actually originates from the first quilt, "Golden Hour." I sewed up this one especially for my new nephew almost a year ago (which means he's now almost a year old, oh my goodness!!). The colors are based off of the jungle/tree theme in his nursery. The ladies of Make Modern requested similar strong colors, but since I never make the same quilt twice, I chose a different assortment of jungle colors (green, yellow, and orange). You can see the stark contrast in both!


I used up some precious large scale fabrics and scraps with these quilts! While I tried to achieve a solitary look for each color (using tone-on-tone fabrics and solids), pops of white really seemed to enhance it.

While I don't make the same quilt twice, I most certain DO reuse quilting motifs! On both quilts, I decided to quilt smaller, wonky squares and rectangles in the middle. As I reached the outer borders, I increased the scale and changed up the look. In the pattern, I provide more ideas for quilting so you can experiment, too!

The backing for the green quilt is a great story of destiny. A couple years ago, my lovely guild friend Robin @joybyrobin gifted me a couple yards of a scalloped print in orange, green, and yellow. I kept it in my pile of yardage to be used for backings. Lo and behold, I came across it again while pondering a pieced backing for this quilt. It matches the front PERFECTLY and was exactly the right size! Clearly, this was meant to be - I'm still amazed how well that worked out! Thank you, Robin!

The backing of my nephew's quilt was made to use up scraps in the color scheme from the middle Cotton and Steel print. I wanted it to read bold and somewhat masculine, and I think I achieve that look.

It's such a relief to finally share these quilts with you. And yes, I'm not a big fan of brown, but in my nephew's quilt, I don't mind it so much!

I can't wait to see what you make with this pattern. If you do make it, please tag me on IG (I'm @quiltyhabit) or email me a picture! I'd love to see!

Issue 13 also features more modern quilts and projects, including one from my friend Leanne @devotedquilter! Also, the last page of the magazine will give you a hint about an exciting upcoming article I'm involved with. Please feel free to use the discount code issue13friends at checkout to buy this issue for $6 AUD (that's $4.54 USD right now - discount code expires on 12/1). 

Now, let's go forth and sew our scraps together!

Linking up to Needle and Thread Thursday, Crazy Mom Quilts, TGIFF.