Did you see me? This is where I was hiding!

Here's another project pulled from the closet of doom and finished.  I made the top back in February.  Yesterday evening I did the quilting and applique and tonight I finished the binding.

Here's a detail of the quilting.

Here's a shot of the giraffe-print Minky on the back.  (It's soooo soft!)  When I'm making these baby quilts with Minky backs, I only quilt through the top and batting layers.  Then, I lay the quilted layer on top of the Minky and hand baste two rows of stitching around the edges of the quilt, so the Minky doesn't shift or stretch while the binding is being sewn on. 

The giraffe applique is chocolate brown Minky.  I thought that, with all the busy patterns on this quilt, it would be best to keep the applique simple.  The only real embellishment is a wool felt eye. 

The finished quilt is pretty small -- about 32" square, but a good size for stroller or carseat.  Now that Gus' quilt is done, I just have to finish the one for his twin sister, Poppy!  As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm doing two giveaways this week.  The second is for a little kit to make a quilt top like this one.  It includes nine squares to make the crazy nine patch blocks, one half yard giraffe print fabric for sashing, and a Minky piece and wool felt scrap to make the applique.  If you'd like to enter to win, just comment on this post before midnight (Pacific) Friday, May 2.

How To Make the Quilt:

Here is a template for the giraffe: Download giraffe_template.pdf.  Directions for making Minky appliques can be found in the Bunny Applique Tutorial in the sidebar.

To make the crazy nine-patch blocks, start with nine different 10" squares.

Stack the squares and make a diagonal cut through all layers.  Once you've made the cut, take the top piece on the right stack and move it to the bottom.  Stitch each square back together, making sure to put the finished squares back in the same order.

Repeat the same process on the left side.  However, this time you'll move the top two pieces to the bottom of the stack.  Once again, stitch the squares back together, keeping them in the same order.

Next, make a cut across all of the blocks.  Because of the thickness, you may need to cut a few at a time, using an already cut piece as a guideline.  This time you'll move the top three pieces to the bottom of the stack.  Again stitch the squares back together, keeping the squares in order. 

Note:  Because of the angles involved, you will not be able to match all seams.  Don't try.  It's a crazy nine-patch after all.  Just keep the overall block as square as possible.

Last cut!  This time across the bottom.  This time you'll move the top six pieces to the bottom of the stack.  Sew the squares back together.  At this point, once that last seam is sewn, there is no need to put the blocks back in the same order.

Trim all finished blocks to 8.5" square.

Et, voila!  The finished crazy nine-patch squares.  To finish the quilt top, add sashing cut from 2" strips of fabric (for 1.5" finished sashing).  If you're using my method of adding a Minky back and quilting only through the top and batting, I suggest doing the quilting before you add the applique.

Happy Sewing! 

Comments

[Anna Y]

lovely quilt elizabeth. my guess that no matter what the size is, the minky will be a hit with the recipient. ct is still mad about her minky quilts.

[zenzhey]

It's absolutely fabulous! Such a cute idea! You are so nice to also make tutorials for all the wonderful things you make! It is truely appreciated!

[Lisa]

What a sweet baby quilt - thanks for another great tute! I am not familiar with Minky fabric but it looks very luxurious and a great texture for a giraffe!

[hollystar]

that is entirely too cute! it makes me want to print the template out and put it on something. anything. whatever i cant get my hands on first. watch out husband. who knows what shirt this might have on it in the morning.

[Marcia]

Oh! How sweet of you! I'm so in for this give away. (fingers all crossed) Your little blanket is sooo cute!

[janice]

Once again, I love it! I make minky blankets, I think I will use that giraffe idea on a regualar blanket as well! :)

[Annette]

What gorgeous little quilts. Please enter me in your give away - if I win, once made this I know a special little person this quilt will be passed along to.

[Tine]

That is so beautiful! I've never worked with minky_to be honest, I don't even know what it is :-) But it looks gorgeous! And I am sooo keeping my fingers crossed.... that giveaway looks fantastic!

[Joanna]

Oh wow I am really hoping for a win here (as is everybody!)as I have a 'thing' for giraffes. My favorite animal at the zoo! And to use minky - genius!

[Ellen B]

What a great quilt and tutorial!
I'm going to have to get over my fear of sewing with Minky and try your technique.

[Shelley]

I just love your little quilt, and I'd really enjoy making one for my little girl. I'm hoping I'll be the lucky one!

[Cory]

This is a great baby quilt. I love the giraffe. Isn't the crazy nine patch a fun block to do? I have done several. The most recent is a baby quilt. I will post it after it has been gifted. I'd love to win this kit. Such fun fabrics.

[Dallas]

Cute! I love that its not the traditional baby pastels, but still fun and young.

[Kim]

That is way cool! I want to start right now!! Thank you for sharing...
I'll keep my fingers crossed too.

[Kim]

That is way cool! I want to start right now!! Thank you for sharing...
I'll keep my fingers crossed too.

[Amy]

Oooh! What a perfect idea for the nephew we're expecting in June. I've bookmarked your giraffe quilt, and I'm thrilled that you're offering the applique pattern. (Thank you!!)

[cynthia]

I am so excited to try this quilt!

And so excited that I might win!!!

Thanks for the great tutorial and for the contest.

[Kristin]

What a sweet quilt!

[terri]

your creativity never ceases to amaze me...i do adore coming to your blog and just "looking"...kinda like window shopping...=)...please include me in the chance for your giveaway...thanks...

[Ana]

That is such a cute blanket! I love the look of those crazy squares and the chocolate brown giraffe. :)

[marisa]

So cute! What a perfect baby quilt!! Please include me in the giveaway - I have a wee-one coming in June :)

[Christina]

I am trying to imagine how you control the fluff if you quilt without material under the batting! Really lovely idea to applique the huge giraffe.

[Joy]

It looks like a fun place to be hiding out! ;) The stroller quilt is incredible and the giraffe is so much fun! Thanks for sharing your creative creations with us in blog land!

[coralee]

Just caught your post on SMS and wanted to thank you (in case you don't read the comments there). Great tut!!

[Michelle]

Such a neat idea, and good way to use our special scraps. Thanks so much for the tutorial. Can't wait to try it.