Baby Shower Season

Crochet Baby Blankets. If you have baby showers to attend this spring, here are two beginner friendly patterns that are quick to make and pack a punch on cuteness. Both have pom pom corners but you can omit if that not your style. Each blanket has a free printable pattern so make sure you download those freebies.

Both of these patterns are fun to make. You will need a yarn needle to weave in your tails and a plastic pom pom maker. You can get this 4-pack below for under $7 on Amazon. Clover brand is way too much, this brand is just as good. Pick the size that best suits your project.

This first one is a rectangle granny square pattern. Pick any three colors you want, my sample has light blue, dark green and white. White pom poms made with the pink tool above. It's the second to the smallest size or 48mm.

Here is my latest pattern, Modern Stripes Baby Blanket. It's a two color crochet pattern with single crochet stitches for one color and double crochet stitches for the second color. White and pink pom pom corners. But the best part is this double shell stitch border. It makes the border pop and adds height. Make sure you download the free pattern.

New to Quilting (Part 2)

Are you new to quilting and don't know where to start? Here we offer step-by-step tutorials to guide you through every part of the quilting process, making it easy to start (and finish!) your own quilts. With a focus on vintage charm and handmade beauty, you’ll find inspiration to create quilts that feel right at home in your space.

Last newsletter we covered buying fabric, how to pick your first pattern, how to cut fabric with rotary cutter and how to sew simple squares together. If you are an over achiever, you also practiced making half square triangles.

Before we move on, how did it go? What was challenging, where did you struggle?

Most people who are learning to quilt are also learning to sew. Or maybe you took sewing classes in high school but haven't touched a machine since then. Every sewing machine is different but they all work in the same way. You need to practice sewing. Sewing machine issues is the number one place you will struggle. Search for YouTube videos on your specific machine. Watch and rewatch those videos until you work out your issues and like how you are sewing on it.

Then start your quilt. Yes! Start the quilt pattern. Use my charm square quilt tutorial to walk you through every step. It will show you how to sew rows together to build the quilt top.

You should always start with a basic charm square quilt, on a small scale. Seriously, don't jump ahead of yourself. It gets expensive when you don't know what your doing. I suggest buying two 5" charm squares that are pre cut. One charm pack is too small, two charm packs is still small but you could keep or donate for a baby blanket.

To modify this pattern for two 5" charm packs, just lay out all of your 5" squares on the floor or bed until you like the layout. Aim for a square shape, you may have left over charm squares. That's find, just add to your new fabric stash. Then sew up row one, lay back down. Then sew up row two, lay back down. Follow until all rows are done.

Then follow tutorial on sewing rows together and work your way down. Join two rows, lay back down. Join next two rows, then lay back down. Continue until you cannot join any more. Then join the sewn rows together by starting at the top and working your way down. Repeat process until quilt top is done.

If you finish your quilt top, follow the tutorial below for next steps.

Next time I will talk about backing fabric, batting and basting. Remember, take breaks if you are getting tired, frustrated or are making a lot of mistakes. You can do this. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions or need help.

I'm Nikki, a maker obsessed with quilting, crochet, and all things fabric. Here, you'll find easy-to-follow patterns, helpful tutorials, and plenty of inspiration for your next handmade project. Whether you're stitching up a cozy quilt, crocheting a vintage-inspired blanket, or diving into upcycled sewing, I'm here to make the process fun and stress-free. Grab your fabric (or yarn), and let's create something beautiful together!

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Newport Beach, California 92660