Super mod ombre quilt.

I had my eye on this quilt for the longest time. I stumbled across this patterns on the internet one day long ago (find the original post here at See Kate Sew) and I have not forgotten about it since. It's difficult to keep quilting modern, but the simple repetitive triangular pattern in a current colour scheme make for a really trendy blanket and I just love that. I knew I wanted to add this project to my "accomplished" list for sure.

The problem was that we already have an overflowing stash of quilts and blankets galore so I really didn't want to make yet another one to add to the collection simply because I liked it. I was waiting just for the right moment when I could execute this idea. Finally, when my cousin announced that him and his lovely wife were expecting a baby girl, I immediately knew I'd be making this quilt. 

Originally, I really wanted to use mint shades instead of the pink as I was told the nursery colour scheme will be mint, grey, and white, with just a HINT of pink. However, due to a really exhausting and unsuccessful search for three shades of the right colour of mint, I had no choice but to settle on the pink. Albeit pink being second choice, I was still very happy with the colours as I was able to incorporate lighter shades of coral into the mix. Contrasting with black and white, with an accent of grey, altogether the colours look really great together, and the quilt overall does not scream "PINK!!!". 

All the triangles were cut from 100% cotton fabrics, while inside the quilt, I used a 100% cotton quilt batting that gives warmth without adding bulk. The underside of the quilt is lined with a 100% cotton flannel in a dark gray shade with a white polka dot pattern.

I selected this flannel for three main reasons; the dark gray colour breaks up the amount of pink in the quilt and, since this is the underside of the quilt, which is the side that will be in contact with the floor/grass/etc, it will disguise the appearance of dirt and any stains. Finally, flannel is a warmer fabric than plain woven cotton, so it will add some warmth if the quilt is used as a blanket. The edges were finished off with a neat, thin cotton trim, with perfect mitered corners. 

This was a pretty straight forward quilt to sew, but this project is certainly not for those who don't care for details. In order to get straight rows and matching seams/corners, great care has to be taken to ensure that the triangles are all cut out identically, are perfectly aligned when sewing together, and that all seam allowances are exactly alike. This is the "you get what you give" kind of project; sloppy execution will yield a sloppy quilt.

Being a perfectionist, I really enjoyed sewing this quilt; it was very satisfying to see it all come together so neatly. I made it much larger than the typical baby blanket size (usually about 32" x 32"); this beauty measures approximately 43" x 48", which makes it ideal for use for many years to come. It makes a great mat for when the baby hangs out on the floor on its back, for tummy-time, and even when the little munchkin is learning to crawl. In toddler-hood, this quilt is ideal for using as a blanket during naps, for playing on the floor, taking along on road trips (my kids absolutely need a blanket to stay covered and cozy in their car seats!), or to wrap up their favourite doll. 

I am so in love with this quilt! So much so, that I already have an entirely new stash of coordinating fabrics lined up and ready to make a new quilt!! Now if I could just find the time... or perhaps a new baby to gift it to! :)