Help with Quilt design

[epdeans]

I am interested in doing my first quilt. I want to do one that will be for a infant to 5 year old to use size wise.

I have some fabric that I love the pattern but can not fiqure out how to incorporate it into the quilt. I do not know if I can get more of this print but of course I can get some accent colors to use.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7197967...7600207597743/

Can anyone help me with some ideas of how to sew this in a visually interesting way?

Thanks in advance,
Elizabeth in NC

[PumpkinSeeds]

Here is a website showing lots of blocks. Scroll down to see the patterns.

With a large print like that, I would use it as a wide border so you would be able to see the print. But that is just me, since I don't typically use large prints.

[PumpkinSeeds]

HEre is another for quilt patterns for large prints

[epdeans]

PumpkinSeeds:

Thank you for the quick reply and websites. I am going to make a cup of hot tea and explore them now.

Do you have any suggestions about the middle of the quilt if I use the fabric as a wide border? To be honest, I did not buy the fabric to use for a quilt ( it was to be a scrub shirt ) but I love it so much I want to use it in a quilt of some sort.

Also do you have any thoughts on measurements for a infant/toddler size quilt?

As you can tell I am a novice to sewing quilts but am excited and willing to learn.

Thanks for your replies,
Elizabeth in NC

[celesterra]

I'm trying to think of the name of the book... I think it's called Kaleidoscope Quilts... that design on the fabric might not make it for the whole quilt top, but you could do some focal squares by "fussy cutting" and making kaleidoscopic patterns. Here's an interview I found with the author of that book. Good luck, and let us know what you come up with!

[PumpkinSeeds]

You can look at this site

http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.ne...ingLessons.htm

I learned to make quilt tops by looking at Eleanor burns books "Quilt in a day". After I got the gist of what to do then I went on to other patterns.

You can also look here, scroll down to see the videos (I have not seen them, but you can and let us know how they are)

http://www.expertvillage.com/intervi...nner-guide.htm

[fallriverfox]

I've been in that boat. I bought some really beautiful but LOUD fabric with a big, very directional pattern. I ended up using it as a wide border, buying a very simple, coordinating fabric and making a very simple pattern with it like an irish chain. You could probably use that fabric in the big blocks of an irish chain, if you could find coordinating fabrics, although it might end up a little busy. You might be able to use it as sashing.
As a last ditch effort you use it, you could always back a quilt with it. Then you wouldn't end up cutting up the fabric pattern

[lightheart]

a crib mattress is about 28x52 inches so if it was to be used in a crib 28-36 wide by 46-52 in long,

think ahead on what type of batting you are going to want to use and check sizes so you don't have to buy extra or have to piece it. In my little notebook I have 36 by 45 for one brand and 45 by 60 for another brand.

I like square baby quilts, the ones I make are usually about 36 to 45 in square

that fabric is really pretty, although I have no suggestions on a design

This site has alot of block patterns and they have dots for easyness level too which is helpful. http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html some of the pages on the site plays music so if the little one is asleep turn down your speakers

[PumpkinSeeds]

scroll down on this page and look at the pattern for Misty Morning. It has blocks and large pieces that would showcase a large print.

http://www.quiltingconnect.com/patterns.htm

[epdeans]

Thanks for all the replies esp. the measurements.

I have decided to just give myself some time to fiqure out what to do with the large print fabric and have started on another quilt. I am kind of designing this one as I go along.

I will post some pics as soon as it begins to take some shape. The measurements are going to be 30 by 50.

Thanks for reading and Hope everyone is having a wonderful Mother's Day.
Elizabeth

[celesterra]

good luck with it! hope you'll keep us posted on your progress.

[lightheart]

I truely think you will become a great quilter! why? because unless you have a project brewing in your head, another on the table to be cut, another on the machine or in the basket ready to be sewn and a couple laying around for insperation to get back to.... if only I had a zillion hours everyday that I could sew and quilt, ahh that would be paradise!

from your 1st post
I am interested in doing my first quilt.

from a later one
I have decided to just give myself some time to fiqure out what to do with the large print fabric and have started on another quilt. I am kind of designing this one as I go along.

[SleeplessMommy]

You could use this for the centers of log cabin blocks. For the BIG motif, have just one set of logs around. For the small motif, 2-3 sets of logs around.