My baby niece asked me for a soft blanket that keeps her warm and protected. Her wish is my demand and so I’m going to make my first quilt. I do have some sewing experience but I’ve never done anything bigger than Amy Butlers Gum Drop Pillows or cosmetic bags for my girls. Sometime last year I bought this great Dick & Jane fabric and this is the perfect opportunity to use it. But actually this was my first and only idea regarding fabrics. This week I ordered some chocolate brown fleece with polka dots for the back. Yesterday I searched the net for nice matching fabrics and was dissatisfied with what I’ve found because I couldn’t look and feel before buying. This morning I decided to go to this little store in the town where I used to live and made the best shopping experience EVER. The ladies at Stoffwerk are friendly, helpful and do perfect consulting when you’re a bloody beginner just as I am. She helped me choosing two matching fabrics after she brewed me a cup of coffee. Furthermore (and that was the sweetest thing) she explained and showed me how to bind the quilt. Took 2 pieces of scrap fabric, sewed it and gave it to me for reference. Isn’t that lovely. I will NEVER again order anything from the net just to help to keep this store alive. I can’t tell how grateful I am for the helpful tips and tricks she gave me. It’s written in all of my books but that was better than any book can ever explain.
Here is what I’ve got
The Dick & Jane fabric is separated in several image blocks. I will use four of them (without the blue/white background). Here’s my plan that I’ve made to have a better understanding on how it will be and how much fabric I need (M is for the D&J block)
I pray to all sewing gods available that I’ll be able to do this properly and without any major problems. The lady at the store told me to come back anytime should problems occur.
Look at the scrap fabric she gave me for binding reference so I don’t mess it up at home
I really recommend this store to anyone I know and wish more stores would treat their customers like they do. That is truly special.
Now I’ll prewash the new fabric and tomorrow I will sew the patchwork blocks and maybe maybe the whole top as well. Let’s see. This will be an adventure. Stay tuned for part 2.
