Layercake Leftovers Baby Quilt Tutorial

Whenever I use a layercake, I always seem to have a few leftover squares.  I hate to toss them in the scrap bin because they are such an expensive cut of fabric so I usually lay them on the end of the ironing board and ignoret them.  

During my last clear out, I decided to do something with them and get them out of the way!

I started with ten Daysail squares.  First, I decided on a general layout I liked using nine of the squares.

Next, I sliced the squares 2.5" and then 5" from the bottom.

 I cut a 2.5" square from a solid fabric and inserted it into the center strip 2.5" from the edge.

I then sewed it all back up together using a scant quarter inch and squared up the block. as large as I could.  I think mine measured 9".

 You end up with this cute little block.  I made four of these blocks using all of the blue print squares.

The rest of my squares were striped fabrics.  I could have made the same block but the stripes not matching would have drove me crazy so I had to come up with another plan for these.

 I simply cut along one of the stripes and put in a strip of a solid fabric.

 Once again, I just had to sew the pieces back up and square up the block to the same size as the blue blocks above.

 The next step was to add some Kona Ash sashing.  You can rotate the blocks into whatever configuration you like.

Then to add a bit more detail and make the quilt a bit larger, I added another Kona Navy and Ash border. This quilt took no time at all to make!

I quilted it with some simple swirls in a light gray thread. 

A fun navy print for the backing and more Navy for the binding really gave the quilt a finished look. 

 I love how it turned out!

I used the same method to make a quilt from seven Airmail squares I had.  I did have to dig in my stash and find one coordinating fabric for two of the squares.   I think I used Kona Coal for the sashing this time.

 I chose to not use the square insert on any of these fabrics as most were somewhat directional.  Once again, I went with my favorite swirl quilting.

 ...and found some real fun prints for the backing!

Now I have two sweet little quilts just waiting for a special someone and a bit more room on my ironing board!  

Do you have a favorite use for those leftover layercake squares?

Linking Up:

My Quilt Infatuation
Free Motion Mavericks

Confessions of a Fabric Addict

TGIFF

Fabric Frenzy Friday

Richard and Tanya Quilts

Crazy Mom Quilts
A Quilted Passion

Daysail Dizzying Diamonds Quilt

In February, I was excited to have won a copy of the Dizzying Diamonds pattern by Sew Bittersweet Designs for meeting my January ALYoF goal.  I shopped around for just the right layercake and decided that Bonnie & Camille's Daysail collection would be perfect.  I was super excited to find it available on sale through Craftsy.  A chunk of Navy Kona and I was in business.

I love almost every print in this collection.  I did leave the striped prints out of this quilt - I thought they would be distracting and thankfully you do not need the entire cake to make this pattern.

Here is my finished quilt...Isn't it pretty!  This is the second quilt I have made using a Bonnie & Camille collection and I have loved them both.  I think they are one of my favorite fabric designers.

(Here is a link to the first quilt)

For the quilting, I went with a freehand floral design in a navy thread.  I love the texture it adds to the quilt.  For the back, I had this fun navy chevron in my stash - another bargain purchase I knew would come in handy someday!

 

There were lots of HSTs in this quilt - in fact, 4 of each print.  A trick I use to disperse prints throughout a quilt top is to sort 4 identical stacks.  Use one stack for each quadrant of the quilt.  Now you won't have all of one print in one area of your quilt top.  Pretty clever, huh!

I did get stalled out on this project more than once waiting for an empty design wall.  I was beginning to think I would never finish it!

Thanks goodness for Finish-Alongs!  I was determined to get this one done before the end of June!

 
I have done really poorly meeting my second quarter goals for the 2015 Finish Along with On the Windy Side.  While I had set 4 goals, this quilt will be my only finish. (Insert sad face). 

 But the third quarter will soon be here so I can set some new goals.  These finish-alongs really do help me keep focused on the finishes!

Linking Up:

Confessions of a Fabric Addict

TGIFF

Fabric Frenzy Friday

Richard and Tanya Quilts

Crazy Mom Quilts
WIPS be Gone
Sew can she
On the Windy Side
Pat Sloan (UFO Busting)

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