B is for Blankets

Ok, so 'B' is late.  Ava will make up for my slip.  She'll make 'C'  fantastic. 

When Ava signed up for the ABC Along, I knew right away what I'd use for the letter B.  It represents an example of how Ava & I are different; I don't sleep & Ava can fall asleep sitting up.  Because of my curse (our mother often apologizes for passing this trait along), I appreciate a good nap.  15 minutes or 2 hours is an amazing gift.  But I need the perfect storm for it to happen.  I can't be in a bed.  I must be on the couch with the TV on, but I can't be facing the TV.  And finally, I need a blanket.  No matter how hot it is, I've got to be covered.

I also think that making someone a blanket is the an excellent way to show the recipient that they are really loved.  Blankets aren't a quick an easy gift.  You are going to be working on it for a while, so you'd better find materials & pattern that you love.  My all-time favorite project is still the Amy Butler Lotus quilt.  It gets used everyday & the colors actually make me feel better.  Amy Butler fabrics have that effect on me.  Two current favorites were gifts.  First, Tuck's Serenity blanket from Ava.  Every time I cover him with it, I'm reminded by the love that he was guaranteed before he was even born.  Second, receiving blankets from my mother.  These are very simple flannel squares, but they are essential in our home.  Both boys have benefited from a good swaddle.  Commercial receiving blankets just aren't big enough to get a tight & lasting swaddle.  Gus asks SK (King of the Swaddle) to wrap Tuck like a burrito. It's only a matter of time before Gus is "swaddled" in the Lotus quilt.

My love for blankets is on-going.  I feel good when I've got one (or 3) in a WIP pile.  My goal for this maternity leave, is to complete Gus' Big Boy blanket.  I started piecing it together this weekend.  I also hope to have V's graduation quilt started.  I've chosen a pattern from Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in the Sun.  Should be simple enough, but I'd like to use a different method to quilt it.  The past quilts have been quilted with the Stitch in the Ditch method.  I want that random stitch look, but I'm not sure how to go about it.  Here is a beautiful example of what I'd like to achieve.  You think that you just load the quilt into the machine & go at it?

That's my take on 'B'.  I could have taken the easy route & chosen Baby, Boys, Boobs, or Breast-feeding.  All very important 'B' words.  But sleep time is precious these days, so I'll honor my favorite friend, the Blanket.

-L

Comments

[gonzomama]

i love the quilt in the picture! love it. i want to make quilts so badly and that one just calls out to be cuddled up on the couch with. i am hoping to start my first quilt this month. oh, and yeah i would guess you just put it in the machine and go. it's a great look. can't wait to see the end result. good luck!

[kelly jo]

He is so sweet!! There's nothing better than a good swaddle on a sweet little baby (that's what husbands are for!) I love those beautiful quilts!! I'm attempting my first, and all that's left is the quilting part, and I'm so afraid to dive in and finish it! And I'm with you, no matter what the temperature or situation, I need a blanket on me to fall asleep!

[Kirsten]

There is nothing sweeter that a happily swaddled baby. Tuck looks so cute wrapped like a burrito!

[sappmama]

L, you and I definitely have similar taste in fabric. You've got some of my favorites going on here, and you've put them together so well. I'm all atwitter. I came here, initially, for the blankets, and though I thoroughly enjoy all else, I'm happy they're still around.

[sappmama]

PS: Yes, I think so. But you could also stipple quilt it. That's kind of what Aunt June has done, but it's not true stippling because in true stippling the lines don't touch. (Spoken from an academic standpoint. I've never made a quilt in my life, ha.)

[Ava]

Tell the boys (not SK) that I plan on snuggling under those blankets this weekend. Can't wait to see you! The haircut looks nice . . . kind of pussied out though.

[Shannon]

I love blankets too! And naps! I also have to be covered in something no matter how hot - if it is desperately hot then a sheet, but more often than not, a blanket still. And my blanket on my bed HAS TO HAVE a great big swath of sateen around the edge or I have a hard time falling asleep as I gentley rub the sateen between my fingers as I drift off to sleep. My family makes fun of me for it.

And re: the quilt, I haven't a clue as to how to make a quilt, but my guess is that indeed you just have at it to get the random stitches.

Enjoy snuggling up in your blankets!

[Lauren]

Aw, Tuck's getting so big already!

My new nephew came last week...all the babies are coming now and I love it. Mom and baby are great. My mom emailed Ava for the Serenity pattern, I think Gavin will be getting his very own handknit blanket!

[Vicki]

Beautiful!

[Vicki]

Beautiful!

[Erin Merryweather]

What an absolutely gorgeous blanket/quilt...I want!
Lola, thanks for the comment and the book suggestion. I appreciate it! I'm excited about the whole vegetarian thang.
Nice to meet you and look forward to reading your and Ava's blog.
-Erin

[Erin Merryweather]

PS: baby boy is precious!!!