One of the things I wanted to do for each of my kids was to make them a baby quilt. Prior to Jones, I had only ever "quilted" once - and that was a t-shirt quilt made out of all my high school shirts and I don't really count that since I never actually quilted it together with machine, I just tacked the layers together. I like to do Aplique quilting so that I can create a scene that encompasses the room's theme. With Jones - Mountains and hot air balloons. This baby got a woodland tree theme. When I start out making my quilt, I like to sketch it out and color it in my sketch book. From there I can plan for what material I need and how much of it. 

Then, I tape together tissue paper in the size of the top piece and transfer my sketch onto it there. It always translates differently on the tissue paper, but the essence is still the same. 

After writing down the assigned fabric to each of the shapes, I cut them all out and pin them to their respected materials. Since I didn't allow for seam allowance on my pattern, I give my self about a quarter to a half of an inch around the tissue paper when cutting the material. 

From there I start piecing it all together and sewing! It's like one big, giant puzzle that makes me regret so many sharp edges! haha

Here's the top piece all finished! (minus the boarders)

Once I had the boarders on I enlisted the help of my mom in law and she guided me through using the quilt machine that she and her sisters all share. This is my favorite part of the quilting process! In keeping with the woodland theme, I quilted in leafy vines and pine trees.

When I was talking with Danny earlier in the design stages he said I should quilt bears and animals all over it! I didn't think I had the patience/skill level to free hand an entire forrest of animals without lifting the needle, so I settled on one bear. 

(The grey minky is the back - it's a bit easier to see the bear. And then the front is obviously with all the color pieces)

Once the quilt was quilted together I made the binding out of the same material I used for the tree trunks and boarders. Then I sat down and sewed that puppy shut! Here's the final outcome! I love it! Not too shabby for my second Aplique quilt ever! 

Jonesy wanted to test it out!