A Niece is Nice... so is a Nephew :)

Hello everyone!  This last week was busy, busy with quilt-making.  I made two "Peek-a-boo Spectrum" quilts.  Why two?  Because BOTH of my sisters are pregnant, as well as myself :)  We are all due within 4 weeks of each other.  My eldest sister is due any day, and my middle sister is due one week before me, later in September.  I wanted to have these made at the same time, for maximum efficiency.

This was my first time closely following a quilt pattern.  I found this particular pattern in my oft-mentioned, favorite sewing book "Handmade Beginnings."  Perfect as a gender-neutral option (one sister is waiting to find out the gender).  Since both babies will be 3rd borns, I figured both mommies were well-stocked with swaddling blankets already.  So this quilt should hopefully double as an interactive quilt for "tummy time", once the babies are older enough to grasp and explore their surroundings :)  Of course, I had to add my trademark flannel backing, for extra cuddle factor, should the need arise!

Peek-A-Boo quilt, with "doors" shut

Now, the "doors" are open!  Peek-a-boo!  

Back of quilt

The only variation I made was replacing the pink square for a brown one on one of the two quilts, just to make it a little more gender-neutral for the "mystery baby."  :)

One of the best things about this quilt is that it was made entirely with scraps from my existing stash.  I say this with a mix of pride and embarrassment... I have a lot of fabric!  Although I did purchase the flannel/ minky material; seems I never have enough of that stuff! 

  I used one of my favorite fabrics EVER for the "girl" quilt... which would explain why I dragged my kids across town today to a tiny fabric boutique (the only place I'd seen it for sale!) to purchase the rest of the bolt (only 7/8 of a yard was left... oh well!).  I never knew I could feel so strongly about one fabric :D  hahaha!  It's probably not a good thing...

Baby Girl quilt, with "doors" shut

Now they're open!  See? 

Favorite flannel!  :)  Back of "girl" quilt

Since I'm more of a "shoot from the hip" kind of quilter, I initially thought the cutting of pieces was a bit laborious.  But once that was finished, the quilt came together very quickly.  I was delighted that the squares and pieces actually lined up!  Oh, this is what it's like to use actual measurements...

Now?  I have one dress to make for a wedding this weekend (I never, ever thought I'd need or wear a near-formal gown at 38 weeks pregnant!  hehehe... Job and I are guests, and we are looking forward to seeing our friends get married a la "Big Fat Greek Wedding").  Then?  I'm hoping to work on some school clothes for V., after which I plan to start on my own baby's quilt!  I know-- I'm crazy.  But having projects like this helps ease the stress of the "when will Baby come" waiting/ guessing game.  I'm so bad at waiting-- Lord, give me strength!

I hope you're all well and enjoying your last week of summer :) Please keep me and my sisters in your prayers!!  Thanks!