Modern Baby Book Review and Give-Away

=Today, I want to introduce you all to a fun new quilting book full of adorable designs just for babies!

Modern Baby is a compilation of  original quilt patterns by 14 talented bloggers. There is a design for every skill level within the pages of this book. From my stash, I chose 3 solid fabrics from Connecting Threads, plus some Kona snow and a Moda Verna charm pack that I have had for several years.

 This cute, modern quilt design, by Jen Eskridge, caught my eye as a fast and easy pattern that looks more complicated than it is.  That's right up my alley!

After sewing fabric strips together, I folded and cut them at random, as instructed. Moving the pieces slightly, I re-sewed them to created the background for the quilt.

 After trimming and straightening the sides, my quilt top is ready for the fun part: hexies!

 Using a template, and 25 or so charms from the pack, I cut out hexagons and a facing for each from muslin. Sewing around each of the six sides of the hexies assembly line style went quickly.

 A quick press with a hot iron and my friend, Best Press, and the hexagons are ready to turn into appliques...

 The secret trick was to cut a little slit in the back of the hexie linings!
After turning them right-sides out, a porcupine quill (that's right, folks!) was the perfect tool to poke out the corners nice and square!

 As you can see, no one will ever know that there is a slit in the back once the applique is sewn down.

After another press, the beautiful hexagons are ready to attach to the quilt top!

 I chose to straight stitch around the edges with my machine, but other options could be used, such as a button hole stitch or hand applique.

 I must have rearranged the hexagons ten times before I finally told myself, "Stop! Sew!".

 The possibilities are many for this style of quilt. Next time, maybe I'll try an ombre gradation of color for the background and hexagons.

 Fractured Hexagons is a fun and easy pattern; definitely doable in a weekend or even a day with simple quilting added. 

There are 13 other creative designs in the book, many that I can see myself using over time for baby gifts. This one, by my friend Shea Henderson (Empty Bobbin Designs), is one of my favorites and would be equally as cute using prints.

 Or, how about this simple fusible applique Birdhouse Quilt design by Carrie Bloomston...

 I can see this sampler, by Sarah Flynn, being used as an I Spy game as well as a good way to teach the names of various shapes.

 With the last name of Timberlake, I am always drawn to tree shapes, so this fun design, by Carolyn Friedlander, may have to be added to my "To Do" list as a wall hanging!

 The straight forward directions, modern designs and quality photographs all add up to a book any quilter would enjoy! Shea has generously donated another copy to be given away to one of my readers! So, if you'd like to own your own copy of Modern Baby: listen up! 

For a chance to enter, just leave me a comment telling me your favorite shape.(USA readers only this time, please.) Be sure that you are not a "no-reply blogger" for a valid entry. A winner will be chosen randomly on Friday morning, November 15.

For a second chance to win a book, another quilt sample and more pretty pictures, visit Flourishing Palms!

The winner has been chosen and this contest is now closed.