The Zoo Quilt

I started this baby quilt abut 20 years ago. I made all of the blocks and cut out all the sashing and then I never finished it. It was rather complicated piecing and I thought it would only be for future grandchildren. No grandchildren, so they were put away. Every once in awhile I would see them on the shelf and think how cute they were. My sister was over one day and I showed them to her and she convinced me to finish it.

The quilt was from Margaret Rolfe's book, Patchwork Quilts for Children. You made a grid, then drew the pattern on the grid, cut them apart and drew them on your fabric. The piecing directions were very good and I follwed them carefully. I am pleased with the results and now I am putting it together.

I am now in the process of free motion  quilting it. The quilt will measure about 46 x 68, a little big to FM quilt on my standard machine. So I picked out the stitching down the middle length of the quilt top, making two long narrow panels that are relatively easy to quilt. I will then sew the two quilted panels together. I have done this before many times with great success. 

I will show you the whole thing when it is finished. Now here are the cute zoo animals and the alternating pieced block.

Alternate block. I like the yellow for its cheerfulness and also making it gender neutral.

I have decided to donate it next year to the Festival of Trees, where all profits go to Ann's Place, which gives care and comfort to cancer patients and their families.

Please hop over to Off the Wall Friday and see what other talented people are doing.