economy block playmat

I think I am a little behind the times on trying out economy blocks (find Rita's excellent tutorial here), but it seemed like a good choice for a playmat for the baby.  I have tentatively decided not to make the baby a new quilt and to use this one instead.  I am sure that I will want to make him one once I meet him, but I am feeling a little directionless right now.
economy block playmat
So instead I started cutting out novelty prints for a small playmat (still technically a quilt but I'm calling it a playmat since it is so small).  I want to have something for the baby to play/sit/lay on while we are waiting for the older kids at all of their activities that has lots of colors and contrast for the baby to look at.  This quilt was heavily inspired by this gorgeous quilt.  
economy block playmat
I was a little concerned that I wouldn't have enough novelty prints in my stash, but it turns out I have a ton of fabric.  Oops.
economy block playmat
The backing is essex linen in black since I wanted something a little more rugged that wouldn't look dirty too quickly.  The binding is a blue DS Quilts print from Joann's and you may have noticed that the quilt is machine bound.  Shocking, I know.  I do not like machine binding quilts but my technique is getting a little better and I wanted to make sure that the binding was a little extra durable.

Finished size: 35" x 35"

Comments

  1. Lyndy at StitchbirdFebruary 15, 2015 at 10:20 PM

    It looks wonderful. Makes me want to try an economy block quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MirabilysFebruary 16, 2015 at 1:39 AM

    What a lovely quilt! Love your fabric choice.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Cozy PumpkinFebruary 16, 2015 at 5:53 AM

    Oh how darling! What a fun little seek and find this will be! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. SvetlanaFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    This is absolutely gorgeous Erica. I'm sure your baby will love exploring all the fun pictures in this play mat.

    ReplyDelete
  5. mleFebruary 16, 2015 at 11:24 AM

    Very nice! and good idea on the dark Essex for the backing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. RuthFebruary 16, 2015 at 1:57 PM

    Its gorgeous, great idea for a playmat!

    ReplyDelete
  7. RobinSueFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:40 PM

    Such a great quilt. It will make for hours of entertainment for children of all ages. I love the economy block. I make a few here and there between projects. Someday I'll have enough to sew together to make a quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Laura ChaneyFebruary 17, 2015 at 12:46 PM

    I love this! You could use this to play "I spy," too!

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  9. KareeFebruary 19, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Oh my goodness, how did I miss this darling creation? What a most excellent playmat! Another To Do on my next grandbaby list (due next week) EEK!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Michelle C.February 20, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    You have a fabulous selection of novelty prints, and they are the springboard for a lovely and cohesive color palette. I always machine-bind. I say I do it for the durability, but I really just can't be bothered to handsew anything!

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  11. mypiecedlife.comFebruary 20, 2015 at 6:51 PM

    That is a beautiful economy block quilt. I hear they are very addictive, so I haven't started one yet. I like that it is a playmate. What child wouldn't love that! A great finish!

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  12. ipatchandquiltFebruary 20, 2015 at 11:03 PM

    It is a real treasure this little playmat!
    Super cute!!!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Cut&AlterFebruary 20, 2015 at 11:32 PM

    That's a beautiful playmat and so functional too - the best of both worlds. I have one similar size that I used when mine were younger, especially when we flew between NZ and UK - it's so nice to have some handmade loveliness with you!

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  14. Gemini Jen NZFebruary 21, 2015 at 12:12 AM

    Very very cool! I love that there are so many different things to look at - great work!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jennie @ Porch Swing QuiltsFebruary 21, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    Super cute!

    ReplyDelete

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