Peace, Baby

Feeling Groovy by Rene' of Rene' Creates, 2010.

I had the lucky opportunity to test my friend Rene's very first quilt pattern. I first saw this quilt while Rene' was putting it together during one of our guild's Sew Days. She pretty much had me at batiks, but you know those rainbow pinwheels and purple background had me swooning too. It's hard to believe she gave this to her children's school to auction off.

Peace, Love, and Happiness by Rene' of Rene' Creates, 2012.

Not only is Rene' an accomplished quilter, she is quite the photographer. I love seeing the "beauty shots" of her quilts. Doesn't she make them shine? Seems kind of excessive to travel 2,500 to get a shot like this, but that's Rene'! ;)

Peace Baby by Rene' of Rene' Creates, 2012.

I really loved the baby version of this quilt pattern. Rene' made this for her darling little Leo, her very first (and really adorable) grandson. I call him Kirk because he has the cutest dimple on his chin. Okay, back to the quilt, I could talk cute babies all day long. But just look at all that dense quilting. You know Leo Kirk loves the bright colors, bold prints, and texture. Just perfect for a baby.

I Spy Peace, Baby by Michele of Nostalgic Cafe, 2012

Those three quilts are a hard act to follow, but here's my version of Peace Baby. I call it I Spy Peace, Baby. It's still in flimsy form until I get up the nerve to quilt it or buy some quilting for it. I used my I Spy charm squares I've been collecting for years. The baby size is perfect for charm squares because you can get four squares from one 5" square.

The pattern is beautifully written and gives detailed instruction, diagrams, and tips. The quilts can be made with solid squares or pinwheels. It works up quite quickly and the design options are endless. I added a border just so the peace sign would stand out. I thought once the baby gets older, he or she could find the similar prints a la the matching game.

Check out the blog hop to see even more versions of Rene's inaugural quilt.

• Monday, January 21 -  Katie at KT Quilts (http://ktquilts4fun.blogspot.com)
• Tuesday, January 22 - Michele at  Nostalgic Cafe (http://nostalgiccafe.blogspot.com)
• Wednesday, January 23 - Cindy at  Live a Colorful Life (http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com)
• Thursday, January 24 - Michelle at  Frustrated Quilter (http://frustratedquilter.blogspot.com)
• Friday, January 25 - Stephanie at Peas in a Pod (http://peasinapod.typepad.com)
• Monday, January 28 - Terri at Terri's Notebook (http://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com)
• Tuesday, January 29 - Doris at Made by a Brunnette (http://madebyabrunnette.com)
• Wednesday, January 30 - Mary at Mary on Lake Pulaski (http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com)
• Thursday, January 31 - Shelly at Prairie Moon Quilts (http://www.prairiemoonquilts.com)
• Friday, February 1 - back to me Rene' at Rene' Creates (http://www.renecreates.com) for a give away

Rene' has graciously offered a free pattern to one lucky commenter on this post. If you can't wait to see if you're a winner, you can purchase the pattern here. I'll draw a winner this weekend. Good luck! Congratulations on your fun first pattern, Rene'!

P.S. If you're a "No Reply" or "Anonymous" commenter, please include your e-mail address so I can contact you if you're the winner. :)