and Flickr and You Tube. Limitless inspiration and information right at my fingertips- it boggles my tiny little brain. I made a baby quilt this week, a gift for a girl who goes to our church. Her little boy is due two weeks after Bayleigh's ETA. I knew I wanted something bright, but not too bright. I started by searching flickr and google for charm square quilts- thinking a quilt made from charm squares would be fairly quick to put together. Boy, talk about inspiration overload! After much oohing and ahhing, I finally decided to give this one a try using these charm squares.
I couldn't decide if I wanted to stop here or add a border.
Adding a border won out.
I made my quilt "sandwich" by taping the quilt back the floor, topping it with cotton batting then the quilt top and basted with safety pins. After quilting around the center square a couple of times, I noticed some shifting and was about to get some puckers- so I stopped and did some more internet research. I found this video demonstration on how to hand baste a quilt. I had already done some of her don'ts, so I wasn't able to completely follow her instructions, but I was able to secure the layers much better with some hand basting and the quilting went much better from there. After a few more squares I felt like it was looking a little boring, so back to the computer for more guidance. If you want an upper body work-out, try some free motion quilting. Wow, my arms are tired! 
I tried with and without quilting gloves, with is definitely much better for me. The binding was applied following this method, then it went into the washer and dryer to get all bumpy and wrinkled.
The only time I get excited about wrinkles.
The back
The finished quilt, thanks to the internet and some very talented ladies who generously share their knowledge and skills. I really love it, I think I may be making another one for me.
*Edited to add* A few have asked the finished size of the quilt- it's 41" x 48". There are a total of 80 squares- 8 across and 10 down with a six inch border on all sides.
GORGEOUS! I love it - wow.
Posted by: Carrie S. | March 29, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I made a doll quilt in that pattern many moons ago, and all that matching drove me crazy. Yours is perfect!
Posted by: Sarah | March 29, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Th quilt is just beautiful, your friend is very lucky & I am sure she will treasure it.
Posted by: Leonie - Australia | March 29, 2008 at 05:25 PM
I just happen to have two different sets of some charms right now that I am wondering what to do with them....all your research seems to have given me lots to choose from. Your quilt is just so cheerfully, cute. I am sure you it is just going to be cherished. I think it is just precious that you are sharing this with someone. You did a great job. I have tried stippling with little success. :)
Posted by: Kris | March 29, 2008 at 05:29 PM
beautiful autum!
Posted by: kathryn | March 29, 2008 at 05:56 PM
It's beautiful. I like the back almost as much as the front.
I heart the internet too.
I free motion quilted both my quilt-a-long quilts without gloves (in one day!) and boy was I sore the next day.
Good job! That's a lucky little boy.
Posted by: Anina | March 29, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Your quilt looks very beautiful. There is definitely a great deal of information and inspiration to be found on the internet and you, yourself have also inspired others such as myself with your terrific creations and your generosity in sharing these with others.
Posted by: tracey | March 29, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Pretty! Great job on the free motion quilting. I love the colors you used! I've never seen the gloves before... maybe will have to try those when I'm finishing my quilt-along quilt. I hope to get that top done and at least basted this week!
Posted by: Em | March 29, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I just love it! Thanks for all the links.
Posted by: erin | March 29, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Wow, that turned out really great!
Posted by: rohanknitter | March 29, 2008 at 08:01 PM
That is SO cool. It will be treasured, I know! I'll give you a tip--I spray-baste quilts. I use 505, which you may already be familiar with from machine embroidery. It's so much easier to machine quilt when you have spray-basted. Or at least I think so. =)
Posted by: katie | March 29, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Your quilt looks awesome! Thanks for sharing the videos. The hand basting one is awesome. That will help me so much. I hate the idea of the safety pins, and I've never used them.
Posted by: Carla | March 29, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Love it!!!! Love the charm pack you used too. How many packs did you use for this quilt? Your friend is going to love it!
Posted by: Shannon | March 29, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Love the quilt, Autum! You do great work. What a lucky little guy to receive such a wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing the link on hand basting. So helpful and clever.
Posted by: Faith | March 29, 2008 at 11:20 PM
this is so pretty! I've got a set of charm squares and a friend who is due soon and I'd love to make this. What is the finished size?
Posted by: Rebekah | March 29, 2008 at 11:40 PM
wow autum!
love the color, design and most of all the bumpiness!
Posted by: lissilulu | March 30, 2008 at 12:02 AM
this is beautiful! i love my quilting gloves, too, i hate to work without them.
Posted by: phyllis | March 30, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!! I love it love it. I need to make me one now! What a lucky little baby
Posted by: Peacock Chic | March 30, 2008 at 12:30 AM
what a beautiful bright quilt...love all the colours and your quilting...
xo Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | March 30, 2008 at 12:51 AM
It's gorgeous!!! I'm so jealous and inspired at the same time!
Posted by: Tori | March 30, 2008 at 04:15 AM
Gorgeous! I made a baby quilt in this pattern years ago. Perhaps it's time to make a new one. Yours is so inspiring. Quilting gloves....?! Sounds interesting!
Posted by: Mette | March 30, 2008 at 05:50 AM
It's beautiful!
Posted by: cd&m | March 30, 2008 at 07:19 AM
That's a beautiful quilt!
And thanks for such a useful post in putting so many great links in one place :)
Posted by: Joanne | March 30, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Really great quilt! I'm in awe of your talent - seriously!
Posted by: Jodi | March 30, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Love the quilt - can't believe that you have never machine quilted before - looks so professional. It is hard to believe where we would be without the internet - it usually has all the answers you seek....
Posted by: Lisa | March 30, 2008 at 08:34 AM