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"

15 comments

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a lovely quilt! Love your fabric choice.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. Its gorgeous, great idea for a playmat!

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  11. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  13. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete

Unfortunately I have had to turn off commenting due to an overwhelming number of spam posts. If you have any questions, please contact me using the contact form at the top of the page or comment on an Instagram post.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Powered by Blogger.