I really should be packing for my trip to Michigan (umm….leaving tomorrow AM…packed? That would be a big no.) but instead I got a notion to start a doll quilt to go with a doll bed for Gwen, my granddaughter, who will be turning two in a couple of weeks.
A few years back I made a similar doll bed and quilt for a dear friend's granddaughter. It was such a fun little project and has been a favorite toy of the recipient's.
Cue grainy cellphone photo:
The bed itself comes from IKEA. I painted it and added retro looking decals. Lest anyone give me credit for coming up with such an adorable idea – I completely stole it from Amy Sinibaldi. I went with a more gender neutral yellow and will be doing the same with Gwen's.
Step 1 is to venture to IKEA. I am one of those people that LOVES IKEA. Loves. It. The trick is to go on a Thursday evening around 7:00pm. The place is empty and you don't get all stressed out with having to go the direction all those arrows painted on the floor want you to go in. After you look at all the 325 sf apartment layouts that you just know you could live in happily and efficiently, you venture to the children's section where you will find the bed. It costs $15 and, like all IKEA furniture, you will need to assemble.
I tossed the bedding except for the pillow insert. I'll be using that. I find it's best to paint before assembling. I give it a good primer coat using my go to spray primer. I know it isn't very cost effective but lord is it easy. Just a couple of light coats and you are good to go.
I then gave it the first of several coats of a buttercup yellow chalk paint. While the first coat is drying I moved onto the quilt. I wanted to stick with a pink/yellow/green color palette because those are the colors of the quilt that is on her bed. My colors are a little brighter than the inspiration quilt.
So that is where we have to leave it. I have to jump on a plane but I'll get back to it next week. I'll share the final pictures and the details of materials used.
I have a number of sewing projects up my sleeve. My little Janome is getting quite the workout lately.
Whilst I will be on vacation until next week I do have posts lined up and I'm hoping to do one on our travels. This trip is very special to me. I offered to take my 92 year old dad to visit his sister in Belleville, Michigan. He is at a point where he really can't travel by himself and I am delighted to be able to take him on this trip. My sister Mary is going to meet us there. She is in Wisconsin so it's a fairly short flight for her. She and my aunt have a special bond so I'm certain it will be a fabulous trip all around. My dad wants to hit up some old haunts (at least for a drive by) and I would like to partake in any antique stores the area has to offer.
Okay – I REALLY need to go pack….
This is adorable and I plan to use this idea for my soon-to-be granddaughter! I’m making her one of those pineapple quilts that you see everywhere, all in pink. You know, the one with the actual pineapples, not the traditional one. I can make an extra block now and turn it into a quilt for this bed when she’s a little older. Thanks for the inspiration! Enjoy your trip!
I grew up in Birmingham, MI. We used to go pick strawberries near Belleville. Have fun!
I can remember my grandparents talking about the Strawberry Festival. We missed it this year by one week!
Oh congratulations on the impending arrival! What a great idea to just make an extra block. For my friends granddaughter I made her a quilt using vintage sheets and made a mini version for the doll bed. Im not much of a quilter (ha! Understatement if ever there was one…) but it turned out really cute, if I say so myself.
I will be waving as you soar overhead. I am on the Lake Michigan side of the state. I love love love the little bed. I have been making dolly quilts for a bit now, and I have developed the habit of whacking leftovers from nearly every sewing project into dolly quilt size squares. I tend to sort by color, and when the baggie gets full, I play quilt designer. Also, I have found a really darling pattern for a knit dolly. Let me know if you are interested in such an activity.