Sew for Dad Tutorials: Day 1

Do you have a favorite dad in your life? This week we'll be featuring some quick and easy tutorials for Father's Day gifts! Up first is Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation, who used the Who's on First collection by Bristol Bay Studios to make a baseball-themed lap quilt. After you've read through the tutorial, head over to Kelly's blog for a chance to win some Who's on First for yourself!

Hi, I'm Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation, and have a tutorial for a quick quilt that is just perfect for a baseball-loving Dad, using the Who's on First line.  I just have to say- wow!  Father's Day really crept up on me this year!  With the first of June falling on a Sunday, Father's Day seems so early in the month.

I don't know about you, but my dad (and my husband) are really difficult to buy for.  They certainly aren't demanding.  Quite the opposite- they are the kind of men who always insist that they don't want anything at all.  Well, I always say that a handmade gift is the best kind of gift.  If your guys are like mine, they'll certainly appreciate a quilt like this.  Needless to say, I'm really excited to share this tutorial with you!

This fabric collection has two different panel prints that make putting the quilt together simple and best of all, super fast.

Fabric Requirements-
1 24" panel- Who's on First Natural/Multi1 yd. long panel (Play Ball Natural/Multi)
1/3 yd. of each    
    *Pitch Catch Tan
    *Ground Ball Black    
    *Ground Ball Blue    
    * Batter Up Black
1/2 yd. Ground Ball Red
Backing- 3 yds. Ground Ball Blue

*I only used five prints, which is why I have a 1/2 yard of Ground Ball Red listed, but you could easily substitute a sixth print or solid fabric, and have 1/3 yard of each (including Ground Ball Red).

Cutting Your Fabric-

Start by trimming the main panel.  Trim off the top and bottom border, leaving just the picture blocks and blue border.  Cut in half lengthwise, giving you three picture blocks on each side.

Next, from the cream colored panel, Cut into three long sections, use the button print as a cutting guide.

Trim 2.5 inches x WOF from each print.  Cut two WOF strips x 2.5 inches from Ground Ball Red.  Save these six strips for binding your quilt.  From the remaining fabric of each print, cut seven 4.5x8.5" bricks.  Also, cut one 4.5x4.5" half brick from each print.  You will need one extra brick, and one extra half brick.  You may cut these from any print you choose.

You should have a total of 36 full bricks (4.5x8.5") and 6 half bricks (4.5x4.5").

Now you're ready to assemble your quilt!  Start by assembling the panel pieces.  Alternate the cream colored panels with the picture panels like this-

Then create three rows of bricks.  Each row should have six full bricks and one half brick.  Be sure to alternate the side of the half brick so that the seams are offset, creating that great brick pattern!  Sew the rows of bricks together, and sew to the top of your panels.

Now, just make another set of brick rows for the bottom of your panels and you're all set!

See how fast this quilt is?  Baste and quilt in whatever method you desire.  I used Ground Ball Blue for the backing.  I just love the aged look of the baseballs.  Oh, and don't forget to use those binding strips that you set aside earlier to create a great, scrappy binding!

The finished quilt measures approximately 51 x 60" and is sure to surprise any Dad who's an avid baseball fan!   It would look great tossed in a recliner in a sports themed man-cave, and is just right for wrapping up on chilly nights at the ball field!

Thanks Kelly! What a great idea for a quick quilt for your favorite baseball-loving guy. For a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of the Who's on First collection (see the entire line here), head over to Kelly's blog. Be sure to stop back here each this week for another man-themed tutorial (we love last-minute, easy-to-make gift ideas!) and chances to win fabric!