Big Boy Applique Quilt Cover

A couple of months before our beautiful bub arrived, we moved the Little Man into a big boy bed (actually, at the moment, it’s just a mattress on the floor as I was worried he’d fall out and I like that he can get in and out of bed by himself). Looking in the shops, I really struggled to find any boy designs for a quilt cover (doona/duvet cover) that weren’t skull and crossbones (not our kind of thing) or character merchandise (how long do they stay popular for?).

So of course, the answer was to make something myself. The most common words out of the Little Man’s mouth are “dah dah dah” (car) and “choo choo choo”, so a transport theme was the way to go. I found these stencils at a local craft store, which were perfect since drawing is not my strong point (and I’m sure we’ll get lots of use out of them down the track).

Finding the right fabric was a whole other matter. I searched countless internet fabric stores looking for a nice boy print (I’ve heard that the selection of fabrics available for boys is improving, but designers, there is still a LONG way to go…). Finally I stumbled across New Traditions Stripe in Chartreuse from Robert Kaufman – boy colours but not too obvious or baby-ish – just what I was looking for! I matched this with Mod Squares in Leaf from the Monaluna Mingle range and Homespun cotton in navy, green and white.

After a period of Perfection-Induced Craft Paralysis, I finally got into the sewing and here’s how it turned out:

The photos were actually taken before the bed moved into the Little Man’s room with the bed actually in the baby’s room, hence the plastic still on the mattress…

I had to make a matching pillow case too:

The backing is navy flannel to make it nice and snuggly! The Little Man loves it. Every time he sees it, he points at and names each applique.

I’ve got a few other projects to show you in the same theme for his big boy room, which I’ll post in the next few weeks as I have the time and energy. I’ve posted close-ups of the appliques here.

P.S. Thanks for all the congratulations. I’m enjoying getting to know my sweet baby girl (whilst keeping a toddler at bay). A few people asked for her stats: she was born 3.508kg (7lb 12oz) and 52cm long (20.5inches).