Sunday, April 6, 2014

9 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed


10 little monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and broke his head. Momma called the doctor and the doctor said, 'No more monkeys jumping on the bed!'


Well, I have the remaining 9 monkeys caught on the cutest quilt top ever! Cindy at Quilt Doodle Doodles needed some pattern testers for an adorable baby quilt with sock monkeys. I went bananas and shot her an email begging right away. You see, I have a weakness for sock monkeys. They are just so cute!

Original and the tissue tracing
I love her pattern. It went together quick and easy considering I had to juggle details due to living in the sticks, LOL. I was able to use scrap fabrics, a small amount of neutral yardage from my stash and bought a fat quarter of white. This is twice I have needed white and could not buy it locally. Next time I am in the city, I need to buy several yards. Remind me please.

The pieces all fit, even separated.
I received the pattern and traced around the various pieces to assemble the monkey. I usually use exam paper when I draw/trace patterns but I needed 9 of each piece. So I took my tracings and laid them on a single sheet of letter sized paper. They fit! I slipped them in a plastic sleeve and made a copy, so I would have a thicker template for my pieces.

The copy I made from the plastic sleeved pieces. 
I could not find heat and bond. I'm sure they sell it at Hancocks but they are an hour away. So I improvised .... I glued my pieces. Oh my gosh, I said it. I used Elmer's washable glue and glue my monkey pieces on the background. I have read about it but never used that method. By golly it worked great. I worked on a big piece of wax paper to protect my table. I was surprised that my blocks did not get stiff or awkward.

Monkeys say Wahoo!!
I did a satin stitch around the various pieces to secure them permanently to the background. This is my first true applique quilt and it was so much fun. I love the quick build, though I admit my hand got tired cutting all the small pieces. And the sock monkeys are so sweet!



Rather than creating my sashing from dozens of little squares, I cheated and sewed the strips together. Then cut the strips into the right size rows. Stitch those together to create the right sizes and voila I had super fast sashing.


I loved putting the top together. Adding bright colors to sock monkeys just delighted me. I smiled the whole time. Borders went on easy. I was done. Yeah!!!



I actually still need to stitch the monkeys eyes and mouths but the assembly is completed. I'm in love!
I think my sock monkey pets are happy too!

I think they are claiming this new quilt top. 
Have a great day!!!