Cricut Maker + Riley Blake + Me = A Baby Gift!

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All opinions are genuine and they are all MINE!

As previously discussed in this post, the biggest, most defining trait of the Cricut Maker is that it can cut non-bonded fabric. I knew I wanted to test the capabilities of the rotary blade and wanted a fabric-based project. As a garment sewer, there are some limitations. The largest mat is 12x24" which translates to 11.5x 23.5" cutting space. And fabric has to be cut single layer. But if you dabble in bag making or quilting...cutting becomes a breeze with the Maker.

I've been working on my daughter's quilt for a long (long, long, long) time. I realized I didn't enjoy the cutting process and certainly don't want to quilt on my machine. I don't find the sewing overly exciting but hey, that's routine for me!

Depending on your quilt, there could be some prep required. This Riley Blake quilt, which is free in Design Space, requires 1/3 yd cuts of most of the fabrics.

I had to clean up my yardage because, JoAnn (grr!)...

How does this even happen!?

...and then cut the yardage in half, resulting in pieces approximately 12" x 22".  Design Space will arrange the pieces for the most efficient layout. You do have the option of adjusting the cutting layout though if you have a different preference.

All of my fabrics cut perfectly until I got to the white fabric. It shifted as it fed back through the roller and I had to clean up a bunch of cuts. I'm going to blame the fabric and not the machine on this one considering I had cut out 6 other fabrics.

Look at all those beautiful squares!!

Also, I didn't realize how simple and straightforward this quilt was and had prepped a little 'map' so I wouldn't get confused:

snips of fabric and a little glue stick!

The estimated time of completion in Design Space is '3+ hours'. It took me about an hour to prep and cut - but honestly, I couldn't keep up with the machine. I was using 2 mats and it took me longer to clean up cuts and prep them than it took the machine to cut.

It took me another 3 hours to assemble. But again, it was me being super vigilant because it seemed so complicated! :)

I loved all of this order!!!! :-D

Once the top was completed I toyed around with binding options, settling on a dark blue. I loved the way it framed the front and it was a nice complement to the backing fabric. 

I knew there was no way I was quilting it myself and figured the small size would mean it wouldn't be too expensive to have it quilted. I chose this loops & stars design as I felt it was a good match for the baby quilt. 

The quilt shop employee suggested this color thread; I don't hate it but I wish I'd gone with the lighter grey.

The blue polka-dot fabric is my absolute fave <3

I plan on making a couple of items to gift with the quilt...There were some Burda baby patterns that were just too cute but I'm unsure about their sizing. A friend sent me a sleep sack that's a free pattern so I may whip up a couple of those. Also plan to make some cute onesies with appliqué or HTV and yep...will use the Maker to make it happen. Who doesn't love adorable, ironic baby onesies?!

I love the way the quilt turned out and as you know, I cut a new quilt out (and finished the quilt top!) using the Cricut and am excited to show that one off when it's done.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.