Kylee's Baby Blanket- Patchwork Palm Tree

After getting some ideas of what Rachelle wanted, I drew up my version of the blanket. The color of the squares did change once we went shopping for the fabric. So much thought has gone into this blanket for a baby that has been loved since the first mention of her!

Let the measuring and cutting begin! I decided to go with this beautiful dark brown instead of the green color that I had originally planned on using. In the picture above I measured each square 8" by 8" to have 5 squares in each row (width/length). (Material- no-peel fleece)

I love this color of blue against the brown. They really accentuate each other. My thought while choosing the two colors was to have the blue represent the ocean (both Mommy and Daddy share a connection to California) and the brown to represent land. *the idea will make more sense as you see the blanket come together!

The first two strips intact! Sewing with a new machine takes time to get used to. I was so pleased with the ease of how my sewing was coming along that I couldn't resist the urge to snap a quick picture.

Now we're talking! And the majority of the sewing is done, for now. This blanket is beautiful!

Here are the cute animals chosen for Miss Kylee's blanket! Her Daddy was given the nick name Giraffe by her Mommy while they were deployed in Afghanistan. The Giraffe is Kylee’s Daddy and the Monkey is Miss Kylee! The animals were applied to the fleece with an iron-on appliqué, to be stitched later.

I drew the entire tree by hand onto the paper backing of the iron-on applique after first ironing it to the fabric I had chosen for the leaves and the trunk. Here you can see the drawing of the leaves. The fabric I chose for the leaves is textured!

And here it has been ironed onto the fleece waiting for the stitching to make sure it all stays in place!

Starting the stitches! We are getting closer to our final product!

The stitching is complete! I can't wait for you to see the Giraffe and monkey up close!

I hand embroidered the facial features of both animals. It gives them a little more character. Don't you think?

Getting ready to sew on the softest material I have ever felt, Minky-Dink. I think Baby Kylee will really love this blanky!

Here is the finished blanket! I tried to choose fabrics with different textures. I wanted something with softness but while Kylee’s sense of touch is developing, I wanted her to get that from this blanket. Something that I hope she cherishes and loves for a long time to come!!

To Rachelle and Ricky, congratulations to the both of you! I couldn't ask for better friends than you guys! You are going to be amazing Parents and Baby Kylee is going to be so loved!

To my Kylee Girl, Baby we are waiting to meet you and have been since we first heard of your existence! I know you will be beautiful inside and out because you have the two most beautiful people in the world to love and care for you. You know them as Mommy and Daddy, but I know them as two of my Best Friends! We can't wait to say "Welcome to the world Baby Girl!"

Love Amber!

I stitched two pieces of looped ribbon into the blanket so that Kylee's toys or pacifier could be attached to it so she won't drop or lose them!  

Sweet Baby, we are waiting for YOU!!