Blog Hop Stop #1 - Pull up a Chair

and let me tell you about this pattern! It is called Grandma's Lawn Chair created by the talented Diane over at From Blank Pages.

If you are a value shopper, then this pattern is for you! Diane really out did herself on her inaugural pattern as it includes so much!
*3 sizes (baby, toddler and lap)
*Cutting Diagram (useful so you don't have a lot of unused fabric)
*Advanced notes on fat quarter vs. fat eighth fabrics (you can use your stash!)
*Advanced notes on directional prints (this is valuable!) Typically I just don't use directional prints because I don't want to have to think about which way to cut and sew, but this pattern guides you through and makes it easy to accomplish.
*Coloring Page for each size
*Color Variations

So many details that don't always come with patterns, but she has them all.  There isn't one extra thing that I would ask for in a pattern.  She will be selling these on Craftsy if you would like to pick one up, but......just keep reading, it could be worth your while - I promise!

Have you ever looked at a quilt and wondered how it was put together? That was my first thought when I saw this pattern and it looked complicated.  When it "looks" complicated {to me} then I don't do it. I move along to another one but I assure you it is easy to make.  Plus, I know Diane, personally and am happy for her as creating patterns has been on her goal list for a little while. It is encouraging to see your friends meet their goals - yeah Diane!

Let's get to it!

I decided to tackle the baby quilt as I had an event coming up for a little one and this would make the perfect gift. The first version of the pattern (for this size) had 7 rows and 5 columns (not counting the background). The newest version has 6 rows and 5 columns.  That is one of the great things about this pattern - you can easily add or remove a row or column to suit your project, if necessary.

Printing out the entire pattern is what works best for me so I can mark it all up with fabric choices.

Then on the cutting instructions I also list out which fabrics they apply to. This is really helpful for me to remember which column or row corresponds with which fabric. Especially for this pattern, I would encourage you to do the same.

Once I got everything cut out I was ready to lay it out on my design board. For some reason this step took me a while. I think at this step it would be better to have your phone/tablet in front of you with the colors to use as a guide. What worked for me was to only do one row at a time and cover the remaining rows. After that, it was a breeze to stitch up!

Are you still with me? Remember I said to keep reading.  So...do you love it? You have a chance to win it as Diane is offering a free pattern to one of my readers (thank you so much)! All you have to do is comment on this post and answer the following question: What color scheme would you like to make this in?.
I'll pick a random winner this weekend and the pattern will arrive to your email inbox courtesy of Diane Bohn.

Giveaway is now closed - See this post for winner details!

Check out the other posts this week from other testers too! Ginny @ Fishcreek Studio
Kelleigh - guest blogging at from blank pages
Sara @ Sew Sweetness