A Memorable Baby Blanket

Here is a great idea the next time you host a baby shower. Provide 7" muslin squares (one square per guest), pencils, embroidery thread and needles. Have guests lightly sketch a symbol onto the square, and then have them do a running stitch to outline the image.
It can be as simple or as intricate as you'd like. Encourage guests to sew their initials on the square if you want to go the sentimental route. You can go with a baby theme (in this case, a vintage cowboy theme for our son, Griffin) or simple flowers for a little baby girl. Select colors to go with the nursery and play with the concept. And if you think your guests will hesitate at the drawing part, think about using a die cut machine and provide them with templates (see the finished project--cheaters unite!)
Once I gathered all the embroidered squares, I then thought about the design of the quilt. I grabbed scrapbook paper (Scenic Route grid) and created a map...
I selected fabrics to go with his bedroom (varied color and scale, all 100% cotton), and then cut 7" squares to match the embroidered ones. I went square by square, creating a row first, and then sewed them together. I also had our son's name, date of birth and weight embroidered on a square for the center piece of the quilt.
The finished result ended up like this...
It is an easy weekend project that can be used immediately!! I've done about 4 of them as gifts and each time I do, it is always a big hit. This blanket is my son's bedspread, and it matches his room perfectly.

Give it a shot!!