I just made the pleated strip quilt as a baby gift using a jelly roll for the non-pleated strips and it was so cute and easy!

1st one is cute

The pleated strip quilt is ADORABLE, but with two boys under the age of four I can see it being a pain to use at the park or beach (with the sand working itself into the pleats and being difficult to shake out). I've seen loads of sand come out of places I didn't know it could get into, usually onto my bedspread.

Oh, I love that first one. I'm going to have to make that.

Definitely do it! The first thing I ever sewed was a quilt for my niece, from start to finish. I was inspired by an AT post that linked to step-by-step videos from Missouri Star Quilt Company and they were really helpful! http://www.youtube.com/user/MissouriQuiltCo?feature=watch

It was definitely a labor of love that will always be meaningful to her (and her mom, my sister).

The first quilt I made was similar to the third patchwork pattern, but for the quilting part, instead of trying to make a perfect "X" in each square I just "stitched in the ditch" and followed the seams of the squares of fabric. Very easy for someone who is trying to build up their confidence as a sewer and it turned out great

You don't have to do a traditional quilt, either; for those without skill, some of the patterned baby fabrics lend themselves to making super-easy quilts (I have no talent, skill, or patience for sewing). I made this one for a friend's baby shower: http://www.flickr.com/photos/katanasnk/7856949322/

I like all of the designs but I think you should think again about the size and purpose. An infant size quilt is pretty useless on its own. Not actually safe for an infant. If it is designed as a piece for display, like than art, than make sure you work with your sibiling to see if it is something they actually want before you go through all the work.

A toddler bed sized piece (bit bigger than infant) has a bigger role to play and can actually be used?

Best of all, something playmat sized that can be use for tummy time. Most like to be used.

Just wanted to add that I received five lovely handmade crocheted or knitted blankets for our first child that are never used because they were too twee, or small, or scratchy, or really, really not our taste.

Homemade gifts are lovely and of course we thanked them graciously but if you want your gift to be *used* than get the family involved.

Wow, Judiau! I think the suggestion to consider the size is good - but I don't think the smaller sized quilts shown are "useless" at all. Maybe not going to be used as long as a toddler bed quilt, but that doesn't hold quite the sentimental value of baby's first quilt.

Then you commented a second time to casually put down all the handmade gifts you received for your first child! You're so lucky to have talented people that care in your family and they seem less so for having someone so picky and ungrateful in theirs. Sorry if that sounds harsh but a handmade gift for a baby can be a personal sign of love for some people - I would be really hurt to hear a family member talk about my crafted gift like that.