"Feminist Boy" baby quilt

Note: Don't forget to enter my "New Blog Design Giveaway" here.

Yes, there is a story behind the quilt name!

A good friend of ours, who incidentally introduced my hubby and I 17+ years ago, had finally settled down with a lovely wife a few years ago. Both busy professionals, they started trying to have a baby, and as sometimes happens....well, it wasn't so easy. They had suffered several miscarriages, when finally, B. changed jobs, and things came together for them. She is certain that it has to do with leaving the stress of her prior job. They are due with a little boy this fall! Both from families with mostly females, when asked how they would deal with a boy, B. replied, "No matter, he will be a feminist regardless." Knowing them, this is certain to be true :-) Thus, the name of the quilt!

I used mostly Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow fabrics for this quilt- I absolutely love this line! The colors are fantastic, and a great go-to for a masculine quilt. I added a few solids, as well tried something new by adding some fabrics of texture.
I am terrible with the names of fabrics....the white is velour-like, and the corduroy is extra soft- I used this for the binding as well.

I also added just a single square of red (non-cotton, kind of suiting-type?) material to both the back and front, just to draw the eye.
As another first, I tried out some hand quilting using my Perle 8 thread in conjunction with some machine quilting at 1/4 inch from the seams. I loved hand quilting! I found it very therapeutic to sit and stitch. I just did some random lines, using colors coordinating with the quilt, and again just a touch of red. These added a bit of something to the front, but where they really shine is on the back:
I used a dark navy solid for the back, which really highlights the hand quilting, and pieced it with with some squares. I love a pieced back, it is like a bonus, a happy surprise. Of course, this quilt has lots of "character" (i.e. crooked and uneven stitches!)......best admired from afar :-)
In another quilting update, the twin quilts (plus 1) are complete! Just waiting on those babies....at 38 weeks already! Their Momma is a trouper! Here is a preview....the full reveal when these little guys finally make their debut, so I can do the finishing touches!

p.s It is Sew and Tell Friday at amylouwho again today....go check out the great accomplishment of the week :-)