When you’re inspired to start a new project, what comes first? Is it the fabric that catches your imagination or the project that simply must be made? It can go either way for me, but this time the fabric definitely came first.

Enter the Darlings!

When I set eyes on the Ruby Star Society “Darlings”, my heart skipped a beat. They brought back so many great favorites in this encore collection, plus fab new colorings. It features all three of the Tiger Stripes print - my favorite! Obviously I had to make something. The opportunity could not be let to pass by! But what?

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Well it just so happens I was pondering this weighty quandary alongside our Christmas shopping. This got me thinking that my littlest darling, Elora Faye, would take quite nicely to Darlings fabrics. In fact, she’s always charmed by that Tiger Stripes fabric when it shows up on the changing mat I made years ago. And so - inspiration strikes!

I’m going to make Elora some baby doll accessories for Christmas. First up, the Baby Doll Basket pattern by Made Everyday. I think this style of doll bed will fit into our small spaces better than a typical cradle. Plus, I can make it! That’s always a plus. The pattern includes a mattress, pillow and little blanket. I’m going to improvise there!

For the fabrics I’ve chosen:

• Outer - Tiger Stripes in Hot Pink

• Lining - XOXO in Plummy

• Bias Tape - Starry in Black

I requested these fabrics from Trendtex, the major Canadian wholesale distributor and, more recently, the face of Moda in the UK. I met their friendly team at Festival of Quilts. My thanks to them for sponsoring this project!

Once I decided to make the baby bed, other ideas began rushing in. Elora’s baby doll could really use some cute cloth diapers (always essential) and wouldn’t some bibs be fun too? If everything closes with velcro, it will be practical for her to use.

For the little accessories, Trendtex kindly sent me this Pop fabric bundle by Rashida Coleman-Hale of Ruby Star. Pop features unique bottles, fanciful balloon doggies, records and stars. I let Elora help me unpack it so I could get a sense of her favorites.

I already knew what my favorites would be - the Zip stripes. Ooooh, I love these! The Pop/Zip bundle includes the full collection of Rashida’s artistic stripe. So many choices!

I’m thinking to put some colors together to make a simple patchwork blanket for the baby doll basket. Coordinating bed, blanket, diapers and bibs? Lucky baby.

Just in time, the fabrics have arrived and I’m off and running. Fingers crossed that all of these ideas can come to fruition before Christmas! The best part is, I can do some of the prep work with Elora around, haha. She is so used to me sewing and has no inkling this project could be for her. I think seeing some of the process will make the gift even more special.

Wishing all of us holiday makers joy in the process and sweet success!