Aviation Inspired Baby Quilt

Hello friends! Just wanted to drop in and share my latest finished project. :)

Some friends of ours are having a baby and they both happen to be pilots, so when I stumbled across this pattern called "In Formation" using "flying geese" blocks, I just knew it was the one I had to make. I used leftover fabric from my sister's wedding quilt (recognize those colors?), and used some fat quarters to make a scrappy backing. I took some pictures in our beautiful, blooming, GREEN front yard. Enjoy!

This picture cracks me up because it looks like Wes could be naked underneath. Haha. ;)

Quilting detail. I like how it looks like swirling air and clouds.

Scrappy backing!

I love this fabric that gives step-by-step directions on how to make a paper airplane. How perfect is that?

And I've been dying to use this "mice in race cars" fabric ever since I bought it way back when, so a baby boy's quilt seemed like the perfect opportunity.

 Our friends should be receiving this quilt any day now. I can't wait to hear what they think!

Mini Swap Brain Freeze

I'm having a bit of a quilter's "existential crisis" over here in regards to my Alison Glass mini quilt swap!

I've always loved browsing quilt swap hashtags on Instagram because I love seeing the thought and creativity that go into each and every quilt. But it seems those hours of browsing have backfired because I am drawing a complete blank when it comes to ideas for this upcoming mini swap and I'm starting to feel the pressure. The quilts aren't due to be shipped until the first week of June, but I know that will sneak up on me if I'm not careful. I thought I had an idea of a pattern that I wanted to use, but I immediately started second-guessing it and didn't think it was complicated enough or special enough. I know I'm not supposed to try to be something or someone that I'm not, but it's hard not to because I want to make something truly special. Drafting original patterns has never been my strong point, and maybe it never will be, but I would love to be able to interpret my partner's inspiration and suggestions into something that she will like. 

Do any of you have trouble homing in on a design? How do you translate inspiration (from pictures, other quilts, nature, etc.) into an actual quilt design? How do you find a good balance between your taste and your partner's tastes? Have you ever participated in a swap and wish you would have done something differently?

I would LOVE to have some input! :)