An Avalon Quilt in Earthy Greens & Cozy Neutrals

There’s something special about a “last one.”  But not in a sad way!  This Avalon Quilt marks the third and final baby quilt I made in 2025, and finishing it felt like three things all at once: a celebration, a relief, and a sweet little ending to this chapter of quilting.

Looking for the Avalon Quilt Pattern?  Find it here!

This quilt was made for a co-worker who welcomed a baby boy this year. I love making baby quilts for friends and colleagues; it’s my favorite way to show up with something meaningful, something made slowly and intentionally in a world that moves very fast. And while I’ve made several baby quilts over the years, this one felt a little different in the best possible way.

A Slight Shift in Color (and Perspective)

If you’ve followed along with my work for any amount of time, you know my quilts can lean a bit feminine. Soft palettes, playful prints, gentle contrasts; it’s a style I love and feel very at home in. But this baby quilt invited me to work with a slightly different color palette, and one that I love.

My friend’s favorite color is green (one of my favorites too), and the nursery palette leaned toward earthy greens and warm tans. That combination felt like an open door creatively.  It’s still soft, still welcoming, but not overly sweet. This quilt feels calm, grounded, and cozy.

Why Avalon Was the Perfect Choice

I chose the Avalon Quilt pattern for this quilt because I wanted something that felt colorful but simple; something with visual interest that wouldn’t overwhelm the fabric choices.

Avalon is a large star block, and it’s one of those patterns that truly lets color do the talking. I say this every time I make one, but it genuinely looks good with any fabric combination. Two colors? Beautiful. A full-on color explosion? Also beautiful. Solids, prints, or a mix? You really can’t go wrong.

For this quilt, I used a mix of solids and prints. My favorites were a tan print with the sweetest little owls and several shades of olive that added depth without feeling heavy. Every time I laid out the blocks, the quilt felt a little more settled.

And yes, if you’re a beginner wondering whether Avalon is a good choice for a baby quilt, the answer is a wholehearted yes. The pattern uses half-square triangles and flying geese with generous block sizes, making it a fantastic skill builder without feeling intimidating.

Slow and Steady (Still Counts)

This quilt took me about four months from start to finish, and it was very much a slow-and-steady kind of project. No big bursts of productivity, no dramatic late-night sewing sessions; just consistent progress when I could fit it in.

If you’re someone who feels like quilting has to be fast or flashy to “count,” let this be your reminder: slow quilts still matter. They still get finished. They still hold meaning.

Finishing Details That Make It Feel Complete

For the backing, I chose a simple white-on-white print with the sweetest little animals.  It’s a fabric that is soft and timeless, the kind of fabric that won’t compete with the quilt top but still feels special. I added a scrappy binding detail using two of the solids from the front, which is one of my favorite ways to tie everything together.

The quilt was longarm quilted with a simple, curvy pantograph, a perfect contrast to the straight lines and angles of the Avalon blocks. I love that push and pull between structure and softness, especially for baby quilts. It gives the quilt drape and movement and makes it extra cuddly.

A Little Encouragement (If You Need It)

If you’ve been thinking about making a baby quilt, but feeling short on time, confidence, or momentum, this is your nudge to just start. Dive in. Sew one seam. Cut one block.

It is never too late to finish a quilt.

Avalon is one of those patterns that meets you where you are and grows with you. Whether you keep it simple or let your creativity run wild, it’s a beautiful foundation for meaningful, gift-worthy quilts.

If you’d like to make your own Avalon Quilt, you can find the pattern in the Nollie Bean shop. And if you do? I’d love to see it. Send me your photos or tag me on social media.  There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing your quilts come to life.

Here’s to cozy finishes, slow progress, and believing that you really can tackle any quilting project—one stitch at a time.

Until next time, happy quilting!!