Nowadays, it’s rare to hear young mothers saying the phrase “baby quilt.” Yet, baby quilts are as popular as ever. Handmade baby quilts are given as classy gifts for Christenings and birthdays, baby showers and Christmas; and there doesn’t seem to be a single baby who doesn’t have a baby quilt. Yet, new moms are now calling baby quilts “baby blankets” or “blankies” instead. The word “blankie” is usually just used by moms when talking to their babies, but “baby blankets” have become the new way to call baby quilts.
To a point, it’s understandable. New moms are young and trendy and definitely don’t want to use phrases that sound so old-fashioned. More so, some associate the phrase with old, worn out scraps of fabric, and for others it goes even a step further and implies poverty and dire needs. The ‘blanket’ trend continues to spread and soon most new moms will be saying “My child’s baby blanket is adorable!” instead of “My child’s baby quilt is adorable!” This doesn’t mean that baby quilts are getting out of fashion. In fact, they are as trendy as ever.
Lately, the ‘old’ fashioned quilt (as well as the activity of quilting) has become a cultural icon and for certain circles a counterculture activity that is enjoyed by the super-trendy. New mothers who have grown weary of the plastic and pre-packaged goods being sold for babies are beginning to get together to create new baby clothes and items, including baby quilts. Seeing a traditional or a contemporary handmade baby quilt is a welcome relief when compared to the mass produced, low quality goods that are so often on the market. For moms who are looking to keep their child posh, a handmade baby quilt is the new wave of high fashion for children. The introduction of new fabrics, colors, and designs revived the quilt’s popularity and brought it back in the nursery. Yet, the phrase “baby quilt” still sounds too grandmotherly for some moms and the more youthful “baby blanket” is used instead.
More and more new mothers are picking up the art of sewing and quilting as a creative way to express their emotions, feelings and artistry - quilting bees are becoming more popular these days. Quilting, an activity which allows a new mother to create a handmade product to bestow upon her child for life, proves to be very rewarding. Moreover, new mothers are also learning how much fun creating with your heart and hands can be! Regardless of what they are called, handmade baby quilts made with love and care are the ultimate baby gift – unique, true, and time tested.
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