A few months ago I agreed to test a paper piecing pattern for Louise at I’m Feeling Crafty. I was thrilled when Louise sent thru the most darling Alligator pattern, in three different sizes no less.
To test the pattern I decided to make the smallest version of the Alligator, my theory being that the smallest patterns are most of the time the fiddliest/hardest to make.
This pattern does have a few parts to it, but Louise’s instructions are easy to follow and the design makes assemble straight forward. I used the pin method to make sure that my points aligned, and it worked perfectly. When I was done with my small Gator I had a block measuring 9 x 21 inches.
The three different sized patterns Louise’s includes are designed to make this lovely quilt…
But I wanted to shake things up a little, so I put the Gator up on my design wall and started playing… a butterfly and some scrappy cream solids later I had a finished baby quilt.
My Alligator is definitely the star of the show…
button eyes, and all…
For the butterfly I used a paper piecing pattern I found on Craftsy. It adds such whimsy to the quilt I think.
To finish things off I used a yard of Michael Miller fabric I had hidden in my stash for the backing…
I did some straight line quilting with some kitty help… yep you warmed me last week this would happen and it did!
And finally some Kona solids, in blue and brown for the binding…
Using the small Gator pattern this quilt ended up at 35 x 39 inches. Next time I think I will use the medium Gator pattern and add more butterflies. It is such a great block I will definitely be using it again.
You can find Louise’s pattern for sale on Craftsy and if you want some Gator inspiration, check out the other testers work on the …
June 9th- I’m Feelin’ Crafty
June 11th- A Quilter’s Table
June 13th- Marci Girl Designs
June 14th- I’m Feelin’ Crafty– showing off other Testers work!
June 16th- Wombat Quilts
June 17th- Wholesome Midwestern
June 18th- Shaffer Sisters
June 19th- Crafty Shenanigans
June 20th- I’m Feelin’ Crafty
WOMBAT QUILTS 
That is a very cute block, in all three sizes. I also love the alligator/butterfly combination! How’s Starry Night coming along?
I have not forgotten Starry Night…I am having a blast making the night sky. I will lots to share next week I promise Kate.
I’ve been seeing these gators pop up on IG–now I get it! I love your quilt–the creams and that butterfly make it unique and so fun!
That is just adorable!
Really cute! Are the buttons okay for a baby quilt? Not to be a wet blanket but always have to think of safety. But, wow! Just so darned cute.
Pat I knew going in i would have to remove the buttons and embroider the eyes on before I gave this quilt to Project Linus. But I loved the buttons and had to use them initially.
Really fun version! Great progress shot of the paper piecing sections and I like your scrappy cream background…
Debbie I think scrappy cream could be my new favorite. I did not realize I had so many different cream solids hidden in my stash!
Wow- you did a great job. I love the blue butterfly- any baby would be so happy to have this.
My daughter collects ‘gators and I’m saving this for future use! Thank you, love it! 🙂
Fabulous quilts! We’ve just come back from a great holiday in Florida, seeing loads of gators in the wild 🙂 Will look at the pattern.
Really really cute!
I love seeing the variations on the alligator piecing, and I really like the butterfly you added to your quilt.
Alligators are my absolute fave. I love this so much!!!
Adorable! Who would’ve thought alligators could be so cute?
Your gator is so fabulous!! I never would have thought of pairing it with the butterfly but it’s PERFECT. Love love love!
Love this variation with the butterfly. So cute.
Great design, great extra touches and beautifully executed.
I love your outcome! The scrappy cream is the perfect background for your gator and butterfly. Using the medium gator and more butterflies will be fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
I think just the one gator and one butterfly is perfect.
I bet the one helper kitty was a challenge. 🙂
I am learning how to deal with the ever helpful kitty. I say no, she sulks, then returns for petting. It is like having a teenager in the house.
LOVE what you did with this- just stinking adorable!
Brilliant!
The gator and butterfly make for a great pair, the quilt looks great.
This turned out great! I love that cute little gator 🙂