Serenity Blooms is a fresh new modern quilting cotton collection by Poppie Cotton. After some consideration, I settled on making something that has been on my list for a long time – quilted doll baskets or bassinets for my little girls. 

After doing some online researching for how to make them, I was able to simplify my original idea by using (or adapting) this tutorial, which has the sides cut in one with the bottom.

I ended up making 2 sizes, with different bedding to go with them. The smaller one I could make out of a FQ piece, and it fits perfectly the favorite 12" doll. 

The fabric ends up in an I shape, which I then quilted to a layer of cotton quilt batting, before assembling. 

I added in a tip from another doll basket tutorial, which was to use plastic canvas on the bottom for stability. It works so perfectly! It's flexible but keeps the shape super well, and won't crease or bend with use like cardboard or some other stabilizers will.

For the 18" doll size I had to use yardage. It doesn't keep its shape quite as well – so keep in mind that larger sizes should have extra stability. But it still works quite well!

I finished the tops with contrasting binding, and did two different styles of handles, just for fun. 

The quilted bottom layer makes a nice doll mattress already, so I just had to make matching pillows and quilts. 

For the larger one I did a double layer of poly quilt batting to make a puffy reversible comforter. Incidentally, this sort of project is a great way to use up smaller batting scraps!

For the smaller one, I pieced a quilt as you go panel of 1 1/4" strings cut from the FQ bundle. It's a fun way to use up scraps, feature more fabrics, and have a quick and easy mini "quilt" for the doll bed.

The pillows were just folded over, sewn on 2 sides, stuffed with batting scraps, and stitched shut. Of course I had to use the striped fabric since it was reminiscent of pillow ticking. 

Even with figuring out the process, I made each one in an hour or two. My girls love them! And I enjoyed sewing with the pretty springy colors and prints after my Christmas sewing – that butterfly is my favorite in all the colorways.