Flannel Blankets and Some Embroidery

A good friend of mine called me one day this past spring to ask what I had for a baby girl gift.

I showed her this idea of a flannel blanket and sensory ball.

I showed her this purple fabric combination. She loved it. 

Within a couple of days, I had this blanket and ball. 

After that, I decided to practice an applique on a onesie.

 

The onesie was a great compliment to the set and my friend loved them. She recently sent me a photo of baby Mayumi saying, "she absolutely loves the ball, and they use the blanket every day." 

Isn't she sweet? 

Embroidery is so much fun, but with the machine I have, it takes a long time to create a project. I'm saving up for a 6 or 10 needle machine for when I retire. 

By the way, the blue blanket and ball shown above is for sale on my Etsy shop at

https://www.etsy.com/listing/513350631/comfy-flannel-baby-blanket?ref=related-6

If you are interested in a gift like this for a little one, email me at fromonetwentyseven@gmail.com to discuss your idea and what I can do for you. 

Hope you all are having a great summer.

Christmas In July, Double Sided Napkin Tutorial

My friend, Donna, want's to learn to sew.  I'm not a Christmas in July person because it reminds me of the "way too soon, upcoming holidays"; however, I just uncovered this wonderful Peanuts themed fabric so I guess I can make this exception to help my friend to create simple double sided napkins.

During this past early July visit, I showed her how to use her new sewing machine ( a great buy at Costco, I wish they were in NY). I started by showing her how to make simple, folded edge napkins. Soon I thought, there must be an easier way for a beginner. I decided the double faced napkins might be the thing that could boost her confidence in simple sewing techniques.

Step 1: Select 1 yard of 2 different fabrics.  As I said, Christmas in July, I'd rather forget, but since I had these whimsical Peanuts fabric, they'll do for now.
Prewash your fabric. Warm water and dry in a warm temp in the dryer.
Press with an iron.

Step 2: Prewash fabric in warm water and dry on low heat

Step 3: Cut your fabric to your desired dimensions. I like to use  16 x 16 squares. I cut four of each fabric.

Press and place square right sides together and pin. When pinned you will see the dull side of both fabrics. 

Sew around all four sides of the fabric using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave an opening on one side about 4".

Trim four corners of each napkin being careful not to cut the corner stitching.

Place your hand inside the opening, grab the other side and pull it back through the opening. You are now switching the napkin to see the right/bright sides.

Use a pointed instrument to poke the each of the corners. Sometimes I use scissors, but just be careful not to puncture your stitching.

Once the napkin is turned right side out, press seams flat.

Top stitch around all four sides including the opening.

Voila! Easy Peezy Lemon Squeezy! Done. You can make as many as you like. Just purchase more fabric.

Here is a site that shows you how to fold the napkins in many different ways.

https://www.napkinfoldingguide.com/
Have fun and enjoy!

To do a test, go to Walmart and purchase two fat quarters for each napkin. They can be different colors or the same. Cut two 16 x 16 squares. Follow the above directions. I'm sure you'll be happy with what you create. 

Happy celebrating, Donna! 

 

Merry Christmas in July everyone!

Baby Jaxon's Nature Quilt

Uncle Eddie and Aunt Amanda agreed upon the fabric selection and the pattern below for their nephew Jaxon. A true baby of nature, he will be growing up with deer, fish, hunting, and so on.

The traditional colors of black, red, and white is a staple for outdoorsmen up across the country. 

 This design was a pleasure to create.

I really enjoyed creating this quilt. It's not very often you create a custom quilt for boys.

Thank you, Eddie and Amanda, for the chance to create a special quilt for a special baby boy.

Baby Madalyn's Elephant Quilt

Grandpa Eddie and "Nana Amanda" loved their little Madalyn even before she
was born. Thay asked me to make a special quilt for the baby in pink, gray, and with an elephant theme.






I sent these pictures to Amanda. 

These are the closest fabrics I could find. I thought they were perfect for the new baby. 

I picked one block to embroider the baby's name and applique an elephant. Isn't this just so cute? 

Here is the finished quilt. I hope the family enjoyed it.

 

 Here she is as a newborn.

I feel like I know baby Madalyn because I've been following her growth on Facebook.

What themes are do you think of for newborn girls or boys? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Thank you, Eddie and Amanda. Can't wait to meet Madalyn in person.