terry burp cloths

In preparation for a service project with my church for military (new) mom’s, I’ve started playing around with some burp cloth ideas. I think that my favorite combination of fabrics is terry on one side and flannel on the other. This way they are absorbent but soft. Plus the terrycloth fabric is a little grippy and should stay on mom’s shoulder better than flannel or a diaper. Today I bought the terry cloth and should have enough flannel on hand to make quite a few!

Fabric Wallets

A couple of years ago, I made a wallet each for my sons and as well as a family friend. I recently noticed that that my son's wallets were looking a little tired and decided it was time to make new ones. I loved taking my boys to my scrap fabric drawer and having them choose the fabrics they wanted for the new wallets. It's always fun to see your children share, if in only a small way, what you yourself enjoy doing!
Now that the wallets are finished, I just might attempt writing a tutorial for others to make them. It's always a challenge to find something boyish to sew. And this project seems to be a winner!

Sleep Masks

I needed a little something else to add to my pillowcase gift (posted earlier), so I decided to sew a little sleep mask. And then, because they're so easy and fun to make, I was compelled to sew more - four to be exact! With Christmas coming, I just know they'll be great little somethings for someones ...maybe with a crocheted washcloth and yummy smelling soap!!

Holiday Bibs

Yesterday I made some bibs for my grandson. For a pattern, I traced around an old bib I had tucked away in a kitchen drawer. The fabric store only had black snaps, so I'm going to have to go internet shopping for more color options. FYI, I prefer snaps to Velcro because then baby is not able to pull off his bib!

Tied Baby Quilt

A few months ago, I was glad for the opportunity to make some quilts for charity and gained something in the process. Because it was what was required for finishing, I had to learn the simple technique of tying a quilt. Building on the momentum of that project, I made a little blanket for "grandma's house". Two pieces of fabric, one a heavy cotton and the other a cotton flannel; cotton batting; a little wool yarn; and a purchased applique are all that it took to make this simple baby quilt. It was the perfect play mat during my grandson's recent visit!

Quick Pillowcase

A friend of mine has a daughter who underwent major surgery last week. I thought that a bright, happy pillowcase would maybe help cheer her during her long recovery. I was grateful to find at JoAnn's the perfect combination of fabrics for a 19 year old. While at the cutting table, thankfully I was asked what I was making with the fabrics. It led to being given the suggestion to go onto You Tube and watch a video for making a "sausage pillowcase". Soooo easy and fast!! ANYONE can do this!!! Here is the link: you tube

Dolly Day

 I had a couple of dolls cut out and decided today was a good day to get sewing! The hair is a wool/poly blend felt, top stitched in a contrasting thread color; and the bodies are flannel - except for one. The cheeks are blushed on with a small,firm round brush. The eyes are black paint set on with a stylus, and the mouth is drawn on with a permanent marker. Don't they look like best friends?! Pattern linked here.

And Here's a doll I made using the same pattern (my daughter gave this to one of her piano students). The face is more distinct and I think I like that better.  Do you?

Pirate Doll

My grandson couldn't leave grandma's house today without a little pirate doll! I combined the black apple doll pattern on Martha Stewart's website and a picture of a doll found online. The shape of the arms need a little tweaking next time; but otherwise, I think he's ready to set sail!!

Lovin' Lisette

Simplicity's darling new pattern line, Lisette, now has a line of fabric to add to the fun! Not knowing what I'd do with it but knowing I HAD to have it, on Friday I snatched up a little of their brown corduroy at 30% off.

Looking through my pattern stash, I found an easy jumper (New Look 6363 @2004). Then searching through my fabric stash, I found a coordinating fabric for the lining (although the pattern calls for self-lining, with corduroy it would have been too thick with the layers of fabric crossing in the front). One slight change I made to the pattern was placing the straps to set on top of the bodice instead of behind.

Last night I sewed this in the newborn size (up to 13 lb) while the boys were scraping the peeling paint off of my bathroom ceiling. It will be sent off as a baby gift sometime this week.


Suzie's candy cane pink gingham piping sold in packages here.

Denim-look Yarn

I started knitting a baby blanket because a) it's something that I do regularly and b) I simply could not resist this yarn. I normally do not buy acrylic yarn for a baby blanket (this is 70% acrylic and 30% cotton) because it tends to have too many loose fibers that I don't want getting in baby's eyes. But the denim look and the fact that it was red won me over. Now that I've used the skein that I bought, I'm not sure whether I should buy more yarn and finish the project. It's just so light and flimsy feeling, and I like a heavier feel to a baby blanket. Now maybe I should think spring and summer and knit it for those seasons, but I'm struggling wanting to put the effort into something I'm not 100% sure about. Maybe I'll wait until my daughter gets here and have her help me decide....