Pretty Princess Throw Blanket

When I found this Riley Blake princess fabric on sale, I had to buy it. Like so many other impulsive fabric purchases, I just wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. 

I had several yards, so I finally decided on some throw blankets for my darling granddaughters. I used the "Charming Baby Log Cabin" pattern by Threaded Pear. I bought it at a local quilt store, but it's also available at shops online. It's any easy pattern. If you aren't familiar with how to bind a scalloped edge, never fear. The instructions aren't very clear, but there are some good tutorials online. The scallops are my favorite part of the blankets.

I adore the fabric and the finished quilt is a good size for children. I had the blankets machine quilted at a local shop and I'm not crazy about how they chose to quilt it. I should have been more specific and would have preferred something more simple like hearts and swirls or swirls alone, but my granddaughters don't know that and they love using their blankets when they watch their favorite princess movies. 

Darling Baby Bobble Blanket

I know this is a sewing blog, but occasionally I do something besides sew. I was looking for a crocheted baby blanket for a grandson who would be arriving and I loved this blanket the minute I saw it. What makes it even better is that it's a free pattern. 

http://www.joann.com/baby-bobble-blanket/3153868P151.html

I made it to match his nursery, so I selected Bernat Baby Blanket yarn in white for the main and a light gray Bernat Blanket yarn for the trim. I bought the yarn at Jo-Ann's and waited for it to go on sale to save a little money.

For the life of me I couldn't make a chain of 89 stitches as directed on the pattern come out right no matter how many times I tried. I'm not a pro at crochet, so I’m sure it was something I was doing wrong, but 88 worked for me. The yarn is so bulky it was hard to get used to at first, but in time in was easier and I enjoyed using it. Since I tend to make my stitches tight, I had to be careful to relax while I worked. (Maybe deep breathing and listening to soothing music would have helped.)

The blanket turned out soft and cuddly and the end result was exactly what I wanted.

Fun, Flouncy Apron

There are so many cute apron patterns out there, but this is one of my personal favorites. I've made it several times because it makes a darling shower or birthday gift for a friend.

https://kwiksew.mccall.com/k3787

It's quick and easy to sew. The pattern also includes children's and 18" doll sizing. I don't really have any tips or tricks because the instructions are simple to follow. And just like it's almost impossible to stop after eating one chocolate chip cookie, once you've made this apron, you'll want to make more! 

P.S. You've probably noticed that Kwik Sew patterns are expensive at the fabric stores and some don't always carry the full line. However, they are often on sale on the Kwik Sew website, which makes them pretty affordable. 

My sincere apologies for the blurry picture. I'm way better at sewing than photography!

Quick and Easy Baby Blanket

Can a baby have too many comfy blankets? I think not! If you want a handmade gift but don't have hours to devote to it, this is the project for you! 

I found the tutorial I've used over and over again here:

https://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FL_ST_Construction_2007-401pr.pdf

However, there are more tutorials and videos on the internet than you can shake a stick at. If you search for mitered corner blanket, you will find more than you will ever need. If a video works best for you, this is a good one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psq5x8EqbtI

Be advised that she keeps referring to this blanket as a 10 minute project. She must be super speedy, because I've made several and it still takes me longer than that. I'd say from start to finish, this can be completed in under an hour, especially after you've made a few. 

Take it from me, even if the tutorial you use doesn't mention it, always, always, always wash and dry both fabrics. (Did I forget to mention always?) Since the flannels will shrink at different rates, you'll be glad you did when your blanket still lays flat after it's laundered. 

For best results, be careful to measure your squares exactly and also find the exact center of your fabric after the squares are cut. From there, it's straight stitching all the way! 

I used some blue flannel polka dot left over from another project (because I'm a sucker for polka dots), along with a cute animal print I found at a local shop and voilà. Quick and easy! With all the cute fabrics out there, the possibilities are endless. 

P.S. I skip the final step of the USU tutorial and do not stitch a square in the center of the blanket because I don't like the way it looks. 

Girly Gathers and Ruffles Dress

I was looking for something to make for a baby shower gift and I found this darling dress pattern by Kwik Sew. 

https://kwiksew.mccall.com/k0198

The fabric was adorable in the sample on the pattern envelope and I really wanted a similar floral, but when I couldn't find one I liked, I went with a multi-colored dot I thought was fun! The yoke and panties have a coordinating gold dot.  

The pattern was easy. There were a lot of extra helpful tips along the way. I must admit that I struggled turning under the casing on the panties as instructed in the pattern. Though I tried and tried, I simply couldn't ease the edge enough without ending up with huge tucks. To resolve the problem, I took a smaller seam at the leg edges and tapered it into the seam. That did the trick. I added two cute buttons and a bow to the neck edge.

I made the dress for a friend who is having a girl after having five boys. I hope it's just right for her new pink bundle of joy!