Baby Isabelle in Her Bunting

So often we make gifts and know they are appreciated but never see them being used.  One of my favorite baby items to make are buntings to swaddle the child in.  Earlier I blogged about this gift http://juliannasjourney.blogspot.com/2012/06/gifts-for-baby-shower.html and just received a pic of baby Isabelle in her bunting.  Isn't she just beautiful and doesn't she look comfy!

Monogrammed Robe

My son wanted to give his wife a lightweight robe as a gift.  So I monogrammed it using the Fancy Monogram Font 1 from embroitique.com.  I used a cut away stabilizer to maintain the shape of the fine lines and also fused a piece of Solvy Tender Touch on the inside for comfort. 

Embroidered Gifts

I was asked to monogram a canvas tote bag as a birthday gift.  It is for an 80th birthday so I figured the recipient would like a classic font.  I used a font from Embroitique the Fancy Monogram 1. 


I also wanted to give some kitchen towels as small gifts at dinner on Mother's Day, so I made a design using The Fancy Monogram 1 for a 4 inch initial and then for the full name used the Embird Alphabet #23.  I used a small coffee cup symbol that I had downloaded from somewhere in the past.  I will use this combination again because I really like it.

DIY iPad Case

Well my daughter got a new iPad and wanted a customized case.  She went to Joann Fabrics and chose a light violet swirly print cotton for the outside and a soft yellow flannel for the lining.  I looked online for a free pattern and used a combination of 2 patterns to get the look she wanted. The 2 sites for the patterns are Tablet Coverlet  by Pat Bravo and the Kindle Case by 100 Billion Stars; I used the measurements from the directions from 100 Billion Stars and the strip of lining on the outside and squared flap from the Tablet Coverlet.  She wanted a button and elastic loop for the closure also.







Instead of using fleece and interfacing, I chose to use 1 layer of Soft and Stable because it provides cushion and support without adding bulk.  I would definitely recommend using it for purses, totes and cases for electronic devices. This case only took about an hour to make but the funny part was that I could not figure out how to slip the lining inside the outside; it was like a puzzle to me but I figured it out finally!

Baby Shower Gifts

Here are my latest creations; gifts for a baby shower.


I embroidered these designs on onesies for the fall holidays- baby due in July so I figured the 3-6 months size would be good for the fall.  I got the designs from  Planet Applique; all their designs stitch out so well.  I personally like the Halloween one best!

I made this bunting from the Simplicity pattern #2165.  This is the first time I made this bunting but it will now be a staple for a baby gift.  The instructions were easy to follow and it came out perfect the first time and is truly just too adorable.  If you used a solid fabric for the outside you could personalize with some embroidery also.  It only takes 7/8 of a yard each for the inside and outside fabrics.  I used flannel for both since it will be used for the summer and fall.  If you were making for a winter baby you could use fleece or minky for it.

I also made this personalized blanket for the new baby and pacifier bib and baby wipes case.

The blanket is made of fleece with the top embroidered portion made of flannel with another applique that I think I had downloaded from SewForum but I cannot find the exact source.  The back is made of the same flannel that I used for the top of the front and also for the inside of the bunting.  I found the pattern for the bib that has a tab to hold a pacifier on the Internet as a freebie; it was made by Nicole Scott but I do not have the link any longer. The embroidered lion on the bib is fromSewforum by Robin. I actually made the bib and case from receiving blankets that were on the baby gift registry.The case for the baby wipes was a free pattern from simplicity.com Baby Wipes Case.  I hate making binding but it did not turn out too badly, although I need a no fail way to sew binding on.

Monogrammed Blanket

This is a blanket from Bed, Bath and Beyond that I embroidered for a teenage boy for his girl friend for Christmas.  I so wanted to put a heart or a fancy & symbol in place of the + sign but he did not want either. Although it was too mushy in his eyes, I am sure it would have melted the heart of the girlfriend! The pile was a little high so I was concerned about the stitches getting lost in it but it turned out well.  I used Number 23 alphabet from Embird and made them a little wider to be sure to show.  I used a heavy tear-away stabilizer on the back and a water soluble on the top.  

Personalized Clothing Protector



Adult Clothing Protector

 

A friend recently asked me to personalize several adult clothing protectors for her mother as a Christmas gift. It was really a good idea, especially for those who have loved ones that cannot leave home and it is so difficult to think of something they need. I can remember years ago wondering why my parents would always say they didn't need anything when we asked for gift ideas for them. As I am getting older, I finally understand. If my husband and I need something, we just go out and get it.

How to Make a Fleece Blanket Roll

Many people make fleece blankets but I have started making fleece blankets that can be rolled up and have a handle.  These are nice to keep in the car or take in your carry on bag on a plane. I choose a fleece pattern that is personalized for the recipient and embroider the handle piece with either their name or a cute saying.  The one shown here was for a prize for a golf outing.  So here are my own instructions that I developed after I made a couple.

Supplies Needed

1 1/2 yard fleece

1/4 yard broadcloth - solid to coordinate with fleece   

handle webbing 1/3 yard

9 inches sew on Velcro

Make a template for handle panel – a rectangle 8 inches by 12 1/2 inches with bottom edges rounded - Using panel template, Cut two of broadcloth.

Embroider on front side of broadcloth (approximately 2 1/2 X 6 inches).  Center logo between webbing and bottom of panel. Place panels right sides together, stitch in 1/2 seam leaving top open.  Clip curves turn right side out and press.  Top stitch with zig-zag stitch on 3 sides, leaving top open. Place webbing on front of broadcloth 1 3/4 inches from top and 1 1/4 in from each side. Sew a nine inch piece of Velcro on underside of handle panel centered at bottom.

Finish all edges of the 1 1/2 piece of fleece with a zig zag stitch; turn under edge 1/2 inch.  I used zig zag setting width of 6 and stitch length of  2.



Lay blanket right side up.  Place handle panel with selvages even with top, centered. Stitch with 1/2 inch seam. Now turn the panel over on itself and topstitch with a zigzag stitch.

 

Sew the other piece of Velcro centered on right side of the fleece 12 inches from top of blanket. Now lay blanket with wrong side up. Fold both sides in and roll up and fasten with the Velcro.