Saturday, May 21, 2011

Saving Memories

I actually started and finished a project this week!

I've been putting up Haden's outgrown clothes and equipment the last week or so. When I got down to the receiving blankets I knew we couldn't keep them all but I didn't want to get rid of them either. For one they're cute, and for another it reminds me of my sweet tiny boy who isn't so tiny anymore. Inspired by Hydee's Four Square Blanket, I decided to keep them.



Instead of one big piece of flannel for the back and 4 fat quarters of cotton for the front I used 1 big piece of cotton for the back and 4 flannel receiving blankets for the front.



I found an xlong twin sheet set on clearance at Target for $6. I picked the elastic out of the fitted sheet (I can use it later for something else!) and then cut the sheet 55x55.



I pieced the 4 receiving blankets together, patchwork style. They were a big wonky; stretched out from washing and swaddling, so I had to do some cutting and manipulating to get them close to even.



I then sewed the backing and the blankets right sides together, turned it, ironed it out and added a blanket stitch for the edging. I used crochet thread for the blanket stitch. I liked the texture of it, that is the only good reason I had for picking it.



I am so pleased with it! If you are looking for a great way to hang on to baby items this is the way to go! And, if you're looking for a great baby gift, I would recommend following Hydee's lead with the four square blanket! (You can find her tutorial here)

PS - I'm not the only one who likes the new blanket!


5 comments:

Hannah said...

I have those same blankets for Evie. That's such a great idea!

Lisa @ Organized Chaos said...

Awesome idea...I love the blanket! Makes me wish I owned a sewing machine~ :)

hydeeannsews said...

that is awesome! i love your improvisations and your make-do's. you're so good at that! what a steal on the sheet. a truly nice way to save those blankets and keep them useful at the same time. just perfect.

Chad and Mary Beth @ Nothing But Country said...

I did the same thing with my daughters blankets. She had so many of them from the NICU. :)

Thanks for sharing. Found you from Lil' Luna

Would love if you would join our 1st linky party at http://www.nothingbutcountry.com we want to feature favorites each week on tuesday and would love if you would participate too. :)

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

what a brilliant idea!!! i love love love it! i have several receiving blankets that i can't part with either.