Baby shower gifts
There are times when it’s fun to make Little People things. It’s even better when I know the parents will enjoy the gifts that are given.
It started out in the fabric store, when I was shopping with a friend. I knew I wanted to make something for my new niece or nephew. I was skimming through the pattern books, when I came across a fairly all inclusive pattern. It had hats, baby booties, mittens, sleep sacks, sleepers, blankets, bibs, etc. I’m a big fan of baby sleep sacks, so I bought the pattern.
Looking at the fabric requirements, and knowing the pending parents, my friend and I set off to find fabric that would work. I pulled out this blaze orange polar fleece and showed my friend. Her response? “You wouldn’t dare make that for a baby.” Uh, yes I would. That sealed the fate for that particular project. Blaze orange it is.
I purposely made it in a newborn size, as the child is expected to be born in December. The pattern comes with other sizes, but those can be made at a later time, should the parents want more.
Knowing that the father likes to wear Converse sneakers, I found a pattern to make baby booties. The mother, once she saw how the blue ones turned out, asked if I’d consider making another pair, to match the dad’s. *laughs* If she could find the right color crochet cotton thread, I’d be happy to. Less than 15 minutes later, she had the color.
The original:
My versions:
Again, in newborn size. I didn’t check to see if I had a baby bootie pattern for a larger size. That may come later.
Given that I believe all babies should have their own quilt, I set about making one. Well, that turned into three. It’s not quite the seven I’d planned for. However, Christmas IS coming. The rest may turn into “Welcome Baby” gifts.
Finished size: 32 inches x 27 1/2 inches
Cotton fabrics
Cotton/wool batting
Machine tacked
Finished size: approximately 49 1/2 inches square
Cotton fabrics
Cotton/wool batting
Machine tacked
Finished size: approximately 51 1/2 inches x 40 1/4 inches
Cotton fabrics; cotton flannel backing
Cotton/wool batting
Machine tacked
Because, sometimes it’s fun to make cute things.
Why Fibre Ninja... Partly because it's a neat name, and mostly because I can work with so many different kinds of fiber and craft mediums. I do a lot of different kinds of needlework and create even more things using those skill sets. I like to make things. I grew up in a household that firmly believed in "make do or do with out". If you could make it, all that much better. I come by my skill sets naturally. Or, if you prefer, my dad was a mechanic and mom was always doing some sort of needlework. My grandmothers, on both sides, were pretty handy with needle crafts, too. What skill sets I didn't grow up using, I learned. Some of skills were self-taught, while others I was fortunate enough to have friends help me out. I don't kid around when I say books are some of the most important tools a person can have. If you're willing to read and figure it out, you can teach yourself how to just about anything. Speaking of getting to know me, here are some basics, I've been - Quilting since I was 20 - Crocheting since I was 5 - Knitting since I was 38 - Bobbin lace making off and on since I was 32 - Embroidering since I was old enough to be trusted with a sharp needle and scissors - Tablet/card weaving off an on since I was 42 So none of this has been a "flight of fancy" for me. I'm not saying some of things I've made haven't been for the pure joy of "why not?" Because, let's face it, if it's not fun to make, why do it?
The words “you wouldn’t dare…” seal the fate of many things in your life, I’m thinking.
Love these! Well done you – that baby is gonna know love from the first breath.