It’s baby shower season. I know this because we’re booked for birthday parties every week from now until July. Sure it’s simple to find a baby shower gift in a big box store but I promise a new mom to be will love a homemade present more.
Pre-made baby blankets tend to be thin and small, fine for a baby born in July in a house without air conditioning. A homemade flannel blanket is a blanket a mother, and baby, will love, it’s warm and snugly. And look at the fun fabric you can choose. I was not allowed any vote in the fabric, the kids took the reins. Happily I think they will match the animal themed nursery they are headed to.
I used the same technique as the table linens sewing tutorial on a larger scale. I opted for 2 metres of fabric, which is pretty close to 2 yards. I wanted BIG blankets. The size is totally up to you.
Wash and dry your fabric first, then give it a good pressing with your iron. Flannel is so very warm and fuzzy after it’s washed, it was hard not to make myself a pillow case out of it. Hmm, there’s an idea.
The hardest part of this project was cutting the fabric. My cutting mat was not big enough to accommodate 2 metres of fabric but I managed, with a little swearing and sweating. Do spend a few minutes thinking the project through and drawing out the dimensions before cutting.
Now if you excuse me I must get these mailed off to a special little boy who’s due to make his appearance in a few weeks.
Do you give homemade gifts to new mothers? What’s your favourite baby shower gift to give?
Thanks for posting that! I think I might just take some of my leftover fabric and make one for myself
Oh wait – yup just got a good swift kick of approval… guess I should get sewing 
Hooray for kicks of approval! Let me know how they turn out.
I try to give a knitted or crochet baby blanket to new parents…but sometimes there are more babies due then time for knitting allows!
This is a great idea- as a blanket could be completed in an afternoon
Another idea I have seen (but not yet tried) is to make a fabric blanket and then add a fancy crochet border to it.
These would be lovely with a crocheted edge. I *might* need another lesson.
They will be much loved by his mom who just had a really rough day and couldn’t have asked for a better present to read about!
xox
Smiling again
I just need to get to the post office, which is proving to be difficult.
They are very soft, perfect for a rough day.
Cute! I wish I had some babies to make them for. Maybe 3 little girls instead.
And they could choose their own fabric. That’d be fun! I really do want to try pillow cases.
Homemade baby shower gifts are the best. Blankets especially. One of my BFFs has a ton of gorgeous soft blankets her mother made and she is complimented endlessly on them.
Homemade ones are best. I’ve never seen ones as big and cosy in the store.
I love this idea!