Embellished for Baby

Last summer I picked up three relatively plain baby shirts from Old Navy. I liked the simplicity of the patterns and muted colors, and I knew they could easily be embellished. As with my last few projects, these shirts were quick and allowed me to play with colors, patterns and shapes. The top stitching got a little tedious, though!

When I started sewing again a few years ago, I went a little crazy buying fabrics, especially as I discovered all the amazing modern designers. Doesn't everyone want to buy everything in sight when they first get started? So I have a fairly decent stash of some quilting cottons from a couple of years back, not much yardage but enough to play with.

Little did I know that each designer offers new collections every year and that some fabrics become so coveted they require frequent google, etsy and ebay searches and bring premium prices! I occasionally search for Anna Maria's Small Gathering. So sad that I didn't scoop any up although I loved it so.

The fabrics used here are some favorites- from Amy Butler's Love and and Erin McMorris' Park Slope

The cute little green pants are the Quick Change Trouser from Anna Maria Horner's Handmade Beginnings in my favorite Park Slope print lined with a flannel. These seem to run a tad big. I cut a 3-6 month size and they fit my seven month old. They will be nice during some of the chillier spring days ahead. I will make more of these for sure in larger sizes.

AMH Patchwork Sleeping Sack

For Christmas I made the sleepsack Anna Maria Horner's Handmade Beginnings book.  The floral on the back side  is a Renate duvet from IKEA which I bought specifically for baby room projects. For the front patchwork, I combined the Renate with several prints from the Washi collection. I enjoyed making the patchwork and the process reminded that I really should try some modern quilting.

One variation from the book pattern was continuing the bias tape along the bottom. It creates a nice finish and encloses all the raw edges.  I also cut the patchwork strips in various lengths and with a 3" width, rather than the 2"x2" squares the pattern specifies. For the lining I used a green and white check cotton flannel from Joann.

Although Ella has outgrown the sleepsack already, I may just hang it in the nursery so I can still admire it. My older daughter remarked that the sleepsack actually looks like a dress, so I may refashion it at some point.

Nursery Sewing

I sewed a few items for Baby's nursery. And my sister sewed an adorable block set for Ella for Christmas. Simple and sweet projects. These fresh colors and modern patterns make me happy!

 

Baby Playmat

I'm enjoying sewing for the littlest one. For a quick Christmas gift, I stitched up a playmat. The two IKEA prints (ANNAMOA) were scored a year or so ago (from an enormous bag of bolt ends scored from the as-is section for just $5) and seemed perfect for baby with the various animals and graphic prints. Initially, I planned to use just one fabric panel and back it with fleece but soon realized that would be a major lint collector. Instead I pulled out the sea animal print and made a reversible mat. I did add a fleece layer inside for some cushion.

Rounded corners, packaged bias tape and a few ribbon loops for hooking on toys finished this cute playmat.

And of course it is the cutest with a smiling baby on top!