Baby Shower Gifts

Some time ago I was a guest on Gracious Threads for a virtual baby shower, so now I think I post it here.
I'm known as the go-to person when getting baby shower gift baskets ready. I get this type of mesasge on a regular basis...I'm going to a baby shower tomorrow, do you have anything on hand? I'll look in my stash and come up with what is needed to make this new little baby feel cozy and comfy.

Here are some of my favourite handmade gifts for a new baby. I start off with an oversized receiving blanket, a baby can never have too many of those. These blankets are over sizes so they do last longer than the store bought ones, JubeJube still has her favourite one that she snuggles with in front of the television or in the car when we go for a long drive. 

I use cotton flannel and cut it to measure about 115cm by 95cm (44 inches by 36 inches). I like using a bias tape to trim them out for extra durability and style. If you want a closer look on how to use bias tape here's a little tutorial I posted a while ago.

I'll add bib and washclothes to the gift basket, two more items you never have enough of with a baby. To make the washclothes I cut out a 7 inche square piece of a cotton print and another of cotton terry, both have been prewashed. Using a 1/4" seam allowance with right sides of fabric together I sew all around the edge, leaving an opening to pull them right side out. I then edge stitch all the way around. They're the perfect size for those messy faces.

The next little item on the list...These adorable little crib shoes! These are the Ruched Mary Janes, and the pattern is by PetitBoo.  The pattern shop has a nice veriety of boys and girls crib shoes.

Seriously They are addictive to make!

So now we have in this gift set, a blanket, bib, washclothes, crib shoes, and I also like to add a set of baby hangers, and wrap it all together with a pretty keepsake box. The box can be used to keep the hospital bracelet, that lock of hair from the first hair cut, some photos and many other cherished memories.

Once everything is put together I run to my friend Elena of Just ME, card maker and desinger extraodinaire,  and ask her to put a baby shower card together or raid her stash.

Until next time, xx.

The Little Sheep Costume

So as promised here I'm posting another Halloween costume. I warned it would be from the vault...but its oh so cute! So many years ago (about 12 years) I made Sabrina a sheep costume with a paper pattern I purchased (way before PDF patterns). I changed the pattern up to add sweet little details, the joy of sewing and creating.

I added the color to the inside ear and the ribbon around the hood. And what would a sheep be without a tail? 

I love that this costume is a favorite after 12 years of wear by my girls and niece. This is one hand-me-down that is sure to please even Amelia. 

We sometimes have snow around Halloween so this little sheep will be kept nice and warm with her fleece.

I may just have time to post one last Halloween costume post before Friday, so keep an eye out!
Until next time, xx.

Catching up and Saying Good Bye

This week has been about catching up with custom orders after being MIA for a week after being so sick. I started the advent calendar with the girls, but they have yet to see their elf, Morton. I'll keep you updated on some of the trouble he gets into. Until then here are some of Morton's friends saying good bye.

Good bye little elves, stay out of trouble!