Baby Mobiles
A ribbon covered embroidery hoop section works well for a circular frame. Attach hand or machine sewn felt clouds and raindrops, stars and moons, an Ark and baby animals or birds or teddy bears to hang down on ribbon streamers or fishing line. Attach to the celling with ribbon braids secured to a plant hanger.
Heirloom Bonnet with Poem
Use a square (10" x 10") of fine batiste cotton or a purchased delicate hanky. Small amounts of flat lace and narrow satin ribbon are needed to decorate the edges of the bonnet. Attach flat lace along outside edges of square using an entredeaux type stitch (or narrow zigzag stitch) to butt the edge of the lace to the fabric.
To form bonnet turn back about 2 1/2" along one edge and press. Tack a length of ribbon 1" in front of this fold at center and at both edges; cover ribbon ends with tiny ribbon roses if desired.
On opposite side of this fold on the edge that will become the back of the bonnet, fold back about 5/8" so lace edging lays on the right-side of the bonnet. Press fold lightly and sew using a basting stitch (long stitch length) at the edge just where the lace has been attached to the hankie; pull thread at both ends to gather back of bonnet, tie securely.
An alternative to make the back of the bonnet is to use a narrow satin ribbon that can be pulled through the casing formed by the basting stitch to form the gathers; finish by tying ribbon ends in a bow. Include the following poem with the bonnet for a charming gift:
Bonnet Poem
I'm just a little hankie as square as square can be,
But with a small stitch or two a bonnet I will be.
I'll be worn from the hospital or on my christening day,
And after that, be folded then carefully put away.
When on that future wedding day so we've been always told.
The well-dressed bride must always wear something that is old.
So what could be more fitting, than to find little me?
And with a few fine stitches snipped, a wedding hankie be.
And if perchance it's a boy someday he'll surely wed.
Then his bride can have the hankie once worn upon his head.
Author Unknown
Car Seat Canopy
Two yards of cuddle-soft cotton nursery flannel for the cover, some flannel scraps and iron on interfacing as well as hook and loop tape are all that are needed to make this easy canopy cover. Nursery flannel on the bolt is usually 36” to 44” wide. Fold the two yards in half right sides together or if using two separate pieces of the same size, simply place right sides together, stitch 1/2" from edges, leaving about a 4” to 6” opening to turn right sides out. Lightly press, then hand or machine stitch opening closed. Top stitch all around about 1/2" from all edges.
To make the tabs that will go over the car seat handle and hold the canopy , cut two pieces of flannel 12” by 12” then iron on interfacing to 1/2 of each piece for more firmness. Fold right sides together, stitch the long sides and one short side, turn right sides out and press. Stitch opening closed. Add hook and loop tape to the short sides. Sew each strip across their narrow centers to the center of the cover spaced about 10” apart. Easy then to attach the canopy to the car seat.
Receiving Blanket
Two yards of cotton nursery flannel. Fold in half or use one-square yard from each of two pieces of coordinating solid color and printed cotton nursery flannel. With right sides together, cut all 4 corners slightly rounded. A cereal bowl works well for cutting the curve or to make a curved template. Stitch together those open sides with a 1/2” seam, leaving a 4” or 6” opening in order to turn, clip curves and then turn right side out Press lightly, then hand or machine stitch opening closed. Select a decorative stitch if you’d like or use a straight stitch with a long stitch length and top stitch about 5/8” from all edges to neatly secure.
Whether you make a beautiful accent piece for the nursery, a keepsake bonnet, a shady car seat cover or a cuddly warm blanket, a gift given handmade is one of love and caring.
Sew happy, sew inspired.
