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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Receiving blankets

This was one of the hottest and busiest holiday weekends I think I've been through in years. The last thing I thought I would be doing is sewing flannel receiving blankets, but the local fabric chain store had baby flannel on sale this weekend for $2.99/yard. I bought four one-yard pieces of coordinating fabrics, prewashed, and line dried the pieces.

Facing two coordinating pieces of flannel right sides together, I trimmed off the selvedge ends and squared up the sides. After stitching around the four sides and leaving about a 4" opening, I cut off the corners and turned out the right sides. I edge stitched the opening closed and then topstitched 1/4" from the finished edge.

I got this idea from Travis' grandmother who made similar receiving blankets when Natalie was born. The homemade blankets are stronger and wash up so much nicer than the store-bought ones. We ended up using Natalie's store-bought receivers as burp clohes!

The quilt group I belong to makes baby quilts and donates them to a local unwed mother's home. This year, Terri mentioned that an area hospital needs quilts and receiving blankets for the natal intensive care unit. Because these are quick to make, I've decided to make these instead.

Hope this project gives you some ideas, too!

20 comments:

Katy said...

What a great idea! :) Kudos to you for working with flannel in this heat! wow! :)

Elizabethd said...

A very good idea. I did a similar thing for my grandchildren, cutting up old flannelette sheets and remaking them

At Home With Amy said...

What a wonderful and giving idea Mary. I remember receiving a blanket similar to this when my daughter was born. It was so special. Bless you for your generosity.
Hugs,
AMY

Diana Ferguson said...

Enjoyed a first visit here. Following.....

This project is fantastic by the way.

Come see me!

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

My favorite blankets of all the ones my kids received when they were babies, I kept the homemade ones. The store bought ones are cute nowadays, but nothing can compare to the love and quality of a homemade blanket.

What a sweet idea! How thoughtful of you Mary to use your wonderful talent to share with someone less fortunate. I'm sure the recipient's will cherish those blankets!

Pokey said...

It's so nice that you are making this for others! The "made with love homemades" are always better!
We buy 1 1/3 yard of each to make a nice big square, although the new parents nowadays are taught to swaddle their babies tightly in a smaller, 30 inch square. How did we ever manage to raise a baby without today's information? just teasing, as you know...pokey

Barb said...

Mary this is a sweet idea, not surprised at your kindness really! You will be able to whip a few of those together for the new grandbaby that is on the way. My Grandma made single layer flannel receiving blankets for the *great grandchildren*, I used them for my children and the grands...so they do hold up very well, and are cherished forever! Stay cool, and enjoy the rest of your week! ((HUGS)) coming your way!

Donna said...

Love the blankies! Wonderful idea! I had much rather have something homemade anyday!!
Hugs,
Donna

Flat Creek Farm said...

What a nice idea.. and how wonderful they go to those who really will appreciate them. Flannel and hot summer days don't go well together, but your heart is certainly in the right spot ;) -Tammy

Linda said...

What a nice thing you are doing. I make blankets for Project Linus. These are given to sick and traumatized children. This is my first visit to your site. Thanks for sharing!

Sewn With Grace said...

Can we make those my size? I think I would love wrapping up in one of those. So pretty!

Birgit said...

Hi Mary~
What a wonderful gift to make and to receive! That's so great of you to make the for the NICU too. My son was in the NICU when he was 16 days old for a week when we discovered he had a heart disorder. It was such a trying time for me as a first time mother. I was unable to hold him for any length of time but a nice soft blanket sure would have softened the pain.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I did remove all of the original finish. I simply sanded it off as it came off easily and quickly. The bri-wax is a two step in one since there's a stain in the wax. Makes for a quick and beautiful finish.
I printed a copy of the prayer from Shirley Dobson as well. A lot of that I already pray for my children but the whole thing is the hope and prayer in my heart for their entire lives.
God Bless your heart for serving Him so well~ Birgit

Dolores said...

You have a talent and a big heart!!!
Happy weekend!

The Old Parsonage said...

And you my friend are one special lady. Sending you cool breezes from the other half of hot and humid PA!

Leann

Gumbo Lily said...

What a great idea to make blankets for hospitals.

Jody

Marie said...

Those are really nice blankets. I wish I was able to make them. I do buy them at the store and crochet an edge on them to have on hand for baby gifts.
Love,
Marie

Ann said...

just stumbled on your blog today, what a great idea.

The imPerfect Housewife said...

Hi Mary!! Long time, no see - those blankets are precious. I'd love to do something like that ~ either as a gift or to donate and I bet right now is the best time to buy flannel. I'll have to check that out. Hope you and your family are doing well ~ ♥

Anonymous said...

One thing about handmade blankets and quilts: They are treasures! Whenever my children were small and the blankets/quilts were later garage saled, I only kept the handmade ones and have passed them on to my children through the years. They love them and still use them.
And what a great summer sale on flannel! Now's the time to shop for fall and Christmas fabrics, too.

Kerrie said...

Great poject, I love it!