Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Sewing Scraps into something Soft and Simple

I'm trying - really trying - to use up my fabric stash while everything is still in storage (when will I see it all again is a question I am beginning to ask myself ...) A couple of years ago - when I first discovered the City Quilter - but before I began Rachael Rabbit - I brought a pre-cut stack of pretty cotton quarters. I'm embarrassed to say I can't remember the make/designer of the cotton - but I remember seeing it and my greedy eyes grew wide - and that was that. I never had a particular project in mind when I grabbed the stack ... and over time I have used the quarters to make cute gift bags for knitted softies ...
... and some adorable summer picnic napkins ...
... but there were still some bits left over ... and the question has lingered what to do with them?

The most delicious thing about this fabric is how soft it is. I wish you could touch it through the screen and feel it for yourself. And with the new little bunny on the way (I've heard having the odd blanket/soft mat lying around can be useful) I decided to sew the remaining bits into a soft and super simple baby blanket. You really can't get more simple than this blanket. It is made from 9 squares of cotton sewn together - I didn't quilt it at all - I just tied the layers together with little knots. The whole project took a couple of hours tops.
When my husband came home I said 'look what I have made' ... he looked unimpressed by the lack of complexity ... but then when I said 'ahhh but feel how soft it is - don't you just want to live under it?' ... he felt the blanket and his eyes lit up 'can't you make it bigger so we can use it? It is SO soft.' Have I mentioned yet how soft and cushy this little blanket is?

Big bunny asked me to practice my swaddling skills so he could feel the soft warmth and cosyness too ...
... 'oooh it is so soft' Big Bunny said ...
And I have to mention how easy quilt bindings have become since I learnt what I really should be doing from the amazingly talented Kellie at Don't Look Now!

17 comments:

Kellie said...

You are going to make a wonderful Mummy! Such grea swaddling!
I'm thrilled that the tutorial has been useful ... your corners are perfect! :)

Kellie said...

Not quite sure what grea means ... but if it was a real word it would be a variation of great. :)

hetty said...

If it is soft enough for Husband Rachael Rabbit and Big Bunny then it passes the test. It will be perfect for little bunny when she(?) arrives! Great use of some nice cottons and the binding looks professional roo!

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

What lovely soft colours - I am sure it will be well used by the little bunny!

rachelmp said...

Just beautiful and it must feel wonderful to be making things for the little bunny x

driftwood said...

oh it looks wonderful! I'm sure little bunny will love being swaddled up in it, and later when a bit bigger will drag it everywhere and get it all muddy......... (or is that just what my children do?)

Rachel said...

What a gorgeous blanket! Little bunny will love it.
:)

LizzieJane said...

What a wonderfully snuggly blanket Rachael!

Kitty said...

Awww, that is so pretty. Using stash for such a lovely project is a bonus! x

Anonymous said...

little bunny is going to love it for sure -- both my boys were swaddled ,
lisa x

Sue said...

I just realized that there's going to be an addition to the family. Congratulations.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

How cute that is. Love the bunny and the little soft comfy quilt. Congrats on your new little one that's on the way.

Bumpkin Hill said...

these have got to be the sweetest fabrics and work more than perfectly together. I looks complicated to me! I'd love to make one. RAbbit looks very cosey all snuggled in it :) Hugs, Catherine x

dottycookie said...

Oh, so cute! And thanks for the binding tips - I have a quilt that is going to need binding in a couple of days and I have no idea where to start!

Ally Jay said...

Thanks for sharing that tutorial. Now I can have go at my corners. Lucky little bunny.

UK lass in US said...

I love the colours & it looks so snug. I'm hoping that you're lying about a couple of hours tops, as that sort of thing takes me bloomin' ages...

Louise said...

You may have a job on your hands when it comes to Big bunny giving up the blanket when Little bunny arrives. x