PILLOWCASES~OUR NEW "GO TO" BIRTHDAY GIFT

It seems like my youngest monster, age 7 (going on 16), gets invited to ALOT of birthday parties.  This past summer he requested that I make his buddies their gift (it was a joint party).  I tried to convince him to just go to the toy department with me and pick something out or simply give a gift card. I was leaving for Florida the next day with my middle monster for a baseball tournament.  He wouldn't go for it.  His argument was, "Mom, you are such a good maker.  You shouldn't just make things for us."  How was I supposed to argue with that? 

 

After a little thought (and help from my girl, Terra!), we decided that I would make pillowcases. I found this super easy to follow tutorial by Missouri Quilt Co. and whipped 2 pillowcases up fairly quickly. 

 

 

My monster chose the soccer ball fabric.  I thought it was a perfect choice since the boys are all teammates :)  I added their soccer #'s to make them more personal.  I used heat transfer vinyl.  The white vinyl glows in the dark...super cool. We also included some candy, I figured if they didn't like the pillowcases the candy would be a hit ;)  Luckily, both boys loved their personalized gifts.  So much that pillowcases are now our official go-to gift.  It seems that both girls and boys of all ages love them. 

 

 

This one was for a classmate.  Instead of using vinyl, I appliqued the birthday girl's name on with fabric.  I personally love this one.  It may or may not have something to do with the fact that I hardly ever get make girly things ;)

 

 

For this 2-sport playing birthday boy, I made a flippable (is that even a word?) pillowcase.  One side soccer and one side baseball.

 

 

And this one was sent across the state to an old neighbor that broke his ankle.  I thought he might need a little something to lift his spirits.  Although he has been raised in Missouri, he has Packer pride just like his Dad.  It too has glow-in-the-dark vinyl :)

 

If you have doubted making handmade gifts for a birthday boy or girl, please don't.  It's amazing how special it makes them feel.  Believe me, the smile on their face will take away any doubts you may have.

 

Hope your Monday is marvelous!

Smiles~Beth

 

 



A BABY QUILT FOR HARPER

An old high school friend and his new bride welcomed a sweet baby girl into the world last week.  I couldn't resist making them a baby quilt to help celebrate her arrival. 

 

 

I just adore those tiny little dots and cute little owls paired together.

 

 

For the back I used a lovely goldish-yellow dot.

 

 

If you are in need of a handmade baby gift, this simple quilt came together rather quickly.  I used one yard of fabric for the center and then added 4-inch borders to the sides.  Harper 's name is appliqued on, using a zigzag stitch. I don't always include the baby's middle name but I love that Rose is her mother's maiden name as well :)  I did simple straight line quilting in a diamond pattern (about 6" apart).  And since the width is approximately 42", I was able to use one piece of fabric for the backing...no piecing!!  I also machine stitched the binding on, for durability.  Simple and adorable!!

 

Linking up to Finish it Up Friday over at Crazy Mom Quilts

 

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Smiles~Beth



HELLO AGAIN!!

Well, HELLO there!!!

I took quite the break from blogging but just couldn't stay away any longer.  Now that I have healed from my broken leg, Spring baseball season is over (they have already started practices for the Fall season!!) and school has begun, I am in full sewing mode. It feels SO good to be sewing on a regular basis again!!

This week I will share some pictures & happenings of what I have been up to lately.  In the meantime, here is one of my little monsters (that really aren't that little anymore!).

Hope you have a lovely day!
Smiles~Beth