Stitching Gifts

I'm focused on stitching up gifts right now. I have so many things I want to try out and create. Having this sewing and embroidery machine has inspired me to be creative and each day I look forward to making something new. 

I was recently invited to a couple of baby showers for gals I used to work closely with before I retired. One of the new mothers is expecting her first child. She has wisely chosen some sweet items and registered locally to give friends an idea of what sort of things they would like to have for their new little one. When I chatted with her, she told me that they have not decided on a name as yet. So, adding a good old southern monogram is out of the question unless I simply stitch the last name initial. That is what I decided I would do.

Swaddle Blanket

I noticed that most of the sweet little items my friend had added to her gift registry were soft blue or sage green in color. So, I browsed online for a fabric that might work within that color palette. I stumbled across a sweet periwinkle blue Laura Ashley fabric that has a vine and alphabet print. What could be better for a teacher's child than the alphabet? I quickly ordered the fabric from an Etsy shop. Then, I looked for a companion fabric to use with it and landed on a periwinkle gingham. For the swaddle blanket, I used the same tutorial that I had used for my own grandchildren because it is a nice size and the grandchildren all enjoyed using the blanket even after they were beyond the swaddle stage. The tutorial can be found HERE. 

Burp Cloth #1

I decorated a couple of pre-folded cloth diapers for her to use as burp cloths. For one, I used the fabric print and appliqued the initial onto one side and stitched the entire last name below it using he same color thread. (I cropped out the last name to respect their privacy.) Then, stitched a rectangle of the fabric to the back to soften up the back side and cover up the back side of the stitching.

Burp Cloth #2

For the other burp cloth, I monogrammed a large initial and stitched the name below it as well as added a strip of the gingham to the back side. 

Monogrammed Zip Pouch

With some of the remaining fabric, I stitched up an 8" x 10" simple zip pouch. The print fabric shows on the outside with a lining of the gingham fabric. I appliqued a scalloped circle of the gingham fabric on one side and added a monogram to the center. Then, trimmed out the bag with a gingham zipper pull and loop for the D-ring and swivel hook. I made a wristlet that snaps onto the swivel hook and added my friend's last name to it. 

Pouch, Bag Tag, and Wristlet

I used the same applique shape and created my friend a bag tag by adding her initials. I thought she could use a little treat created just for her!

Christmas Ornament

The last addition to the gift is a Christmas Ornament. The back side of the ornament is pictured above. I monogrammed the last name initial onto the center of a piece of stiff felt and added the year right below. The front side features the print fabric with an overlayed applique of the gingham right through the center where the half-moon shapes are on the right and left of the ornament. I stitched the last name onto the gingham. 

All of the pieces really turned out to look sweet and beautiful. The companion fabrics and using just the simplest of appliques and fonts stitched with one color thread really brought the whole look together. I love the embroidery designs that come in several size options for one price. That makes it so easy to coordinate different pieces and uses for the design. I hope the new mom likes the gift as much as I enjoyed stitching it up!