Security Blankets

I have always loved giving people homemade gifts.  I learned how to crochet in High School, and started making baby blankets when my cousins had babies.  I always wanted to learn to quilt, but never had the opportunity.

A couple of years ago a friend taught me the basic rag quilt - and I made my first one for a friend's new baby.  I was hooked.

Another friend had seen a fun sock monkey quilt I had made and requested one for her nephew for Christmas, since his nickname is Monkey. 

Of course, I had to make a space one for his science-loving brother.

Today I was reminded of the source of the great joy.  My friend told me that the blanket has become a true security blanket for her nephew.  He recently took it with him to an annual medical evaluation and it is one of the tools that they use when he has meltdowns and truly soothes him.  It's what he uses to cuddle up in when he's sick.

So the next time you aren't sure what to give a child, a personal quilt or blanket is always a good option.  You never know when something hand made with love is always a good gift.

And I'm going to keep this as a reminder to always stock up when I find cute fabric because you never know when you'll need it! :D

Homemade Holidays

I LOVE the holidays.  Even if I'm still in a little denial that Thanksgiving was next week, I am looking forward to the upcoming season.  I've even started my planning.

Last year, I got the quilting bug and made some blankets for gifts.  This year, I plan to do the same thing.  I always do some baking as well.

Are YOU doing anything homemade for the holidays?  Here's some of what I did last year

Cathedral Rag Quilt for my Mother in Law 

Teacher's quilts for my kid's teachers.  School colors and apple cut-out apliques.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Quilt

Finally finished a quilt I started way back before the move and summer of craziness.

I found the MOST adorable fabric at fabric.com (one of my favorite websites) and just had to make something with it.  I decided to do the Cathedral Rag quilt, because I thought the circles sewed into squares with the peeking out colors would be perfect.  The circles are sandwiched with red flannel in the middle.

This is the front, with the rag-side showing:

Here is the back.  I *LOVE* the fact that the caterpillars frame the gorgeous colors.

And here's a picture with the back and front together, so you can get a feel. 

Wouldn't this make an adorable baby shower present, with a copy of the book?  I'm debating giving it as a gift or selling it.  I'm just not sure.  I kindof need some money to buy this adorable Pokey Little Puppy fabric to make a quilt!  That is my favorite Little Golden Book story EVER!