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From: esrun3
Date: 03-27-2006, 07:46 PM (1 of 32)
 My daughter is pregnant with her first child and my 4th grandchild! She is due the end of November and I can't wait!!Have promised to make her some crib sheets, receiving blankets, etc. Have a question though...does anyone know the "common" size for a receiving blanket and when you make them, do you use a single layer of fabric or are you doubling it? Since we live in AZ and even the winters are somewhat warm I don't want to put batting in between flannel but am tempted to do a 2 sided blanket, then serge around the edges maybe? I made stuff for my other grandchildren but their mothers aren't into the "handmade/homemade" stuff-my daughter, however, knows the value of something well made by Mom. thanks for the help! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-27-2006, 10:48 PM (2 of 32)
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Oh hurray for you!!!! A new grandbaby to cuddle!!!!! How exciting. I made my receiving blankets a bit larger than the store ones which are 30x30. Considering he/she will be born in November, its a bit cooler so a doubled one would be good I'd think. You could also do a cotton on one side with a flannel back. I've done a few of those which are a big hit.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-28-2006, 05:46 AM (3 of 32)
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Esrun3 We should form a club! My first grandchild (and likely to be only) is to be born to my daughter in August. I wondered the same thing about blanket sizes. I have bought yards and yards (meters) of flannellette and figure I will make them as long as the fabric is wide, most seems to be 36", except I think several pieces are wider. I am only going to make receiving blankets as one piece. I did the same thing with a fleece blanket that I bound in satin. As it will be very hot in Toronto when our babe is born I thought to make blankets with one side flannellette and one side woven cotton. Unless you have a crib that sheets are to be fitted to or tucked in I don't think it makes any difference what size a blanket is as long as it covers the babe. There are several sites on line that give usual sizes. I am making a play quilt and going to line it flanellette. That is what is recommended for premies and think it would be warm enough in the winter where you are. I have heard the same thing about homemade from my daughter and it really doesn't pay to make some of the everyday clothes for babies. However, my daughter emailed me today after shopping on the weekend for bedding.The prices for matching sheets and bumper pads are astonomical! Even she admitted this. I have some beautiful knit shawls and sweater sets that I saved from her birth and are like new and even washed and aired out again, but she thinks they may be old fashioned. One shawl wrap is fine and gorgeous and totally washable. Several things I hope to make I found patterns on line or will design myself - nursing pillow (boppy), liner to put in grocery carts which are grungy and very expensive to buy, and funky portable change pads. Enjoy and let me know what you make in the end. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: esrun3
Date: 03-28-2006, 08:21 AM (4 of 32)
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Thanks ladies! Congratulations Sancin on becoming a grandma!! Sancin, I like the idea of just making the blanket as long as the fabric is wide, makes it easy. Thanks for the sizing Bridesmom! It gives me a jumping off spot depending on how much the flannel shrinks! I plan on using flannel for most of the receiving blankets but I also like the idea of using cotton on the back side so it won't be too warm. Then I think I'll just serge along the edges and maybe do an outline of something in the middle to hold the 2 pieces of fabric together. thankfully my daughter has no problem with homemade items-she wonders why I keep making dresses and such for my granddaughter (who belongs to one of my boys) when her mom has such a phobia-I said because Jason likes the stuff and I'm hoping he has some say so in what his daughter wears!! All I can do is try, right? I agree, onesies, shirts, etc are probably more trouble than worth the savings but if I have leftovers I'll make some of these or try one and see how that works. What I wish I had now is an embroidery machine to add decoration to the onesies, etc. oh well.....one day. My daughter wants to go shopping for maternity patterns this weekend so we'll be headed to the fabric store. Poor girl, she's a month along and nothing fits already! But then, she wears her clothes very close fitting to begin with so there's no room for any extra! LOL I'll post pictures as I sew. You should do the same Sancin! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Mom2Cheph&Chris
Date: 03-29-2006, 09:54 AM (5 of 32)
| Congratulations! I'm new here, I don't know what you consider a receiving blanket, but when my son was born, we lived in New Orleans, very hot & humid! I used sear-sucker fabric, you could buy in a variety of designs. I just bought 1 1/4 yds (as long as width) and being somewhat lazy, just hemmed the cut edges, I left the selvedge side alone. These were great also since I nursed, they were large enough to cover well. They washed & dried very easily. My son even took them thru preschool to use as the blanket on his cot! I also gave many for gifts. One could dress them up or down depending on the fabric with just a fancy edge stitch, or an iron on or embroidery design. Happy sewing! |
User: Mom2Cheph&Chris
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: stephi
Date: 03-29-2006, 12:20 PM (6 of 32)
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Congrats! A wonderfull lady made my daughter a whole set out of flannel cow pattern material. SHe made them long enought that they worked great on her toddler bed too, probobly about 34" x 60" and also a matching fitted sheet and then a comforter with flannel on one side and cotton on the other. Then she made a cotton sheet and cotton blanket (single sided) so I could reverse the comforter and change out the sheets. I had a thing for cows so the cow print was flannel and the cotton was a farm scene, really cute!! I still have them waiting for the next one
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361 
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From: StitchNTime
Date: 03-29-2006, 12:39 PM (7 of 32)
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Congratulations! Grandkids are the best! Like the bumper sticker goes: If I had known grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first. I agree with Laura. Over-sized flannel blankets are terrific. I make them as shower gifts frequently. I use one yard and finish the edges. My daughters used the over-sized receiving blankets for much longer than they used the standard sized ones. Judy
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1 |
User: StitchNTime
Member since: 03-14-2006 Total posts: 90 |
From: swartzrn
Date: 03-29-2006, 02:43 PM (8 of 32)
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CONGRATS on the new baby!! I agree that batting in AZ would be WAY too warm even in the winter months (hubby's family is in Tucson.) As far as oversized blankets, I totally agree. Too often than not, I have wished I had bigger blankets for my little one. She's almost 2. I have tons of blankets but I only have a couple of that is big enough for her to cover with now. It's a soft fleece and it gets softer everytime I wash it. I think that would be a good thing as well to make your blankets from. It's not very thick but thick enough. Congrats again!! Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
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From: pucktricks
Date: 03-29-2006, 05:04 PM (9 of 32)
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Definetely go for making the blanket the width from selvage to selvage. The standard size receiving blankets end up only working for like a week (you go through mounds and mounds of them in that week, but after that the baby outgrows them way too quickly). I make blankets this size for baby shower gifts, and they work for bundling when they're little bity, and then when they're older it's great for something to put the baby on to play on when they're older and you're at a friend's house. If you want to and are feeling ambitious, you could also do a lap sized quilt. We've never used the quilt in the set we were given as a blanket to cover them, but it's worked wonders as a slightly thicker padding when they're playing on the tile floor. Of course now, short of wrapping my boys up in bubble wrap, they're determined to get bumps and bruises, so it doesn't work now, but it did wonderfully then. I was going to say you'll love having grandbabies, but you already know that because this isn't your first. But still, I'm betting you're having a blast! Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: Sews4kate
Date: 03-29-2006, 05:38 PM (10 of 32)
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Congratulations! I hope when my dd and ds grow up and give me grandchildren that I am still sewing! I just wanted to say that the bigger the blanket the better! Especially if they will be swaddling the newborn (in which case a square is best). I have tons that were way too small to be of any real use except to wipe up spit up LOL! I have some that are about 42x42" that work great. They are flannel with just the sides hemmed. Wendy
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User: Sews4kate
Member since: 08-20-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: esrun3
Date: 03-29-2006, 10:44 PM (11 of 32)
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Thanks everyone. I hadn't thought oversized mostly because I figured there would be several quilts made by me also but I see the use possibilities with the oversized. DD is planning on nursing and I know how important it is to be able to cover up. (when I was having babies-years and years ago-my mom used to have a dream about me nursing a kid on a city bus and getting off the bus with my boobs flapping in the wind because she didn't realize I always covered up with a blanket! LOL). Anyway, I think I will go for the oversized blankets, you can always fold them up early on and make them square to use as a receiving blanket. My daughter decided she might like cotton on one side of the flannel-she doesn't like the white on the printed flannel that isn't colored on both sides so will probably do that with some of them. I'm very excited-you'd think it would be run of the mill by now as this is grandchild #4 but......it's still fun! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: swartzrn
Date: 03-30-2006, 10:07 AM (12 of 32)
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Lyn--have you considered also making her a sling for the baby if she is going to be nursing? I didn't have one with mine and wish I had. A friend makes them and she nurses and it's made with enough material that you can nurse and cover up at the same time. I was a bit funny about nursing in public (probably b/c I grew up in South Alabama where things like that were taboo) but the way my friend does it is VERY discreet. The sling is made out of 2 fabrics (she makes hers to contrast) and very easy in my opinion. The way it is worn provides for privacy up top if you know what I mean and the baby can nurse while covered by the sling. Also you can wear it on the other side to nurse on the other breast. A zipper pocket can also be put at the tail of it to store baby stuff..very convenient. I have made one and it turned out nicely but of course, to give them to anybody or whatever, I'd need to tweak the pleats at the rings. They are tricky to me and a little more difficult. The big thing about the baby slings is that you definately want to get rings that are sturdy enough to hold the baby. I have ordered mine from www.slingrings.com. I ordered the aluminum ones. My friend uses hers still with her baby and he is one so obviously they hold up well. I have plans to make more when I can and have several sets of rings (they come in different colors) to use. I was also thinking that the sling could be embroidered with a cute design at the tail as well just to add a bit of embellishment to it.. Just a thought when you said your daughter was going to nurse. Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436
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From: esrun3
Date: 03-30-2006, 09:26 PM (13 of 32)
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Good idea Julie, I just bought a book of patterns from sewbaby with a sling pattern in it. Thanks for the link for the rings. I've looked at them before and wished I'd had one like that when I was nursing and you are right, probably lots easier than messing with blankets, etc. Definitely a sling is on the list!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: swartzrn
Date: 03-31-2006, 12:25 PM (14 of 32)
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Go to www.sleepingbaby.net and there are some easy cheesy instructions on there. I think that's where my girlfriend started from and then designed hers to fit her needs and added her touch. The pleats instructions are pretty self explanatory. The prob I had with the pleats was just simply I used too much fabric. It didn't fold like it should've and I got frustrated. I did put a pocket in the tail of mine that zipped. JennLeigh uses masking tape to tape down her pleats,sews and then removes the tape (great idea.) She also does a decorative stitch on her machine on the tail to add a little extra touch. I had a Baby Bjorn which I totally hated b/c I'm short and it hurt my back. Al loved it and used it when we'd go to ballgames but we only used it a handfull of times. It was just too heavy for me. I think had I had a sling then, I would've used it more and enjoying it. It just seems easier to me for nursing moms than blankets fall off your shoulders, etc. Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 03-31-2006, 01:37 PM (15 of 32)
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Ya'll are way beyond anything I could suggest. I just popped in to say Congrats on the new little one-and I don't think it matters how many grandchildren you already have because when it's your daughters first, it's almost like it's your first too!!! I'm very happy for all of you!! Love the banner in your sig line too!! Cookie 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: stephi
Date: 03-31-2006, 02:42 PM (16 of 32)
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Lynn another thought, I am thinking of getting preggers in julyish and I am starting to look for a material that I can make everything out of. I know kinda cheesy but I love when everything matches or is atleast the same colour scheme. Some thoughts of what I want to make are... everything in McCalls #3038 and an extra wide crib organizer, baby sling, baby hammock (like the ones on ebay) high chair swing and car seat cover, shopping cart seat, diaper bag and matching (short term) purse, glider cushions, and bassinet/craddle set. So far I am just looking for nuetral material, but you might want to think about it because this is something very cute she could hand down for generations. I really want a round crib or corner crib but I havent been able to find sheet patterns for them so I have kinda given up on that. Just a fun idea, dont know if I will get it done but its a dream Stephi Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361
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From: Sancin
Date: 03-31-2006, 05:11 PM (17 of 32)
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My babies (now in 30's) were 14 months apart. For the first I borrowed a framed backpack from a friend in which the baby sat facing back and at a point just above waist level. I also had made a mai tai (soft carrier) I found the borrowed back caused me to lean forward (as did the front carrier) when I walked so we bought a framed carrier in which the babe rode high and faced forward - the weight of the frame and babe was on my hips and shoulders. I have had back problems my entire life and this back did not bother me and I stood up tall. When the second babe was born I carried the first in the back pack and the new infant in the mai tai in the front - for several months. I had one or the other in the back pack for nearly 3 years.  As my daughter is now having baby I looked on web and it seems most people are using slings of some sort. My SIL is from Europe so will travel fairly frequently and plan to buy one stroller for city here plus a fold up one for travelling. I think a framed back pack is the way to go (some people think only hippies and ecentrics use.) as it will be easier shopping, travelling and getting on and off bus and subway. Has any one used a sling/soft carrier and a framed back pack and which did you prefer? 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: esrun3
Date: 03-31-2006, 09:51 PM (18 of 32)
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Julie-I'll check out those instructions, my daughter is short too so don't want to make/buy her anything that will hurt her back. Thanks, Cookie, you are right, it is like my first-maybe more so because it is my daughter and not the dil's who had my other grandchildren-more of a connection. Stephi, I'm already headed in that direction with stuff-have several patterns for items-just trying to find the fabric she and I like. Nancy, when my kids were born I used both the front carrier and the back pack-felt more evened out when the kids were at ages where I could use both at the same time but I agree, it throws your balance off a little, I loved using the front carrier mosty because I loved having those babies close where I could touch all the time but once they were standing they preferred the backpacks. Those are in the plans too....my daughter is like me, she hates navigating around strollers so won't use one. I never did either. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Debby215
Date: 04-01-2006, 08:27 AM (19 of 32)
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Congrats to Lyn and Sancin on the upcoming new grandbabies. Lyn I usually make my receiving blankets about 32 or 33 inch square. Wonder if you backed it with seersucker, for a COOLER side? I love seersucker, and use it lots for sewing DGD sundresses, it is very cool and easy to launder and wear. Just an idea....
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-01-2006, 02:20 PM (20 of 32)
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I usually use 1 yard for receiving blankets, so they end up about 36 X 42 or so.. I serge them rounding at the corners( use a saucer for pattern).. I make seersucker ones for summer, sometimes I use batiste for a lining with those.. I use the 'bar tack' about every 6 inches on my machine to keep the layers together.. I think any machine quilting would be too heavy for summer..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: swartzrn
Date: 04-01-2006, 09:11 PM (21 of 32)
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OH the seersucker fabric is a FABULOUS idea!! I hadn't thought of that but I think it would make really sweet blankets!!
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436
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From: Debby215
Date: 04-01-2006, 10:50 PM (22 of 32)
Wow, Libby, I never thought about using two layers of seersucker for summer receiving blankets, what a great idea. Here is a dumb question, what do you mean by batiste for lining? 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611
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From: swartzrn
Date: 04-02-2006, 02:16 PM (23 of 32)
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Batiste is a really soft fabric that is really good for children's items. I just bought some to make a slip for Sarah from. It's not a thick fabric at all. It's a plain weave cotton and alot of people use it to line linen. It's just a nice, delicate fabric and I think would be wonderful to use in a blanket..the softer the better!!
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436
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From: esrun3
Date: 04-04-2006, 12:07 AM (24 of 32)
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Sancin, congrats on your upcoming grandchild!! I know you must be excited (I am about mine!) The seersucker is a great idea! My daughter decided she would rather have cotton (or something else cool so seersucker would be great) than a doubled flannel. I was thinking about enlarging children's coloring pages to use to "quilt" the 2 fabrics together. Have lots of fabric, just have to get sewing. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 04-04-2006, 10:29 AM (25 of 32)
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Just as a warning, to not make the matching purse with diaper bag. I've found that I either carry a diaper bag or a purse. So, if you really like the fabric and like the purse pattern, then go for it. But, you'll rarely, if ever, be carrying both a purse and a diaper bag at the same time (from my experience), it gets to be too many straps. Ticia
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User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: esrun3
Date: 04-04-2006, 04:18 PM (26 of 32)
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You are right Ticia......I remember only ever carrying one bag-and it wasn't usually a purse, unless I was dropping a child off at a babysitters and heading out, even then I mostly just carried a wallet as I'd gotten used to not needing everything I carry in my purse.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 04-04-2006, 04:27 PM (27 of 32)
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Congrats from me too! I used my sling for my first baby right up until she was about 2 years old. It was good for breast feeding (I even did it walking through Walmart one time, no one would have noticed), it was also easy for washing, and very easy to just throw in my bag to use when she was a toddler in case she wanted to be carried it was a big help. I didn't use it as much with my second though, she was much heavier, I seemed to have way too much stuff to carry around and used the stroller. I'm expecting my third in June and will probably use it again for July and August. One thing I would recommend is a light neutral colour. I used mine a lot in the summer time and they get pretty warm. They are good for keeping the sun off the babe too. My husband used it too (thus no cutsie prints). I also had a variety of other carriers - front, back, big, small... the bigger framed type was just too hot for me and I didn't like that I couldn't see her. I wound up selling them off at a consignment shop. It really depends on the person doing the carrying and the baby size - my sister loved her backpack. As far as the receiving blankets go, the best one I have is about 54 by 40 inches (serged flannel), it is still in use daily. I have a huge stack of the smaller ones that have hardly been used, awaiting the new one. And one of our favourite blankets is made from two coordinating cotton knit fabrics (one on each side) and binding. There's no tacking or stitching through the middle but it stays together always. It has a really nice weight and isn't too hot or too cold. There are so many nice baby things out there and I really was a sucker with my first - thought I really "needed" to have all sorts of useless stuff. I think I've learned a little but it is still so tempting! Everything is so cute! At the moment, I am wanting to make some breast feeding tops for myself that look somewhat trendy. We'll see how that goes. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: esrun3
Date: 04-04-2006, 07:10 PM (28 of 32)
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Jen-congrats on expecting your new baby! The baby stuff is indeed just too cute out there. I'm trying not to go overboard on what I want to make but it's hard not to! I'm thinking the sling is going to be a good idea, I always used the front packs but I can definitely see the advantage of a sling for breastfeeding.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 04-05-2006, 09:52 AM (29 of 32)
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I loved my snugli (the front carrier). It was the only way I got out to the grocery store with my boys. I'd put one in their carrier in the grocery cart, and the other would be in my snugli. It's amazing how having a baby can make going to the grocery store be a grand trip. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: stephi
Date: 04-05-2006, 03:50 PM (30 of 32)
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I never carried a purse either until My duaghter got a little older and then I just carried a bigger one I could shove a few wipes and diapers into when running to walmart or the grocery store. So I guess not so much a purse as a small diaper bag with all your nessecities vs. the baby stuff ANother thing I thunk of is those moon shaped pillows. I made a cover for my daughters that actuall was a square with the moon shape stiched across to hold the pillow still. That way she could lay on the floor and I didnt have to put a blanket on top of it and I didnt have to vaccum either. Hehehehehe I am sure I will come up with more as I go. Joanns had a really cute yellow material on sale but muine only had 1 1/2 yard of it....It had flowers on it to so I guess that wouldnt work if we got a boy  Stephi april, may june, july!! Only 3 more months till we start to try!!! Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361
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From: esrun3
Date: 04-05-2006, 11:16 PM (31 of 32)
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I loved my snugli (the front carrier). It was the only way I got out to the grocery store with my boys. I'd put one in their carrier in the grocery cart, and the other would be in my snugli. It's amazing how having a baby can make going to the grocery store be a grand trip. Ticia Ticia, you are so right about that! You made me laugh remembering how 1 wasn't too bad, 2 was a little harder and 3 made it a zoo!! Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 04-05-2006, 11:32 PM (32 of 32)
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Yeah, it's amazing how before I'd just be like I'll run out for a quick stop by ______________ (fill in blank of whatever errand I had to run). Now, it's this amazing fifteen minute production to go in and buy stamps. One time when my brother was back for Christmas from college, I called him to come with me so I could just run in really quick to the post office, rather than having to try and manuever the stroller as well. It made my quick trip in a lot quicker. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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