I had a request to knit a blanket for story time. LB thought we needed a blanket for both boys to snuggle under when I read to them. Brilliant request, but I countered with an offer to sew something since that’s a bit quicker to make. Then we chose the fabric! That’s the fun part, right?
Materials
We were fairly determined to select a fabric that went with its purpose – story time. Then when LB saw the Seuss fabric he knew it was the right choice. There were two different kinds, so we bought a half-yard of each. Then we used a coordinating gingham I had handy for the backing. The wild Celebrate Seuss! Character Stripe White Fabric was for the center section, then we split the block panel to flank it on the top and bottom. The Cat In The Hat fabric doesn’t seem to be available anymore, but it’s like this one.
Process
I pre-washed and pressed the fabric.
I then trimmed the block sections into two strips. I pressed the backing fabric. I also matched the Seuss prints up to pin. Once the items were pinned, I sewed the two block panel strips to the top and bottom of the striped fabric section. Then I pressed it again before pinning the two front-facing sides of fabric together and sewed all the way around, leaving just enough to turn right-side-out and sew that last bit up.
I wish I had photos of the entire process, but LB was “helping” so both hands were working to keep his fingers away from the sharp bits.
This is when the mistakes started…
At one point when sewing the third edge, which had been the bit I left open, there was a bit too much help and I added a length of dotted bias tape to that edge to cover up the mess.
Yep, I make huge mistakes! The key is fixing them to be the Minimum Viable Product and moving on, especially when it’s for my kids. For my work, I’m a perfectionist, but for kid crafts I remember my Grandma used to say, “On a galloping horse, no one will notice.”
Then as if that wasn’t enough, the next mistake is that I sewed the ENTIRE thing then added stitches to secure the two layers together…THEN noticed I forgot the cotton filler layer. *Face palm and a glass of wine* But now I know for next time.
Result
So, lots of crafty magic happened and a few mistakes, but it came out nicely and the boys love it. It has been spilled on, washed so many times, and treated like a tarp, parachute, roof, cape, and much more with no ill effects. IT IS PERFECTLY IMPERFECT.
I sincerely love the blue gingham fabric with the Seuss fabric. Very bold and bright.
It could do with a bit of an iron, but then it will just be spilled on or stomped on, so I just shrug and live life.
Added bonus, it is large enough to drape over our jogging stroller for some napping shade, but not so big it drags along the ground.
View from inside the stroller…
Which project of yours went pear-shaped but still turned out ok and completely useable?