Handmade gifts for Princess Jocelyn

Well, did you know that #babyschep has a cousin? My parents' first two grandchildren were born a mere two months apart!  Here's a pic of Princess Jocelyn:

So sweet!

This is my first niece, so I had to make as many handmade gifts for her as I could.  Just one obstacle: the fact that I have an infant of my own to care for.

First up, a quilt, of course! It began with fusible appliqué secured with a blanket stitch by hand:

#babyschep in the background!

I chose a simple Riley Blake pattern that called for strips.

Below-the-panel strip set

Above-the-panel strip set

I thought that the Happy Home collection would be ideal.  Super girly, you know?!

I chose this super luxe minky to back the quilt:

Love that color!

Here's the quilt sandwich all basted:

Is it just me, or do quilt tops look better before they're quilted? 

I opted to simply stitch in the ditch with my walking foot on my trusty Quantum.  Minky is tricky.  It was very messy to cut, and very shifty in the machine.  There were several snags, but I just told myself that it added to the homemade feel of it all.

And the finished quilt:

Thanks to the hubby for holding it up for me!

I hope she enjoys it!

Next up, burp cloths!  I used Simplicity pattern 2924 for the burp cloths and tummy time pillow that follow:

Yup, that's more Happy Home fabric!  I have plenty, lol.  I made some of these for #babyschep, and they've come in handy--they are very absorbent. 

Yours truly with my fav model :)

I also made some tummy time pillows.  Here's the version I made for my niece:

The pattern calls for toys to be attached.

Here's what #babyschep's looks like.

And of course, I couldn't resist a pic of #babyschep passed out after some tummy time on his new pillow!

Next up, a teddy bear!  I used Simplicity pattern #9524.  This was my first time using a mainstream pattern to make a softie, and it has its pros and cons.

Hehe, a little sewing humor.

This bear came together in two pieces, that's it!  That made it a very quick sew, but I also feel like it made a bit rudimentary of a bear.  Now, the pattern I used assumes you're going to be using some sort of furry fabric, but I just used quilting cotton.  I felt like it could have really used some interfacing, if you go with a lighter fabric like cotton.  

The obligatory patio shot.  

From another angle.  

I added some hand embroidered details.  

Yet another gift:  an embellished onesie:

So cute!

This was pretty straightforward.  I used fusible web to apply the letter, and used a straight stitch to adhere it permanently.  Because I used a straight stitch, I opted not to use any interfacing on the inside of the onsesie.  

The flowers on the socks were made using this little gadget:

I won this Kanzashi flower maker as a door prize at last year's expo, and found good use for it here.  If I had more time, I would have figured out how to make a headband, but that'll just have to go on my super long to-do list for now.  

And last, but not least, my niece has an older brother.  I didn't want him to feel left out, so I stitched up a composition book cover with his name on it.

What do y'all think?  Far from perfect, but the flaws are filled with love!


Until next time, God Bless!