The Gift of Warmth. It's basic. It's a need, esp. here in the northeast! When I think of "warmth" I find myself snuggling in a warm blanket sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows on top, surrounded by my family. Warmth.When I began my plot for a homemade Christmas, the first gift that came to my mind was the gift of warmth in the form of simple fleece blankets for each of our kids. My sister, Sara has a fabric business focused on flannel and fleece. I recently bought four pieces of fleece from her for my big kids who are in twin or full size beds (Wesley has more than enough blankets for now). I was up late several nights this week 
blanket stitching the edges of each piece of fleece (thanks, Shay for introducing us to the Mentalist...DVR is a great thing for late night projects!), and now these four cozy layers of warmth are ready for wrapping paper and twine.
blanket stitching the edges of each piece of fleece (thanks, Shay for introducing us to the Mentalist...DVR is a great thing for late night projects!), and now these four cozy layers of warmth are ready for wrapping paper and twine. One of my favorite Thomas stories: A couple years ago I bought a piece of black and blue herringbone patterned fleece for a blanket for Thomas. I planned on fringing the ends or doing something fun with it, however when I showed him the fabric he said, "Wow! I love it! Thanks, mom!" That simple, no-nonsense version of a blanket was good enough for him. I love that Thomas was truly grateful for that piece of fleece. I never did anything to it as a reminder of that experience. He'll be getting a "dressed up" piece of fleece for Christmas and I'll bet he's just as happy with it as he is with his black and blue blanket.
Here are a few more ideas of gifts of warmth using fleece:
Handmade fleece poncho from Coochooloo.
Hooded poncho for sale at Carriage Town Kids
Neck Gaiter tutorial- super easy!
Warmest Wishes,
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7 comments:
Seriously Becky, how do you keep up with everything?! I love seeing all of your cute projects.
ooooohh...LOTS of little stitches! Doesn't Julie also have a fabric biz? Your kids are going to love their homemade Christmas! Way to go getting things done (I have really good intentions and that's about all I can say at this point:)
Do they read your blog?
This is a great project! My kid love the fleece, too - even if it's unfinished. They took the leftover scrap of fleece I had from making the soccer banner and wanted it as a blanket.
That Thomas story reminded me of Jon's favorite blanket. Before the twins were born I made each of them 6 blankets. (Keep in mind I was on bed rest and that I am also a bit blanket crazy.) They were really cute. At six months old I put Jon down for a nap on a piece of fleece that I had always intended on finishing but never did (it was not one of "the blankets") and that was that. I cannot explain how a six month old communicated his preference to me, but that was "the blanket" from then on. He still sleeps with it and loves it and will frequently say with great pride and admiration that I "made" that blanket for him.
BTW, at about the same time, Josie became attached to a blanket from a stack of old blankets a friend gave me, knowing with two babies I might want some extras. So really, all that work I did to make them special blankets and for what? But like I said, I love making blankets. Good thing we don't live in Florida.
Shay- Christina reads our blog, but she's been forewarned to stay away until Christmas. I'm not posting everything, so even if she sneaks over here there will be surprises. I'm actually enlisting her help this year with a few things. She's really excited to play elf.
Emily- Here's my secret formula:
1. lots of late nights...'Tis the season:D
2. I'm not a perfectionist, so the blanket stitching wasn't uniform and beautiful, but I'm ok with it.
3. I am not taking on really difficult projects, otherwise I wouldn't be able to "mass produce" for 5 kids. Easy is essential for me, esp. since Christmas is right around the corner!
CUTE. I made fleece blankets two years ago and my kids STILL love them.
I saw you on SUGARDOODLE. You're FAMOUS. So cool, LOVE all your great primary ideas, thanks for sharing.
I love fleece blankets. Our neighbor in UT made one for Mattie before she was born, and I loved it so much, that she made me one before we moved! Your kids will love them.
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