For a number of reasons.
Firstly, I'm SO freakin' excited about becoming an Aunt in the next couple of weeks! My little brother is going to be a Daddy and I can't wait!
Secondly, I'm excited to introduce my first guest blogger today.
And, to top it off, those two concepts are combining today to form one seriously exciting post!
Rachael is an 'old' friend of mine from high school whom I have been thrilled to reconnect with in the last year or so. She's the mamma to one cute poppet called Pepper and the creative soul behind Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow where she blogs about - and share tutorials for - her amazing creations.
When I wanted to make something special for my soon-to-be niece or nephew (my money's on a girl!) I went straight to Rachael.
We discussed a few different options, most hindered by my limited sewing capabilities, but I've seen these Taggie blankets a lot and loved the idea of them. A Taggie is a little comforter/blanket with a variety of tactile materials that provide a sensory experience as well as being soothing and calming for baby as well.
So over to Rachael, who has produced this wonderful tutorial just for us...
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Baby
Taggie Tutorial
When Sarah asked me to write this tutorial I
was very excited. My daughter loved her Taggie when she was a baby and I had
grand plans of making a few spares for her. I must have blinked or something
though because now she's two and too big for all the baby projects I had
planned. This is a great excuse to see one of them come to life.
Before we begin, let's talk about fabric. In this tutorial I have chosen a cute printed flannel for the front and a gorgeous soft minky for the back. Minky is beautiful and very popular with baby items, but it can be a little fiddly to work with (and don't get me started on the fluff). If you're after a fuss-free Taggie then you may prefer working with cotton or flannel. They are just as cute but won't stretch like minky does. That being said, I made my Taggie without any special tools or gadgets, so, if you follow these steps, you will be fine.
Before we begin, let's talk about fabric. In this tutorial I have chosen a cute printed flannel for the front and a gorgeous soft minky for the back. Minky is beautiful and very popular with baby items, but it can be a little fiddly to work with (and don't get me started on the fluff). If you're after a fuss-free Taggie then you may prefer working with cotton or flannel. They are just as cute but won't stretch like minky does. That being said, I made my Taggie without any special tools or gadgets, so, if you follow these steps, you will be fine.
1 x 11'' square of fabric for the front (Patterned flannel)
1 x 11’’ square of fabric for the back
(Minky)
12 x 6'' long ribbon. I have used ½'' wide
ribbon but you can use anything really. In fact, you could even have different
widths, lengths, colours and textures. Whatever you think will suit baby best.
Steps
Cut the front and back fabrics into 11''
squares. I found it easiest to draw the 11'' square onto the wrong side of the
flannel first. Then pin it to the minky and cut both pieces together.
Cut ribbons and finger press each one in
half.
Pin the ribbon around the outer edge of the
front fabric, lining up the raw edges.
You can make this as even or random as you
like.
Looking like a Taggie already
|
Align the raw edges and pin. If you have chosen minky then you
will need to use more pins than for cotton or flannel. In fact, I space my pins
no more than a finger width apart.
You will also need to leave a gap of a few inches for turning
your Taggie right side out. I do this by putting extra pins in the start and finish
points of my sewing. To make life easier, make sure you gap is between ribbons.
Start at the front of your turning gap and sew around all four
edges, using a ½'' seam allowance (I just used the width of my foot). Remember
to keep your raw edges aligned.
Optional: I like to add extra strength to the seam by using a triple stitch. This isn't necessary though.
Start sewing at the front of your turning
gap
|
Stop sewing when you reach the finish marker
at the back of the turning gap.
Taggie sewn with the turning gap visible
at the bottom
|
Clip the corners so the fabric sits nicely once turned.
Clip the corners
|
Optional: You may choose to iron the Taggie here so it sits
flat. If you have used minky then take care, use a low heat, and do not place
the iron directly on the minky. They are not friends. In all honesty, I didn't
iron mine and had no trouble with the fabric sitting nice and flat.
Taggie turned right side out
|
Due to the bulk of fabric, the corners may
be a little difficult. You simply need to use a little more pressure than
normal to guide the fabric through.
Congratulations. You can now sit back and
admire your new Taggie. You've made a little baby out there very happy.
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Thank you so much, Rachael! That looks so great and I'm now super excited to be making a special homemade gift for the baby- one that is stitched with love. I'm off fabric shopping now...
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