We have 3 coworkers having kids, 4 friends, and 1 (practically) family!
For two of my coworkers, who are both due in the next month, I made some bib sets. I took one of Little Ducks old bibs to use as a pattern. To add some easy batting, I used a piece of felt for each one. This is a trick I learned when making bibs for Little Duck. Kids craft felt is cheaper than batting, very easy to manage, and washes amazing!
For some of our friends having kids, I worked on receiving blankets made from snuggly flannel and cotton. I added some simple embellishments with my sewing machine's embroidery stitch and they are going to be (hopefully) super-useful for new mommies!
When Little Duck was born, we received a lot of beautiful handmade blankies, quilts, and clothing. I loved them all, but was so afraid to use them! The ones that I used all the time were the ones that I knew that I could throw in the wash without incident. Flannel. Cotton. Simple. That was my inspiration for these.
And this birdy blanky... well... I'm obsessed with it.
Oh, and just as an end to my story, Little Duck now uses all of her handmade stuff. I got over that around 10-months, when she started wanting to play with baby dolls, snuggle with blankies, and have picnics on the floor. And, it turns out, there was nothing to be afraid of (lesson learned for future littles). All of the beautiful knitting and quilting is super washable and cotton. In fact, most recently, she used one of the most beautiful knitted blankies... as a popsicle holder. And it came out white after a quick wash and dry.
