Getting Ready for Michael: Sewing Projects, Fabrics, and a Gift

Excitement doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about beginning these projects for my SON! :) I am thrilled.

The Plan:

• Make a Crib Skirt (Using this tutorial but adjusting the pattern to make the skirt shorter)
• Make Bumper Pads (Using this tutorial)
• Make a Quilt (Using the same pattern I used with following the same pattern I used with Lucy's quilt, Amy Butler's Play Time Quilt)
• Make Swaddling Blankets

The Fabrics: 

Lucy and Michael will be sharing a room so I really wanted their "colors" to be coordinating but still very feminine and very masculine - my goal is to have Michael's bedding/quilt so "boy" that you do not think even for a second, "Is it for a girl?"

It didn't take long for me to realize that it is so much harder to find fabric for a boy than it is to find fabric for a girl. Brad and I didn't want Michael's (or Lucy's) fabric to be "themey," and we were able to stay away from a theme with girl fabrics (there are so may options/colors that are distinctly feminine but not distinctly a theme) but found the choices more difficult this time around. I finally found a fabric that would be a great inspiration/jumping off point for his quilt. And although it was an animal print, it didn't read "Zoo" to us at all. :) Success!

 (If you would like the names of any of these fabrics, let me know and I'd be happy to find them for you. :))

I've already started the quilt! It is turning out really well so far - I haven't decided what to do about the backing and binding yet, I think I would like to bring a little more green into the quilt - but we will see what I'm able to find. :) 

I decided to make the bedding (Crib Skirt and Bumper Pads) more generic so that I can use them for future sons. The moment I saw this argyle I knew it would be perfect!

This argyle will be the main fabric on the bumper pads and will be the accent on the crib skirt. I haven't found the fabric I need for the piping on the bumper pads and the majority of the skirt - I'm hoping to find a green fabric that matches/coordinates well with our rocking chair and storage boxes in the kid's room (all the storage items I have are "Sage" from the Koala Kids line at Babies R Us, so they are gender neutral). I'd love a polka dot (you know me...) or maybe a stripe, but again - we will see what is available. :)

Next up, swaddling blankets! We loved wrapping Lucy up "real tight" when she was a newborn - she actually slept swaddled until she was about 7 or 8 months!  I was given three beautiful home-made blankets at a baby shower that were the perfect swaddlers. So my mind has been set on making my own for future kiddos. :)

These flannel fabrics make me smile and they match Michael's quilt perfectly. :) Lucy's colors are pink/green/grey and I think Michael's are shaping out to be Orange/Green/Blue. :) There is a lady from church, Emily, who has a surger - and she is going to show me how to use it and let me borrow it! Can't wait! 

fyi: the green plaid is very similar to the shade of green I'm looking for for the skirt/bumper pad piping.

Here are all the fabrics we have so far: :)

Oh! And Emily, the same sweet lady who has a surger - gave me a beautiful gift last week: 

 A stunning sewing table! It belonged to her sister-in-law and when she downsized and moved she gave the desk to Emily.

The desk is complete with: 

  

  A Singer Touch and Sew Machine - this thing is a beast. It has been maintained beautifully and runs so smoothly!

 The sewing desk has this neat "nook" for all of the essentials that you need to keep close by!

 And a spacious drawer for other do-dads :)

I've been having fun playing with this machine - never did I think I would enjoy having two sewing machines but so far it has been an amazing luxury! :) What a gift! Thank you Emily for encouraging my creativity with this stunning family heirloom - I love it!

Well, that wraps up this post. Are you like me? Do fabric and sewing machines make you happy?