Sewing (when I'm not baking, erranding, wrapping, packing)

I took a little break from sewing gifts a couple of days ago to sew this stack of orange and pink blankies for Linus.  I got an email from the founder that many of the service organizations were short on blankets, especially for infants/preemies.  Since I had my baby near Christmas perhaps I am a bit more sentimental, but the thought of having a baby in the NICU at Christmas and then not getting a blanket was more than I could resist.  I could only do so much though - but 4 more is 4 more.

It was hard to pull myself away from my other sewing to do these blankies because I am finally having some successes, just in time for Christmas.  Thanks to a bit of help from my friends and a lot of stick-to-it-ness (not my strong point, I'll admit) I finally figured out the zipper pouch problem.  Three years into my sewing career, I think I am finally ready to notch up my techniques -- get things looking a bit more polished.  I was under the impression that there was some secret* to doing this but it looks like it is just lots of time, patience, seam-ripping, experimenting, and more time & patience.  Funny - that seems to be the case with most of life's little challenges. 

*Commercial plug alert:  Well, if you want to try something other than patience, I should also say that I highly recommend buying Kathy's patterns.  Although she does not have a pattern for a zipper bag for sale now (nor immediate plans for one) her patterns are so well done that unless you are a very accomplished sewer, you will undoubtedly learn techniques that will improve your sewing.  She has a real talent for figuring out better ways.  I wish I could go to Washington and take a class from her -- but, in the meantime...   

Comments

[Brenda]

Your zipper bag is lovely. I tried to make one to go with my knitting bag, and I couldn't get the top corners to turn out neatly---I think the zipper added too much bulk. My bag ended up with some kind of weird hexagon shape. After the holidays, I'm going to try again.

[M]

Thanks for the sweet comment in the post. I think it is great that they have 4 more blankets and there will be 4 more families feeling that little bit of love each one harbors.

[amyehodge]

It's always fun to learn how to do something a little better. And Linus sounds like a great organization -- 4 more is 4 more! :)

[almamater]

I wanted to tell you that I have a friend whose infant has been sick in the hospital since Thanksgiving. She told me that when they were brought to PICU over at Dell Children's hospital, there was a red Linus Project quilt waiting for them on the bed. The homey sight of that handmade quilt made her happy beyond words in the midst of great anxiety.

Four more was most certainly worth it. And I need to learn how to quilt.

[Ann]

The zipper bag came out great! Thank you for the link and thank you for doing all the community sewing you do. There's alot of healing and comfort in a handmade gift.

[emily]

the bag is great. go you, with that zipper! any advice? seriously impressed, amy. wasn't it just last week that you were bemoaning the zipper? and look what you've done. it gives me hope. (and the linus blankets? you're the best.)

[melanie]

What beautiful things! Your blog is very fun to look at. Have a Merry Christmas!

[melanie]

What beautiful things! Your blog is very fun to look at. Have a Merry Christmas!

[Mama Urchin]

Hooray for conquering your zipper fear.

[Mom]

The Linus Blankets are beautiful. So cuddly waiting for precious bundles. Your gift of time and talent is a blessing for others.

[Sonya]

You are amazing - using your creative powers for good! Love the pink and orange, just glows.

[Lynne Nelson-Berg]

Well done on the zipper bag IT looks great.

[Lynne Nelson-Berg]

Well done on the zipper bag IT looks great.

[Katie]

Delurking here...I think that it's wonderful how many quilts you've made. My son was in the NICU for a week, and those little comforts work wonders, especially for the parents. I enjoy reading your blog!

[kathy]

I always get a warm feeling seeing your Linus blankets. You're a true Christmas angel. Your zipper bag looks fab!

[julie]

What beautiful blankets for the little ones... I love your generous, helping spirit!

[Tricia]

How nice you are to take time out of your busy schedule to make those cute and snuggly blankets! That's some real holiday spirit!

[PJ]

What precisou blankets!..and I love the gingerbread house!

[Betsy Pratt]

Congratulations on finishing the Linus blankets! It is such a worthwhile charity. By the way - if you want 3 *easy-peasy* zipper insertion techniques that will not make you tear your hair out, try Joan Hawley's Lazy Girl Designs! They are SUCH great techniques. Here's the link to the Lazy Girl Designs blog post about it: http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/?p=176, and the best part is that there is video to show you how!!
Sew on!
Betsy
http://betsypratt.wordpress.com