Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Arizona Receiving Blankets

After the birth of my second child, a summer baby, I received a gift that I cherished. It was a receiving blanket made from the thinnest of fabrics, like a sheet and not at all like a blanket.


I actually still have that sheet blanket; now the grand kids use it with the dolls.



It has a tiny soft edging of lace all around it and it was the perfect covering for our hot summers. Nice and light weight it didn’t overheat a sleeping child. I used that little sheet blanket daily if not to wrap my child or cover him from the glare of the sun then to lay across my arm before cradling my babe to keep us from sweating where our skin touched. On occasion I even rolled my car window up on it to keep the sun off a tiny face, the fabric was thin enough that I could still see through it while driving.
I looked for these sheet blankets everywhere because I wanted to give them as gifts to everyone I knew that was expecting. Alas, none were to be found. So I started making them and so did my mom as gifts.



I began to call them Arizona receiving blankets because they are perfect here for summer babies. They are really easy to make, and you can decorate or customize them any way you want. They may be in stores these days but I haven't seen them (not that I've been looking lately).


I make them approximately 36 inches by 36 inches square. Usually I will get a yard and an a eighth of fabric to make one so I can make sure it's squared up good. Often fabric is not cut straight with the weave and it makes it a little harder to hem straight so I like to square it up. I make a little cut where I think the weave ends about an inch or so usually and tear it because it will tear straight. Then I measure from the torn edge to 36 inches and cut a snip, then tear again. Then on the long edge, I cut off the selvedge on one edge, then I measure 36 inches and tear again. Now I have a perfect square of fabric.

The edges are turned under twice a quarter inch or so and I hem all the way around it. I have used straight stitches, decorative stitches, added ric rac, lace, bows, and flowers, the sky is the limit. I just keep in mind that it is for a baby so it needs to be soft, and decorations that will not come off in a babies mouth.



Usually, I just make a zigzag stitch in different colors and that is enough. Currently, I don't know of anyone having a baby anytime soon, but I have my stash ready to go when needed.


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3 comments:

  1. Pregnancies seem to come in flocks so you are wise to be prepared! Hope you're feeling better!

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  2. I had this type of receiving blankets with my children, but haven't seen them in years. Your post brought back memories!

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  3. Are these good for babies? I'm looking for soft blankets for my new born.

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