I made a baby blanket. That is not a new endeavor for me. In fact, I've been making them (in various incarnations) for several years. My latest version (edged with ribbon) has been a 2+ year endeavor. I like to think I'm getting better at it. I have now memorized how much ribbon is perfect for just one baby blanket. I no longer need to place pins at one inch intervals (in fact, I've been doing it "pinless" for awhile - unless there is batting involved). I've even started playing around with batting and other insulation between the fabric sides. Some blankets I've made have been for adults - instead of babies. Needless to say, I've taught myself how to make simple little baby blankets.
Last night's endeavor to make an adorable little blanket for a co-worker was *not simple.
My sewing machine seems to be having a (few) issues. I suspect that the bobbin is slightly too small. (I purchased a package of replacement bobbins a few months ago.) First - when I was filling the bobbin, it wouldn't spin to fill with thread. Second - I had to pull out nearly every stitch at least once when the back thread would get knotted and tangled and then break the thread. I thought it might be a problem with the tension - but discovered instead that the bobbin thread was getting wrapped around the bobbin pin inside the machine. A few times the top thread did the same thing.
I also had a problem with my planning. I'd decided I wanted to try a new way to edge the blanket with ribbon - to make it look a little more "shabby chic." that would've made it impossible to do the corners the way I usually do. Also, I only had enough ribbon to do a thin edge - instead of the wider edge I *thought* I had enough ribbon for. So after I'd stitched 2 rolls of ribbon together and was nearly done stitching the ribbon onto the blanket I had to rip it all apart and start over.
Needless to say, it took about 2 hours longer than it usually does to make a 1 yard long blanket. I was tired and frustrated and my fingers were aching from ripping out so many stitches. But, in the end I was (fairly) happy with the result.
My edging still needs practice. The edge ribbon seams are not always straight and the corners (while close) are not quite as clean as I'd like. But, I keep the perfectionist from getting to crazed about those things by reminding myself that it's a homemade blanket - something that I chose the material for and lovingly machine-stitched for mom & baby myself. Which, while I LOVE store bought blankets, can't be said of anything I simply pick up at the store.
Here's the new blanket - I gave it to my co-worker today at a shower and she seemed to like it:
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