One of my bucket list items this year was to make keepsake quilts for my kids out of their baby grows. Getting totally sidetracked from this though I have ended up making a cuddly patchwork cat toy from the Robots tiny clothes.
While I was making it I got very nostalgic, not only because they were baby clothes but it sparked a memory of my childhood crafting. I used to make animal teddies when I was young, they came in kit form ready to sew and I made loads of them! I’m pretty sure they’ve been chucked now but it got me excited over the prospect that maybe baby CABS or the Robot might want to sew with me one day! I can dream.
The Patchwork Cat
The pattern I used for this is from the funky friends factory. The lovely Maria who lives in my instagram friends let me use her pattern to inspire her to have a go. She’s since made a really cool version of said cat.
Choosing from the Robots stash of clothes I went for stripes. When cutting it all up I used a woven interfacing on the back of the baby grows. This gives the cotton more stability and less curling. A real time saver when sewing.
When choosing the patterns I paid real attention to the direction of the templates. It resulted in a very even looking cat, perfect fussy cutting with the cats face all looking symmetrical. It’s designed to be sewn by sewing machine or hand. I started off by hand but the very next day switched to the machine as this felt neater.
I didn’t take many during photos, for this I am shooting myself. I did however manage to do a lot of it during the day with the Robot looking on fascinated by the up and down of the sewing machine. He was quite content to watch me and play with playdoh.
It felt like a good finish this one, I got to use up the stuffing that I had in my old breastfeeding pillow that I’d tried to make for using with the Robot. It wasn’t any good so had been gathering dust waiting to re-purpose the inside.
I’m really pleased with the end result and I think the Robot is too. It was literally attached to him for the rest of the week!
Here is the cat all done and dusted in its stripey glory:
What have you done with your old baby grows? Are they sat in a box gathering dust somewhere? Make something with them to gift to your kid, a patchwork cat!
I love this! It looks amazing and you must be so proud of yourself? I’m pretty sure you could now offer to do this for others and make some cash too. My mum turned J’s into a patchwork blanket which he has on his bed. I love it!
#familyfun
Ahh I’m too slow at the moment to offer custom listings on this for a good price!! I do plan to do the Quilts with my twos clothes eventually!
You did such a brilliant job. It looks amazing! Like I said on your IG you need an Etsy shop. Thank you for hosting #FamilyFun
Thanks catie!
I’m totally in awe of your craftiness! I love the idea of making keepsakes out of my daughter’s old baby clothes but don’t have the skills to do it. You should start a business doing this! #familyfunlinky
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Thanks for the vote of confidence katie
You did an amazing job! Well done! I am very impressed. #familyfun
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I love this! I have made quilts before, but never thought of making a toy from old baby gros- great ideas. #familyfunlinky
Love the idea of repurposing clothes into a beloved animal! On behalf of the Finish-A-Long crew, congrats on the finish and thank you for joining in!
Thank you
This is amazing. You are very talented. #familyfun
He is amazing. My daughter is using her old baby grows for her dolls! #Familyfunlinky
Julie Downes recently posted…A weekend away in North Norfolk
That’s clever. I kept a first born nappy for this purpose!
Wow! I love the cat. I didn’t do anything with my kids old stuff, though my mom kept some of mine and my girls now play with them and the dolls I had as a kid. Most of ours got passed on to family because I have NO storage space in my home!
~Jess
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Jessica – A Modern Mom’s Life recently posted…5 Ways I’m Working On Being A Better Homemaker
I know the storage issue!
Adorable and such a good idea. I have always wanted to do a patchwork quilt but as I have no experience perhaps I should try something small first?! #FamilyFun
A quilt might be easier!
Aww, this is so cute! What a brilliant idea to turn their baby clothes into keepsakes, and The Robot is clearly smitten x
He is!
This is so good and such a wonderful idea 🙂 #Familyfun
Oh my good Karen that is amazing. So much skill, I could never do that, you should be really proud. #familyfun
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Thanks x
The cat is so cute, What a great way to use old baby clothes. Something I am sure your children will treasure.
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Ali Duke recently posted…My Empties February & March 2018
Like you I have a desire to make memory quilts for my girls but it’s on hold presently. #FamilyFunLinky
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You’ll get to it one day x
This has given me a bit of a kick up the bum. I decided to make a patchwork quilt of some old favourite summer dresses ….2 summers ago and it’s still not finished . I think if I get my head down I could get in done for her bday in May!!That cat is super cute
Thanks! Yes accountability! I want a post on this here by then!!
Whoops here from #familyfunlinky
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