Favorite Thing #33: Flannelette Blankets.

Yes, I know I have posted about my flannelette blankets in the past, but I figured they have to make the favorite things list. Not to mention, these are some of the most recent pictures I have on my computer (the camera is on the fritz, lame). Plus, I've made some seriously adorable ones lately that I want to share.

In early December I was able to attend a UFO weekend. No, not a sci-fi conference, rather a crafters retreat for completing "Unfinished Objects." Hardy har. Ahem. We were located at a Christian retreat centre, in central Alberta, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It was a beautifully picturesque location to get creative, and we even got snowed in for an extra night. It was a bit of an adventure, and was also my birthday weekend which just added to fun. I worked on a number of projects while there, including the following two blankets.

Baby Naomi
*I must admit, this fabric makes me want to have another girl. Too cute.

Baby Ezra

Baby Dixon

*This one is an oldie, but a goodie. This little guy just recently turned 1, but his blanket is still one of my faves.

Baby Gabrielle

*Also, an oldie but one of my favorites. I love the seeming patchwork feel to this fabric. This fabric had been given to me by a friend's Mom. She used this fabric for her own daughter's blanket (that daughter is now 30+ with her own kids), so she really wanted to see it used for something special.

I have to admit, creating these blankets for "new arrivals" is something I truly enjoy. I love heading over to Fabricland (at the mall across the street) and picking out the fabric. Usually I fly solo, and I have a coffee in hand. It can be a bit of a tedious process (it has taken me upwards of an hour to find just the right match on occasion), but it's a process that I really enjoy. Sometimes its really simple when they have a selection of coordinating fabrics, but more often than not, I have to find two fabrics that complement each other amongst their vast selection.

Picking the right thread is also an important factor to consider. I generally like the thread to "pop" and stand out. So I try to find something that is not a dominant color, but still is found within the fabric. I now have a pretty impressive thread selection thanks to this, as I have to buy an entire spool for one blanket. I'm starting to get to the point that I don't have to buy thread for each and every blanket, as I usually have something pretty close.

There you have it! Flannelette blankets...the best! I love creating these cozy little blankets, and it just warms my heart to see friends and family with their little ones snuggled up in my blankets.