If I could make a prediction about the general theme of these blog posts in the coming few months, it would be: Nesting Takes Over!  Because, let’s face it, there is the regular amount of nesting for regular pregnant ladies, and then there are those of us who nest, well, constantly.  I even nest in hotel rooms.

Alas, my brood of just-completed all-flannel swaddling blankets for this spring baby on his/her way.  We’ve all probably noticed how the ancient swaddling technique that even our ape ancestors probably used in some form or fashion is, of late, back in high style with infants, accompanying the whole back-to-sleep campaign.  A good tight swaddle in a soft blanket — now who doesn’t want to take a nice nap just hearing that?  (Well, I’ll tell you who — my 1st born.  But, I have a different feeling about this child-in-utero….)  I figured, getting a couple of these easy blankets made up and ready-to-go for baby #2 would create some good sleeping karma.

I just couldn’t resist all of these dreamy colorful printed flannel-cottons at a most recent trip to my neighborhood fabric store.  I have made a handful of these blankets before (including a couple for Orlis before he was born), using Joelle Hoverson’s pattern from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts which was especially easy because I used plain white cotton flannel, made a binding, and tacked it on.  (Sorry, no photos.)  But…these recently procured dreamy flannels, while irresistible, came with one small issue — they were’t double sided.  So, I doctored the pattern and used some plain white flannel for the backside — sewed the two large pieces together, and then did a super-simple quilting pattern (3 long lines, not detectable in these pictures) through both layers to hold them together before making my binding and sewing it on.  The blankets turned out thick and even dreamier than the originals.  Oh, if only I was, myself, 2-feet long, I’d swaddle myself right now.

Are you wondering this:  will I be keeping all four of these sweet little bundles or sharing the lot?  Well, it’s nearly springtime, readers, and  I’ve got too many friends with buns in the oven to horde.  I let Rob pick his two favorites to keep, and the other two will get packaged up to gift this weekend, indeed.  But for now these four buddies sit nestled in their basket, warming my office studio and my heart for what will, so soon, be wrapped up inside.  (sleeping soundly.)

By the way, just a reminder about the workshop happening here in Portland this Saturday from 10 – noon at Alma Education and Movement Space, 1233 SE Stark Street.  It’s a workshop for soon-t0-be parents and new parents of any religious affiliation to learn how to plan a unique and meaningful Welcome Baby Blessing for their little one.  I am SO excited.  A full description can be found here — and you can register by emailing me at mary@treelifecoaching.com  It’s only $20 if you pre-register by tomorrow night.

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