my first sewing project - baby minky blankets

After returning from a trip to Thailand and Singapore in June of this year, my parents proudly presented me with a sewing machine for my birthday. Now I'm not sure whether the gift was prompted by my peaking interest in ma's fabric collection or the garbage bag full of mending I left with her before I flew out (and subsequently her way of telling me to do it myself!) - either way, I was ecstatic!

And with ten of my friends expecting lil' ones over the next few months, I thought it was the perfect time to learn how to sew! But aside from a few hem alterations here and there, I haven't sewn anything substantial since I was a teenager. But of course like every other project I've tackled, I jumped in without so much as a thought about a plan! I envisaged a super soft minky blanket and a matching bib and rattle toy that I could add to the store bought component of each lil' one's gift. Impatiently, I set about cutting the fabric and venturing out on my own without a pattern, technique or an iota of common sense. 

Despite almost throwing the sewing machine out of the window on a couple of occasions and getting scolded for a few random pins that may or may not have found their way into hubby's feet, I think I've achieved what I set out to do. And while making each blanket, I've also had the opportunity to have prayer for the mum-to-be and daydream about who her lil' one would resemble. It's been a very contented first project and I can't wait to finish the last of the sets. 

So here are a few of my first attempts - and for the experienced sewers out there... be kind!