Activity cubes are usually light-flashing, noise-making things that parents want to take the batteries out of – so I designed a soft, tactile alternative! My ‘Flap, Rattle & Roll’ baby cube is in the latest issue of Sew It All so I thought I’d share a little bit about the pattern.
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Sew It All is a magazine full of patterns; this issue was geared towards beginning sewists, with a reference library and patterns that introduce different skills or techniques.
My pattern focuses on “fussy-cutting” – using fabric pieces that are specifically positioned to show a certain part of the pattern, and also showcasing reverse applique – where the top fabric is cut away to show the fabric underneath. The pattern is pretty simple, with lots of hand stitching, which makes it great for beginners. This would be a great way to coordinate with a baby quilt, using the scraps underneath.
It’s so much fun to see my work in print! I made this when my kids were too old to enjoy it, but I’m hoping to get it in a cute baby’s hands for the holidays. I stuck a knot of jingle balls in the middle so it makes a happy, quiet noise when it is shaken and I like to think that a baby would have fun opening and shutting the flaps, while feeling the different textures.
I loved choosing the colors and prints for this project; the fox/tree print peeking out is a scrap from one of my most popular patterns, the log slice pouf. All the felt is wool-blend from Benzie Design*., it’s my favorite. The magazine can be found at Barnes & Nobles, Jo-Ann Fabrics, select grocery stores (Kroger and Safeway), Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and also on their website. Let me know if you spy it in your local fabric store!
Jennifer
Wednesday 5th of October 2016
My niece would be happy if I showed her this. ! Thank you so much for sharing. Stay gorgeous, and healthy of course. ;)