Make a toy blanket

Making toys is good fun and you can recycle materials in the process. This toy blanket is an easy and satisfying project that requires basic sewing skills.

You only need two small offcuts of fabric (soft cotton or fleecy material), some ribbons, needle and thread (and/or a sewing machine if you have one).

This toy is suitable from birth onwards. If you don’t feel confident making it but love to get one, you can buy a taggies blanket from www.nctshop.co.uk, whose profits go to the NCT (a registered UK charity for parents).

This toy is a great gift for a new baby. I made this for Michela when she was a few months old but she still loves inserting her little fingers in the ribbon hooks (she is two and a half now).

Skirts for a little Madam

Here are two skirts I made for my little girl, now nearly seven months. One is made from vintage material, the other is made from a pair of jeans with appliqued flowers and sequins, plus a fancy button. They are securely fixed so she won't pop them in her mouth.