Milly LOVES swaddling blankets. If she sees one she is after it like lightning, even if she already has one in her hands. She carries them everywhere and buries her face in them when she gets sleepy. Now that she is mobile they have proven to be dangerous. They are long and slick on our hardwood floors, and she is constantly tripping over them (she’s not one to be very cautious or gracious as it is. More on that later).
This is certainly less of a DIY and more of an idea I wanted to share. I’ve always tried draping it around her neck and would often tie a knot, hoping that would help it stay. It looked like a really big scarf, so I thought, “why not make one into a scarf?” It would definitely be something much more manageable and attractive.
Baby blankets are a little too sweet for my taste when it comes to clothing, so I stopped by a few fabric stores to see if they had any of the gauzy material, but didn’t have any luck. I know you can order it online, but I figured I would just make what we had work. I’ve always liked the designs on this set of blankets, but I wanted something to compliment her wardrobe a bit better, so I took two things I love – sharpies and animal print – and got to work. Yes, this part took the longest. I just colored in the animal print on a strip of the blanket (about 6″ wide) all the way from one end to the other. I threw the blanket in the washer to get rid of the marker smell, cut that strip off and hemmed the raw edge.
I wanted it to be an infinity so it would stay on, but I wanted to be able to undo it if she was to nap with it (I’m a paranoid mom who thinks of terrible scenarios like strangulation). So I added some snaps that I had purchased to make her pacifier clips.
This is definitely a hard age to get a decent picture.
She runs around like a mad woman, often to the point of falling down, but it never seems to phase her.
At one point she rolled down a small hill and lost a boot. She just stood right up and demanded her shoe be put back on.
I’d love to make a few more of these. I think next I’ll try one about twice as thick: perfect for the cooler temps on their way.
When we came inside she grabbed a side of the scarf and snuggled it against her cheek. Looks like all of those hours coloring to the Real Housewives paid off.
Anonymous says
What a great idea!
Julia Konya says
I wish I would have thought of that when mine were little. The photos are adorable. Love her baby legs and feet 😉
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Julia! I know, the only time in a girl's life that it's adorable, right? 😉
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Great idea, Gwen. She is such a cutie – the way you describe her reminds me so much of my 2 year old!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks! I'm glad I'm not alone then. 🙂
Kayla Dixon says
Such a great idea! My little girl is obsessed with those same blankets too!! She is almost 2 now so I've been able to teach her they are for bedtime only! Such a great solution and very stylish!!!!
Blessings,
Kayla
adelightfulplacetodwell.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Kayla! I'm hoping to get to that point with Milly soon. She mainly just has them at home, but is always falling over or dragging them through the dog's water bowl. Yuck. 🙂
LiveLikeYou says
How adorable is your daughter??? Great blankie idea.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jill!
House Envy says
that is so stinking cute and a great idea! Your daughter always is so styling in all your great pictures of her! She is a doll!!
Laura
House Envy
Autumn Beach says
Oh my goodness…she is just adorable! I love that a little tumble down the hill doesn't even phase her. 🙂 And what a great idea! I think you should market these! And I'm not even kidding.
Bethany DeVore says
Such a cutie and great idea! My daughter isn't really attached to blankets (she has a puppy she adores), but I think a scarf would be perfect for her with it getting colder and all. 🙂
sarah m. dorsey says
This is super cute!!
Melanie Knopke says
what a great idea! Milly is too cute for words 🙂