Thursday, May 17, 2012

Love Language Soft Baby Blocks Tutorial


Baby toys are always fun to make and give, even more so when they have a personal touch.  Adding a special message of love makes them even better!  By using this American Sign Language alphabet print by Samarra Khaja these baby blocks actually spell out 
L-O-V-E:
Her Braille print alphabet fabric shows each English letter in a digital-looking font, and its Braille dot equivalent, in the same color to also spell love in another way on each block:
I also loved her coordinating balloon animal print and matching stripe print, so I used those for the alternating sides.  You could use any fun prints to make these blocks, but using these adds a little extra educational flair:)  Spell "Love" or the child's name for a unique & personal gift.  Ready to make some?  Here's how -
You'll Need:
- 1/4yd cuts of each of the 4 Samarra Khaja fabrics from Timeless Treasures
- 1 yd Pellon Fusible Fleece interfacing 
- Fiberfill stuffing
Sewing Machine & Notions (iron, press cloth, pins, ruler, hand sewing needle, thread, scissors/rotary cutter)
First cut twenty-four (24) 4.25in x 4.25in squares from the fabrics and from the Fusible Fleece. Cut two squares of the fun prints for each block and a single letter block each of the Braille and the ASL prints (making sure to center each block on each chosen letter):
Next fuse the wrong side of a square of Fusible Fleece to the wrong side of each fabric square using an iron and damp press cloth.  By using Fusible Fleece interfacing these blocks will hold a firmer shape and last longer than just using plain fabric (which is what is needed with an item meant for a busy baby!).
Arrange the blocks in the following order so the letter prints and decorative prints alternate. I also made sure that the ASL letter and Braille letter was the same for each block so it would be easy for anyone to identify which block was which letter.
Then, starting at one end of the horizontal part of the "+" shape, and with right sides facing, sew together two block sides with a .25in seam allowance, starting and stopping .25in from the edge (this will make it easier to make the corners pointed later):
Next sew on the top and bottom as shown:
Then complete remaining side seams to complete the block (leaving a 2in gap on one side for turning the block right side out), making sure the seam cross at the corners:
The block should look like this when ready to turn:
Clip each corner as shown and turn right side out, using a knitting needle or pencil to gently poke out the corners.
Stuff with fiberfill until nice and full.  Hand stitch the opening closed with a slipstitch.

Repeat with the remaining blocks:

And get ready to share the love with baby!


Sharing this with my FAVE LINK PARTIES too-
Click HERE to check them out!


29 comments:

  1. This is so nice! I love the idea of the sign language on the toys. I'm still so impressed when people can teach their babies sign language before they can talk!

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  2. LOVE (ha!) those prints! What a fun gift.

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  3. This is SO fun! love it.

    -ashley
    p.s. thanks for linking up

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  4. Awesome project and tutorial - thanks so much for sharing this! I pinned it!

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  5. a sweet project, the little ones will love. Thank you for linking to the Thursday Favorite Things Hop. I appreciate your bloggy friendship xo

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  6. These are adorable! Great idea! I sure wish I had these for my kiddos when they were younger.

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  7. These are so cute! I just might have to bring out the old sewing machine and try making these for our newest addition... she's not ready for them quite yet, but she will be soon... plus her big sister would probably love tossing these around the house.

    I'd love it if you'd come by and share at my new link party, Off the Hook:
    http://daisycottagedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/introducing-off-hook-1.html#comment-form

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  8. New follow from the blog hop :)

    Can't wait to catch up on all you're posts!!

    xo, Jersey Girl

    hairsprayandhighheels.blogspot.com

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  9. Those look so nice and soft. Perfect for baby!

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  10. Adorable! Perfect for showers, or holiday gift for baby!

    <3 Christina
    http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
    Wildly Original Round Up linky party open!

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  11. Holy moly...this is A.W.E.S.O.M.E.!!!!!! What a beautiful way to showcase my fabrics! LOVE it! I've got to share this on my FB page. Woohoo! Brilliant, you! Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Samarra - I'm so thrilled you saw my project and very honored that you like it this much!!

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  12. This is gorgeous! I have always wanted to make soft blocks like this. I also love the fun, bright fabrics you used!

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  13. I love the balloon animal fabric - it is so neat! My baby would love these soft blocks... I'd love for you to link up this tuorial to my new link party: http://naptimedelights.blogspot.ca/2012/05/document.html

    Thanks! Sarah @naptimedelights.blogspot.com

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  14. How fun, thoughtful, and unique. Thanks for sharing these at our Handmade Tuesdays party.

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  15. Adorable! I love all of the fabrics. Thanks so much for sharing at Etcetorize this week!

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  16. Gorgeous little blocks - and such fabulous fabric Cheryl!!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  17. These blocks were featured at this week's link party!
    http://daisycottagedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/off-hook-2.html

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  18. Really, really amazing! I just love this idea! You're being featured today at Mom On Timeout - thanks so much for sharing!

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  19. These are so sweet, I love this idea!! :)

    Adrianne
    Happy Hour Projects

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  20. These are adorable! I love the sides with the little balloon dogs! Thanks for linking up with me for Friday Favorites! I'm featuring you this week! come by and grab my featured button if you'd like one.

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  21. So sweet! I love that American signing print especially. Thank you for sharing with air your laundry friday! xo Jami

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  22. These are too cute. My cousin is expecting and I bet I can get them done before the little one turns 1. It takes me forever to get stuff right when I use a sewing machine. :) Thanks so much for sharing on Tout It Tuesday.

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  23. These are adorable. I love the fabrics. Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

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  24. Hey!! You've been featured at The DIY Dreamer :)
    Come on over an grab your Featured Button :)
    http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/05/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-18.html

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  25. Absolutely the cutest softie blocks ever! I'm featuring your post on my Facebook page today!

    Jenn

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  26. Hello! I am Selina, Deaf Blogger from Malaysia. I found your cute sign language from Google! I fell love with your craft design, "LOVE", so I like to buy it from you! How much price? Please email me at ooiselina [at]gmail.com

    Selina, http://www.selinawing.com and deafboleh.blogspot.com

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Getting your comments brightens my day. I'd love if you left one:)

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