Blanket Wraps for “Mikayla’s Grace”

I was watching an episode of “Nancy’s Notions” and found through their website “Nancy’s Corner” a link to “Mikayla’s Grace”.  After reading the more, I decided to set aside Sunday afternoon to sew “Blanket Wraps”.

Mikayla’s Grace, started by Mike and Melissa Terrill, was created with the mission of giving comfort and support to parents with a baby in the NICU (neonatal ICU) and those who experience the death of an infant or pregnancy loss at hospitals in Wisconsin…and they serve many of the hospitals right here in my city.   Did you know that 1 in 4 women experience a pregnancy loss?  Just this past year, over 10% of the babies born in Wisconsin were born premature.

Since 2011 Mikayla’s Grace has donated 431 Angel memory boxes, 420 NICU care packages, 50 Christmas NICU care packages, 310 Baby Loss Comfort Packages (for early pregnancy loss less than 16 weeks), 400 baby blankets, and 400 gowns with matching booties and hats to hospitals in Wisconsin.

After looking over their website of suggested handmade items requested—see website here—I decided to make several 10” Blanket Wraps.   Aren’t they sweet?

There’s a great PDF step-by-step guide and a YouTube video at the website provided through UtahShare.org.

I started looking through my soft flannel stash, added a few new pieces from the store, and ribbons.  They ask that you create two blanket wraps that are identical.  Here’s how I did mine…

To make two matching blanket wraps, all you need are four 10” squares (2 from the outer fabric; 2 from the inner lining).  Cut one lining square in half diagonally (use one and save the other for the 2nd).

Zig-zag or serge the cut diagonal edge, and fold over 1/4” and top stitch

With both pieces right side up, place the triangle on top of the matching square & baste the edges…this creates a pouch.

Then (with right sides together) join the outer square to the lining/pouch squares, leaving an opening to turn.  Trim the corners & turn right side out.

Press and top stitch around the outside, being sure to catch the edges that were open.

Repeat to make the second one, and you’re done!  So easy and so sweet.  Use a ribbon (attached to the back) to fold & close.

I’ve made 8 so far, and plan to make a few more before I sent them in.

I tried piecing the outside square of two of these (upper left above), using 30’s reproduction fabrics with white muslin (2” squares), but using soft flannel for the lining.  I’ll have to check with the organization to see if that’s acceptable…as a quilter, I really enjoyed trying it.  Otherwise, all the rest are done with two contrasting but complimentary pastel cotton flannel prints/solids.

Wouldn’t they be cute with a little lace around the edges? …a decorative stitch?  …or a different ribbon?  Each pair takes about 45 minutes to make—so they’re quick and easy.

If you love to sew, consider creating some of these blanket wraps—or other items on their list—for donation to Mikayla’s Grace, or similar organizations in your area.   They also have patterns to knit and crochet on their website.

Until next time, HAPPY QUILTING!!

Jane

Mulberry Patch Quilts