Burp

Sometimes it is easier to make up a project right away rather than putting away the components only at a later date to forget where they are (or even that you have them). I decided to not delay with four half-yards of flannel I had. I have a new granddaughter Lillian, born last month on May 11. Although her mom assured me she had a more-than-adequate supply of burp cloths from Lillian's older sister Vivian, I felt Lillian needed some new ones, sewn especially for her. Besides, I cannot pass up an adorable print. So I whipped up these four burp cloths. The cotton flannel fabric is by Michael Miller and the patterns in pink and blue are a combination of nature babies and pennant party.

Anyone who is familiar with my blog knows I have an obsession with burp cloths. I made 42 of them last year, shown in my 2015 review post, 21 of them in 2014 shown in my 2014 review post, and 29 of them shown in 2013 in my 2013 review post. I published a tutorial on how to make them in my June 18, 2014 post. I wanted to add this detail to that initial 2014 June tutorial, not that it is vital but because it will help me remember helpful hints I have learned. This diagram reminds me of the best topstitching path. By starting at the closed end of the burp cloth (lower left), proceeding clockwise on the outside and counter clockwise on the inside, the open end gets double stitched. The top stitching finishes at the closed end again (upper left).

But what is that red "Oops" you ask? Nothing at all major - just mildly annoying. I almost always make burp cloths in pairs. This batch was four burp cloths, all sewn and topstitched in bright parrot green thread. Well, as Murphy's Law would have it, when I start with a freshly wound full bobbin and sew four burp cloths, I run out of bobbin thread after not quite two sides of the top stitching of the fourth and final burp cloth. For the sewing construction portion, I can just substitute another bobbin in just about any color. For top-stitching, I need the same color on both top and bottom thread so I need to stop, unthread my machine, wind a bobbin (or part of one) rethread and continue. Note to self, ONE bobbin is not enough to assemble and topstitch four burp cloths. Use something else in the bobbin for the construction seams that do not show! Save some of that bobbin for the final top-stitching. Not complaining - just remembering. So close... and yet so far...

I still love making these burp cloths and will continue to inundate unsuspecting recipients with them. I have a bottomless flannel stash. I will share my quirky burp cloth fondness with other bloggers at Let's Bee Social #129.