Ruth has had 2 scheduled trips to the hospital this year. Both times I was a nervous wreck.
Both times her procedures were simple but I still cried both times when they took her away from me. And both times Ruth struggled with coming to from the anesthesia.
It was rough…like night terror screaming for extended periods of time in the recovery room with 3 nurses helping us to hold her and keep her safe and breathing rough.
The last time we were at the hospital they were prepared for us and among other things they had a blanket waiting in the room for Ruth. A simple, pink, polar fleece blanket.
She used it when she first arrived while we waited and she used it again when she was returned to the room. It was soft and soothing and it helped to comfort her…and quite frankly it helped to comfort me as well. Thinking about someone taking the time to make something for my baby to help calm and soothe her…as lame as it makes me sound…it made my husband and I feel less alone.
I will never know who made and donated Ruth’s blanket (which has become her favorite) so I can’t thank them for their kindness. But I can pay it forward…and I intend to.
*****
A No-Sew Polar Fleece Blanket Tutorial
These polar fleece blankets are super easy to make. All you need are a pair of scissors and a piece of polar fleece.
Polar fleece is usually about 60 inches wide so I like to make my blankets 60 inches by 60 inches. However, the blanket in the photographs below is only 60 inches by 40 inches which is also a good size.
Once you have your polar fleece cut to the dimensions you like take a ruler and measure down from the edge of your blanket about 3 inches. Then cut lines straight down to your 3 inch mark. These lines should be 1 inch apart. (Like in the picture below!)
Once you have all your lines cut across the top edge tie each 1 inch strip into a knot.
Now repeat on the opposite side of the blanket and you are done.
Since polar fleece doesn’t fray you are finished and good to go!
This was the way that Ruth’s blanket was made…with only 2 edges tied. And she loves it just like that. However, if you want to get fancy and tie all 4 sides let me show you how.
Take your blanket that you’ve already cut to your desired dimensions and then cut a 3 inch by 3 inch square out of each corner.
Then cut and tie like in the instructions above.
Easy!
Really easy!
I’ve cut several of these and have been taking them with me to work on in the car and outside with the kids. It’s a perfect project to take with you!
It’s also a perfect project for tweens! And for anyone else really…I’ve even made my husband, dad, and brothers make these…and they are pros!
I know…I know…it’s the middle of summer and I’m posting a polar fleece tutorial.
But I’m telling you if your in the hospital this warm and fuzzy goodness is going to seem wonderful not matter what time of year it is. So get cutting!!!
-liZ
OK–this is too easy! I have NO excuses to not make these! I am going to review your info. again and find out what to do with them–and if there is a done by date?? I have daughters, 10 and 13 years old. This is to perfect. Thank you for finding something I can do with them and give to others. And yes, fleece is always cozy. Besides, who doesn’t get a chill with the AC on at times??
What a lovely thing to make.
I totally feel your pain…my little girl went in for an MRI and no one told me how very violent it would be!
She was thrashing all around and suddenly went limp when they put her under.
I crumpled up in tears when I saw that.
She also screamed when she woke up!
Oh my goodness. The things we go through as parents.
I am glad you had some comfort for her (and you). I hope she won’t have to go in the hospital anymore.
~Michelle
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did you know if you have a rotary cutter it will go much faster
I love this. My little granddaughter has 2 soft blankets that she loves and that never fail to comfort her. We are expecting a grandson this fall and I’ll definitely make one for him. Thanks for sharing.
Loved the story,loved the blanket…. Nanawolf