Know anyone expecting a baby? This quick applique project is a great gift idea.

The Sun Face design by Ann the Gran turns an otherwise ordinary receiving blanket into an extra special gift idea just by adding an applique. You can either purchase a ready-made blanket or make one out of flannel and finish the edges with a hem or an overlock stitch.

Be sure to:

• Choose a good quality flannel.

• Pre-wash the blanket and applique fabrics before use and dry them in the dryer for maximum shrinkage.

• If the flannel is wrinkled, iron it.

• Use the same thread in the bobbin as that with which you are stitching. That way, the front will be as pretty as the back!

Start by hooping a water-soluble fabric-type stabilizer. Place one corner on-point in the hoop. Spray the back of the blanket with a spray adhesive to help keep it secure on the stabilizer.

Most applique designs stitch out a placement stitch to show you where the applique fabric goes. This design does not contain a placement stitch. Just stitch out the tack-down stitch twice: once to show you where the applique fabric goes 

and the second to secure the applique to the blanket. 

 When you stitch the tack-down stitch for the rays of the sun, place applique fabric on the back too. Trim away extra fabric close to the tack-down stitches and then run the satin stitch edging.

Do the same for the center part of the sun.

When you are done, you have an adorable smiling sun face on both the front, and the back of the blanket. Trim away excess stabilizer and the rest will wash away.

Debbie SewBlest