DIY Doll Blanket & Pillow

Ever since my first pregnancy, I have loved to sew! And as my kids grow, I’m always looking for new projects to make for them. One year, the idea struck me to make doll blankets and pillows, so I decided to give it a try. They are quite simple and came out so cute. So I thought I’d share with you the step-by-step guide I came up with to make them for all the little girls in your life.

DOLL BLANKET

What You’ll Need

• 17×24 inches of cotton fabric x2
• 17×24 inches of batting
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Cutting tools

17×24 INCHES OF COTTON FABRIC x2
You’ll need at least 17×24 inches of cotton fabric x2 (one for the front of the blanket and one for the back). You can use the same fabric or two different patterns. I chose to mix and match two different ones I had for fun to make it reversible.

17×24 INCHES OF BATTING
You’ll need batting the same length as the cotton fabric piece, at least 17×24 inches. I actually cut mine a little bigger just to make sure I had enough, then clipped it to match the fabric after.

THREAD
Grab some colored thread that matches your fabric. This is for sewing around the edges.

SEWING MACHINE
For sewing everything together.

CUTTING TOOLS
You’ll need all your preferred items for cutting fabric.
1) A cutting board or table
2) Scissors or a rotary cutter
3) Measuring tools such as a measuring mat, ruler, etc.
4) A fabric pen or pencil to mark the fabric if you use one

Let’s Get Started

STEP #1
Cut the cotton fabric for the front of your blanket into a 17×24 inch piece.

STEP #2
Cut the cotton fabric for the back of your blanket into a 17×24 inch piece.

STEP #3
Cut the batting into a 17×24 inch piece. You can also do it a little bigger if you prefer. I did mine into an 18×24 inch piece.

STEP #4
Lay the front and back cotton fabric pieces together with the right sides together.

STEP #5
Lay the batting piece on top of the two cotton pieces and pin it all in place.

STEP #6
Trim any excess fabric or batting pieces so that they all line up evenly.

STEP #7
Sew the fabric and batting together. Make sure to leave about a two-inch gap open on one end for turning the fabric around.

STEP #8
Trim blanket corners. Make sure not to cut the thread stitching.

STEP #9
Using the gap you left unstitched, turn the fabric right side out, keeping the batting on the inside.

STEP #10
Fold the open 2-inch gap pieces under to match the rest of the blanket.

STEP #11
Sew around the edge of the whole blanket. Make sure to include the gap so that it will be closed.

DOLL PILLOW

What You’ll Need

• 9×9 inches of cotton fabric x2
• Poly-fil stuffing
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Cutting tools

9×9 INCHES OF COTTON FABRIC x2
You’ll need at least 9×9 inches of cotton fabric x2 (one for the front of the pillow and one for the back). You can use the same fabric or two different patterns. I chose to mix and match two different ones I had for fun to make it reversible.

POLY-FIL STUFFING
Grab a bag of poly-fil stuffing for stuffing the pillow.

THREAD
Grab some colored thread that matches your fabric. This is for sewing around the edges.

SEWING MACHINE
For sewing everything together.

CUTTING TOOLS
You’ll need all your preferred items for cutting fabric.
1) A cutting board or table
2) Scissors or a rotary cutter
3) Measuring tools such as a measuring mat, ruler, etc.
4) A fabric pen or pencil to mark the fabric if you use one

Let’s Get Started

STEP #1
Cut the cotton fabric for the front of your pillow into a 9×9 inch piece.

STEP #2
Cut the cotton fabric for the back of your pillow into a 9×9 inch piece.

STEP #3
Lay the front and back cotton fabric pieces together with the right sides together.

STEP #4
Sew the two fabrics together. Make sure to leave about a 1-2 inch gap open on one end for turning the fabric around.

STEP #5
Using the open gap, turn the fabric right side out.

STEP #6
Stuff the fabric middle with poly-fil stuffing to the desired amount.

STEP #7
Slip stitch the gap closed. Doing a slip stitch will help to hide the thread so it looks closer to the rest of the seam.

And there you have it! A cute doll and pillow blanket for your little one to love and play with. Happy creating!

NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

We are a family of aquarium lovers! It’s no secret that dolphins are my favorite, and my kids have definitely inherited my love of the ocean and marine life. If there is an aquarium nearby wherever we are, chances are we’ll visit it.

Our favorite is Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, FL, which I have highlighted before. But today I wanted to highlight a smaller but just as fun one: the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores in Pine Knoll Shores, NC.

Quick facts:

• The NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is one of three public aquariums that are part of the “North Carolina Aquariums” system.
• Features dive shows, live animal encounters, and animal feedings.
• Features two hands-on exhibits: The Tidal Touch Pool & Skate and Ray Encounters.
• Located at: 1 Roosevelt Blvd, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512.
• Parking is free.
• There is a Dairy Queen on the grounds as you exit the aquarium.

We have visited this NC Aquarium multiple times and thoroughly enjoy it. Whether you love fish, turtles, crabs, or reptiles – there is something for everyone in the family. My daughter loves the otters, my son loves the turtles and alligators, and my personal favorite is the seahorses.

There are hands-on stingrays and crustaceans you can touch, daily demonstrations where you can see some of the animals up close (we’ve been able to pet a baby alligator and snakes), outside trails and a playground, a gift shop, and an indoor kids' playground with a Dory fish.

Note:

Make sure to check the aquariuam’s website for ticket and reservation informaiton. It currently requires advance tickets/reservations for entry.

This aquarium is located right by the beach, so you can enjoy both on the same day or escape the heat during a vacation by making a stop at the aquarium. It’s definitely worth the trip! For more information on NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, check out their website here.