Baby Swaddler

I don't have many babies in my world, but I do work with a lot of young women and there is usually at least one that is expecting a baby. Personally, I think homemade gifts are the most special.  I don't always have time to make a baby gift but when I do, I like to make a swaddler.


I am the oldest of 5 children and I can remember my Mother swaddling the little ones in a receiving blanket like a little papoose.  Since it has been 30 plus years since I've had a baby, I hadn't thought much of this in a very long time until a few years ago when my nephew was born. One of the gifts his parents received was a swaddler.  His mother loved this gift, because she said when she put him in it, he would calm down and would often go to sleep.  I had never seen one of these before but I just knew I could make one, so I ordered one from etsy just so I could figure out how it was made.   I also found a free pattern online by Lotta Jansdotter.  You can find this free pattern by going to google and searching for Lotta Jansotter Snuggler Pattern.  This pattern is not hard, you can just print it out and tape it together.  I use cotton for the outside, and have made a few with flannel for the lining, but my favorite fabric to use for lining is the minky, you just can't get much softer than minky. You just have to remember to tell the new Mom to use low heat when drying it.  If you can sew at all, you can do this.  

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE

BLACKBERRY SAUCE

Since I have had some extra blackberries this year, I've tried a couple of new recipes. This one was very easy and very good. It is good poured over anything you would pour any syrup on, and would also be good over meat.   This is from the Paleo Grubbs recipe book.

12 oz. blackberries, fresh or frozen

3 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. lemon juice

Dash of vanilla extract

Place the blackberries and honey into a small saucepan over low heat. Add the lemon juice and cook for 8-10 minutes until the blackberries have broken down.  Stir in vanilla to taste.

I used blackberries that I had frozen and so this took quite a bit longer.  I just let it heat while I was doing something else, and stirred it periodically. 

I Thessalonians 5:16-18   Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.