Every night I like to curl up with my husband’s tee shirt. For some reason, even if it is only in my head, I can still feel him and still smell him. My kids have now taken on this habit. At first, they wanted to wear one. But through the night, I would have to run in to their rooms because they had gotten tangled in the shirt.
They adore their Daddy dolls (which I highly recommend) but there is just something about sleeping with those tee shirts. So, finally, I came up with an idea that produced squeaks, squeals, and happiness.
Tee shirt blankets!
Here is a picture of what I made for my kids:
I cut up one of my husband’s shirts and one of his uniform jackets. I used fabric and pockets from the uniform to create special places for them to insert photos, letters, or special secrets to their daddy. The fabric crawled. I ran out of thread three times. The ACU uniform was frustrating. The sewing was far from my best. Jagged stitches. Completely less than perfect. But, the absolute delight and snuggled babes made it worth every ounce of my time. Now, I want to cut up all his shirts to make more!!
To make one:
Cut off the pockets and a panel of a uniform.
Sew the edges to make a hem.
Cut two panels from a tee shirt to desired size (mine is 16×20)
Sew the edges to create a hem
Sew the pocket to the tee shirt fabric
Then, sew both tee shirt panels together to make a two-sided blanket. (The other side also has a pocket from his uniform)
Even if you are not the greatest when it comes to sewing (that includes me, as shown in above photo), this blanket will surely please your child while he/she waits for the real thing!
Tags: battle buddies for kids, blankets, deployments, kids
I think if I came home and found all my shirts and uniforms cut up I might be a little irked
I guess it’s the thought that counts tho ^_^
We do what we have to do. Besides at this point you guys have too many ACU uniforms hanging around anyway.
I did at least ask him before I raided his dresser! I’m just thankful he left one of his uniforms behind. He told me to make a pillowcase out of it. Cause all that velcro would have been comfy!
I suck at sewing
but I had this blanket idea I got from my mom when my kids were born. She took 2 pieces of fleece put them together and cut slits in them around the edges. Then she just tied the two pieces together. If you did this the only thing you’d have to sew on is the piece of ACU fabric. You could even get camo colored fleece or something like that.
just found this and I love this idea – because I think it would feel like hugging Daddy after a day or work – the feel of the ACU and his t-shirt!! perfect!!!
I think this is a great idea. All our soldiers have worn out tees and uniforms. We even have one with a nasty ink stain no longer acceptable for wearing but definitely serviceable to make in to a wonderful blanket of memories for our grand daughter missing her daddy! A little spray of his favorite cologne and a touchable “daddy moment” is made! Thanks for the wonderful idea!