I’ve been a little sparse around here…..but that’s not because I’ve been sick, too tired, or on vacation. (Though, I wish it was because I’ve been on vacation!) We’ve actually been doing a major re-haul of my craft room that’s been taking more time than expected…..but that’s mostly because I have SO MUCH JUNK!! Ack! While re-doing the entire space (with cupboards and table tops and so much more room)…I have also been sorting through and getting rid of so many things that I have held onto for years. Yep, hoarder, right here! ;)
Anyway, I have been gathering boy fabrics lately (remember how we’re adding a baby boy to our family?) and I’ve been itching to use it. So, the other day, I finally sewed something (among all the chaos surrounding my sewing machine)…..and it made me so happy!
With a baby coming, I start thinking back to what we need, what we already have, and what would be fun to add to our baby boy stash. I do have plenty of hand-me-downs from Oliver but I started thinking about how my babies tend to be chewers, especially while teething. And instead of chewing on their hands, socks, or corners of blankets…I made these Natural Wood & Bunny Ear Teething Rings and am excited to let this baby boy give them a try! (I actually made a few in girl colors too, so I can use them for gifts….because, WOW, I have so many friends expecting babies right now!)
For a size reference, here is Oliver modeling the little Teething Rings. (I told him to “pretend” to bite it…..but not really. He thought this was a funny game!) The rings are perfect for little hands to grab onto and both the ring and fabric are safe for chewing. The back side is made from terry cloth, so it’s also absorbent for all that baby drool.
(And yes, those are stitches on Oliver’s forehead. The poor kiddo tripped and smacked his face straight onto a concrete slab. Wah!)
I have seen similar teething rings around (especially at overpriced baby boutiques), but in case you’re giving these to someone and you’re worried they may not know what they are, I thought it would be fun to attach a tag that explains what they are and how to care for them. (I’ve included the printable down below, if you’re interested.)
In fact, I’m having a shower here at my house tonight, for a friend having her very first boy. She may be getting one or two of these! :)
These are so great for your own babies….but are just as fun to make in bulk and keep on hand for baby gifts! Unique handmade baby gifts are always a hit….especially when they only take minutes to make!!! :)
Would you like to make a few??
Cut out the pattern piece for the fabric bunny ears using the link above and cut out your shape, making sure to CUT ON THE FOLD (so that it ends up being twice as big).
Cut the same shape on your terry cloth (again, ON THE FOLD).
Place your two pieces together with RIGHT sides together. Pin together.
Sew around the outer edges using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving about a 2 inch opening along one side.
Cut off the point at each end, without cutting through your seam. (More on cutting corners and curves HERE.)
Turn right side out through the side opening, poke out the ends, and iron flat.
Be sure to fold the edges of the opening towards the inside, 1/4 inch.
Top stitch around the entire thing, using a 1/8 seam allowance. (This will close your opening too.)
Now, grab your ring and place your fabric strip on top, while pinching it in the middle.
Grab both pointed ends and wrap them around the ring and under, coming out the through the center of the ring.
Keep the ends both laying the same way (fabric side up) and pull them through.
Continue pulling until you have a snug sort of knot, and two little “bunny ears” coming out the top, with a little more than 1/2 the ring visible (so that baby can still grab on and chew if they want).
Now, make a few more….because wasn’t that EASY?!!
Oh, and remember, if you’d like to attach a tag, you can print them off HERE.
Enjoy!
-Ashley
Hi, I’m Ashley—the DIY-enthusiast behind this crazy blog!
