I recently made Penelope a cloth, crinkly, clutching toy (say that 3 times fast). I also made one for my friend Lia and her new baby Lucia. Penelope was given one, just like this, from a friend of mine and it was the first toy she showed any interest in. Because it was cloth, she was able to clutch much easier. And because it crinkled, it was endless entertainment. These days she is more into anything that is NOT a toy, but she still likes it.
Ok, so first cut two squares of fabric, any size will do. Then cut out pieces of ribbon. You can do a lot and space them close or farther apart, your call. Then pin them facing inwards like the picture. Then put the right sides of the fabric together and make a little sandwich with the ribbon inside and sew all the way around, but leave a space to turn your toy back inside out. I left a too small of a space and it took me FOREVER to turn in back inside out.
Insert your crinkly object into the hole opening. I used the stuff you wrap gift baskets in, and I can’t even think of the name right now. Penelope got up at 5am this morning ready to party, so who can blame me. But you could use anything else that crinkles.
Once you turn it back inside out, do a top stitch all the way around. Where you left the hole open, turn the edges and fold them inside. Once you do the the top stitch, you wont be able to tell where your hole was. I did mine in purple thread, even though it didn’t match because I was too lazy to change my thread. You could do a much cuter color combo.
Done! Time to play! See what I mean? Penelope is much more interested in Sky than her new handmade toy!
For the most perfect baby shower gift, make the crinkly toy and add some coordinating DIY burp cloths!
Lia Dominique Andress
May 20, 2010 at 6:08 PMI have to credit you for making Lucia this… we heard her first real giggle while playing with this!!! I tried to get video to send you but nothing like the first time. This is wonderful!
<3
Stephanie
May 20, 2010 at 9:37 PMYay!! Seriously, this is the most perfect toy for her age.
Maureen
May 23, 2010 at 5:57 PMOh my gosh she is so stinkin' cute!!!
narindamilburn
July 23, 2010 at 4:20 PMAwesome… I make my son tag blankets(lovies) just like this one(but super soft for cuddling and sleeping):) mostly because I'm not willing to pay the outrageous prices for a cute one or even a not-so-cute cheap one when I can just make an extremely cute one for less than the cheaper priced ones!.. but I have never thought of making it crinkly! What a good idea!
Lia Dominique Andress
November 16, 2010 at 8:08 PMWe would love another!!!!
Stephanie
November 17, 2010 at 2:45 AMI have meaning too forever, just too much going on! Sorry! Do you have a sewing machine? Its so easy!
Tara
September 26, 2011 at 5:41 PMYou could also use a bag from the grocery store to get the crinkle effect like you did with cellophane.
Stephanie
September 26, 2011 at 11:44 PMThat is very true Tara! I have heard that a piece of a chip bag or a wipe bag works good too.
Tara
October 25, 2011 at 1:02 AMI didn't see anywhere what type of material you used to make it crinkly??
Stephanie
October 25, 2011 at 1:49 AM@Tara..I got a roll of cellophane (the plastic stuff you cover gift baskets with) from Micheals. But you can use anything that is thin, plastic and crinkly, like a piece of a chip bag or a wipe container.
Teresa
July 22, 2016 at 6:08 PMAn adorable idea and a beautiful baby! I’m wondering if they would still be washable with the crinkly in them?
Thank you