Stuffed Animal Sleeping Bags

I got very lucky this holiday season and ended up with a new (to me) sewing machine. Previously, I had been sewing on a Bernina Activa 130 that was used in a junior high. While it (kind of) still works and I got it for a great deal through a surplus auction, it was used hard for years and has been through the ringer.  Thanks to my generous grandma, I was fortunate enough to find a gently used Bernina Aurora 440 Quilter’s Edition at our local Bernina store that had been traded in for a newer machine.

I was not planning on getting a new machine this nice, so I feel a little bit spoiled and a lot grateful!  It came with a walking foot and a stitch regulator foot (which I didn’t even know existed), so I can’t see ever needing another all-purpose machine as long as this baby is still running.  For my first sewing project on my new machine, I made something I have been promising my two oldest for a long time: sleeping bags for their favorite stuffed animals.

These sleeping bags are lined and have attached pillows, because we don’t need one more thing around here that has more than one piece.  Right now, there is no tutorial or pattern, but we have plans to perfect the design for part of another project that is in the works.Doggo and Jasmine look quite comfy, no?  And, I have to say that my sewing experience was much more enjoyable on my new machine.  Not having to re-thread the bobbin forty times really cut down on sewing time, too.  Here’s a little peek at the inside lining.  I have to admit that figuring these out was a little bit of a mental exercise, but I am pleased with how they turned out for a first attempt.  Isn’t sewing for kids so fun?  My kids come up with the greatest ideas for toys and clothes.  Both of my girls picked these fabrics from my personal stash, and we had a great time designing these together.

-Audrey