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Frugal Christmas: Teddy & Dolly Sleeping Bags


This year we aren't headed back to Nebraska for Christmas. It's a sad thing, something that will hit us come late December, that this is the first year we won't be spending with our families during the holidays. I've tried not to think about it. Instead, focus on others, right? I found the original teddy sleeping bag idea on pinterest over a year ago and plugged it into the back of my mind for Christmas gifts for littles back in Nebraska.


Although I didn't stick to the exact design, nor buy the pattern, it did give me the inspiration I needed to create my own for my nieces and nephew. Instead of putting cotton batting in between the layers to give it that puffy feel, I used some extra bits of fleece I had on hand.


Although I changed the design from the largest to the next two, I really like how each turned out. The two girls' sleepers have a permanently folded bit in front, embellished by a vintage button. I thought the fold-over helped it look more like a sleeping bag instead of something unrelated, like an ipad case. The largest bag doesn't have a fold-over, but instead a smaller front. I thought about making miniature pillows as well, but figured that 3 pieces with 3 children are better than 6. I want them to enjoy the toys, but I don't want to clutter my sister-in-law's house up, either!


This project took me approximately one quiet time, or about 2.5 hours, including cutting, ironing and sewing. I essentially made inside out mats, and folded them over and stitched up the sides to seal them, leaving one smaller side completely open. Then, with the girls' sacks, I folded over a side and embroidered a thick thread to keep the fold in place and topped it with a button. Easy peasy, and something handmade with love for my nieces and nephew back home during Christmas.

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