And the first grandbabies in a family are a joy. But the first great-grandbaby? Well, that’s a special gift. And one that requires special gifts!
My brother’s first grandchild was born this winter and has inspired a mountain of baby themed sewing ideas. Quilts, jammies, hats, bibs … but the one that I actually followed through on is the decorated onesie.
Onesies (those little t-shirts with the snap crotch) are the perfect project for my play-time. They are small, inexpensive, and provide the cutest round canvas for decorating. Plus, infants won’t complain about how you dress them even it is totally silly. Though since they were not for my child (or grandchild), I did stay on the rational side.
I’ve made many, many iron-on transfer t-shirts in my day, so I started there. Wrote baby’s name on a “Hello, my name is” sticker, scanned it, printed it on transfer paper, and ironed it on. Ta da! 
Next was applique. This is definitely a keeper idea. Since I often give my brother neckties for his birthday*, I thought his grandson should have his own. Just cut out the shape in fabric and fusible web, iron it down, and stitch around the edge. Done. 
*This year’s birthday tie was a good one. Check out the Pillow Tie: “because most functions that require a tie … deserve to be slept through.”