Leo is now really into playing with toys interactively. I thought he would enjoy playing with soft foam blocks. I had foam cut to 4" x 4" cubes and sewed covers. One nice thing about this project is you can use up all your small scraps of fabrics from previous projects. Below is a little how to. So far they are a hit!
Cut the squares 4.5" x 4.5" for a 4" cube.
Sew the 6 squares together in a cross formation with a 1/4" seam allowance. At each corner stop 1/4" from the edge. Then sew the sides and top leaving one edge open.
Turn right side out, stuff the foam block inside and hand stitch closed.
Oh so cute. One of my regrets that I couldn't make for my kids those foam blocks are fun :)
Posted by: Luisa | March 20, 2011 at 08:52 PM
these are sipmle, clever and cute. thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Jill Wignall | March 21, 2011 at 06:21 AM
they look fantastic - now my baby is 13, but I think with all the lovely scraps we all accumulate, they would make a lovely feature simply piled on the windowsill! Thanks!
Posted by: lily boot | March 21, 2011 at 07:11 AM
Adorable! What a fun idea.
Posted by: Chic Spaces for Little Faces | March 21, 2011 at 07:49 AM
Oh, those are so sweet! I've just given up hope of turning a huge wodge of foam that I bought into a change mat, so maybe I'll turn it into some foam blocks instead...
Posted by: Jo @ a life in lists | March 21, 2011 at 09:41 AM
such a good idea. the fabric choices are impeccable.
Posted by: Amanda Jane | March 21, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Your baby blocks are gorgeous!
Now I just have to find some foam!
hugs
Char.x
Posted by: Char | March 21, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Your little boy is adorable and what a great project. I need to start making some baby gifts and this is definitely inspiring, along with the oilcloth mat you wrote about a while back. Good stuff.
Posted by: Mommy en France | March 22, 2011 at 07:36 PM
so happy i checked in! i've missed your posts....this is such a cute and clever project...and wouldn't they make the best shower treats?!
Posted by: sharon from farm and fru fru | March 22, 2011 at 09:32 PM
I agree! it's so nice to see this latest post from you. Your little Leo and those foam blocks are lovely and look very fun and satisfying to make. Hmm... would my 12 year old son think I was daft if I made some?!
Posted by: susan | March 23, 2011 at 01:17 PM
oops also meant to ask this: who did you get to cut the foam into cubes for you? Was it a foam supplier or a fabric store?
Posted by: susan | March 23, 2011 at 01:20 PM
Beautiful little blocks and really beautiful little boy!
Posted by: Eve Fox | March 23, 2011 at 03:50 PM
So cute! I'm really glad your son likes them ... I made very similar soft blocks for my son when he was about that age and he rejected them. It was very funny, but also a bit disheartening. In retrospect I used batting instead of foam, maybe that was the problem. In any event, I'm very happy to have stumbled upon your beautiful blog.
Posted by: Carla | March 24, 2011 at 11:16 PM
I get very excited when you have a new post up! This is a very cute idea and you have a very cute baby
Posted by: cecelia | March 25, 2011 at 09:10 AM
Oh my gosh these blocks are so cute! I just discovered your blog and am loving it! You have so many cute projects, can't wait to keep reading!
Posted by: Allison | March 25, 2011 at 05:32 PM
you are AMAZING! These are gorgeous
Posted by: LJ | March 26, 2011 at 07:03 AM
Oh, these are so lovely! I imagine it is also nice to use fabrics with different textures! Thanks so much for sharing them. All the best, a.
Posted by: ariana | March 28, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Sooo cute (the blocks and the baby)! What a great project!
Posted by: Emily | March 29, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Clearly Leo will be the kid with the best toys on the block! (best blocks on the block. :) )
Posted by: Karen | March 31, 2011 at 10:28 PM
This is a cute idea! It can be a great birthday present!
Posted by: 1 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas | April 04, 2011 at 02:08 AM
hey laura, i though i'd check out your blog today. nice stuff! and the pictures of leo are great. you've got one cute kid.
my mom makes baby block toys too, but she crochets covers. i haven't made any yet but i would like to try soon. she gave me a few to put up on my tiny etsy site
http://wrenhandmade.typepad.com/wren_handmade/2011/03/baby-blocks.html#comments
i guess she's my business partner now. ha!
- bethany
Posted by: Bethany Blankenbeckler | April 09, 2011 at 01:24 PM
oops! I guess I put in the wrong link!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71697037/soft-block-toys
Posted by: Bethany Blankenbeckler | April 09, 2011 at 01:25 PM
Great idea--perfect for a little one. Your pics are excellent.
Posted by: Amy | April 13, 2011 at 03:21 PM
Oh I just love these! I knew I was saving all that fabric for something!!
Posted by: lizy B | April 13, 2011 at 03:48 PM
Awww how adorable! I like the last pic, the one where he looks up at you :-)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/chillien
Posted by: Lutachi | April 14, 2011 at 09:58 AM