Suggestions needed please

[Chrissy1]

I purchased a darling little kit at Patchwork Plus a while back. It only measures 22 x 18 finished. The back is a cream color minkie and it is so dreamy soft. The front is a panel with a baby on it and a saying, trimmed in 4" wide pink print. I have done the stitch in a ditch and stitched the square corners, the only thing is it leaves the center part of the panel unsecured (if you know what I mean. I don't know if I tied some ties if it would take away from the softness. The baby and the wording take up a large part of the panel. I am thinking it would make it stronger becasue it is one of those things I can see being carted around everywhere. Emma Elizabeth is only about 3 weeks old. I would so appreciate any advise. Thank you

[Susie]

I am no expert but is there something in that center panel that you could free-motion around?? Or maybe you could just do a large diagonal gridwork on the panel and maybe that would do the trick without taking away from anything. I think if you made a wide grid it wouldn't take away any of the softness either. Just a thought...
Susie

[Chrissy1]

Thanks Susie. There is so much on the panel that I am afraid if I did something with a grid it would go right through it. I was thinking of maybe just stitching a few hand sewn hearts, kind of here and there. I think even two would help. I appreciate your suggestions

[CaroleJ]

Another thought...you could tack the center down every few inches or so, along the edges of the design so they'd be nearly invisible. Mark the panel every 4 inches or so, like a grid, and just stitch the layers together with thread. Or you could use yarn or embroidery floss and put in some ties, if you like the look.

(Eldest is sitting here and wants me to mention that *her* name is Emma. She is an Emma Lorraine.)

[purrfect-lady]

I did something similiar last year and I did a small free motion meander on the entire center field bringing it just up to the embroidering. It made the "featured attraction" pop. Maryz

[Chrissy1]

Hello Emma Lorraine, nice to meet you