I'm making a baby quilt that calls for using buttons for the eyes on a bug block. Since it's for a new baby, I'm hesitant to put buttons in case it might be a choking hazard. But I'm drawing a blank on what to use instead. Any ideas? Keep in mind that I am not good at applique or embroidery. Thanks!

edited content: I found some cute heart embroidered decals that you ironed on, then I stitched them down. I think they work great for the eyes. I liked the idea to embroidery, but I don't know how to very well. The quilt was a kit/pattern I liked. It's perfect for Ben because his grandpa (one of dh's best friends) and granny go to Africa on photographic safaris.

it's not major embroidery, but I'd try the french knots. here are a couple of sites that may help
http://www.purlbee.com/knot-know-how-tutorial/
http://honeybeesbliss.blogspot.com/2008/07/french-knot-in-silk-ribbon-embroidery.html

Is fabric paint non toxic? What about those Pigma marking pens? Are they non-toxic too?

Can you do a simple back stitch of imbroidery until the eye part is filled in. I did that on a project once. It looked pretty good.
Bonnie

What about felt? You could tack it in 4 places to insure it won't be pulled off easily.

Could you fuse on some black fabric circles???????????????????

from experience the safest is using the embroidery.

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I guess I'll just have to experiment a little and see what looks best.

bj...these are similiar to the ones I use to use for dolls. They're iron on and usually you can find them in doll making sections of hobby stores. They are machine washable...

http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/12246309/Iron_On_Flocking_Transfers_DIY_Toys_Model_Eyes.htm l

On some of my GD's quilts I used Polymark fabric and craft paint pen.It is nontoxic. washes great. It actually comes in a little bottle but has a tip on it that is fine like a pen. I really like this stuff. I got it at Hobby Lobby.

Thanks Lisa. I'm going to look for eyes today. If I don't find any like those, I'm going to use paint like others also suggested. I'm just not good enough at embroidery. I checked out the French knot tutorial, and I liked that, but I think they would be too small, unless I used a thicker ribbon. I'm going to experiment and see which of the two looks best, if I can't find ready made eyeballs. Again. Thanks everyone!

What pattern are you using? Do you have any pictures yet? :D

No pics yet. I'm just finishing up the blocks, getting ready to put them together. I guess the eyes need to go on last so they don't get in the way of the quilting. They're looking pretty cute. I got the mouths (ricrac) on this morning and now I'm doing a blanket stitch around the bodies and antennae. I'm totally sloooowwww, but I'm okay with that. I'll post a pic when I get it finished. I'd like to get it to the baby while his grandparents are still in town (they're our friends) so they can see it.

The pattern is one I bought at the Bernina store here called Backyard Safari. His grandpa goes on safari (photographic) in Africa as often as he can save up the money. They just had to cancel one due to the unrest in Zimbabwe. State Dept. told them they'd be traveling there at their own risk! Yikes! Told him to come on up to Lubbock, we'd stalk the prairie dogs and jackrabbits.

I agree with Loretta. The 3 stitches inblack thread or wool is even better, as Jean Greenhowe use in he knitted dolls is quite nice. See this picture:


http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/clowns.html


I love her knitted dolls and honestly, they are baby-safe too!

I'm bumping this so you can see the quilt with its button(less) eyes :)

That brings a smile to ones face, its lovely.
Katherine

Oh my goodness...that is adorable!!!

Oh my gosh, that turned out so cute! Your quilting is beautiful too! What an adorable quilt. Make me one! LOL!

That is sooooo sweet!!

I think it's absolutely adorable!

The quilt is beautiful!!

Kyia

Super cute !! When I make sock monkeys, I save a heart for the chest and use the soft of velcro circles. Not the hook part, the soft, near felt but very durable !

LOVE this quilt ! The colors are great !

chairjogger

I have this pattern to make!! Is it hard - one day I'll get to it!

I think your solution to the eye problem is just great! What a neat quilt!

Trust me...if I can do it, it isn't hard. I didn't follow the pattern exactly and I ended up with enough material left to make another one. It was fun to make and went together pretty quickly, just a couple of days to piece it.

bj!!!! Perfect solution!!! Its just adorable!! I love your quilting, you did a fantastic job!!

That is so cute. What a great idea for the eyes.

Hearts for eyes, what a great idea!

They turned out great! Nice way to solve the issue!

Awww, that's adorable! I'm glad you sewed them too, because I have had them come off before.

I just want to say that quilt is just adorable! I love baby quilts.

Cindy