GUIDING MEMENTOS
Do you carry crests to trade at every Guiding event? Do you swap crests when you meet other Girl Guides and Girl Scouts? Do you also have all kinds of badges? Wondering what to do with these great Guiding mementos? The answer is simple and cozy – attach them to your camp blanket or poncho!
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amp blankets and ponchos have been part of Girl Guides of Canada since the organization began in 1910. Girls and Guiders cherish their blankets, and many have more than one. I have two. My first, which was made by my mother when I was a Brownie in 1988, features a large felt owl to hold my Brownie badges. My second features a large Trefoil that I cross-stitched myself on the centre. I treasure them both to this day!
Blanket or Poncho? Ponchos, which are often used at campfires, can double as blankets – so the term “camp blanket” tends to cover both versions. While obviously keeping us cozy, camp blankets also provide the perfect place to display not only our badges and crests, but also our ties, pins and other Guiding mementos. My blankets also display crests from countries I’ve visited.
Fabric and Size Traditionally, camp blankets were made of wool, which is heavy, warm and durable. These days they are often made of polar fleece, which is lighter and dries more quickly. Common colour choices are navy blue, royal blue and grey, but you can use any colour. The Guide store carries a GGC-branded fleece blanket. You can also create a poncho from fleece or wool purchased at a fabric or outdoor supply store. The most common blanket size is 50” x 60” (127 cm x 135 cm), which might be a little large for Sparks and Brownies, but will fit as they grow. Ponchos are often slightly smaller and may be square. However, a blanket can also be transformed into a poncho. Simply fold the blanket in half and cut a slit to pull it over your head. Blanket-stitch around the edge to keep the neck hole from stretching. Some people also attach a hood and pockets.
Badge and Crest Layout
Photo: ©iStock/pederk
There are many ways to lay out your camp blanket: • Keep related badges and crests together, categorized by branch, event or other common characteristic. • Place badges and crests randomly. • Girls can sew their badge sashes and neck scarves onto their blankets, as they move up the Guiding branches.
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• For crests that belong in sets, you can leave space to add to the set, or sew each crest individually wherever there is space.
Sewing Tips A blanket stitch is most commonly used to finish the edges. There is a basic version of this edge-stitch, as well as more elaborate versions. Do a quick online search for blanket stitches to find step-by-step written or video tutorials. For attaching badges and crests, you have two options: 1 Thread and Needle – Attach them by hand-stitching or using a machine. Pin the crests and badges in position on the blanket and then stitch along the edges. It’s best to use two pins in each badge to keep it straight, and tackle just a few badges at a time. Hand-stitching requires only a needle and thread, but will take more time. Machine-sewn badges may stay attached longer, but you will need access to a sewing machine, and it will take some manoeuvring to keep the crests and badges from moving around while being sewn. Tip: Keep the same colour bobbin thread and change the top thread to match the crest, if you want a more polished result. 2 Glue – Some badges and crests have a glue backing that can be attached by running an iron over the front of the badge. There are also other glue products available to attach crests to fabric. Some people find glue messy and the badges may become loose over time. Caution: Be careful to avoid touching a fleece blanket with the iron, as it will melt.
Want More Crests for Your Blanket? The best way to build your collection is to attend lots of Guiding events and activities. You can also complete extra challenges to earn crests. Many groups hold trading events – start your collection by trading extra crests you have at home, or purchase bags of crests online to trade later. Over and above creating a fabulous camp blanket, remember that the goal is to have fun, meet new Guiding members and build lifelong memories. Lisa Wechzelberger is a Guider in Surrey, BC.
CANADIAN GUIDER | SPRING 2019