Small Fry & Co. : Baby stuff

Showing posts with label Baby stuff. Show all posts

Aug 2, 2013

"Sweet As...." The Girl Series of Up-Cycled T-shirt Bibs

Lest you think that the only thing I know how to do these days is throw things way, I thought I had better put a crafty post up just to make sure that you know that I still know how to strut my crafty stuff. I just got finished with my girl series of up-cycled T-shirt bibs: The "Sweet as....." series. I love the bright colors. I love how they all turned out (you know how some things just look better when you take their picture). On these ones I sewed all the details in white because the appliques all required multiple layers and it would have just been impossible to continually switch the thread. Here is a closer look at each.

Cotton Candy

Chocolate Cupcake

Watermelon

Strawberry

Popsicle (cherry flavored of course).

In case you missed the first series (the "Hungry as...." boys series) check it out here for a tutorial on how to make these easy and adorable t-shirt bibs.

Now what little girl wouldn't look SWEET in these?

Also shared here:

http://whipperberry.com/2013/08/friday-flair-link-party-wocave-update-features-no-6.html

Jul 2, 2013

Hungry As A....Up-cycled T-shirt Bib Tutorial

Okay-these are my new favorite thing. If I could make a living off of making and selling these I would do it in a heart beat. They are so easy to make, the possibilities are endless and they are ADORABLE. I call this series my "Hungry As A..." series. I have another one in the works for a girl, "As Sweet As...." Stay tuned for those. To make these you will need 3 t-shirts (I only have 2 in my shot because I forgot I needed a third when I took the picture) and a bib pattern. I made mine up but you could copy one that you like or send me a message and I will send you a copy of mine. This size of a bib is perfect for a 1 year old-18 month old.

You want to cut out your pattern through both layers of your printed t-shirt first. and then through 1 layer of a contrasting shirt.

Sandwich the contrasting layer between the two colored layers. The colored layers should be right sides out.

Before you sew you will want to sandwich a piece of elastic (2 inches long) in between the layers on each side of the neck bands.

Now sew around the bib (catching the elastic when you sew over that part). Sew a second row of stitching just for looks.

Now pick any design that you would like to add to your bib. I search on the Internet for clipart that I can trace and turn into a design. I trace this onto Wonder Under (by Pellon) and then iron it onto the wrong side of another contrasting t-shirt.

Cut this out, peel off the backing paper (it is so simple) and iron it onto your bib. Then sew around with a contrasting color.

It just so happens that I picked THE HARDEST image to sew to use for my tutorial. If you are a beginner at applique-don't pick an alligator. Too many bumps. In the end it turned out great.

And that it is it. The bib is soft. It has enough layers that stuff won't just immediately soak through (though I am not saying it is totally mess proof). It is cute and totally cool and one of a kind. Like I said-I love how it turned out.

And here is the whole set:

T-Rex

Moose

Alligator

Bear

Wouldn't these look so cute on your hungry little guy?

Also shared here:

Mar 14, 2013

Simple Burp Cloths from Baby Bath Towels

Every mom knows that not all burp cloths are created equal. Some are cute but not big enough, or soft but not absorbent, or absorbent but not very cute. I personally love burp cloths made from cloth diapers-they are super absorbent and big enough to cover a mom's clothes well but the only down fall to them is that they are pretty bulky. When I was pregnant with my little man I wanted to find a way to make a cute burp cloth that was absorbent but not too thick and bulky. I was browsing through our local thrift store when I spotted a stack of baby towels. Then the thought came to me, "if you are wanting something absorbent-what could be more absorbent than a towel-these would make great burp cloths." And so these were born. I used my trusted burp cloth pattern (which I altered to make wider at the top and bottom but narrower in the middle to sit on your shoulder properly) and created these super cute burp cloths that fold up small and don't take up so much space in a diaper bag but still work wonderfully.

Here's what you will need:
1 baby bath towel (1 towel is enough to make 2 burp cloths-plus have some left over to make some wash cloths)
Fabric of your choice for the outside
Ric Rac (if desired)-I included it in the picture but didn't actually use it on my burp cloths

1. Begin by trimming the edge of the towel-this allows it to lay flat so that you can cut it easier.

2. Pin and cut your pattern on the towel (I fold mine over and cut 2 at once)

3. Pin and cut the pattern on your fabric as well. I got this fabric from Wholeport and it is one of my favorite prints for babies by far. They have it for an amazing deal-along with a wide variety of fabric (all at great prices).

4. Pin the two pieces (towel and fabric) right sides together and sew (leaving one opening-I do this on an end-for turning). I used my serger but you could use a regular machine. Be aware that the towel fabric stretches as you go. Lots of pins will help keep things in place but I just trim off any excess that stretches out of place and in the end they turn out fine. Just don't be alarmed if that is happening. Proceed carefully and it will be fine in the end.

5. Turn the burp cloth right side out through the opening and press flat with an iron. Tuck in the seam at the opening, pin in place and stitch around the entire burp cloth. Then to hold the two pieces together I stitch from one side to the other near each end (about 6 inches from the end).

Can you see my stitching line? Do that on both ends.

And there you have it. Super easy. Super cute. Soft, absorbent, frugal. Perfect for a baby shower gift (cause you can never have enough burp cloths). If you have a bunch of baby towels that you no longer need-don't get rid of them. Repurpose them and give them as gifts (I mean if they aren't stained and stuff).