Little Jack's Corner: March 2010

Friday, March 19, 2010

Diaper & Wipes Clutch Redesign

I made myself one of these a while ago and found that I never use it because the velcro closure made it a pain to close. I had to make sure it was rolled just right in order for the velcro strips to meet. After a little bit of thought, I changed the closure to a button/elastic combination so that I can close it up no matter how many diapers I have stuffed in it. One roll and it's good!

I also decided to round the corners. I think it gives them a nicer, more finished look.

These two lovelies will be making their way down to Lucky's Grill today to join the rest of my things on display. As always, be sure to contact me if you'd like to purchase one of the items shown or make a custom order.

Suspenders

This is another project that I never got around to posting. All of my boys were born without bums and thus have trouble keeping their pants up. I could never find belts for small boys so I made some suspenders. Adam loves wearing his "spenders"!

I have recently discovered a pattern for a toddler belt and that is on my ever-growing list of projects to do. I'll be sure to post pictures when I finish that one.

Tractor Bag

I was just browsing through my old photos of all of the things that I've sewn and realized that I never posted this one.

My son loves all things with wheels but John Deere tractors hold a special place in his heart. I made him this bag to hold all of his tractors because those are the toys that he always wants to take along with us when we go anywhere.

Doesn't that look say it all?

Red, White and Black Quilt

This is a "cheater quilt" that I finished a few months ago. For those of you who don't know what a cheater quilt is, it is a quilt that looks like it is pieced but the pattern is actually printed onto the fabric. Some cheater quilts look really, well, lame, but this was a cute pattern and I think it turned out fine.

It also has the distinction of being the first of my creations to end up with an overseas customer, so yay for that!

Materials

I use good quality fabrics on all of my items, usually 100% cotton. While there are bargain fabrics available, the cost savings aren't worth what is given up in quality.

Most of my quilts are basic woven cotton on the front and snuggly flannel on the back, although there are exceptions. I like to use a high loft synthetic batting as well. I hand-bind the edges of all of my quilts with a French binding, which has a double thickness for added strength. Additionally, I have begun binding my quilts with a bias-cut binding, which is stronger and lasts even longer.

The burp cloths are 100% cotton flannel on both sides and I have found that that is plenty absorbent for most baby spit-ups.

Receiving blankets are also 100% cotton, with flannel and/or lightweight cotton for each side. The double flannel blankets are great for winter, while the double lightweight blankets are good for summer.

All of my baby products are made to be used well and often! Let your baby sleep with it, use it as a cape or a tent and then throw it in the washer. I believe that motherhood is a dirty job and I personally don't have the time for items that require special handling or (gasp!) dry cleaning.