Creative Oasis

Oasis:  a place of peace or something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change in the midst of trouble or difficulty

My friend, Hyacynth, created a challenge called Simple Swaps "as a way of encouraging my friends here to find the time and resources to make simple changes aimed at gaining a healthier, more inspired, intentional lifestyle."  This month's Simple Swap is Creative Oasis.  She realizes that moms often put themselves last and forget to take time to retreat and breathe in the midst of the chaos of everyday life, so this month's challenge is to create a place of refuge, relief, retreat, "one that invites us in to it and allows our creativity to flow, says welcome with its sights, sounds and smells; a Creative Oasis is the cure for creative slumps and much-needed respites for sure."

I didn't really think I'd be joining in on this challenge, until I began a cleaning frenzy this week.  After another sinus infection and an appointment with an allergist to finally pinpoint the specific allergies that have been plaguing me, I decided it was time to get out of my creative slump and clean.  Because cleaning helps me unwind and having a clean house also helps clear my mind.

As I wrote to Hyacynth today, my mind has been very jumbled lately.  It's been one busy week after another and the housework just kept piling up.  I was so tired from the allergy problems I've been having and just plain worn out from all the busy-ness that I was really in a creative slump.  I haven't been able to figure out how to write in order to blog, because the moment I sit here and try to figure out what to say, I draw a blank and all I want to do is rest.  My sewing machine has also been sitting by the wayside.  I think the last time I used it was in July.  


I've been saving all kinds of DIY projects on Pinterest, like this Halloween costume idea and this Thanksgiving shirt idea for miss V, this scrap wreath for fall, and this owl ribbon blanket for my cousin's newbie.  But, I haven't had the motivation or the creative energy to actually create them.  So, I decided it was time for me to revamp my sewing desk to make a creative oasis just for me.  (And I totally forgot to take a before picture - oops!)

After all the cleaning I did today, I moved my sewing table to a window with more natural light (which will be really good in winter to soak up the much needed and rare sunshine).  I de-cluttered my craft supplies and made some actual space on my desk so I can finally create some of these beautiful projects.  I found two picture frames and added some sweet pictures to inspire me.  I added a picture frame my friend, Madeline, made for me in college with one of my favorite bible verses, to remind me that no matter how hard my day is, He gives me exactly what I need.  I placed a pretty pink candle from a friend's wedding next to one of the picture frames, because what says peace more than a burning candle?  Finally, I hung a sun-catcher on the window (which was a little late addition so it's not in the first photo)...and...voila!

Welcome to my creative oasis!  I can hardly wait to start creating!

(Thank you SO much, Hyacynth, for encouraging me to go for it.  It really was just what I needed!)

Introducing: Sew Inspired By Baby Blog

I decided recently to take a break from sewing for my Etsy shop, so I can focus on my most important job - being a mom to my two sweet babies.  I also wanted to be able to use what little sewing time I have to sew things for my babies as well as gifts for family and friends.  I do have a few pre-made items in my Etsy shop that you can browse through and have a few more to add within the next week, but I will not be doing custom orders at this time. I will try to keep a few pre-made items in there on occasion and if you really want a specific item just mention it to me.  If I have time and materials I will sew it up and list it in my Etsy shop, but not as a custom item.

Here are some items available in my shop right now:

In the meantime, I wanted a place where I could share all my sewing projects, post some tutorials for those who want to try the projects I make, and link to all the great sewing blogs I've discovered without cluttering up my main blog.  So, I created a Sew Inspired By Baby blog.  I'm really excited about this, because it gives me another creative outlet and a way to share my love of sewing with others.  I'm also hoping to host sewing and Etsy related giveaways from time to time.  Check it out and follow along if you are interested.  You can even subscribe by email so you can receive any new posts right in your inbox.  I will make a note on my main blog whenever I write a new post on my Sew Inspired By Baby blog. 

Of course, what would the launch of a sewing blog be without a sewing related giveaway to kick it off, right?  Check out my new blog for information and enter for your chance to win a fun handmade item.

Fluff Talk Thursday: Sew Your Own Stash

I came across a new blog recently that features a fun blog carnival called "Fluff Talk Thursday".  Today's topic is all about sewing your own stash, so I thought it would be fun to join in and share how I started sewing my own cloth diapers.

The first cloth diapers we used were store bought ones, because I didn't really sew much at that point.  We purchased a cloth diaper kit from Bummis that included 36 unbleached cotton prefold diapers and 6 Super Whisper Wrap PUL diaper covers all in a size small.  Around 5 months, Valerie started to outgrow the size small.  I was about to purchase another Bummis kit in the next size until I saw all the cute diapers my friend, Christy, had made for her daughter.  She was also selling some of her diapers at the time, so I decided to purchase the next size from her.  She made her own patterns for diaper covers and used recycled fleece fabric as well as Velcro closures.  She then used a whole pile of my old t-shirts that no longer fit me to make prefold diapers.  She also made a few pocket diapers that were adjustable to fit different sizes and some fitted diapers with Velcro closures.  They all turned out SO cute and I just loved showing them off everywhere we went.

 

 
Sometime after that, I began to pick up sewing a lot more and began to research all kinds of patterns and tutorials online for sewing diapers and baby accessories.  I started to experiment with making newborn size diapers and sewed up a stash for my cousin's new baby.

I had so much fun making them that I offered to sew a stash for a friend of mine too.  I even started to experiment with making covers out of fleece fabric.

Then, I found out I was expecting too, so I began to use all the scraps and recycled fabric from old receiving blankets and fleece blankets to start my own stash of newborn size diapers.  I made my own pattern for fleece diaper covers and even sold some to a blogging friend after posting pictures on my blog.

(Note: The diapers in the middle were purchased from a Baby Steals daily deal.)

 

(Note: The two diapers on the bottom right are Urban Fluff diapers purchased during one of Baby Half Off's daily deals.)

Recently, I've discovered an awesome pattern to make fleece soakers and longies and have been using all the recycled fabric I can find to make them for my daughter.  I also purchased a pattern to make PUL diaper covers for her after she outgrew the size medium and made my own pattern for pocket diapers and one size fitted diapers.

Oh, I also decided to use cloth wipes after my friend, Christy made me several as a gift.  I made several more to add to my stash when I found out I was expecting again.

Sewing your own cloth diapers is really SO easy.  There are SO many resources on the internet, including video and picture tutorials that I've used to teach myself.  Plus, it's a great way to use up old receiving blankets or t-shirts and sweaters that no longer fit. 

Here are some of the patterns/tutorials I used:

Video Tutorial on How to Sew A Cloth Diaper:  I taught myself how to turn and top stitch and sew elastic into the diapers after watching this video.

Ottobre Cloth Diaper Pattern:  I used this as a fitted diaper pattern - it only really fits newborns under 10 pounds, but my little guy was less than 7 pounds at birth.

Shar's Newborn Pocket Nappy Pattern:  I used this pattern with a terry cloth pocket insert for my cousin's baby.  It also runs small like the Ottobre pattern, but both my cousin's baby was born a few weeks early. 

Sew A Prefold from Old T-shirts:  I used this picture tutorial to learn how to make prefold diapers.  I used old receiving blankets and hooded towels that my aunt gave me.  I don't have a serger either, so I just turned and top-stitched them. 


Prefold Diaper Measurements:  I used the measurements posted here for sizing of my prefold diapers.

Katrina's Sew Quick Soaker:  This is my new favorite blog.  I love her patterns for fleece soakers and longies.  They are SO easy to make and are a great way to use old fleece blankets or sweaters.  I've also used an old wool sweater to make some longies.

New Items in My Etsy Shop

Believe it or not, I have found time for sewing with a toddler and newborn under foot.  I love sewing, so, really, I make time for it for my own sanity!  I've been busy sewing projects for Christmas gifts, our school's auction, and some fun things for my little ones.  I decided to make extras of some of my projects and list them in my Etsy shop.  They would all make great Christmas presents, so check it out!

Patchwork Blue Jeans - 18 Months

(TWO available here)
 

Black Wool Longies, Large

(ONE available here)

Blue Jean Jumper, 24 Months

(TWO available here)

Turkey Fleece Diaper Cover, Large

(ONE available here...but if you're interested in a different size, let me know ASAP)

I still have two Crayon Caddies available here and would be willing to do custom orders for more if anyone is interested.  I would also be willing to do custom orders for a Colored Pencil Caddy ($10) like the one below:

 

 

 

Preparing Our Home for Baby Boy

All the baby boy clothes are hanging in the nursery closet...

...and folded on a shelf...just waiting to be worn.

 

Baskets full of newborn hats, booties, burp cloths, and bibs were carefully washed and organized...

...including some handmade booties from Great Grandma, like these little green boots..

...these sweet blue and yellow slippers...

 

...and this baby blue pair.

 

A stash of newborn cloth diapers are washed, folded, and ready to be used...including fitted diapers...

...prefold diapers...

...diaper covers and all-in-one diapers.

The only thing missing is a sweet baby boy...

Custom Orders in My Etsy Shop

 Most of the orders I have done through my Etsy shop have been custom orders, which is great for me, because I don't have lots of inventory sitting around...and I love to make unique things just for my customers.  Here are a few custom orders I finished up this week:

Large Diaper Bag

Remember when I posted a picture of the diaper bag I made for myself?  Well, a sweet blogging friend of mine found out she's expecting her third and asked me if I could make her one and I was more than happy to.  The diaper bag is approximately 16" wide, 14" tall, and 5" deep.  It has outside pockets and inside pockets with plenty of room to store all the baby essentials needed for any outing.  With all the time and materials it takes to make one, I'm selling them for $50.  If anyone is interested in placing a custom order for one, please email me so I can set up a custom listing for you.  Also, if you're interested in a different size, let me know too. 

Peek-A-Boo Nursing Cover

I'm just LOVING polka dots lately and was more than happy to make this custom order for Veronica.  If you're interested in a custom nursing cover, you can check out JoAnn's website here to see some of the fabric choices I like to use and then email me with your choice so I can set up a custom listing.  The Peek-A-Boo Nursing Covers sell for $20/each. 

Swaddle Receiving Blanket

These blankets are my most popular custom item.  My customers love them, because they are larger (and therefore last longer) than the store bought ones and they are great for swaddling.  (They are approximately 40" x 40".)  Plus, they are made from a super soft and cute flannel fabric.  They sell for $10/each.  If you are interested in placing a custom order, you can check out the Snuggle Flannel fabric from JoAnn's and email me with your fabric choice(s) so I can set up a custom listing for you. 

Newborn Fleece Diaper Covers

Another blogging friend emailed me after I posted pictures of the diapers and diaper covers I've been sewing for our baby boy asking if I could make her some for her baby girl due in just a few weeks.  I was excited to make my own pattern and have her test it for me.  They are made with a double layer of fleece (a print pattern on the outside and plain color on the inside) and are sewn with 100% polyester thread so they won't leak.  I used Velcro closures and even made laundry tabs to make them easy to wash.  The newborn size will sell for $7.00/each.  If you are interested in the newborn size or a different size, please email me with your request so I can set up a custom listing.

Newborn All-In-One (AIO) Diapers

My blogging friend who ordered the newborn diaper covers also asked me to make some All-In-One diapers for her to try.  I used the same pattern as the diaper covers, but added a layer of terrycloth for absorbency in the middle and flannel on the inside so it is soft against baby's bottom.  The newborn size will sell for $10/each.  If you are interested in the newborn size or a different size, please email me your request so I can set up a custom listing. 

For all custom order requests, please let me know within the next two weeks.  I'm going to be slightly preoccupied with a certain little baby boy in just five short weeks...can you believe it?