I'm an Official Backpack Seller!

I'm so excited to announce that I just purchased my license to sell Made by Rae's Toddler Backpacks! I made a few for my kids as travel packs for our trip to Florida, and I'm hooked. I've got my supplies, I just need some time to actually make some.

Here's the one pack I've made so far, with some old IKEA fabric I had in my stash. I really like the contrasting red piping. Should be listed in my shop soon.

I made my packs smaller than Rae's original pattern because.....well, to be honest, my printer scaled it the first time and it came out smaller. But when I went back and printed the full size, I went back to the smaller pattern because I thought it worked better on my 2 and 4 year old.

So, if you're in need of a toddler or preschool backpack and don't want to buy the pattern and make your own.....check back soon!

Have a great week!

Diaper Changing Set - Part 2 - Diaper/Wipes Clutch

Just got back from a full morning of sledding and chili and I'm ready to show you part 2, the Diaper and Wipes Clutch. I've made 2 of these for myeslf (lost the first one) and find it to be so convenient to have my wipes and diapers in a little sleeve. It's easy to switch it from bag to bag or throw it in the car etc. Also makes a great alternative to a diaper bag for daddies. Here's what you need:

Diaper Sleeve
exterior fabric, 1 piece 7" x 22" and 2 pieces 7" x 4" for the flap
interior fabric, 1 piece 7" x 22"
8 inches of elastic
1 snap fastener
midweight fusibible interfacing 7" x 22" and 7" x 4" (optional)

I like my sleeve to have a bit of a sturdy feel, so I fuse a mid-weight interfacing to the exterior fabric and flap. This is totally optional, but I would recommend it if you are using a lightweight fabric.

So, take your flap pieces, wrong sides together, and using a jar lid or CD, round both corner corners.

Then, with 1/4" seam allowance and right sides together, sew around the rounded outer edge. Trim the seam allowance with pinking shears or clip into the curves.

Turn, press and topstitch.

Take your exterior piece and fold in half matching shorter sides. The fold will be the bottom of your pouch. If you want to add some applique or embroidery, this is the time to do it. I added a little brown bird to mine.

On the back side of the sleeve, center the elastic, about 5 inches up from the folded edge. Machine baste in on sides.

Now, unfold and fold again so that the right sides are facing and sew 1/4" seam along both long sides. Do the same for the lining fabric.

Trim the corners and extra elastic, and turn the exterior pouch right side out. Pin the flap to the back of the pouch, matching the raw edges, and machine baste in place.


Slide the exterior pouch inside the interior pouch, with right sides together and pin along the top.
With a 1/2 inch seam allowance, sew around the top, leaving an opening for turning.

Turn and press. Pin the opening closed, and top-stitch making sure to sew the opening closed.

Add a snap, fill with diapers and you're ready to go.


Don't forget to fold up your changing pad and slip it into the elastic on the back.

Now go change some diapers in style!

Diaper Changing Set Tutorial - Part 1

On one of my many trips to the fabric store, I picked up this great green, sort of houndstooth, flannel in the remnants bin. 1 yard for $1.50....I just couldn't resist. Lately I'm feeling like the last thing I need is more fabric, so today I pulled it out and decided to make a diaper changing set. Lots of my friends are pregnant, and I'm sure one of them would love this little set.

Here's what you need to make your own:

Changing Pad
fabric 14" x 20", cut 2
vinyl 14" x 20, cut 1
2 yards of 1/2" double fold bias tape

Lay out the fabric rectangles with wrong sides together and place the vinyl on top. Machine baste along the shorter sides to keep everything in place.

Starting in the middle of one of the sides, sew on the bias tape by placing the fabric/vinyl sandwich in the middle and sewing along the edge of the tape. Make sure you are catching both sides as you sew. This is not the "proper" way to sew bias tape, but it works and is quicker than the "proper" way.

Dana over at Made just had 2 nice posts on making your own bias tape and the proper and "cheating" way to sew bias tape.

To miter the corners, sew to the end of the side. Turn your bias tape and fold over at the corner.

Continue to sew all the way around, finishing the corners the same way. When you get to where you started, fold under the raw edge and cover your starting point.

There you have it! A great, wipeable changing pad. Easy, peasy. I'm ready for bed, so I'll show you the diaper/wipes pouch in my next post.