2011 Tutorial Round-up: Tooth Fairy Pillow (November 2011)

(dated November 2011)
written by Pamela Pilon of Bibmababy Online
(ETSY, FACEBOOK)
Appeared in Home Grown, Parenting in the North Magazine (ISSUE 5)

Back in November, I released a tutorial for a Tooth Fairy Pillow, an ideal presentation to swap teeth for cash. You could also alter this pattern to make a Soother Fairy Pillow. Just a little imagination is needed. * Click on the images for a larger view.

PREPARATION TIME

Approximately 1 hour

WHAT YOU NEED

• Printer to print out the Pillow Pattern Pattern available HERE
• ½ meter for tooth (quilter’s cotton)
• 5 inches x 5 inches for pocket (quilter’s cotton)
• 5 inches of bias tape
• Batting
• Fabric pencil
• Ruler
• Rotary cutter and mat or scissors
• Sewing machine, needle and coordinating thread

CUTTING YOUR MATERIAL

• Exterior Print -Cut 2 of the pillow patterns
• Pocket
  - Cut 1 pocket
  - Cut 1 strip of bias tape, the same width as the pocket

POCKET

* Unless otherwise noted, all seams are a ¼ inch allowance.

1. Sew the bias tape to the long edge of the pocket square. Backstitch at both ends.
   
2. Cut excess tape.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Fold the short sides under by ½ inch. Press.
   
   
4. Fold the bottom of the Pocket Square under by ½ inch. Press.
   
   
   
5. Using one of your tooth cutouts, print-side facing up, place your pocket square in the center of the tooth. Pin in place.
6. Stitch the pocket beginning at the top left corner, going down the edges at ⅛ inch, and come across the bottom and then finally up the right side. Leave the top unstitched and remember to back stitch at the beginning and the end.

ASSEMBLING THE TOOTH

1. With print sides together, pin in place.
2. Stitch the raw edges together, leaving a gap open (as noted on the pattern) to allow to turn the pillow inside out and backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitch.

STUFFING THE PILLOW

1. Turn the pillow right side out through the gap you left in step 7.
2. Using batting, stuff the pillow by tearing small pieces of batting and stuffing into the roots of the tooth first. Packing it in tightly.

FINISHING TOUCHES

1. Pin the hole closed and stitch using a needle and some thread.

Note: You can also alter this design by folding over a ribbon to create a loop and stitch the raw ends into the hole using your sewing machine and top stitching it closed.

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You can find all these tutorials and other great articles in Homegrown, Parenting in the North (FACEBOOK, WEB, ISSUE).

2011 Tutorial Round-up: Toddler Bag (October 2011)

(dated October 2011)
written by Pamela Pilon of Bibmababy Online (ETSY, FACEBOOK)
Appeared in Home Grown, Parenting in the North Magazine (ISSUE 4)

Back in October, I released a tutorial for a Toddler Size Trick or Treat Bag, perfect for Halloween treats! Why not look at this bag from a different angle,... choose a different fabric and you've easily got yourself a great lunch bag, something to replace your purse, a wet bag for your pool swimwear, oh even just a toy bag to carry your child's favourite things to daycare!

PREPARATION TIME

Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

WHAT YOU NEED

• ½ meter for outside (quilter’s cotton)
• ½ meter for lining (quilter’s cotton)
• ¼ meter Fusible Fleece
• Fabric pencil
• Ruler
• Rotary cutter and mat or scissors
• Sewing machine and coordinating thread

CUTTING YOUR MATERIAL

• Exterior Print - Cut 2 rectangles 12 inches x 15 inches
• Lining - Cut 2 rectangles, 12 inches x 15 inches
• Straps - Cut 2 rectangles, 5 inches x 17 inches of print or lining
• - Cut 4 strips, 1 inch by 16.5 inches of fusible fleece

ASSEMBLING the EXTERIOR of the BAG

* Unless otherwise noted, all seams are a ¼ inch allowance.

1. Sew around the sides and bottom of the exterior print. Backstitch at both ends. (Note: Zigzag stitch both seam flaps if you want durability.)

2. Press side seams open.

CREATING BOX CORNERS

3. Measure 2 inches by 2 inches on the bottom corners of your bag. Mark a dot at the point where the measurements intersect. Do this on both sides of the bottom of the bag. This should leave you with 4 dots.

4. Put your hand in the bag at the corner and pinch the side and bottom seams together.

5. Line up your side and bottom seam into a triangle.

6. Pin at 2 inches from the corner.

7. Stitch a straight line. Backstitch at both ends.

8. Trim the excess.

9. Repeat this process on the other corner of the bag.

ASSEMBLING the LINING

10. Repeat Steps 1-2 with ONE EXCEPTION. When sewing around the sides, leave a 5 inch opening at the bottom to allow you to turn your bag inside out after sewing the bag and lining together.

11. Repeat the Box Corners (Steps 3-9) for the Lining.

BAG ASSEMBLY

12. Turn the lining inside out and stuff into your print bag.
(The print bag should still be wrong side out.)
The right sides of the fabrics should be facing each other.

13. Match the side seams and edges together.
Pin and sew with a ½ inch seam allowance around the entire top of the bag.

14. Turn the bag right side out through the 5 inch gap you left at the bottom of the lining.

15. Topstitch the hole closed.

16. Insert the Lining back into the back, iron the bag mouth and topstitch ½ inch from the edge.

MAKING THE STRAPS

17. Take your 5 inch x 17 inch pieces and iron ¼ inch edge on both ends.

18. Fold the strap in half lengthwise.
Iron flat to create a crease in the middle.

19. Open the strap, and fold each raw side to meet at the middle crease. Iron Flat.

20. Open the fold and place 2 strips of the fusible fleece, placing one on each side of the crease.

21. Refold at the crease, hiding the strips of Fusible Fleece.

22. Iron as per instructions on your package of Fusible Fleece.

23. Refold at the crease to hide raw edges and sew on all sides at 1/8 inch.

24. Repeat steps 17-23 to make another strap.

25. Attach one end of each strap to the bag at 2 inches from each side and 2 inches down (this will meet cleanly with the box corners).
Choose which directions the handles will be facing at the point.

26. Sew the strap onto the bag using a box pattern and then sewing an “X” in the middle of the box for strength.

27. Do the same for all 4 sides.

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You can find all these tutorials and other great articles in Homegrown, Parenting in the North (FACEBOOK, WEB, ISSUE).

BlogShare!

Adventures In Stripping Diapers

http://zksim.blogspot.com/2012/01/adventures-in-stripping-diapers.html

Turning my Room into a Storefront

What you Need

• 13 x 19 cardboard cake plates
• X-acto knife and cutting mat
• Long ruler
• Elastics or safety pins

Note: Cut your sheets one at a time please! We don’t want any blood stains on our mini bolts! It’s easiest using an X-acto knife, by running your knife lightly over and over the same line. It’s a Graphic designer’s trick that prevents you from losing control of your knife and slicing your fingers. Don’t worry if the lines are a little jagged. You’ll notice you’ll get cleaner lines with practice… and less scarring on your hands.




Fabric Mini-Bolts

1. Cut your cardboard to 13 x 15 sheets. No worries, you’ll use the remnants afterward.







2.Cut your sheet to three 13 x 5 rectangles.








3. Cut your rectangles to 6.5 x 5 mini bolts. When done, you should have 18 mini bolts.







4. Find a flat surface, and open up your fabric, but keep it’s mid-width fold. Bring your mini bolt to the left edge, and fold over half the length of the cardboard.






5. Flip the fabric with the bolt upward, keeping the fabric taught against the bolt.









6. One you’ve rolled it all the way up, it’s time to start folding the fabric onto the bolts, keeping the fabric taught the whole way.





7. Tie off using a rubber band to keep the fabric secure to the bolt. Voilà! (See what I did there? I showed you I’m French, eh!? I’m also Canadian, but you’ve probably noticed by the way I spell grey and favourite, travelled and centre.)



Bias tape, ribbon and rickrack organizer

1. With Cardboard remnant, cut in half lengthwise (2 inches should be the middle).






2. Then cut them again in half (at 6.5 inches)








3. Wrap your ribbon (or whatever your vice may be) and secure it by inserting a pin diagonally into the corrugation on the side.







4. You can go an extra step and make them super fancy by placing the finished product into a glass cookie jar. I just keep mine filed in a plastic container.

2011 Tutorial Round-up: LunchBag (September 2011)

Canvas Lunch Bag
(dated September 2011)
written by Pamela Pilon of Bibmababy Online (ETSY, FACEBOOK)
Appeared in Home Grown, Parenting in the North Magazine (ISSUE 3)

Not only for lunches, but great for carrying markers, make-up, daycare toys, collection of cars, buttons, bows and more! This project takes about 2 hours to complete.

Let's get started.

What You Will Need.

• Scissors or Rotary cutter and mat
• ¾ meter of heavyweight cotton, canvas or jean
• 2 inches of hook and loop tape or snaps and snap press
• 34 inches of Double-fold bias tape
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Fabric pencil

Cutting Your Pieces.

• Cut 1 cotton piece 30 inches x 14 ½ inches (Main Piece) Note: If you are using a Direction Print, cut 2 cotton pieces 15 ½ inches x 14 ½ inches and sew at the 15 ½ inch edges with a ½ inch seam allowance, making sure fabrics are in opposite direction. Once folded, the print should fall in the right direction. Press seam open. For the purpose of this tutorial, I will be using a Directional Print.
• Cut 1 cotton piece 4 ½ inches x 5 ½ inches (Pocket Square)
• Cut 1 strip of bias tape 28 inches
• Cut 1 strip bias tape 5 ½ inches

Making Your Bag.

* All seam allowances are ½ inch unless otherwise noted.

Pin Tucking.

1. On either side of the Main Piece, measure and mark a line at 3 inches from the raw side (see photo).

2. Fold on the 3 inches line and press. Topstitch over the fold line at ⅛ inch. (Make sure to backstitch at both ends!)

3. Repeat on the other side.


Pocket.

4. Sew the 5½ inch strip of bias tape to a long edge of the Pocket Square. Backstitch at both ends!

5. Fold the short side under by a ½ inch. Press.

6. Fold the bottom of the Pocket Square under by ½ inch. Press.


7. With your Main Piece's print-side facing up, place your Pocket Square print-side down 6 inches below the top of the Main Piece and center it horizontally. Pin in Place.

* Note: Remember to fold out the flaps from your pin tucking on the back.

8. Stitch it place, beginning at the top left corner, going down the edges at ⅛ inch, and come across the bottom and then finally up the right side. Leave the top unstitched and remember to backstitch!

Coming Together.

9. With print sides together, fold the Main Piece in half. Pin in Place.

10. Stitch the raw edges together, backstitching at both ends. Press open the seams. Note: Use a serger, pinking shears for a zigzag stitch to finish the seams.

The Gusset.

11. With the bag still inside out, measure 3 inches from the bottom folded edge. Find the spots were the pin tucking line and this 3 inch line meet. Using a fabric pencil, mark these spots. On one Gusset, draw a line from the dot to the bottom corner of the main panel (see photo). Note: Sometimes this line doesn't meet at the exact right spot. As long as you can sew a clean straight line, you'll get the desired effect.

12. Repeat on the other side.

13. With the side seam facing you, pinch the fabric on the left side of the seam and fold the fabric, right sides together, directly on the line you just drew in Step 11. Pin in Place.

14. Repeat on the right side. This will create a triangle shape. Pin in Place.

15. Stitch a straight line across to connect both dots you drew in Step 11. Backstitch both ends.

16. Repeat Steps 11-15 onto other side of bag.

17. Once repeated trim both triangle shapes. Finish with a ½ inch seam allowance on each gusset.

Finishing Touches.

18. Turn the bag right side out. Attach the 28 inch strip of bias tape to the top raw edge. Stitch in place.

19. Center the rough part of the hook and loop take horizontally on the front of the lunch bag, 3½ inches away from the top edge, and pin in place. Note: Feeling adventurous? You can use snaps instead. Why not try a button or two and some button holes!

20. Attach the hook and look tape security to the bag by stitching close to the edge.

21. Center the soft part of the hook and loop tape horizontally on the back of the lunch bag , directly below the bis tape. Pin in place.

22. Attach the hook and look tape security to the bag by stitching close to the edge.

23. We're done! Enjoy your custom lunch bag!

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You can find all these tutorials and other great articles in Homegrown, Parenting in the North (FACEBOOK, WEB, ISSUE).

BlogShare!

I was invited to a Fabric Swap group on Facebook, (oh boy, it's like introducing Bailey's to an alcoholic). I found a bunch of really talented mamas, but felt I'd share this blog from Raising Oranges. Check it out!

This Year's Failures Lead to Same old Resolutions

1. Potty Training Kate - FAILED the EC training. I blame it on all the stresses over the summer.
2. Losing 30 lbs - I'm a stress eater. I'm happy I haven't gotten fatter.
3. Finding a new job - Hard to do while you're on mat-leave,... and then your job gets cut.
4. Getting my passport - I'm lazy.
5. Putting up the Christmas Tree - See last point.
6. Putting up the Christmas Lights - I blame this on the man of the house.
7. Not feeding Kate junk - Did I mention now that I'm back at work I'm REALLY lazy.
8. Spending more time with friends - with what time? Any free time is sent catching up on sleep or feeling sorry for myself. Sorry neglecteds!
9. Going to the gym more often - somehow became less often to now never.
10. Making my mom and sister their own quilt. - Mom's is 50% done... sister's fabric has been selected, but that's it.

All this to say, I'm offline for the next couple of weeks. Bibmababy is closed wil 2012.

Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Chanukah, Hanukkah, whatever your spelling preference, or if you prefer to be non-denominational, Happy Holidays with a final Happy New Year!

Update: Attempting the Shirt Dress FAIL!

SO way back this summer, I was psyched about upcycling this lovely shirt I found at a consignment store on Bank Street into this super duper cute dress that I wanted to have done for Kate. I don't do this often.. but I'm about to admit failure.

After spending countless hours trying to perfect this thing,... cinching, seam ripping, restitching, adding a belt to the waist... I tried to pry it off the mannequin only to realize that I was bending the arms in awkward positions trying to take the darn thing off. I altered the thing so much, that I forgot about making it loose enough so that I could actually get it on and off my daughter. I've overworked it, and now it's a useless rag. Oh well... better luck next time!

Barnyard Bummz Fitted Diaper Review

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The Pitch

Canadian Designed and Sewn by an Ottawa mom - The inner of Barnyard Bummz are available in both Organic cotton velour inner and Organic bamboo velour. They are available in a traditional front snapping version and side snapping and all have snap closures.


The Review - 4.5 out of 5

I met Lee when she decided to buy a few of my dribbler bibs through Bibmababy. She informed me that she was venturing into fitted diapers and I was never a big fan of fitted diapers (I was always a pocket girl by day and an AIO by night). She gave me a cute ooga diaper, and my first impression was that it was nice and soft,... (comparable to Kiwipies I had bought in the past). Put it on Kate, and went on my merry way. The REAL test was after I brought it home, prepped it, and then used it as an overnight diaper. This was the FIRST time my daughter had ever slept through the night! I thought it may be a fluke. I washed it again that day and tried it again. Success! Had I found a diaper that was finally absorbent enough to keep my little one asleep through the night?

I expressed my joy with Lee. I asked for a few more diapers in exchange for some design work (yes, I created her Barnyard Bummz logo) and started destashing my Goodmama's, some of my Dreameze (I kept the ones with the PUL) and my beloved Little Beetle (to many other mom's enjoyment). Then a few weeks ago, Lee opened Barnyard Bummz. I reviewed her new fitted NIGHT TIME diaper. *angel choir sings*

I was sent a Lady Bug themed diaper. The print is beyond adorable! I can't get myself to actually cover it up. My only issue with the esthetics is the logo placement which is centered in the front of the diaper. I'm so used to having them sit at the back of the diaper that it did confuse me. (Duh, which side is up?) Esthetics aside, I understand that if it had been tagged in the back, There's the issue of a snap in the way, and the possibility of sewing through the elastic waistband. So there's was actual thinking involved with placing the logo in the front.

I requested a side snapping version of her diaper (done at no extra charge). The diaper is an Organic Bamboo Velour fitted she calls the OBV Bummz. I cannot even describe how soft this diaper feels. It is made from your choice of cotton knit, and backed with a hidden layer of french terry. The inner lining is made from organic bamboo velour (OBV) or organic cotton velour (OCV) upon request. The snap-in soaker is made from five layers of french terry and topped with an ultrasoft Organic bamboo velour or organic cotton velour, depending on your diaper preference. (Click on the images to enlarge.)

I adore the side snapping feature. It turns this fitted into a great trim diaper and when I pair this it with a wool soaker (I love woolly bottoms!) it's bulletproof! Kate goes to bed at 8pm, and doesn't get up until 6am... and the outside of the fitted is usually still dry! Something I've never been able to achieve with my beloved Kiwipie or less favourited Goodmama. We changed those once in the middle of the night.

Bonus? This diaper came with an overnight snake soaker which is also made of OBV. I love this feature because I am capable of using it with my not so great fitteds, since I found the OBV Bummz on its own is enough for Kate.

Barnyard Bummz is working hard on perfecting their diaper. Lee is fantastic at tailoring her design to your needs (or preferences). She has a large stash of cute knits to pick from, so you can customize your diaper anyway you see fit! The diapers are available in 3 sizes: Small (newborn - 12lbs); Medium (10-22lbs) and Large (18-30lbs).

Pros:

• Absorbency - MOST absorbent I've tried thus far! hidden layer of bamboo french terry sewn into a cotton knit and Organic Bamboo Velour (or OCV) diaper
  
• Leaks - none at all - even with a "blowout" (we've experienced the midnight poos for the last week)
  
• Softness - after 8 washes, still soft
  
• Snap in soaker - 5 layers of bamboo french terry, a layer of bamboo OBV or OCV
• Bulk/Trimness - I own a OBV version which is trimmer than my Little Beetle and my old Goodmama and Guerilla Fluff.
  
• Ease of Use - easy side snaps or front crossover snaps (after a month of play, I think I prefer the crossover design for nightime use.)
  

Cons:

• Drying time - because of all the layers, it takes a longer than expected to dry - at least a full day if hung.
  
• Snap in soaker - would prefer if it wasn't a snap in - it's a personal preference.
• Bulk/Trimness - My OCV version is not ideal for my daytime use. It's a bulletproof night diaper, (can't reiterate that enough) but I can't get my little one to wear it during the day under her skinny jeans... and Mom loves her skinny jeans. We all know that I'm a pocket by day, and a fitted by night.
  

I cannot emphasize how much I adore this diaper. I LOVE it so much that I'm actually replacing most of my nighttime fitteds with her version. (Update: My current stash now consists of 8!) It's comparable in price with most other WHAM diapers out there, but...

You can take advantage of the
Bibmababy 15% off discount!

Enter code: bibmababy15

SHOP NOW!

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for this review other than a free trial diaper. I have purchased all additional diapers post-review using the same discount code above.

LUXbutt Organic One-Size Diaper Review

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The Pitch

100% Canadian designed one-size ORGANIC pocket cloth diapers that are LUXurious, stylish, affordable and best of all EASY TO USE.

LUXbutt one-size organic cloth diapers are an adjustable one-size fits most that will fit your baby from newborn to toddler (approx. 8-40lbs).

Made with LUXurious 100% certified organic cotton velour and waterproof PUL. LUXbutt diapers are super easy to use and oh so LUXurious on your baby’s butt!

Just stuff & snap and you’re good to go!


The Review - 4 out of 5

I was approached by LUXbutt’s co-owner Natasha in the early summer about possibly testing the new line of LUXbutt organic one size cloth diapers. Having dealt with her before for other baby friendly items (Kael & Kaed Handmade Trendy Baby Things), and loving the excellent customer service and quality of work, I decided to give this one a whirl.

I got my LUXbutt in the mail in October and was soooo excited with what I saw. A cross design of some of my favourite pocket diapers. The clean design of a FuzziBunz, with the trimness of a Charlie Banana. Bonus? It’s made from a super soft, 100% certified organic cotton velour inner layer, and a hemp and micro fleece combo insert!

First thing I noticed (aside from the softness) was the tag on the diaper. They took away the typical washing instructions and replaced it with a fun, friendly laundry reminder instead. This gave me an idea for diaper fortunes! (Patent Pending, haha). “You will find many rewards.”

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the introductory colours. I don’t understand why other companies shy away from black…. This is by far my favourite colour of diaper. It goes with EVERYTHING! Their first collection is named the “Chocolate” collection. These diapers come in White Chocolate (white), Milk Chocolate (brown), and Dark Chocolate (black). I’d like to see some plum, turquoise and ruby colours as their next collection.

I’m a big fan of the extra hip snaps. I am noticing them being more and more popular with diapers since this does help with the dreaded wing drop issue. The tabs are triangular much like the old style FuzziBunz. Personally, I prefer the square tabs of the Charlie Banana, but again, that’s just aesthetics and takes nothing away from the functionality.

The BEST part out of the design was the extra wide elastic in the back which is the first time I’ve seen it in any type of diaper. It helps to sit better on baby, and prevents blow outs. Dad admitted he loved the extra wide pocket for stuffing. There are very few diapers out there that need Mom’s smaller hands to correctly stuff the insert into the pocket.

Typically, I’m not a huge fan of diapers with elastic sizing, I hate them on the FuzziBunz, but really liked them on the Charlie Banana. It took a good 10 minutes to get the sizing just right, however, I’m happy they went the Charlie Banana route, and hid the button sizing inside the diaper rather than have the buttons right up against the skin like the FuzziBunz. The elastic is a little too long – I did mention this concern to LUXbutt, and they assured me that this was only an issue with a few tester diapers and was going to be addressed.

All diapers come with one (1) insert. The inserts are made of thirsty hemp organic cotton fleece & microfiber. It makes the diaper incredibly trim. I wish the insert was about an inch longer. That being said though, one of the very few diaper that withstood my heavy wetter’s overnight test. We usually change her diaper in the middle of the night, but she stayed dry until morning.

All is all, it's a great diaper at a reasonable price. Take advantage of their Black Friday Sale! SHOP NOW!

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for this review. I purchased the diaper at a discounted price.