Tutorial: Baby Change-Mat Clutch

So you might remember when I made my Change Mat for Little Bots, which essentially was a padded change-mat with some pockets and a fold out flap.  The idea was to roll it, tie it and store it in the nappy bag or under that pram for easy gathering of all nappy-change supplies in one neat roll.  I used mine an absolute tonne when Hannah was a baby.  Now that she's bigger though, I was finding that having the roll in my bag was a little cumbersome for something I wasn't really using all that often, and I was well and truly ready to ditch the nappy bag and go for more of a handbag ... albeit a big one to hold all of those Mummy necessities.  I found a beautiful Cath Kidston Handbag (do you like it??), then I started to ponder ... 

Then, one day as I was looking through my past sewing projects, I remembered the little envelope-style pouch I made to hold the Matching Scraps matching game.  My mind started going, and this is what resulted ... an envelope-style, change-mat clutch, that still has space for a pack of wipes and a couple of nappies, but will still fit neatly in my bag.  It's also fully washable and is a lot more slim-line than my change-mat  roll.  Actually, to be honest, I haven't even made one of these for me yet ... I've had a run of new babies being born to friends and family, so I've made 2 as gifts so far.  By the time I get round to it, Hannah will probably be out of nappies! 

Wanna make one?  Here's what you need:

- 1 yard (metre) of fabric for the inside, and 1 yard of coordinating fabric for the outside. (If you use coordinating fabrics, this will be enough to make 2 of these.  If you want to make the inside and outside from the same fabric, you will have enough fabric with just 1 yard for 1 of these.)

- 1 yard (metre) fusible interfacing 

- Small piece of velcro, or a velcro dot (1 inch) - I use the sticky-backed one - it stays still while sewing!

- Iron

- Chalk or a tailor's pencil

- Sewing Machine
- Thread

- Scissors

How to do it:

I chose these 2 quilting weight cotton fabrics!

1.  Cut a rectangle out of each fabric, each being 24" x 19 1/2".  I used my rotary cutter and mat for this as I find it a bit easier to cut straight with the rotary cutter and ruler for such long sides.  Then iron them so they're completely wrinkle-free.

2.  On the right side of the outer fabric, measure 10" from the top edge, in the middle, and stick down then sew one side of your velcro.  To sew this down, I generally use a small zig-zag stitch, and sew around the edge, then also sew along the diagonals of the rectangle just to make sure it's secure.  I also use the sticky-backed velcro 'cause it's much easier to sew this on when it's stuck in place.

3.  Grab your fusible interfacing ... I bought mine in a roll pack like this.  It is just a light-weight interfacing.  Be sure to get the iron-on one, not the sew-on one!  Cut out 2 rectangles of interfacing that are 1 inch smaller in each direction than your fabric rectangles (ie 23" x 18.5").

4.  Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of each of your fabric rectangles.  Be sure to take your time and get it all perfectly flat without bubbling....it will look much nicer that way!

5.  Place your 2 fabric rectangles right-sides-together.  Start approximately 3/4 of the way along one of the  short sides, and sew around all 4 edges of the rectangles to join them together, using a 1/4" seam allowance.  When you get back to the top edge where you started, only sew along about 1/4 of the way.  This way, you will have a gap of a little more than 10" in the top centre of the change-mat.  Also, be sure to pivot at each corner (lower the needle, lift the sewing machine foot, turn the fabric, lower the foot then keep sewing) so that you get nice clean corners.

6.  Clip the corners off close to the stitch line, but not cutting any stitches.

7.  Use the gap in the top to turn your change-mat through, right-sides-out.  Use something pointy but not too sharp (I used a pen with it's lid on!) to poke each of the corners out so you have nice sharp corners.  Then turn the raw edges of the gap over 1/4 inch and press them with the iron ... like so ...

8.  Now for the envelope part ... cut 2 rectangles from one of your fabrics 10" x 5" (I used the inner fabric, so that it would contrast with the outer when it's closed!).

9.  Fold your rectangle in half and iron a crease down the centre like so ....

10.  Use a ruler and chalk to mark then cut with scissors, or alternatively just use a rotary cutter and ruler to cut a line from the top of the centre fold you just made to the bottom corner on each side, making a triangle.  Like so ...

... Repeat for the other rectangle, so you're left with 2 matching triangles.

11.  Measure vertically down 1 inch from the tip of the triangle, and stick then sew (with a zig-zag stitch as before) the other part of your velcro ... like so!

12.  Place your triangles right-sides-together, then sew around the diagonal lines using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, then clip the top corner close to the stitching, but not cutting any stitches.

Turn your triangle through to right-side-out, and use your pointy "something" to poke the corner out all nice and pointy!

13. Insert the raw edges of your triangle into the gap at the top of the change-mat.  Push it in approximately 1/2", then pin it in place.  Make sure the side with the velcro is facing the inside of the change-mat.

14. Topstitch around the entire change mat, 1/8" from the edge, starting at a corner and ending at the same corner.  As you top-stitch along the top edge, you will be closing the gap, and holding the envelope flap in place.

15.  Measure 4" along along the top edge, and using a long ruler draw a vertical line down the length of the change-mat ... like so ...

...then repeat on the other side, 4" from the other side.  Then sew down each of these lines from the top of the change-mat to the bottom.  This stitch-line makes folding the change-mat a bit easier.

And ... you're finished!

Now, here's how you store your nappies and wipes and fold the change mat ...

Place the wipes and nappies in a neat stack between the sewn lines on the open mat, 

then fold up the bottom of the mat to cover them.

Fold in the sides, along the sewn lines.

Neatly fold the bottom part (with the wipes and nappies inside) 

up and over and over until they reach the top of the mat.

Like so ... 

Fold the flap down and secure your velcro.

All done, and ready to use ... or gift!  I made this one for my beautiful friend who just had her first little baby, and I coupled it with a with a little dolly from the girl. Inspired. doll pattern ... I seriously love this pattern!

If you make one of these, I'd love to see ... so feel free to drop me an email any time!  I'm always up for a chat!

Pattern Testing Fun

I recently volunteered to do a pattern test for Petite Kids Boutique.  There was a call for testers on Facebook, and although I've seen such call-outs before, I've never been brave enough to have a go, and was worried my sewing wouldn't be good enough.  

Anyway, after all the sewing I've been doing lately I felt brave for a challenge and volunteered.  I was so excited when I was contacted and asked to make the 18 month size in this Tiffany Dress PDF pattern.

Hannah generally wears an 18 month size, and her measurements seemed to match the measurements given on the pattern, but seriously, could this little dress fit her any better?  It's like it was designed for her.  Initially I wasn't sure about the red and white polka dot ... thought it might be too much, but now that the dress is finished, I love it.

And what was even more exciting than my first ever pattern testing experience, was that Wong from Petite Kids Boutique liked my little dress and my photos so much that she contacted me and asked if I would mind if she used my pics on the pattern sale listing.  How amazing is that!?!

A week or so later, Petite Kids Boutique put out another call for pattern testers ... this time for a skirt ... the Isla skirt.  I was keen to have another go, and here's the skirt I made ... again in the 18 month size.  The Isla skirt pattern has just been released ... here it is!

I think I may have found a new career ... pattern testing is so much fun!!  Pity it doesn't pay, huh!

And Hannah is definitely loving the modelling ... she'll say "Hannah wear pretties?" whenever she sees some new sewing, and there's no stopping her (or Mummy) then!

Oh, and I think the garden likes it too!

Review: Sydney Harbour Tall Ships Family Pirate Lunch Cruise

My home city of Sydney is abuzz at the moment with the International Fleet Review happening 3-11 October.  This is celebrating the Australian Navy's arrival in Sydney Harbour on 4 October 1913. There have been arrivals of international Navy boats (I heard on TV that there are navy ships from 17 nations so far!), a Festival of Tall Ships, Fly-overs, fireworks and even Prince Harry is visting Sydney this weekend.  It's a BIG deal!

So, when Rochelle of WordStorm contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if we would like to go on a Harbour Cruise on one of the Sydney Tall Ships, the answer was a resounding yes.  Especially seeing as Sydney Tall Ships offers a Family Pirate Cruise, and the idea of taking in the breathtaking views of our beautiful harbour, while providing piratey (I just made that into a word) fun for the kids is just my cup-of-tea.

Now wouldn't you know it, that the day before our cruise (which we were very excited about) we all came down with a nasty flu.  We tried to decide whether or not to take our sluggish, sniffly kids and equally as sluggish Mummy and Daddy out on the day or not, but in the end we decided that a harbour cruise might just be what the doctor ordered, and that a day out of the house and with some fresh air would do us all some good.

So yesterday morning, we packed our Panadol, throat lollies, tissues, nose spray, sea sick tablets and more tissues, and off we went to gorgeously sun-drenched Circular Quay to board our pirate ship, the Southern Swan.  She's an absolute beauty of a ship, (built in 1922 in Denmark and originally named Our Svanen) with all of that tall ship charm. 

As we, the pirates, boarded our ship, we were informed that we had to eat an ice-cream to trick the captain of the boat into believing we were just tourists, so that he wouldn't suspect we were planning a takeover of the ship to steal the captain's gold.  Oh, OK ... any excuse for an ice-cream I guess! So, munching on our ice-creams, we climbed aboard.  As we set sail, the kids were encouraged to take some chalk and draw pictures of things they were seeing on the decks. 

The kids were then invited to the front of the boat, where the pirate-i-ness (yep, I made that word up too!) was revealed to the captain with lots of "Yo-Ho-Ho"'s, the pirate flag was raised and the kids were herded down into the lower-deck to find the "captain's gold" (and play some games), before lunch was served.  During this time, some brave adults also participated in a mast-climb ... yeah, I was happy sitting on the deck ... the view was just fine from there, thanks!!

Unfortunately, a little boat visit from our friendly maritime police resulted in a quick take-down of our pirate flag, and the signage on the outside of our ship, as apparently with the International Fleet Review being a "non-commercial" event, any advertising or signage is strictly not-allowed ... whoops!  It did make for a bit of excitement though, and the staff were very professional, quickly did as they were told, and then continued with the fun onboard.  No harm done!

Meanwhile, the adults (and 2 sluggish, sniffly kids) lazed in the beautiful sunshine on the upper deck, enjoyed a drink from the open bar and generally enjoyed the scenery ... and boy ... what scenery! It really was super-relaxing, and Hannah even caught some much needed zzz's on Mummy's lap as the waves gently rocked her back and forth.  

Here's a few gems from our beautiful morning on the harbour.

The Sydney Opera House.

Admiralty House.

We were lucky enough to see a fly-over as part of the International Fleet Review celebrations.

Naval Ships preparing for the festivities.

Luna Park

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Going under the bridge.

Oh, and the kids were encouraged to dress up all pirate-like too.  Our kids weren't into the dress-up spirit on that day unfortunately due to our untimely lurgy, but here is an amazing little pirate enjoying the sites.

Sydney Tall Ships offers this Family Pirate Cruise and many other brunch, lunch and dinner cruises, so be sure to check them out.  I reckon it would make an awesome gift for a special occasion!  And cruising on a tall ship has got to be one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the scenery of our harbour!  If you can make it during this week of the International Fleet Review, I would highly recommend this front-row seat option to all the action!!  If not, any day is a beautiful day on our Harbour!

This post is with thanks to Rochelle of WordStorm who provided us with a Family Pass to attend the Family Pirate Lunch Cruise.  All opinions are my own.

Summer Envy

A lot of the blogs I follow, and patterns / tutorials I find online are from amazing creators overseas .... and when you live in Australia, "overseas" often-times means the-other-side-of-the-world.  So whilst we were freezing and snuggling in our winter woolies this winter, many of my online blog reading was of amazing little summery, brightly coloured, flowing dresses and outfits from summer on the other-side-of-the-world, with munchkins modelling their new outfit in sandals or flip-flops on the beach or in the garden.  I had a serious case of summer-envy!

At first I started to put all my favourite online tutorials into my general "to do" file on my computer.  Then I thought, well it's not summer yet, but it WILL be summer, and I could totally get a start on some summer wardrobe fillers for my girls. So I made some new folders on my computer ... one called "Bethany for Summer", and one called "Hannah for Summer" (I know ... very cryptic), and I started to fill these folders with tutorials and patterns ready for the girls for summer.  Then I started sewing, and once I started I couldn't stop, and before I knew it I had a whole bag full of clothing for the girls.  We've had some beautiful warm spring days these past weeks, so I decided to photograph (actually, I got Daddy to photograph) the girls having a play in the garden in some of their new clothes as a tribute to all those beautiful tutorials and patterns in the blogosphere... so I call this my Summer-envy round-up, and I've included some links to the amazing blogs/sites where I found these treasures in case you've got summer-envy too!

So, first up were these amazing Sweet-heart dresses from luvinthemommyhood.  At the time I made these, Shannon (creator of this design) had a free tutorial and pattern for size 2 and size 6 ... just perfect for my 2 this summer.  Since then, Shannon has actually made this into a full online pattern for sizes 2-6, and is selling this pattern here.  It's pretty reasonably priced, and it really is the cutest little design, so go for it if you're keen!  

I love that it's super cute on Hannah, but also looks grown-up on Bethany.  It's really all about fabric choice for this one ... dress up or down by playing with different fabrics.

Here's a few more pics of this one ... just 'cause Daddy got so many good shots, I couldn't decide which ones to use!

This dress for Bethany was made from a free tutorial at Sovanisa, and it's called the Playdate Party Dress.  Lately, with only 1 term left of kindergarten and all, Bethany is feeling VERY grown-up and is constantly telling me that certain things are "too baby-ish for me now Mum!".  So, I wanted to find a fabric for this dress that was a little more grown-up in the hope she would love it.  I instantly fell in love with this fabric when I was at Spotlight a couple of weeks ago ... of course I only went there to get some elastic, and came out with no elastic, but 4 metres of fabric and some other cute bits and pieces ... I tell you, I'm hopeless in that place!!  

Anyway, I think this dress turned out beautifully, and I love the fit of it.  I used Pamela's instructions to increase the size of the pattern to fit Bethany's measurements, and I love the shirring at the back.  Haven't done any shirring since these little dresses last summer, so it was fun to get that elastic thread out again and have a go.  I only made 1 change ... I crossed the straps over at the back, as I just couldn't get them to stay up on Bethany's shoulders without crossing them over.  I have since made another one of these for Hannah, but in much more "babyish" fabric!!!

I saw this free pattern and tutorial for 18-24 month size Box Pleat Shorts from Crafting Zuzzy quite a while ago now, and have had it sitting in my to-do file.  So with my Summer-Envy in full swing, I decided to give them a go.  I loved the original ones on the Crafting Zuzzy blog with the tangerine fabric, but I adore how they turned out with this floral fabric, and who doesn't love a pair of almost-2 -year-old chubby knees sticking out of cute shorts.

Oh, and boy that plant got some watering on this day ... modelling and gardening at once ... great multi-tasking Hannah!

Bethany's favourite dress of her new summer wardrobe so far is this one.  We called it ... very imaginatively ... the Rainbow Chevron Dress ... Work that model pose Bethany!  She cracks me up!

I bought a yard of this Riley Blake Chevron on a super-cheap special recently (designer fabrics like Riley Blake are often a lot more expensive in Australia due to shipping costs), and thought this little dress would be perfect for it.  It's the Summer Social Dress from Sweet Benanna & Sam.  It is a free tutorial and pattern for sizes 2 and 6, and I loved it as soon as I saw it.  What makes it better is that from the very first minute that Bethany saw the completed dress, she's been dying to wear it.  And now that the weather is warming up, she can ... one happy girl!  The best part about sewing for my girls is when they love my creations as much as I do!!

And what to do with the leftover designer chevron that's really too good to go in the scrap box ... well make a tiny skirt of course, for the tiniest person in our house!  

This was your basic rectangle skirt ... (2 x waist measurement  x the length of skirt).  Just sew up the back seam, turn down a waist-band at the top, thread the elastic, then hem the bottom.  Can't be any simpler, and Hannah loves it .... Mummy does too!

As I've mentioned before, I find it really difficult to find cute knit fabric prints that are suitable for the munchkins.  Occasionally there are some baby-themed fabrics, or some striped fabrics ... or some that just aren't my style, but on another trip to Spotlight a few months ago (it sounds like I'm always there doesn't it ... I'm not .... really!), I almost fell over when I found a whole collection (like about 5 or 6) of these cute print knits.  I bought up big, 'cause I never find anything I like, and have been dying to give knit-fabric sewing a bit more of a try.

Anyway, the first project I decided on with my new knits was this cute little dress from Kitschy Coo, called the Yoked Knit Sundress.  This has got to be one of the best tutorials I have followed so far.  The wording was great, and I felt like my dress worked out just as well as the original Kitschy Coo one.  And I love how it showcases the fabric really well.  It was also great practice for the neck-line that I struggle with so much.  This is definitely the best neckline I've done so far in knit-fabric.

I really loved how that fabric with all the little faces on it turned out for Bethany's dress, so I thought Hannah needed one too.  And this one from my "Hannah for Summer" file was the perfect way to do it.  This is the Braided Collar Dress from Make It & Love It.  The original dress was made by recycling an old T-shirt.  I obviously used yardage instead this time, but it did make me think that I need to make sure I scan any discarded clothes in our house for fabric opportunity before letting them go.

The only change I made to this was the braid.  The design at Make It & Love It called for a 5 strand braid.  I was intrigued and gave it a go, but in the end the pink knit fabric I was using for the braid was a little too thick, and the 5-strand braid ended up MASSIVE.  I changed back to a standard 3-strand braid instead.  I love the little contrast pockets ... and so does Hannah ... I have to remember to empty out all kinds of treasures before throwing this dress in the wash!!

Another tutorial I spotted at Make It & Love It is this "30 Minute Stretchy Tube Skirt". I pretty much love everything on this blog.  But as soon as I saw this skirt I knew it would look great on Bethany.  Oh, and it totally is a 30 minute (or maybe less) project.  Perfect for a quick sewing fix when there's no time to have one!  

This skirt is super comfy, and can be dressed up or down.  She's worn it with boots and tights on a cooler day, and also with sandals to the park.  Oh, and you know how I said Bethany's all grown up and doesn't like baby-ish anymore? ... well, she's named this her "adult skirt", 'cause she thinks she looks so grown up in it.  Did I mention she cracks me up ... funny girl!

And last but definitely not least in my Summer Envy Round-up (and believe me, this is just the tip of the ice-berg of What Mummy's been Up To lately ... I'm going a little sewing crazy at the moment ... I will not be buying any clothes for the girls this summer ... cough ... yeah right!), I decided to have a go at this Keyhole Tee design from Craftiness is Not Optional.  It's certainly not my best work in pattern-making ... I think the shirt I traced was a little too big ... and my neckline binding really does need some work, but overall I think it's effective, and I loved the idea of an alternate coloured button to add a pop of colour and interest.

And, coupled with a pair of ruffle-butt leggings (a staple for every little girl's wardrobe), it's definitely a winner!

So I still have a few things in my Hannah and Bethany folders to be made this summer, and I did recently buy Dana's PDF shorts Pattern, so let the summer envy sewing continue.  Oh, and I think I'm slowly using up my stash of fabrics ... gasp ... well, off to the fabric shop I go!!  Anyone else had any great summer envy sewing finds that I need to add to my to-do list?