Make Room for Baby

SEW, you want to make a baby bumper!

Liam's mom had an idea, a favorite fabric and now Project Nursery is telling us all about it. You can read about her inspirations, resources and how she created this beautiful room, along with more photos at Project Nursery.

I am frequently asked how much sewing experience is needed, simply, the basic skills of sewing a straight line. The instructions include the dimensions of each piece with the drawing and no messy paper patterns. The bumper and skirt are strips of fabric and straight sewing.  The zipper is sewn in without the flap to cover it, which means you line it up along the edge of the fabric and stitch next to the 'teeth'. Instructions for the baby bumper, crib skirt and fitted sheet are included in the kit, 6 plush bumper pillow inserts with the zipper. 

You know what you want but have no desire to sew a baby bumper?  You might want to see what the future 'grandma's to be' are up to. Always ready to participate in the joy and blessing of a new baby, they usually have a sewing machine somewhere.

Another option is to ask your local seamstress if she would be willing to sew your cribset. Once they find out they are only making a zippered slip cover for the baby bumper and not dealing with sewing through or attaching the batting, they are happy to oblige.

Be sure when looking for someone to sew your baby bumper that you explain they simply sew a cover much like a throw pillow cover, where you slip in the pillow inserts after it's sewn. No bulky bumper or batting to manipulate around the sewing machine.  

If you are interested in the oval or round crib bedding as a kit it is available as a special order.  We also have the kit available in a 4 piece set, using 2 long inserts and the 2 ends.

Have fun stitching in your hugs and kisses!

*For wholesale pricing in custom sizes and fullness contact me at:  makeroomforbabykit@me.com 

 or call 305-970-1188

COLOR ME BACK IN INDIA... sooner than later!

 

No need to 'enhance' photos from India... color is bursting everywhere.  This is just a sampling of Saris. We went shopping for our Salwar Kameez, the recommended dress for women. The long tunic type top with (huge) drawstring pants and the long scarf was actually very comfortable.  

 

These are Dalit, the 'untouchables' and their job was to sweep... all day long.  

  

 

Can you 'drink in color'?  I wished I could.  I couldn't figure out which one was the one I preferred when each one accented the other.  What I wanted was the whole shelf... and it wasn't to wear as a Sari!  I had ideas dancing in my head which would require 'cutting'. 

 

Everywhere we went the colors were strong and vibrant.

 

  India has colored our lives forever.

 

INDIA... DAY IN AND DAY OUT

 

I'm not sure where to begin, the poverty was beyond what I can comprehend for daily life and what it would be like without any hope of change.  We saw the children smiling and happy for our visit.  It seemed to me what we brought felt so 'temporary'.  It is almost impossible what it means to be brought up knowing and understanding your 'lot in life' is to be an 'untouchable'.  A visit meant they were important and valued, we came to 'touch' the untouchables.  What they don't know is how deeply they touched us.

Children are children and smile so easily.  We measure our happiness here by how much stuff we have, and there are always 'better homes and gardens'  to make sure we are never 'content'.

What I assumed was a need for pretty in my daily life went out the window...  they had no window. No need for pretty curtains, no setting a pretty table.  They needed to know where and if they would have water, clean or dirty, for the day.  That day consisting of when the sun came up and set, because there is no electricity.  

The women sit on the ground, at their 'kitchen, cutting, grinding and stirring.  They collect sticks for the daily fire to cook. If they have work, they can make 75 cents a day.  Water is carried on their head in the plastic jug, daily.

We thought we were really being stretched by not complaining about our bathroom faciilities, until we saw the slums using a tarp and a bucket.  The water had to be carried in.  Our first few nights we had no hot water, the 'wet bath', (meaning the showerhead was between the sink and the toilet) which would wet everything in the small bathroom.  The option to this cold shower was the bucket with the plastic pitcher to pour over oneself.  After a few nights and sharing stories... we got the hang of it. Our experience of 'discomfort' quickly evaporated after beginning to walk through the 'day in and day out' of life in a slum.

With 'OM' ( Operation Mobilization) and 'DFN' (Dalit Freedom Network) there is a BRIGHT LIGHT of HOPE that they now have for their children's future.

 

This is one of the schools that they bus the children to.  It also houses The Lydia Project where women are taught how to sew and given projects to earn extra money.  The Dalit are not permitted to attend public schools, which is why the parents have had no education.  I cannot begin to imagine what it must be to 'accept' that your children are not allowed an education in the public system because of being born a Dalit.  But, HOPE is happening!

 

I'll be back... from INDIA! October 2nd -14th

In less than two weeks I will be leaving for India.  A year ago, it was not even a consideration, and now I am ready.  Ready to be amazed at the beauty and shocked at the poverty.

I have heard the stories and seen the pictures from Dalit Freedom Network for the past few years, and now have the opportunity to participate through Operation Mobilization.  

Both organizations serve the forgotten and ignored.  We will be focusing on the children and can't wait to share our love and bring some smiles.

 

I need my whole heart, mind and soul there, so I'm hanging out the sign,

  "BE RIGHT BACK'.

Orders received through Oct.1st will still ship out the same day they are received.  Orders placed between the 2nd and 14th will be shipped out on Oct. 15th, and everything will be back to normal then... except for me!!

I am looking forward to sharing the stories and so much more when I return.  Pray for our safety and health and that we will be able to accomplish our heart's desire.

Katy is Quite the Lady!

Meet Katy Elliot,  if I tried to describe the joy I felt stumbling across her blog today, it wouldn't do her justice, so I will simply post a few of the photos, (with her permission), and send you on your way to her place.  It is delightful, full of resources, ideas and of course beautiful photos. You are just in time to follow her on the journey of restoring her 257 year old house by the sea. She shares her finds along the way and her resources to create the special accents that we all yearn for.

  

Visit Katy's 'Most Popular Categories' and go to the DIY & crafts where you will find these DIY pleated shades from MarthaStewart. How many times do we hang onto a favorite lamp base, or find one at a 

garage sale assuming we will find a shade... and the hunt begins, carrying it around in the car until it moves to the trunk or back in the closet?  This should 'shine some light' on the solution.

Along with a 'spot of tea' today, take a closer look at how easy this is and think of a spot where you could show off some of your favorite things. Now transfer that thought!  This is from an issue of Country LIving and I'm so glad Katy passed it on.

Follow the instructions and you can actually transfer any photo onto fabric...  It's already started brewing something in my mind... 

I have saved this photo for almost 20 years.  My son had wonderful wooden toys and this fabric makes me think of them.  Now, with the transfers available, I could actually take a photo of each toy and transfer it onto my fabric. Whether using it to create a 'march of the toys' across a bumper or applique on clothing, it would certainly rate with some of the most expensive designer fabric out there.

I am also thinking about some of his favorite children's books and what wonderful prints these would make on the cover of a pillow for the glider.  Even if you don't sew, you can use the iron on fusible web with a ready made pillow and no one will know 'the rest of the story'.

And with that a Goodnight to All!

SEW MANY 'SITES' TO SEE

http://www.makeandtakes.com/dollar-store-tie-dyeing

How does your garden grow?  With Hello Kitty bows all in a row.  Marie LeBaron at Make and Takes is one talented mama and she 'shares' her ideas and offers tutorials. She also has lots of give aways! 

These little barrettes are a snap to make with many more styles to try.

ONEsie + Tissue Paper = DOLLAR Store

Dollar Store Tie-Dyeing without much mess.  This should help get the timid crafter to come out and play.  I'm not sure how Marie 'happened' upon tissue paper staining cotton knit.  She shoots straight from the hip (with a water pistol!) when it comes to being innovative, check it out at Make and Takes.

The Travel Pillow

Maya Donnenfeld is another crafty lady, who came up with this idea and many more at mayamade.  

Can't you see your toddler carrying this little pillow to the car and imagine them sleeping all the way? Even craftier would be... promising a surprise in the pocket after the nap!

A daily dose of Craftzine is a good place to start the day. 

This is where I came across Luvinthemommyhood and I am luvin it! Shannon Cook has introduced me to a whole new community, I need a bottle of 5 Hour Energy everytime I check out her blog, it's loaded with ideas, crafts and the latest in books, and I want to do them all.

The Cat Dress

Jessica at Happy Together 'designed this.  This is one of the reasons I so wanted a baby girl. I imagined sewing and dressing a little princess. 'Congratulations, it's a BOY!' knocked PINK right off my colorwheel.  My crafting energies went instead to suspenders, funky shirts and sneakers. Thankfully he didn't end up dressing like Mork in his adult life! Back to this cutie-pie and her little cat dress.  I would call on grandma to do the embroidery!

Jessica took a regular T-shirt and cutting it down, sewing it up and making the flowers, a real J.Crew touch.

For all the 'new moms to be', may I suggest right under crib and stroller comes 'Sewing Machine' as most needed item.  There is nothing as rewarding as sewing for your own. As little as they are they know you made it for them.  Save and sew as they grow.  

MY MOMMY MADE IT!

SOME BUMPERS FLOAT!

Could two women look more in control and relaxed after a long hot day in Jackson, Wyoming?

It was about time we gave 'tubing' a try.  Fortunately, during this 'spur of the moment' decision, my brother suggested that we rent wet suits, and we wisely accepted the 'booties' too (just in case it was slimy).  As we rented our wetsuits I mentioned this was our first time down the river, anything we should know before venturing out?  "You should be fine, a couple of small rapids and it goes all the way through town, about five miles, you'll end up behind the supermarket".

Another 'fortunate' moment came when we ran into the guys who had done this the day before and were more than willing to do it again.  What Fun!  They did happen to mention that there were a couple of rapids with drops, not to bad, maybe four or five. No problem!  Except... if you will look closely at this picture, you will see the 'first' bridge that the current was 'pulling' us towards.  Why I caught the jet stream I'm not sure, but I became the leader.  This is where I stopped noticing any scenery and held on for dear life.

It was lose my head, or lay 'FLAT OUT' on the tube to fit between the bridge and the water, and I made it!  What a rush!  I should be more daring, I'm not so old after all, ahhh, the thrill of adventure!  

About that time, Christine came under the bridge, she tried to slow herself down by putting her feet up against the bridge.  The force of the river popped the tube right out from under her and we watched her tube leave without her. Heroes to the rescue, YES, we have real men to save the day, (thank you, GOD!)

Unfortunately this is the last photo in the serene water...we were picking up speed. I lost count after THE FIVE rapids (did they mean five every five minutes?)  'Why am I still in first place?"  A couple more times falling out, a few more 'drops', and each time we fell out, the guys would 're-set' us in the tubes and we would carry on.  When you hear the water rushing, it is not a good sign, nor is it possible to change your mind about being in a tube.  Just hold 'er steady and pray. The seriousness of this hairbrain idea was now teaching me something I had never in my life experienced so intensely.  I would have to ride it out to the end (or crash) and I had absolutely no control on speed or direction... and, why am I still in the front?  I am also thinking if I survive, "I am going to have a talk with Mr. Yoolbe Fine".

Bright idea!  Grab the grass!  No, too late, bushes, grass, stickers, psssssssssst, no more bumper!   "There are no snakes in Wyoming, there are no snakes in Wyoming". I sounded like Dorothy wishing she were in Kansas. (and guess what, there ARE snakes in Wyoming)  But, I was no longer flying down the river, just standing in muck and high grass.  Okay, done, finished, get me out of here, had enough.   

My Knight in a black shiny wet suit came around the bend and his tube went pssssssst. Time to warn the others, the trip stops here, wherever 'here' was.  If only we could see what was up on top of the hill we had to climb.

We ended up at the CarWash on the main road!  Not knowing we were traveling at 'Magic Mountain' speed, my brother had hoped to follow us from point to point through the town.  I'm sorry he

didn't get that National Geographic photo op , okay, Kodak moment, because it would have shown 

the sheer terror on my face and I would have liked the proof. 

I got some 'splainin' to do about this picture!  

Let me start by saying I was shaking so bad inside, that when they picked me up for the movie, what came out of my mouth was " I have never in my life said this, but... I need a drink!"  I think it was then that they realized it was no exaggeration that it was one scary ride!  Second, It is a Spritzer in the bag, and it is in a bag, because, nevermind... I have never and never will drink out of a brown paper bag!  

It would have to be something prettier... kidding!

LINES and DOTS and ELEPHANTS! OH MY!

OH MY OH MY!  I do love it!  I love fun and whimsy and color and pretty and stripes and dots and vintage and oh my, so much more.  Where might you ask can you find such a selection?  A very special company with a very special name.. Warm Biscuit.  Even the name has a special story behind it and you can read about that too on their website.

Not everyone has the availability of a major fabric store, and even those of us who do, would never come across a selection like this.  Warm Biscuit has lots of dots, some wall clocks, little drawer knobs, and purple chandeliers!  It's a runaway train... let me get back on track!  You can ask for a fabric swatch for free!

Now that the ideas are swirling and the sky is the limit, just how do you make a bumper?

Not to worry!

Make Room for Baby offers the solution in a kit with the following included:

• 6 bumper pillow inserts (2 styles of thicknesses to choose from)
• zipper (no flap needed, easy to sew)
• booklet includes yardages, diagrams and easy to follow instructions

Not the DIY type, yet very creative and know what you want, take the kit to your seamstress, designer or workroom.  Better yet... drop a hint to the future grandmothers to be, they would love to participate! Studies show that 9 out of 10 grandmothers have sewing machines and took HOME-EC class!

Just kidding, but I am pretty sure it is true.  I do know from talking to many of them that it is their pleasure to be part of the planning for the big event!  

P.S. also included with the Make Room for Baby Kit is my phone number! 

What I hope to express is that unlike a major pattern company, I am available for questions, tips, resources and anything else, except recipes... well, maybe one, and that would be for a Warm Biscuit!

 

A SUPER DAY AT THE MARKET!

I am the typical grocery shopper who unloads the cart and passes the time perusing the magazines. With the rain pouring down, I was so thankful for that marketing genius who came up with selling magazines next to the checkout line. Even better,it was the beginning of the month!  Scanning the covers,  Southern Accents  seemed familiar. I knew this house.  One of my favorite jobs with Designer Juan Montoya was this one featured on the cover! 

Juan Montoya and his team out of New York have done several homes here in South Florida and it has been my pleasure to work with them on the draperies, pillows and bedding.  His eye for design and interpreting the clients needs are an amazing experience to be a part of.

We have just completed another job together and he has his second book coming out in the fall.

These are just a few of the photos from the article in Southern Accents July09.  Notice the special pleating on the drapes.  Not the typical pinch pleat, these were sewn with a large pocket, shirred loosely on buckram, then stitching a small pleat to secure the drapery pins, since we used a rod and rings.  I love taking the usual and turning it into the unusual.  When we get the work completed, we all sigh, smile and are very pleased!

The kitchen area is a dream come true for a family with children.  Can you imagine how nice it would be to do 'homework' on that table?  Open to the patio, it overlooks the inlet and the pool. 

One of the details specified were the special ties on the kitchen chair cushions.  I used grosgrain ribbon and wrapped the legs.

The bay window posed a few challenges in doing a double treatment of interlined silk drapes with the sheers behind and motorized.  When choosing window treatments, there are so many questions to consider.  With a double treatment, it takes up at least 9 inches for the track and drapes.  That can block a doorway on the side wall.  When you open the curtains, how far are they going to 'stack' on the window and block the view?  Would it be better to do a shade for the black out and side panels? Practicality does not always win! Because we love Beautiful!

Leftovers, usually not my cup of tea!

I'm not much for doing anything new and improved with kitchen leftovers, but get me a stack of scraps and trim and I'll be busy while someone else is fixing dinner.  The above photo is an expensive designer fabric, but what a great inspiration to use up the bits and pieces you've saved (more likely your mother). It would be a great one of a kind bumper slip-cover.  

If you are not a quilter it may be to your advantage. Patchworking the pieces 'free-style' is easier than you think.  We are not attempting to win a Blue Ribbon, so no rules apply. We want to have fun, make it unique and be just as clever as the designers at Anthropology or J.Crew with their embellishments.

I love finding ideas while cruising the stores and looking over the details of how they achieved the look.

You can see on this quilt, which was a cut and sew and cut again process.  I used the same process that would work for the bumper cover.  For the quilt I sewed the aqua strip in to connect each section.

The Make Room for Baby Kit bumper is 11" finished height.  So, I am going to start sewing pieces together working in a line that will be 13" wide, leaving enough to cut down to 12".  If I want to add ric rac and ribbon it needs to be stitched on before the patches are sewn together.  With a rotary cutter, mat and clear plastic ruler it goes pretty fast.  I usually cut and sew, trim off for a straight edge and sew again, creating strips, adding strips and turning them round and round until I get the 'twist' and 'feel' I am looking for. 

Practice with a 13" X 30" piece.  When you get your color scheme working, you can visit the fabric store if you don't have enough fabric for the fitted sheet or the ties, etc.  But don't forget, vintage clothes can be cut up even dish towels. I love the ones with the embroidery already done.  If you are ever at an antique show and find the ones with stains, even better for negotiating, since you are going to cut it up anyway.  Straight and perfect is not necessary for the patchwork.  

We call it 'charming' and lovingly handmade.