My Mei Tai

As our not-so-little man is not-so-little anymore, carrying him on my front can be tiring on my lower back after a while. While the Baby Bjorn we've been using is still awesome for quick trips out and about, it's that time of day when he's getting crabby & I'm trying to prepare dinner that the front pack just isn't cutting it. (It's hard to get anything done when can't see your hands!) I've been looking around at slings & carriers that I could sew & could be worn on your back. I decided to make 'Beths Mei Tai'. There are lots of patterns out there but I chose this one as she had fantastic step-by-step instructions, with photos included (imperative for the novice sewer) and it was a Mei Tai/wrap combo with really wide unpadded shoulder straps that I felt would distribute the weight better. This design has a pocket and sleep hood included. I added a strap with a press-stud snap (just have to use my snap machine ;) ) for keys.

It took a couple of nights, and one morning of Narnie babysitting Giles to get it finished. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Groovy looking and super comfortable! It is a little big for Giles' short legs (Mark says he's doing the splits) but it means it will be good until he is quite a bit older. It is sewn from lightweight canvas so is really strong, but also soft & comfortable.

I love it. Easy to sew & comfy to wear. Giles loves being in it when we cook dinner in the evenings .We'll report back after a shopping trip or the like as to how it fared......

Sweet Lunchbag

This is the sweetest idea for a lunch bag!!

Plastisise the interior...your imagination would be the limit of what animal these could become!!!

Toddler Visor beanie

I came across this toddler beanie for sale at Etsy that I think would look super cool on Giles for winter. If only I could crochet more than a big string of chain stitches. I haven't managed to turn & crochet a 2nd row yet, although I've bookmarked every tutorial site I've come across I still don't 'get it'! Any suggestions are most appreciated. I might have to find a knitting cafe here in Perth to see if someone can give me a hand.

However, when I do learn, I'd love to make one of these. I did a quick search looking for a pattern and then I came across THIS site. Whoo there's alot of hat patterns here! I'm sure you're clever enough Jacq to find something that is tre' cute for the kids. If you find a pattern that resembles this hat, let me know.

Crazy Star Patchwork Quilt Tutorial

Finally, here is the tutorial for the Crazy Star Quilt, the easiest stack-and-slash quilt around.

I hope that the instructions are clear enough, it's the first tutorial I've done. This size will do a baby crib but you can upscale the squares, or do more if you need to make a larger quilt. They would make good pillow covers, as long as you needed six! If you have any queries, give me a yell.

Tutorial HERE

Thanks for the comment Jacq, all photos now have instructions on them....

Handy Dandy Diaper Purse

Inspired by the upcoming arrival of the Shultz and Gale babies, I wanted to give these families a user friendly diapering "system" that both Mums and Dads would appreciate. I think this handy dandy diaper purse is just the thing.

I know, when changing a little wee bum, it is important to be quick and fuss free. You need everything at your fingertips, so the procedure can go as smooth as possible. Let's be honest, for some reason children fight getting a clean bum. After flipping a coin to see who's turn it is, ;) grab this bag and go...all you need is right there.

Bandana Bib

Bandana 2

Originally uploaded by CraftyMammas.
To catch the copious amounts of drool Giles is manufaturing these days, I thought I would whip up a bandana bib. Lets face it, if he is to be wearing them all the time, he may as well be as cool as he can be! I made this one out of the cotton I had bought for his grobag and made it reversible with a blue & orange snap. I don't know if it fits him yet as he is fast alseep. It took much self control not to creep into his room & try it on. Mark would be furious if I'd woken him ;)
I'll post a photo of him in it tomorrow morning.

The Wallis Gene

We had a bit of drama this morning as Giles took a tumble. Bad Mummy!!! :(

I phoned Jacq and she just cracked-up laughing "Must be the Wallis gene" she said. We in this family find Funniest Home Videos something to truly laugh at, particularly when people fall off swings or slides etc. I must find

Anyhow, Giles is OK, just a bit shaken up. I think I'm more traumatised than he is. He's been in my arms most of the morning as I don't want to let him out of my arms again. As I've been left with only one arm, it's given me the time to browse many other great crafting blogs & bookmark things I like. There are so many creative people out there (some with WAY too much time on their hands).

So don't forget to check out our CraftyMammas del.icio.us bookmarks.

Helicopter nappy

Helicopter model

Originally uploaded by CraftyMammas.


I whipped up two of these nappies last night. They are just so easy to sew any novice like myself can pull it off. I can't believe how well the cloth system is working for us. I don't think we'll need to use disposables as these work out to be about $6-10 per nappy, including the hemp absorbant stuffer. I anyone in fernie is interested Jacq, I can send you some to try out. There are more descriptive photos on flickr.
Apologies for the boring post, I hae bug-a-lugs in my arms so am typing one handed!