My Favorite Baby Crafts

    My crafty bug went into overload when I started nesting and then it became a source of stress relief for me so it never really let up, even over a year after I had Ayla. So, I thought it would be nice if I posted some of my favorite (and super easy) craft projects. I crochet and sew so and these are a mixture of the two. Most of these I've tried and I can certify are easy and fun, the ones that I haven't I'll mark them as such! Don't get the wrong idea though; I'm no expert seamstress. Trust me! If I can do these patterns, so can you! Most of the projects that I've completed are on my Pinterest boards so you can check out how they turned out.

1. Carseat blanket with a nifty slot for the buckle. Great crochet project for any expectant mom or baby shower gift. http://stringwithstyle.blogspot.com/2012/08/

bobble-car-seat-blanket.html?m=1

2. Babylegs can be pricey so I found these 

wonderful tutorials that show you how to 

make them yourself. http://rsobaje.blogspot

.com/2010/09/footie-babylegs-from-knee

-socks.html?m=1   http://cally-cruze.

blogspot.com/2009/03/baby-legs-tutorial.

html?m=1

3. Homemade changing pad. I love this tutorial because it goes step by step and it gave me a chance to have everything I needed for a diaper change in one convenient place. http://www.allfreesewing.com/Sewing-for-

Baby/Travel-Diaper-Changing-Pad-Pattern

4. I got this pattern care of my bestie who has a boy. Super easy and fast and oh so adorable! Best part is it will grow with your little one as he gets bigger so it's a great month by month photo prop! http://www.deliacreates.com/2011/03/

textured-bow-tie.html

5. Cable crochet baby blanket. I haven't tried this pattern out yet but it's so pretty that I had to share! http://hooked-on-crochet.blogspot.com/

2009/06/formula-for-making-cable-baby-

blanket.html?m=1

6. Stroller bag pattern. Perfect for those umbrella strollers with zero storage for your keys or cell phone. Another that I haven't tried yet but it's next on my list! http://www.allfreesewing.com/Sewing-for-

Baby/Free-Stroller-Bag-Pattern/ml/1/?utm_

source=ppl-newsletter&utm_medium=email&

utm_campaign=allfreesewing20140121
**Update** I did make this and not only was it super easy to follow the tutorial, it turned out really cute! We use this bag instead of our regular diaper bag sometimes because it's so convenient and works with both strollers. Definitely a great baby shower gift!

7. Baby girl dress. I actually bought a pattern that is almost identical to this dress. It was super easy to make even for my rather unskilled seamstress self. http://www.made-by-rae.com/patternfiles/

ITTY%20BITTY%20BABY%20DRESS.pdf
**Update** I made a dress for Ayla for Easter but I got the sizing all wrong and it was way too big. Fortunately, it'll keep until she can fit in it and it turned out really cute so it'll be nice to have for church or more casual special occasions.

8. PJ holder. I have to admit I was a bit confused by this concept at first but when I started to think about how Ayla's jammies get tossed around after we change her so they're not in the way, it started to make sense. Haven't made it yet but it's on the ever-growing list.http://runcibledays.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/

happy-birthday-too-whoo.html?m=1

9. I made Ayla an armchair to get comfy in while she finished her evening bottle and watched her cartoons in the morning. She LOVES that thing and so do I! I added a long zipper in the back on the bottom seam to allow me to take out the inner cushions and wash the slipcover when necessary. Makes a huge difference. The pattern is out of print but it can still be found online if you look. This is a link to one that's only $4:http://www.etsy.com/listing/178650813/

mccalls-kid-chairs-pattern-9665?utm_source

=google&utm_medium=product_listing_

promoted&utm_campaign=supplies_low&

gclid=CN754tKRvbwCFZBj7AodWVAAXw

10. Car seat covers are a staple for any new mom. They're so easy to make and can be used for anything from an impromptu nursing cover or a baby playmat in a pinch. There are a ton of free tutorials and I've posted one of many. I added extra straps on the side to keep the cover in place. You can also make it fully reversible by adding straps on the other side. http://www.sewmuchado.com/2011/11/

gathered-car-seat-canopy-tutorial.html

**Update** 11. Travel high chair. This is the one thing that gets comments every time we pull it out. It's the easiest thing that I've made yet and the biggest lifesaver of them all. Ayla loves it and it's super portable. BEST INVENTION EVER!!! http://www.sewbaby.com/shopbaby/product_info.php?products_id=4025