Sewing for Baby: Introduction

When it comes right down to it all any baby really needs is love, a safe place to sleep, food to eat, diapers, a few clothes and a safe carseat. If you breastfeed and use cloth diapers babies really aren't that expensive (provided you have good insurance to cover the medical bills, of course). However, there are so many cute baby things out there it is hard not to go crazy. So what's a crafty mom on a budget to do?

The answer of course is to make some of those toys, decorations and clothes that are so cute and add up so quickly. In this series I will discuss some of the options and projects that you can sew for your baby or as an amazing shower gift for a mom-to-be.

Never underestimate the power of homemade shower gifts. One of my favorite gifts before my daughter was born was a sling that a friend made for me. When my daughter was tiny that sling and others like it were the only way that I ever got anything done because she needed constant holding. As she has gotten older and more independent I have used it for quick trips out because it is so much easier than bothering with a stroller. My daughter also has some beautiful handmade toys, including a knit elephant from my sister that comes with on "adventures" and a couple of balls that I have sewn for her that are well received by the babies in our playgroup.

Remember, everything that you make for a child is not just a physical object, but a solid manifestation of the time, energy and love that you put into creating it; so try not to swear too much when you mess it up ;-)

In this series I am going to talk about some of the things I have sewn for my daughter, but I am always on the lookout for new projects so please share anything you have made or patterns that you want to make. I will be posting these once a week on Mondays with normal blog content in between. Enjoy!