~ Cloth Diapers ~

I've always tended to be more on the frugal side, but with a baby on the way, I have this undying urge to sew, and to save more money for the unseen needs I'm likely to have come up. I have a problem with paying tons of money for regular diapers. You spend all that money for something that's filled with...well, you know....and then it get's thrown away. No way to reuse, so despite the convenience, I would rather use cloth. The new cloth diapers seem to be so costly though. Running anywhere from $14-$25 a piece, I just can't see paying that either. I did some research and found a site that let's you download PDF files of the cloth diaper pattern (often called "nappies"), for free. I also found a Youtube video a lady posted showing how to put one together. There are lots of sites out there and links where you can buy the patterns and instructions, but if you are just as cheap as me, or just wish to get a head start on making them before you order anything, here are the links.

~ Cake! ~

I was going through some old pictures, and stumbled on a few cakes I've made. I'm no pro, and I could use a few lessons for sure, but I wanted to post them.

My attempt at a castle birthday cake

~ Long Weekend ~

I thought that since I had a four day weekend ahead of me, I would get lots of sewing in. Wrong. My sewing machine broke, and despite the fact I am capable of it, I refuse to sew the things I planned to by hand. I have decided that I am going to make some jewelry and other craft items start an Etsy account. I am not sure about how it all works, but I could use a little extra cash now and then. Perhaps I could use it on my new addiction to  sewing things, or maybe prepare for the birth of my son. I realized today, that I have absolutely NOTHING for a baby. All I have is the baby. I suppose I should start shopping now, or maybe prepare for a baby shower, but I am such a procrastinator on some things! I hate feeling like I'm asking someone to buy me things by hosting a baby shower. I found a few patterns for diapers that I want to try to make when my machine is fixed, but until then, I guess I will have to put aside my stubborn ways and host a party.

~ Messenger Bag ~

 I made this bag mainly from scraps of fabric I had, so I'm not sure of the exact yardage needed. Here are the measurements for the pieces though =)

Front and Back Panels: Cut 2 = 14" x 10 1/2" + cut 2 for lining

Side Panels: Cut 2 = 10 1/2" x 5" + cut 2 for lining

Bottom Panel: Cut 1= 14" x 5" + cut 1 for lining

Cover Flap: Cut 1 = 13 1/2" x 8" Cut 1 = 13 1/2" x 5 3/4"

Cover Flap Lining: Cut 1 = 13 1/2" x 13"

Shoulder Strap: Cut 1 = 43" x 8" 

Shoulder Strap Padding: Cut 1 = 8" x 6" + 5 1/2" x 7" piece of felt or batting

Optional Pocket: Cut 1 = 6" x 6" 

School Days

I am a volunteer teacher at a Christain school, and like any school, there are questions children have that you have to find a way to answer. Today, one of the young boys was crying because he wanted to see his Dad. He doesn't even know who his Dad is. He sees all the other children at school spending time with their fathers, and he has no man in his life to guide him, or do "guy things" with. It is hard for me to know what to say in situations like this because I can't relate. I was raised in a well structured home, and never wondered who my parents were or if they loved me. I think too often I take for granted the fact that I was raised in the enviroment that I was. I was able to reassure the young boy, and he seemed to be okay. He just needed a hug and some words of encouragement. Perhaps this will remind me to pray for him more often. Perhaps his struggles in school are more than non-motivation or carelessness.

Google Searches

Yesterday I decided to do a search of free sewing patterns on the internet. Wasn't sure if I would find anything, but turns out, someone did a lot of research to find free patterns and put them all on one site! There are some neat ideas, some of which don't even require a pattern. If you are feeling creative, go check it out! I'm hoping to post creations I make from the ideas soon. Here's the link - enjoy!

http://thinkliz.com/free-sewing-patterns/