The Crafter in Me

This post is mostly for my friends who are also expecting a baby. I found these patterns and instructions online and thought I would share them with other moms-to-be. The internet has so many free craft patterns it's amazing!

Jonathan is probably wondering who I am and what I've done with his wife because I disappear for hours at a time to my craft area. When I return I have some type of new baby contraption in hand. Usually he's at work when all this is going on though. But, if he ever comes home unexpected, chances are he finds me there. I must admit, having a baby has brought out a new type of crafter in me. Everything I make now is for our baby and I'm addicted to making baby stuff! I guess I might sew less if we had a greater selection of baby stores around, but the closest store that carries baby stuff is thirty minutes away and their selection is usually low and their prices are usually high. With gas prices being the way they are I avoid going that direction except for my doctor appointments (which are also thirty minutes away).

Enough with the rambling though. The first project is the Itty Bitty Dress. The pattern and instructions can be found here. Each dress took me about an hour and a half and cost approximately $1 to make, depending on how much the fabric cost. I invisioned the red one turning out a lot cuter than it did, but it looks a little old fashioned to me. I absolutely love the little pink daisy one though.
The next project is freezer paper stenciled onesies. I guess a white onesie is too plain for me because I keep decorating them. This project is easy and very rewarding. Instructions for it can be found here. This project only costs as much as the onesie, paint, and freezer paper. Mine aren't completely finished. I still need to add bows, words, and other embelishments.

The next project is washcloth puppets for bath time. I found the pattern here. I modified my pattern though because it does not print large enough to fit your hand, and I wanted more than the three animals. Enlarge the copy so that there is at least one inch of extra space around your hand to allow for seam allowance. I then took the same basic body shape to make patterns for a duck, frog, and pig. I still need to sew the bunny, bear, and pig. The duck turned out to look more like a seagull, but oh well. I bought a color variety pack of washcloths for about $5. It had every color I needed except for black, so I bought a black one separate. For all six animals I think this project cost about $7.

I hope you enjoy these projects as much as I did! My next projects will be a hooded towel (this one or this one I'm not sure yet), a family history wall hanging, and these cute booties. Meanwhile, the diaper bag, bridles, and other projects are almost done. We have a little less than 2 1/2 months now until our little arrival comes :-)