Flannel Burp Rags

So CUTE!

SUPPLIES: (makes 4 burp rags)

1 1/2 yards flannel (base color)

1/2 yard flannel (embellishment)

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut out your pieces: four 12" x 45" pieces of the base color fabric & eight 6" x 45" pieces of the embellishment fabric

Cut out the pieces

 

2. Lay the long strip of base fabric out then fold it into thirds, overlapping the ends. Your two raw ends should be in the middle with two folded edges on the outsides. Place the embellishment strips on the top and bottom of the folded piece with right sides facing out.

Fold the burp rag overlapping the ends

 

Laid flat and ready to sew

3. Zigzag stitch over all of the raw ends (either side of the embellishment and the top and bottom of the whole rag). It is not necessary to sew the folded edges unless you want to.

Zigzag stitch raw edges

4. As you are sewing you may find it faster to "chain stitch" between multiple rags. Rather than sewing all of the edges of each rag individually, sew one line for each of them all at once feeding one rag after another (stay stitch the ends) without cutting the thread in between until that line is done. Then clip them apart and do the next line in the same way.

TIP: chain stitch one line of stitches at a time

5. To finish, check to make sure all the raw edges were caught by your stitches, trim any excess fabric and threads and you are done! :)

Finished burp rag

DIY Boppy Cover Tutorial

Three kids later my Boppy Pillow needed a face lift. After digging through my fabric scraps and a few trial runs, I have a tutorial for you that works beautifully!! Just FYI - this is for a cover that is non-removable, not a slip cover (no zipper, snaps or flap).

 

Add caption

SUPPLIES:

2/3 yard fabric

1/2 yard thin elastic

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. With approximately 2/3 yard of fabric folded in half, lay your boppy down with the "arms" open wide. You may need a helper. Trace the outline of your boppy leaving a generous 1 to 2 inch border. (A wide border and outstretched layout are both IMPORTANT --- I ripped the first two I made because I didn't leave enough fabric for it to stretch)

Hello pregnant belly :)

2. Cut out two identical layers of fabric. You can see from my photo that the boppy was "open" when I traced it.

Fabric cut & ready to sew

3. Starting on the top at one of the corners and right sides together, sew a 1/4" seam. When you get to the inside middle sew in your elastic with approximately 50% tension (not loose, not tight). Continue sewing your 1/4" seam until you get to the first coner again. STOP when you get to about 10" from where you started. This may seem like a wide opening but its necessary for the pillow to fit.

1/4" seam and elastic middle

4. Turn the cover right side out and stuff your boppy inside. Helps to bunch it up at the ends like when you are putting on panty hoes. ;)

Boppy stuffed into cover

5. Hand stitch the opening with matching thread, and you are done!

Hand stitched closed

DIY Nursing Tank {Pintrest Craft Success}

I saw these on Pinterest and immediately added them to my sewing to-do list!!! Such a fabulous idea --- when worn as an undershirt the tank top provides coverage for your side and stomach so your top shirt can be lifted without your whole side hanging out.

To nurse your baby just leave a small gap between your shirts for your baby to latch on. With practice it is able to nurse uncovered (GASP!) without the entire world seeing your chest. :)

 

1. With spaghetti strapped tanks, start by clipping the strap from the back of the shirt. Leave the front of the strap intact. 

 

2. Sew a small loop 3/4"-1" where the front straps start just over the chest of the shirt. Trim the strap. DONE! 

TO WEAR: 

Hook the loop over the flap of your nursing bra before clipping closed.

If you haven't seen the Luv's Breastfeeding Commercial --- its worth it! Love breastfeeding my babies and strongly believe every mom has the right to nurse her child however she feels comfortable wherever she feels comfortable. Can't say I am bold enough to show as much skin as this mom though. These tanks give me a sense of modesty even when I choose not to use a cover.

 

Homemade Nursing Pads Tutorial

With baby #4 coming in just a few weeks the nesting phase has definitely set in. At the top of my seeing to do list were homemade nursing pads. I love-love-love these for so many reasons, mostly because they are so soft and reusable. They are easy to make too - check it out...

Supplies (yield 20 pair):

1 yard soft flannel

1/2 yard PUL (polyurethane laminate) - typically a cloth diaper fabric

Matching thread

Instructions:

1. With the fabric folded in half, mark as many 4" circles as you can fit on the flannel & PUL. I used a stadium cup and was able to mark 40 circles on the flannel and 20 on the PUL with each folder in half. 

2. Cut out the circles with the fabrics still in half, yielding twice as many 4" circles of each fabric. (80 flannel, 40 PUL). 

3. You will make a 3 layer fabric sandwich, made of 2 layers of flannel and one of PUL. With the shiny side of the PUL facing the flannel and the right side of the flannel facing out. Serger or zigzag stitch over the edge of the layers making sure to catch both the top and bottom layers. Trim threads. 

USE & WASHING INSTRUCTIONS: 

Change nursing pads promptly when wet/damp to prevent irritations and chapping. Hand wash used nursing pads with gentle laundry detergent* without fragrances, enzymes, bleach or phosphates --- typically for sensitive skin. Do not use fabric softener. (Nursing pads may also be washed with cloth diapers if you use them) Tumble dry low or air dry. 

If you develop a rash or irritation while using your nursing pads try a more gentle detergent. (Search detergents for cloth diapering)

*Suggested Detergent: 

Woolite for delicates (pink bottle)