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Bundles for Babies: Silk Ring Slings

Posted by on February 25, 2013 6 Comments

(I am writing this post on Saturday morning and scheduling it for Monday. I wonder if the baby arrive before then…. nope, no baby yet.)

silk ring sling - sewfearless.com

I’ve gotten more than a few raised eyebrows from friends and family when I said I was sewing a silk ring sling for the new baby. Why use such a fancy fabric? Won’t you worry about it getting spit-up or pooped on? Why not something more practical? Well… I have a couple “more practical” slings (which I love), but I’ve wanted a silk sling since I was pregnant with Matthias. If I have been daydreaming about something for 4 years and through 3 pregnancies, it’s about time to make it happen. right? Plus, the little guy is going to have enough hand-me-downs in his life. It’s nice to have something to give him that is new.

double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

Project Details

Fabric: “Caribbean Lagoon” and “Gray Stone” 200% silk dupioni From NY Fashion Fabrics.
If you follow me on Facebook, you would know that my first online order (from another seller) was a total flop. They shorted me a half yard of silk and the quality between the two cuts were really inconsistent.  I returned that order and ordered from NY Fashion Fabrics. I would order from them again.

Rings: Size Large “Silver” from SlingRings.com
DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT BUY “CRAFT RINGS” from a craft store for making your own baby sling. They are not strong enough. These rings from SlingRings.com are inexpensive and strength-tested.

Thread & Needles: A Shmetz 70/10 Microtex needle* worked well for hemming the silk, but I switched to a size 90/14 Topstitching needle* for sewing across the pleats. Use the best quality thread you have available to you. (I used Gutterman thread).

Tutorial: Reversible, Un-padded, Double Layer Sling tutorial from Jan Andrea at Home on the Web
I love Jan’s tutorials for baby carriers. Not only are they detailed, but she also has thought through all of the safety issues. Her solution for making this sling reversible and avoiding putting the weight of a baby on the joining seam is total genius.

double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

One fun thing about making slings from 58/60″ fabric, is that you can get two sets of slings out of the same yardage. I mailed off a second sling to a relative who just had her first baby. I hope she enjoys it as much as I will enjoy mine!

double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

Another “Heart Prep” project checked off. Each day it feels a little more real. The little guy is coming soon!

reversible double layer silk dupioni ring sling - sewfearless.com

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38 Weeks: Making Room for Baby (Lined Baskets)

Posted by on February 18, 2013 3 Comments

Getting ready for baby - sewfearless.com

I am a time-bomb. With every contraction… Could this be it? When? WHEN?! And everyone you meet wants to know When? and honey, you must have dropped, and I bet it will be a fast one. When really, no one has a flippin’ clue.

Lined thrift store baskets for baby storage - sewfearless.com

So, I wait… and try to get a little closer to being “ready.”

We have this little built-in bookshelf in our bedroom and I thought it would be a nice spot to store baby things as I like to keep my babies close for the first few months. I collected baskets for the shelves – some I had around the house, others I found at my local thrift store, and the rest my lovely little sister found in her local shops for me. Muslin-lined baskets and homemade muslin curtain have turned the shelves into a lovely place for teeny socks and pants and things. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bundles for Babies, Making Home | Tagged:

Tips for Working with Ultra Cuddle Fleece – Car Seat Wrap, Boppy Cover

Posted by on February 11, 2013 Leave a Comment

Tips for working with Ultra Cuddle - SewFearless.com

I am finally making headway on some baby projects, and just as I had hoped they are helping my heart prepare for my little boy. To be honest, I was a bit of emotional wreck last week. Andy was away for school, and although I had plenty of help caring for the kids, I felt so raw and vulnerable in my greatly pregnant state. As soon as he arrived back home and I was able to pull out some baby things, I felt my spirit relax and flutters excitement creep in. You guys, I’M HAVING A BABY! SOON!!

Project #1: A Car Seat Wrap

Ultra Cuddle/Flannel Car Seat Wrap - SewFearless.com
I made a car seat blanket out of flannel and “ultra cuddle” fleece following the directions found at The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking. It’s a very simple straight-forward project that I, of course, turned complicated by using a trickier fabric. (The tutorial uses two layers of flannel.) On the plus side, I learned a lot and now I have some tips to share!  [Read more...]

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Keep Calm and Nest On

Posted by on February 6, 2013 11 Comments

nesting in progress - sewfearless.com

Don’t panic, Jodi. There is still some time left.

Silk and Sling Rings - SewFearless.com

There better be, because I am up to my elbows in projects, sewing and otherwise. [Read more...]

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Quick Baby Shower Gift Set

Posted by on November 1, 2012 2 Comments

Apparently, this is Easy Project Week on Sew Fearless. Matthias’ godmother, Theresa, is due with her first baby this month, and I was lucky enough to spend a morning putting together a coordinating gift set for her.

[Read more...]

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