Surprise and Delight!
Picture Perfect
Every stitch adds a hug and a kiss!
For details on this crib set see the previous blog.
Inspiration
Favorite Fabric Shops
July 07, 2011
TESTING . . . one, two, three
Like so many grandparents today, they are separated by several states from their soon to be 'grand baby' and the new parents. Sally came up with some very clever ways to get around working without a crib. She found her stair case to be a great substitute for testing the 'bow ties'.
We both suggest cutting the angle on the ends of the ribbon last, after the bumper is finished and tied onto the crib. You can then seal the Grosgrain ribbon with fabric glue. Satin Ribbon can be sealed with the heat of a burning match . . . do not let the flame actually touch the ribbon.
Sally matched the pink ribbon with a ready made piping in the same pink. Placing the ribbons next to each other rather than on top of each other as a pair, they didn't lose any length before tying into bows. If your slats are wide, you can adjust the placement and spacing of the ribbons accordingly.
TIP: When sewing on piping/welt, use a wider stitch and do not sew close to the cord. This stitch is only to secure it in place and will be stitched over one more time when the right sides of the bumper cover fabric are sewn together.
The ties are sewn on the outside facing fabric before (under) the piping (also known as welt). (If you sew close the first time, you have to sew even closer the second time to cover the first line of stitches. Do the closest stitching on the final stitching.)
I couldn't wait to see it in the crib
Pink grosgrain ribbon accents the crib skirt
I was as excited as Sally to see it finished and kept me posted with photos, step by step. Expressing the growing love and anticipation for the miracle of a baby certainly shows in Grandmother's patience to make it perfect.
The time involved from the planning to the sewing is well worth it. The fulfillment in providing your precious baby a crib set made with love is priceless.
June 19, 2011
SEW Simple, SEW Special and SEW CAN YOU!
Deb loves to sew, usually one of a kind dresses for her little girls. With her friend's good news, she offered to sew a crib set as the baby gift. A little discussion on colors and the crib, some fabric searches on line and the results are what you would expect to see in a magazine, and a very happy 'mama'.
The mom-to-be asked for the bumper in four separate sections. This gave Deb the opportunity to add the orange trim down each end of the 4 bumper sections. The ties were placed in just the right spot to line up perfectly in the Ikea crib.
If you are new to sewing, notice the cutting matt with the grid and the clear ruler used to guide the rotary cutter (cutter shown in piping photo).These tools not only save time but offer precision for an exact cut and straight line. You can find these on line at most fabric stores under 'quilting supplies'. Hooray for re-inventing the 'wheel'! Let's not 'cut out' scissors, just make sure they are sharp.
The crib skirt really sets off the green crib. By planning the length from the bottom of the crib to the floor, she added the chenille hem, topping it off with the striking orange banding.
Let this project be the one that entices you to sew. It is 'sew rewarding' to stand back looking at your own design, chosen in your color and style. An added benefit is when you go shopping. You will start to notice how simple some of the designs in the stores really are.Take a closer look, (maybe with your I-phone) and walk away knowing you will make that item even more suited for you.
Excuse the little photo, especially since it is the 'finished product' of a labor of love. I'm just happy for any photos sent in by 'y'all'! Thank you Deb for the photos and all of your encouraging words.
June 12, 2011
'Changing Time' for Make Room for Baby's Bumpers!
KIT includes: Instruction Booklet, 4 Baby Bumper Pads, Zipper & elastic
Make Room for Baby is committed to the highest standards. We care about our customers and listen to their concerns for a safer sleep environment. We have based our newly designed baby bumper pads on the JPMA's recommendation of avoiding bumper pads that are 'pillow like'. The material, fiberfill and manufacturing is all done in the USA. Our Nylon base cover fabric and Polyester fiberfill is non-allergenic. Our new design 'stands up' to the little tugs and pulls, resisting that crumpled appearance after time. We also offer 'replacement baby bumper pads' for your existing crib set, simply contact us.
Vintage table cloth recycled for lace trim and linen ties on the baby bumper cover with zipper.
'No more labor pains' . . .in making the baby's bumper! Our Make Room for Baby Kit provides just what it takes for a professional finish without years of sewing experience. The Kit includes: 4 Baby Bumper Pads, a YKK Zipper, and our Instructional Booklet, for making the bumper cover, crib skirt and fitted crib sheet. Make it a family affair by including the anxiously awaiting, soon to be, Grandmothers.
There is comfort in knowing your baby's bumper has been prepared in love and 'made in America' from start to finish. Beginning with your fresh, clean fabric, you are assured the chemicals are washed out and the fabric won't shrink. The baby bumper inserts are removable for easy cleaning. Your baby's bumper ties will reach and tie securely to your particular crib. The advantages of making your own baby's crib set are priceless.
Conceive it? Love it! Make it yours :)
As our baby gift to celebrate our new addition we are including a 54" square of soft poly batt.
More good news . . .Special pricing for twins, triplets and best friends that sew.
2-5 Kits @ $54.95 ea.
6-10 Kits @ $49.95 ea.
Shipping not included
Manufacturers, wholesale pricing available
Contact Make Room for Baby
November 14, 2010
The Greatest Show on Earth!
Ladies and gentlemen . . .and big brother, meet Baby Cade!
I had so much fun planning this cradle for my friend June. The creative wheels were spinning.
My favorite place to check out the latest trends is Macy's Bedding Department. This is where I found the small print for the main fabric. Sheet fabric has a high thread count and a king or queen set can give you plenty of fabric for a crib bumper, crib skirt, 2 fitted sheets and a baby quilt and pillow.
To add some whimsy I made small triangles for the 'flags', holding them in place with masking tape.
I had been saving the large circus theme print for that special project which turned out to be Cade's cradle. I decided use the print as an applique, using iron-on fusible web. Cutting out each print with a quarter of an inch edge for a small zig zag stitch to secure the iron-on applique.
Masking tape also makes a perfect guide line when using trim or topstitching. I then secured the 'flags' with a straight stitch, using a wide zig zag stitch to secure the chenille cord. It is best if you don't iron over the tape. I finished the top edge with a bright orange ric rac.
Yes, Punky . . .Cades' a keeper!
November 09, 2010
November 05, 2010
Across the Pond and All-Around
This is a story about the Stokke Sleepi Crib and the pretty bumper set that's in it.
Once upon a time there was a lovely lady in England named Pamela. She was going to have a baby and wanted to choose her own fabric and make her own bumper for her baby's crib. She contacted Make Room for Baby about a pattern for the oval crib. Now, 'Make Room for Baby' had been asked this question many times before, so they had been working on a solution and were just about ready to announce their newest addition.
Even better, the lovely lady Pamela was coming to visit her lovely mom, soon to be grandmother, on the West Coast. Rather than shipping 'over the Pond', we could ship over the land. So the delivery of the first 'All-Around Euro Slim' bumper Kit went to grandma's house and from there with Pamela to England to turn into a beautifully made crib set with a matching Patchwork Quilt, just in time for baby.
If you have that round or oval crib or cradle, this DIY baby bumper kit is a one size works for all. It's made extra long, and easy to cut to the length you need. The simple instructions come with the zipper that runs the full length of the bumper with the specially bonded fiber inside the poly cover. By specifying your crib being oval or round a paper pattern is included for the fitted sheet.
So, in England right now, there is a happy mommy, looking at her own beautifully designed crib set with her favorite fabric stitched with hugs and kisses surrounding the most precious baby.
October 11, 2010
OH . . .SEW HAPPY!
COLETTE'S NURSERY
Devin writes: "Wish I had a better camera to take better pics with, because the crib bumper & skirt are really beautiful! I chose the fabric for Colette's room to be a mix of soft blues and greens. I shy away from the pinks, etc. The fabric was from Amy Butler's Midwest Modern collection."
Devin also used the 'formula' in the Make Room for Baby Kit instructions to have the skirt 'kiss' the floor, giving it that 'designer's touch'.
Thank you Devin, for taking the time to send in the photo of the finished nursery, it looks great!
LAUREN
Lauren writes: "The affordable stuff out there isn't my style but, the stuff that is, is too expensive. I'm okay at sewing and I figure this can't be too difficult. I've found some great fabrics that I'm really excited to use."
After a few e-mails and sewing tips, Lauren sent the picture along with another note . . .
"I got my fabric from Mood fabrics in LA and I love the way it turned out! thanks so much for your help. I love your site!"
Lauren, what a memorable project and a great accomplishment, not to mention the hugs and kisses you stitched in that darling fabric. Great job!
HARPER'S NURSERY
Krystal writes: "Thank you so much for selling a great product. Our bedding couldn't have turned out better and it looks just like the $1000 bedding we were about to purchase from a local boutique."
I love hearing from you and seeing all of your great ideas and beautiful fabric choices. I especially like to hear that you have exactly what you had hoped for and more, while saving lots of money . . . for strollers and lots of other things!
If you are thinking about sewing and have your doubts, I hope these ladies have encouraged you. I am always available and can send detailed instructions on each and every step.
Zippers being one of the things I hated (yes, dread was not strong enough at one point, although this is not a pair of pants), I can reassure you that it is simply sewing along the edge of the 'teeth' on the zipper. You do not, should not, and there is no need to sew a flap over that zipper! The zipper is tucked away between the mattress and the bottom of the bumper where no one goes for even a peek!
If you still have doubts, visit a fabric store and see how many beautiful choices are out there. Sew many choices!
October 03, 2010
Sock it to me!
Can I say . . . I went bananas when I received Gina's e-mail! Leave it to 'big brother' to come up with a cool theme like Sock Monkey.
Gina writes:
"My six year old son helped me pick out the theme since they will be sharing a room & he didn’t want it to be too “babyish”. I checked out buying a crib set & found one that sold for over $500. Yikes! Since that wasn’t in my budget, this worked out perfectly. I am not a seamstress and have only sewed a few things in my life. I was blown away by how easy it was and how beautiful it turned out. So, you certainly made my dream come true!"
She got her selection of sock monkey fabric pre-picked from the fatquartershop. What a darling crib set. How sweet is it that the brother picked out the theme and watched mom make it up. Priceless memories and a very special room that all can be proud of.
Gina's sister was kind enough to share the quilt instructions which are extremely easy and can be done in an afternoon.
Instructions for the 'don't leave home without it' quilt!
Cut 11” squares of fabric and place them back to back with thicker cotton fill in between. Sew an “x” across each square and then stitch the squares together in the pattern you want, leaving a 1” hem where the squares are attached. Gina's blanket is 5 squares by 5 squares, but typically her sister sews 6 sq. (W) by 7sq (L) and uses flannel in order to skip using quilt filler. After sewing all the squares together, she fringed all of the hem that was around the squares and the outside border. She then tossed it in the wash and ran it through the dryer until it the edges were nicely frayed.
I would love to hear your ideas for a baby room theme and definitely send some photographs to info@makeroomforbabykit.com
September 16, 2010
Make Room for Baby's NEW ARRIVAL
Here's the LONG & SHORT of it! We've heard your cry that a set of 4 is what you need. Not only do we still have our PLUSH N PRETTY in our Poly or Cotton cover, we have added and EXTRA PLUSH set of 4 and created a new version of the Euro Slim.
Visit our Product Page for more detail.
To help you from going 'round and round' looking for that perfect set for the unique crib that is oval like an egg! We've hatched a new idea, 'ONE SIZE FITS ALL'. This is in our Euro Slim style, so whether round, oval or the standard crib, it's a simple stretch of sewing . . .simply cut it to your length.
Always looking for inspiration and hoping to hear from you on our latest additions.
