Thursday 31 January 2013

I didn't, I won't (Part 2)

Indecisiveness is a trait of mine (such as choosing paint colours), and when it comes to gift selection, I can dither like the best of them.  I know when I have found the perfect gift because I have that feeling of certainty that it fits that particular person's interests and lifestyle and knowing that they will love it makes me happy.  When I feel indecision as strongly as I did with the ripple crochet blanket, it's usually a sign that it's the wrong gift for the intended recipient.

So, while my girls made merry baking mayhem in the kitchen this afternoon...


...I opted to sew my friend's new baby a change mat instead.  I feel happier about this already so I know I'm on the right track.

Using Tea Pea's change mats as my inspiration, I cut a template from an old change mat of mine and curved the edges.  Some of you may recognise the Michael Miller prints I used.


Many store-bought change mats have a layer of wadding for absorbency.  The downfall is that it cannot be machine-washed (if you are inclined to follow the manufacturer's care instructions).  What's the point of a change mat if you can't machine-wash it when it's dirty?  Hand washing items is not my favourite job, and it's not likely to feature highly on a new mother's list of priorities either.  To counter this, I put a double layer of cotton fabric between the outer layers.

I used striped bias binding, mainly because it contrasted with the fabrics and also because it was the only one in my stash that wasn't girly.


Degree of difficulty: Easy
Time taken: 40 minutes
Result: I'll let you know what the new owner says.  It was quite a nice departure for me to sew with boy's prints.

10 comments:

  1. Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog. Yours looks fun - following you now. I love the cowboy fabric! I also have three girls - although they look a bit younger than yours. What do you do after your year of creating dangerously? Suz

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    1. Hi Suz, I haven't thought that far ahead, maybe there will be a blog beyond this year, although my husband might have a different view on that! Taking photos and writing posts is quite time consuming, isn't it? I'm enjoying the experience though and discovering other wonderful blogs along the way, like yours.

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  2. I love the cowboy print Leanne! Where did you get it from? That change mat is going to get so many comments. Did the girls bake the same biscuits?

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    1. Pretty sure I bought it through Etsy, it was well over a year ago now but it's still available through there. The girls made a yummy vanilla cake for afternoon tea.

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  3. Good decision. Productive afternoon at yours then. Lovely print.

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    1. Thanks Sus, yes, I think it is the right decision and yes, it was a jam-packed day of activity for us yesterday.

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  4. Oh that print is gorgeous! what a stunning change mat!

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