My First Diaper Bag

I've been wanting a new diaper bag for a long time now, but I didn't want to splurge on an expensive bag as well as couldn't find any cute prints at the baby stores. So I decided that I would make my own bag instead! Which to be honest, I had no clue on what to do before this project. I've sewn many things before, such as the nursing curtain, but they were always hand sewn or an easy straight sew with the sewing machine. Thank goodness for my friend, Becky, who's a sewing queen and taught me how to do it! We decided to make a craft day--or 4 days, should I say--since we have little ones who love to distract us from our project.

I've been wanting a messenger-style diaper bag, and I found a pattern at A Mingled Yarn--I'm pretty sure I fell in love with the damask print. Once we got to the fabric store, though, I found this really cute print that I decided to make my bag with. After hours of figuring out the layout and sewing the bag together (seriously, I'm not sure why I always have to choose the most complicated items and hope that I have enough of it), I finally have my finished product!

We made a few changes with the pattern, though. We used velcro instead of metallic snaps, opted not to topstitch at all (well, at least I did), used cotton instead of vinyl lining for the interior, sewed the strap inside the bag; and after using my bag for two weeks, I decided to remove the velcro from the front exterior pockets. It's just not needed since the flap is over them.

I wish I took pictures of Becky's bag--hers turned out really cute, too. It's a burgundy and ivory flowery patterned bag. I can't wait 'til our next sewing project--I want to make a diaper clutch :)

Here are photos of my bag!

Close up of the front of the bag

Back of the bag

Left side (It's actually a wonderful coincidence that the sides of the bag ended up matching my strap!)

Right side

Front exterior with pockets

Interior of the bag--it's actually more orange than the picture shows--it matches the orange on the strap

It feels really good to be sporting around a bag I've made! :) Thanks, Becky, for all the help! And A Mingled Yarn for sharing your pattern!

Mommy Wish List

Lately, I've been coming across many cute diapering accessories that I want, and I thought that I'd share! They're chic, stylish, and, most of all, functional--at least that's what the reviews and companies tell me. I'll just have to find out for myself!

1) Shopping at Bellini one afternoon, I found the cutest Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag, an "Afternoon in Katmandu!" I keep telling myself that if I had this tote, I would save myself from lugging around a diaper bag and my purse. It's surprisingly spacious inside with several pockets for just about any accessory for the baby and me and includes a changing pad and wipes case. I held off from purchasing it so that I can find out if there are other cute prints to choose from on their website. While Katmandu is still my favorite, I now can't decide between the touring tote, boxy backpack, or shoulder bag! Choices, choices, choices.

I HATE the small and thin diaper changing pads that came along with my diaper bags. Does every diaper bag manufacturer add these awful type of pads to their bags? First, they are so tiny--Tristan is only 4-months old, and he's been the size of the pad since he was 2 months. Secondly, they're so thin, and I hate it when I have to change him at public restrooms because a) they only have those hard plastic changing stations, b) they have a flat hard wooden table without a cushion, or c) they don't have a changing table at all, so I have to try to find a place to change him--either the restaurant booth, my car seat, the dressing room, a bench, etc. (I've never had to resort to the bathroom floor, but I've heard others have!). Tristan is always uncomfortable, and it's probably due to the lack of cushion. Lastly, Tristan is wiggling and turning around making it difficult to keep him on the pad. From these annoyances, I thought about creating a better diaper changing pad that would solve my solutions. After trying to do some research online, I found out that others have already beat me to the punch! Ah, well, at least I can try them out and see if they work like a charm!

2) This is the Patemm pad, a round diaper changing pad. Grace Welch, the inventor, was a genius! You can stick your accessories inside the pad, and it folds nicely so you can fit it in your bag. How awesome is that? Plus, they come in the cutest prints--my favorite is "The Jack Martin." Not only that, but it was great to look at her products online and realize that she's Filipino, too. She incorporated our culture into her products by naming her collections in Bicol or Tagalog, regional dialects.

3) Just when I thought I was going to design something unique from the Patemm pad, I came across the Plush Pad by Ah Goo Baby in "Vintage in Blue." Even though it has a memory foam cushion, it's supposed to be easily rolled up and tucked away in your bag.

I must get my hands on these and try them out! Soon!