Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Gift Ideas for Mom and Baby

Do you want to add a little something extra to your next baby shower gift? Why not try your hand at one these easy projects for Mom and baby. Here's a few of the things I've given to friends over the years. (please excuse the horrible photography of some of these earlier pictures)


*1* Burb Cloths - A very easy project! I don't think an all-out tutorial is necessary, but here's how I did them. I bought a pack of prefold diapers and washed in hot water. Cut strips of pre-washed fabric 2 inches wider and longer than the center section. Press in a double fold hem on each side and pin to diaper. Now turn the short ends under, press and pin. I waited to fold the the end hems because the length of the diaper can vary a bit. I used a zigzag stitch to attach the fabric. Fold and tie with a pretty bow and you're done!

*2* Minky Baby Blanket- Minky Dot fabric is sold in 60" widths, so one yard cut in half width-wise will make two bankets approximately 35x29. I made a frilly-edged flower and securely sewed it to the minky fabric and used a pretty cherry print for the other side. Sew right sides together, leaving a small opening. Turn right side out and top stitch about an inch and a half from the edge. All done!

*3* Nursing Cover- I used a tutorial online for this one. All you need is a yard of fabric, a pair of D rings, and a small length of boning. Basicly its just a big square of fabric with an adjustible strap and a rod pocket at the top to insert the boning. The boning creates a bowed opening so mom can see her little one and allows better air flow so baby doesn't feel like he's sufficating under a heavy blanket.

*4* Photo and Memo Board- Yes, I know, this can be used throughout the home. But it also comes in handy for baby. All those pretty baby gift cards, Doctor's appt. cards, Mommy and Me classes, play dates, Emergency and First aid instructions, and all the photos can be displayed right in the nursery. I made this one using a vintage cutter tablecloth, ribbons, and little fabric flowers to cover the staples.
I have several more ideas to share in the next post later this week. And a BIG fabric GIVAWAY! Some new, some vintage. So be sure to stop back on Sunday March 15th for all the details!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

I must be thinking too loud. 2 of Jim's nieces are going to have babies in Summer/Fall. I have been thinking of what to make for them rather than buying it. What neat ideas.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Terrific projects. I do make the burp cloths and I've never worked with Minky, yet. Oh how I love the memo board with the vintage tablecloth. What a terrific way to use it without cutting it up. I'll be back March 15.

Sugar Bear said...

These are great! Maybe I'll forward them to some friends as a hint - LOL!
Karla

Momoo said...

Thanks for all the neat ideas. The burp cloths look really cute and would be so practical.

KaHolly said...

Such wonderful ideas and so nice of you to share. I do have a new baby being born in my extended family soon. Thanks.

Niesz Vintage Home said...

So glad the ideas will come in handy, Melody and KaHolly!
And Karla, you clever girl...yes, that would be a subtle hint. LOL

Kimberly

Jill -Forever and Ever House said...

So cute! My favourite is the photo board!

Cindy said...

I love your ideas here for the new mom, they are so useful. Please, can you explain to me what you used as a backing for the memo board. What did you staple the vintage cloth to? And did you put anything between the outside and inside, such as fibre fill? Thank you so much. Hugs ~cindy s~

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

I received a gift similar to the burp cloth idea...I love them too but haven't used them yet because they are too nice! :0)

Love the apron and memo board!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Cindy, I actually bought several memo boards on sale for 3.00 or 4.00 when a local craft store was closing. I just removed the fabric and ribbon and replaced it with my own.
You can also find plain canvas frames sometimes at Big Lots. For those I would use a thin batting under the fabric.

Kimberly :)

Katherine said...

Great gift ideas, Kimberly! I love the pretty fabrics you used in each project.

lesthook said...

I really love the blanket with the minky! I have made some of these myself but that flower makes it really special!

Junie Moon said...

I'm really loving all the great projects you're sharing on your blog. I have a ton of gifts to make and you're helping a lot. Thank you!

JUANITA WEINGARDEN said...
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