DIY baby - part 1

6 June 2012

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This is the first part of many DIY baby post I hope to write. Like our wedding, I find that a way of coping with dramatic life changing events, is to take part in the production {making stuff} which I find strangely therapeutic and I might even go as far as saying, helping me to 'bond' with the squirmy thing in my belly. I now feel that it is not an eel, it is actually going be a human.

Over the bank holiday {mon & tue} I locked myself away in my shed, snipping up old clothes and tiny bits of Liberty print fabric, to clothe the little naked one that will hopefully pop out this autumn.

first attempt was some shoes made from herringbone wool tweed {off cuts from our campervan upholstery} Lined with Liberty Print. I got the pattern for the shoes from the Internet, but I'm not that happy with the shape, so I might make some more and play around with the pattern a bit more.

I made some wee trousers out of some cashmere jumper that had previously had the chop, so there wasn't much to work with! I used the cuffs sewn together to make the waist band which I reckon will be more comfy than elastic. I have no idea if these will fit, I just made it up from memory, but I seem to remember that newborns are mostly nappy shaped.

Then an ickle t-shirt. this didn't go to plan, its always the simple ones that require a lot of faffing. In the end I left the edges unhemed and I quiet like it...so I'll make some more like this but a better shape. I made it out of one of my vests that is really thin cotton jersey type fabric...REALLY stretchy, thus very difficult to hem.

I made a jumper and a pair of trousers {slightly bigger this time to accommodate some growth!} this was my very fine knit cotton navy blue jumper which was destined for the charity shop. I re-used the ribbed parts to make the neck and cuffs. It looks a bit like a mini Guernsey up close. Its very stretchy also and has a drawstring waist.


So that's about it for now! I do hope the little one appreciates my efforts...but it was good fun anyways.
Apart from the shoes, I didn't use any patterns, mostly because I cant be bothered I had limited size of scrap material to work with, but the trousers were REALLY easy to make and are just two pieces sewn together basically.

To recap...the good things about making your own baby clothes are:
A: you can re-cycle your old clothes and your kiddo gets to wear something that you used to wear.
B: you can have cashmere baby clothes, instead of paying £60 for something it's only going to wear for a couple of months.
C: well worn clothes are usually nice and soft from squillions of cycles in the wash.
D: an over-whelming sense of self satisfaction.

The bad things about making your own baby clothes are:
A: they might not fit.
B: It will probably do a poo in, or puke up on, your hard work.

49 comments

  1. Anonymous6.6.12

    They are really beautiful clothes. I can see a new business for your talents. I'm sure your baby will be beautiful, very well dressed and able to drive a VW combi van by the time they are 10! Best of luck with everything and for what it's worth I think the shoes are really lovely, kind of like comfy slippers for relaxing in the evening. Ruth in Dublin.

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  2. Great job, A!!! I laughed about the baby eel! I think the shoes are adorable and I make things to soothe myeslf, too. :o)
    I love the tips about how much fabric you used for each piece; I am making our own nappies and plan to use old clothes marked for charity. Can't wait to see more.

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  3. gorgeous! adorable little shoes! x

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  4. Can I have those shoes in big size please?! Nah just kidding, they are all so beautiful. S/he will be grateful for all your efforts one day…I love hearing about the things my mum made for us.

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  5. i'm really loving the textures and the colours, beautifully made. you, no doubt, have an amazing eye for details. they will look good on your baby i'm sure.

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  6. They're all so beautiful - do you take requests?! I love the ribbons too, so lovely.

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  7. You are so clever,these are the most gorgeous baby clothes ever, much nicer than the soppy ones in the shops.
    You,re going to have the coolest baby ever.
    Move over Suri Cruise,there's a new kid on the block!
    X

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  8. They're very lovely!

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  9. Really lovely baby clothes! Kinda makes me wish I was a tiny baby again..haha;)

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  10. Oh these are so perfectly beautiful! x

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  11. They are adorable and look as though they come from a posh, bespoke shop! Very clever ... Love Claire xxx

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  12. I love this little collection. One very stylish little baba you are going to have.

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  13. What a beautiful little collection! I'm sure baby will be very comfy in those. :)

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  14. What a lovely layette. You have the makings of a new business there.

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  15. I'm not into baby or wedding related anything...but somehow your amazing eye & creativity are keeping me hooked :-)

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  16. Those baby shoes are the cutest things i have ever seen. Ever.

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  17. I just did a little dance at how cute the little t-shirt is! I love the idea of cashmere baby clothes too...your little sproglette is going to be a lucky little thing! xxx

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  18. baby posts usually make me turn off (I'm a bit over them even though my too are 9&12!), but i have a feeling i'll never be bored by your baby posts!!
    love the super duper clothes you are whipping up, keep it up, anything to keep your sanity!! that sort of attitude will help you when you have a real one in your arms!

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  19. Oh I want them - way to cute and I'd love to loge around in them. Once again your creativity is so inspiring!

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  20. You are amazing! Possibly some of the cutest baby clothes I have seen... those navy pants xx

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  21. "the little naked one" I love that line, so gorgeous.

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  22. oh my gosh, you are a genius! They are so perfectly beautiful! I love the shoes especially. I think it's such a beautiful way to recycle fabric, each piece has come from somewhere special like your van! making things really does help with the bonding process - enjoy!

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  23. Anonymous6.6.12

    haha! you are actually hilarious (and ridiculously talented) I am sure the nappy shaped munchkin is gonna love their new outfits!

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  24. So gorgeous - perhaps your business will branch out into baby wear, too, these would sell like hot cakes :)

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  25. These are amazing! Yours is going to be one stylish little bundle! I just can't believe you actually made all of them from your head. Clever head! Xx

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  26. Anonymous7.6.12

    Beautiful xx

    Joan

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  27. Hi! I made all my daughter's baby clothes as well. I bought second hand baby clothes from the op shop and took them apart for the pattern then used old fabric like you. At least I knew they'd fit!! Yours are beautiful for a boy or girl child. XX

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  28. Gorgeous :) You're such a perfectionist, I think they look lovely :)

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  29. LOVE THESE - making baby pants is my favorite hobby - Also try these:http://www.woodsywoman.com/index.php/2012/06/summer-baby-pants/ - hope you like!

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  30. So lovely and personal, Artemis; you have one very lucky baby growing in there! :)

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  31. Gorgeous! Your baby is so lucky!

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  32. Anonymous7.6.12

    soooo lovely !

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  33. Vibecke7.6.12

    You are so creative! Adorable!!!

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  34. I love this post, your baby will be well dressed and creative for sure

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  35. The little clothes and shoes are SO gorgeous! :o)

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  36. I think the shape of the shoes is lovely - and the choice of fabrics is beyond cute!

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  37. brilliant! I love the colours and the little bits of ribbon. just perfect.

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  38. This is probably one of the best things I've seen on the internet recently! Your little one will be ridiculously stylish!

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  39. Stephanie9.6.12

    Oh, I have been waiting for this post ;)one word: amazing! This is your calling me thinks :) what a smart idea to re-use old clothes. Keep it coming please: toys, decoration (a DYI mobile perhaps?), announcement cards,...

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  40. Stephanie - I just read your comment after posting the above post! How funny you read my mind!

    Thank you for your very kind words : ) xxx

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  41. These are so adorable and cute. And completely full of love. x

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  42. your bubba is going to be the best dressed kid in town!!!

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  43. These baby clothes are beautiful....well done for being so creative and hands on....and you're right the clothes need to be soft and non restrictive and easy to wash:)

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  44. waaah these are amazing! i just discovered your blog! i like it a lot!!! thanks for sharing all this :)

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  45. gorgeous! adorable little shoes! x

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  46. i'm really loving the textures and the colours, beautifully made. you, no doubt, have an amazing eye for details. they will look good on your baby i'm sure.
    http://www.dotcom-baby.com/

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