Getting Prepared

So, I've decided that I really need to get down to business on my baby crafting since it is all of a sudden July now! I've had a yard of my Western fabric in upholstery weight just waiting for me to turn it into a diaper bag.

I want a bag that is simple and non-fussy, something with a long strap to be worn like a messenger bag so that I can move around more freely. My instincts tell me that is going to be important. So I decided on the Diaper Bag pattern from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby. You may remember when I made the most adorable dress from the same book.

This bag worked up really quick and it was really easy to make. I love the book because Lotta writes super straightforward instructions and the projects are simple, but still unique and special. I love my bag! It has two pockets in the front for all manner of baby accessories (of which there are many.) The bag itself is big enough to hold tons of stuff. That is all anyone ever tells you about going out and about with baby; bring lots of stuff! But the bag is not over-sized either, which I appreciate. Ryan even digs it and since the pattern is pretty gender neutral he can sport that thing around town while maintaining a bit of his dignity.

To see what crafters are making from Lotta'a fabulous book, check out the group over on Flickr. There are other great patterns out there for diaper bags too. I looked at a really beautiful, grown up one in this book, and the adorable one in Handmade Beginnings. There is even a felted diaper bag in this one that I was thinking about knitting, but ultimately decided on the one above and it is perfect! Now, I'll just have to wait and see if its function matches its form.