Custom Baby Layette

My friend Alma is expecting her first baby, Vivian! It’s so exciting! I offered to make the baby something and, well, here’s where I am at.

Baby Layette
Baby Layette

It’s SO SCARY making newborn items, especially for a first born. I mean, I’ve done this 4 times myself, and all the fussing that goes on in mama’s head, whether you hear it or not, about what to put the baby in….oh my. And it doesn’t change with more babies. The only thing that changes is you know you do not want to put things OVER the babies head if you can avoid it….wrap-style shirts are best, and layers….and Teflon coated. You find your preferences. But you still run around like a chicken with its head cut off.

This is the inspiration photo mama-to-be sent me along with ‘cream and pale pink’ being influences:

Inspiration
Inspiration

While the fabric I chose fits with the colors and the modern, it’s not exactly as soothing as perhaps it should be….I may have to tweak things a bit. The fabric is from Red Rooster’s Giselle line here gifted to me from my mom. It’s a quilting cotton…I dunno. I was thinking of linen…but even the Essex yarn dyed I have after washing doesn’t quite seem soft enough and it’s too wrinkly to pack around. Then I was thinking just a light, high quality muslin in cream. Sigh. I’m settling on the Red Rooster for now. Maybe I’ll use some leftover with the linen for the bonnet?? Help? Ideas?

Also borrowed from my mom is this book:

Cute Clothes For Kids
Cute Clothes For Kids

And guess what! It DOES have cute clothes for kids! hahaha. Here’s a shot of the romper I’m making…I wanted to make it for Zoe, but it’s only in sizes 3 months – 9 months.

Romper
Romper

Alma and sweet baby Vivian are in Texas, so I’m not terribly concerned about the wear-ability regarding weather…but I was a little bummed out that the book cover reads Cute Clothes For Kids…..0-5 year olds, but not each pattern is for 0-5 year olds. This is my first experience with a book’o’patterns. I knew about this part before going into it – the multi-pattern print:

Pattern Pages
Pattern Pages

You can’t just cut a pattern out – not even one. For the romper, I need both A1 and A3 in the photo above. So, Swedish Tracing Paper to the rescue! That’s fine, I expect and even prefer that, but just 3-9 months? Pffft. That’s pretty lame. Anyway, I like Swedish tracing paper. It’s really easy to work with.

Swedish Tracing Paper
Swedish Tracing Paper

I REALLY wanted to use an Ottebre pattern for this project but didn’t order my subscription in time for Viv’s arrival, so….I’m going with this one. It’s VERY similar to the Burda Romper so far…I’ll let you know which I like better.

I have enough fabric left over to make a few more things to matchy-match….like a bonnet, and…a faux chenille blanket even thought I said I’d never make another one…and I’d like to still make a kimono-style shirt for under the romper for little tiny baby…we shall see. I’ll need to find a kimono-style pattern I even like….ugh, come on Ottebre, hurry up and get here!!!

I have a chubby 15 month old that likes to make zombie noises while she pulls on her dad’s monitor cords….it’s hard to remember already what little tiny newborns are like.

OH! The best part?!??!?!? Alma and family live in Texas!!! No, that’s not the best part…because then I don’t actually get to hold and love on new baby, but the best part is I found Cowgirl Snaps on Etsy!!! I’m totally finishing the romper straps with while pearl snaps. I’m so happy. I’m gonna Texas-pearl-snap everything!

OH, almost forgot…I have a few bonnet patters and I’m torn between the amazing Alicia Paulson pattern and this one in the Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.