Burp Cloth How-To

Yesterday, Wednesday, was once again a devoted machine embroidery day at Chez Goodneedle! There have been some inquiries into how the burp cloths I crank out are created. I have included extra photos, below, to give you more details on the front and back. I start the whole process with Gerber 6-ply, pre-folded, premium diapers. I pre-wash and press them flat before beginning the embellishment. My primary objection to using them without binding is the raggedy edge that becomes more pronounced after a trip through the washer. That would only get worse the more they are washed and dried, (with these items launder-ability is key!) however, once they're trimmed up they're good to go wash after wash! I place the design onto the diaper so that the base of the embroidery field is at least 1.25" from the bottom edge to accommodate the ribbon trim. Once the embroidery design is completed I cut two strips of coordinating binding fabric, on the bias, 15" X 2". (The diapers measure 13" across the short edges, 15" allows the necessary one inch "tuck under" allowance on either side.) I attach this strip, on both the top and the bottom of the burp cloth with a 1/4" seam. Then, a trip to the ironing board where the strips are pressed away from the burp cloth and the opposite strip edge is folded and pressed under 1/4". The strip ends get tucked in, even with the diaper edges at this point, and pressed likewise. Then, the ribbon (I use grosgrain ribbon, 7/8" wide) is applied across the face of the burp cloth and carefully pinned so that when it is top stitched in place it will secure the folded edge of the binding on the back side. I tuck the ribbon ends in and under the binding on the sides at this point and press flat. (Check pin placement carefully to make sure you're on the ribbon edge- front, and folded strip edge- back.) Stitch the ribbon in place, backstitching at the ends, remove from the machine and trim the threads. Voilà; you're done! Toss the completed burp cloth over your shoulder, add baby, pat gently!

Life is Good!

Be Happy Tip #5:
Get a move on - Being physically active makes you happy. Find some activity you like to do and notice how it changes your mood: any kind of sport, dance and yoga. Make a habit of being active in any way you feel like.

Burping Baby

Yesterday I made up half a dozen of these cute, flannel "burp cloths" for my grandson-to-be. My daughter will need them if family history is any indicator! The pattern came to me from Cheryl over at Polka Dots & Rick Rack. She's also expecting a grandson, at about the same time! I measured the pattern and figured I could make six from 1 1/2 total yards of fabric, 3/4 yard each: fronts, and the same for the coordinating backs. One thing I didn't count on though, something new to me, a prominent printed label a good 3/4" up and off the selvage! Has anyone encountered this before? I measured only 41" of usable fabric across the width after subtracting for the printed label. I hope this isn't a new trend! Anyway, I have more burp cloths to make, these are quick and fast. I added a plain inner flannel layer, inside, to give these a little more "substance." I have some software for personalized burp pads made from cloth diapers, too. Let the spitting begin, Mom and Dad will be ready for anything!

Life is Good!

*burp*

Babies aren't burping the same way today as they were a generation ago. Well, physically they are... they're still hoisted up onto Mom's shoulder while their tiny backs are rubbed and patted; but they're doing it with a lot more style and panache! Take a stroll through any baby boutique nowadays and you'll see what I mean. Gone are the days of burping your baby on a plain white, unadorned, cloth diaper. Today's burb cloths are trimmed with designer fabrics and all dressed up with ribbon, trim and fancy embroidery; plus, they are pricey little items. "I could make these and save tons of money", I thought recently. My daughter has a friend whose baby daughter, Anna, is due soon; and these would be perfect gifts to welcome her little girl. Whenever I have these creative thoughts rationalized by saving money I get myself into trouble, I know that, but how could I go wrong here? I purchased a dozen cloth diapers, specially packaged at a discount price. I prewashed them... the serged edges came out of the dryer a little raggedy and worse for the wear. "The ribbon trim will hide that", I imagined. I spent the morning in my software design program creating these embroideries to stitch out. I spent the afternoon embellishing the burb cloths with embroidery and then creating binding for the edges which, I discovered, became impossible to "neaten" up. I found fabric to make the binding in my stash.I had to get in the car and drive to Hancock's to find the proper ribbon. I finally finished these up this morning after breakfast! Did I save tons of money? If you figure the supplies, my time, and two trips to the store, probably not! Did I enjoy every moment of the process? Absolutely! (I know my daughter's friend will love these and I'm guaranteed she won't be receiving duplicates of these little creations.) I saved the designs in a file, I'm thinking about how cute they would look on a hooded bath towel, or on matching bibs. Oh, and by the way, I still have ten more cloth diapers left over!

Life is Good!