Sew Unbalanced

sew_It_Yourselfsource

Seems like my life is just dashing past me.  I have such good intentions, but spend my days doing projects for others.  Rarely do I get any creative “ME” time these days.  And I don’t know about you, but if I don’t get my crafting time, I get bitchy.  Really bitchy.

And yes, I’m selfish like that.  Although I love my friends, I need my solitude.  I need to spend time inside my brain.  There’s so many projects in my head that it becomes overwhelming at times.  Not like crazy.  But more like frustrated that I can’t do MY OWN stuff.

sewcup

Selfish Seamstress – buy it HERE!

However, sometimes it’s not busyness.  It’s laziness.  Wait…maybe it’s not laziness at all.  Maybe I’m simply EXHAUSTED!  By the time I finish taking care of everyone else’s crap, I have absolutely no energy to do the things I want to do for myself, my family and my home.

As a New Year’s resolution this year, I promised myself that I would not volunteer to help others with their projects.  You may think that’s rotten of me, but understand that everyone thinks I have nothing to do all day.  Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t need me to do put together a small gift basket, do a little alteration on their new dress, or help them with a quick craft project.  Although I want to scream, “LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!”…I succumb to the pressure and give in to their requests.  And this builds resentment.  And quite honestly, I’ve had enough.  I really need to take the advice of Elaine, the Selfish Seamstress.

Maximum-Fashion-Seamstresses-By-Momchil-Hristov-front

photo source

But here’s the thing—I genuinely LIKE helping others.  Actually, I probably thrive on it.  Sad, I know.  So I’m thinking my problem is more one of BALANCE.  Yep.  How the heck do the rest of you do it?  Between family, friends, housekeeping, school, blogging, sewing, decorating, etc.—Tell me how you find balance in your life.

lisasiggie2

Sew Gifts for a new Baby Boy – Bibs, Burp Cloths, Blankets, Clothing and More

BabyGarritano

Sewing for a new girl is so much easier than a boy.  So I figured I’d share some ideas on simple sewing projects to put together a great baby boy gift basket.

Boy Fabrics

boyprints 001

Gone are the days of being limited to bright primary colors and clown prints for boys.  When making gifts for a new baby boy, I choose either a base color of black or brown and then pick fabric prints to coordinate.  Here are some great prints I ordered online at the recent Fabric.com children’s print sale.

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Black Color Base

 CX4867_Charcoal CX4871_Black geeksgonewildpacman geeksgonewildspaceinvaders  CX4061_Black CX4388_Spice MMDC3893_BlackPPKAHERGYEMMCX4061_LagoonMMCX4388_TurqMMCX4305_TurqMMCX4376_Lagoon  MMCX2897_LagoonMMCX2897_Gray MMCX4253_LagoonMMCX3137_LagoonMMCX3755_StoneMMDC4133_LimeMMDC3890_AquaPPMMDC4159_Blackpp MMDC4151_BlackPPMMDC4153_GrayPPMMDC4153_BlackPP MMCX3745_Clementine CX4759_Brown CX4767_Black CX4892_Haze CX4869_Haze gail-c8397-multi  ETK-11005-49

Brown Color Base

AAK-11270-237 AAK-11271-167 ACY-10753-169 ALP-10770-169 MMCX1500_SpaMMCX3295_SkyMMCX2732_AquaAAK-10392-167 RKAMN-9873-193Z RKAMN-9871-193Z  CI2897_Boy KNIT CX4528_Linen  AAK-11271-167 EIP-11018-215CX4529_Linen EIP-11174-167 AIT-11860-169 ALP-11341-192 AKQ-11539-16 AKQ-11547-16

So, let’s start by figuring out what type of items to put in your baby boy basket.  The possibilities are endless—you’re only limited by your fabric stash and your time.  Here’s some ideas:

BURP CLOTHS

millie7

There are a several different kinds of burp cloths you can make.  I’ve made them all.  However,  this tutorial is by far my favorite.

Bottom Band

Crap I’ve Made Boutique Burp Cloth Tutorial

Fabric Covered

Prudent Baby’s DIY Burp Cloths

Center Band

Chickpea Sewing Studio Burp Cloth Tutorial

Diary of a Quilter Burp Cloth Tutorial

Just Another Hang Up Easy Burp Cloths

Fat Quarter Burp Rags by Diamonds, Fur and Laundry

burpcloth

A while back, I came up with an idea for a better burp cloth.  I drew out the pattern, but never tried it.  I’m lazy like that.  Perhaps you can use it and then patent it.

bucketburpees

Oh, and how clever is See Kate Sew’s Bucket O’ Burpees?  Love it!

BIBS

jakebib1

Bib come in so many different shapes and styles.  There are small teething bibs, large square bibs, and appliqué bibs.  Also there are several ways to fasten bibs—tie strings, snaps, buttons, and Velcro.  Or you can simple make one that slips over the baby’s head with either ribbed knit fabric or enclosed elastic.  When I’m pressed for time, I just embroider cute sayings on purchased blank bibs I pick up at the discount children’s store.

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However, when I have to do something for a special occasion (such as a Christening), I take out the silk shantung fabric…even if it’s for a boy…LOL!

Tipnut’s Baby Bib Patterns and Tutorials

appliqued-baby-bibs-free-pattern 

Appliquéd Bibs from a Spoonful of Sugar

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Lots of Pink Here’s Boutique Style Bib Tutorial

bibtut 

Sew She Sews Bib Tutorial

Zaaberry’s Scrappy Bib

Just Another Hang Up’s Pocket Bib

Catch-All Laminated Bib by Make It and Love It

Bapron (Baby Apron) from Craftiness is Not Optional

Easy Make – Easy Clean Bib from Sew Can Do

Fold n Go Travel Bib from B is for Boy

BLANKETS

Three Blankets from Sew4Home

Simply Blanket from Feathered Nest

Monogrammed Baby Blanket with Mitered Corners from Pink Suede Shoe

CLOTHING

Crap I’ve Made Appliqué Onesie

Baby Sleep Sack from Running with Scissors

Perfect Diaper Cover from MADE by Rae

Little Gentleman’s Faux Vest Onesie from B is for Boy

DIY Necktie Onesie from Haute Apple Pie

Newborn Overalls from Mad Quilter

Top Knot Baby Hat from Prudent Baby

DIY John John from Growing Home

Reversible John John from Growing Home

Baby Kimono Wrap from Bettsy Kingston

ACCESSORIES

Binky Clip Tutorial from Baby Night Night Boutique

Binky Clip Tutorial from Creations by Kara

Binky Leash from Sew4Home

Pacifier Clip from MADE by Rae

Changing Pad Cover from Prudent Baby

Changing Pad and Wipes Holder from Cluck, Cluck, Sew

Simple Changing Pad from Blissfully Content

Infant Scratch Mittens from Home Sweet Homebodies

jakebasket

Hope this gives you some ideas for the boys!  Now get sewing!

With Friendship,

lisa2

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