To Sew or Not to Sew

My mom can whip out the most amazing clothes and creations without ever consulting a picture or pattern.  She made every special-occassion dress I can think of as I was growing up and she and my mother-in-law just collaborated on our daughter's christening gown.  It's breathtaking.  I love that Mom could share herself with me in such a special way.  I am not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm considering carrying on the tradition (at least to some extent) by making our daughter's Christmas dress this year.  I'm looking for a no-sew or easy-sew pattern or idea that will fit well over our baby girl's round little belly and fluffy cloth-diapered bum.  These little kimono dresses seem to fit the bill.  So what do you think?  Do you have any experience making clothes for little ones?  Any tips? Inspiration?  Feedback on styles?



http://www.newbornbabyzone.com/baby-clothes/fabulous-outfits-for-a-baby-girl/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32049528/christmas-dress-michael-miller-yule

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60484998/how-to-sew-a-reversible-baby-dress-with

http://www.bitsybirdie.com/servlet/the-16/super-soft-organic-cotton/Detail

http://whatdidshedotoday.typepad.com/what_did_she_do_today/tutorial/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62271124/reversible-kimono-dress-pdf-pattern?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=baby+kimono+dress&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade

Diaper Bag: Update

Yay for free stuff that rocks!

After many (way too many) hours searching the web and scouring the sparse selection at the BX, I gave up on trying to find the perfect diaper bag and just made one.  Note - I am NOT a seamstress.  I actually had to go through and watch some online video tutorials so I could run the sewing maching without killing anything...

So, long story short, here's the bag!

• filled with sposies at the moment, but designed to fit up to 8 cloth dipes (so probably 4 cloth dipes plus change of clothes, toy etc. - enough for half a day out or so)
• cell phone, small notepad, and pens are easy-access on the side :)
• Wipes, bibs, paci, bags, and mama's stuff fit in the outside pockets so no rummaging in the bag for what we need
• side pocket fits a water bottle or baby bottle - heck yeah!
• 100% machine washable

Used an old pair of my husband's ABUs, a shirt I found free at Airman's Attic on base, and the strap from a bag I also found for free at Airman's Attic.  The only thing I bought was thread.  Wahoo!

Mission Accomplished :D