clutch "Diaper Pocket" Pad

{Exclusive Invitation}

Congrats to you! You may not have had front row seats to the Academy Awards last weekend, but you are officially invited to the viewing of the 1st item in my "Travel Line" of simple sewing tutotials. {Wink&giggle...;)}
Introducing, The "Clutch" Diaper Pocket Pad {Pattern&Tutorial}!


If you missed my last post about the inspiration for this travel inspired project you can get the background here. {I always like to share why I decided to make something--then you can better understand how this crazy brain of my works!:)}

Now before you begin, lets talk fabric. A cute cotton print for the outside and soft material {flannel, fleece, minky, etc} for the inside will work wonderfully. Although I used a white microfleece for the inside of the pad I made during the tutorial, I wouldn't recommend it for obvious reasons...but it was what I had on hand.:)

Pictured below are a few changing pads I made {and one that my friend Janeen made} and just rolled up. If there is enough interest {let me know in the commments or email me} I can show you how I actually made some pads like this--they just don't have the pocket for the diaper/wipes, but they roll up nicely to throw into a diaper bag and then into the wash.

I would call this a very easy project...and I'm a beginner. I think it would be a great one for someone who just got a machine or who hasn't used one in a while. {Been there...not so long ago!} I'd like to think that ANYONE could follow this tutorial, but I guess we'll see!:)
*{Please feel free to follow my pattern&tutorial in this post to make as many of these as you wish , but please do not make them for profit without my permission.}*
Intro: 2 sizes are included in this pattern--Infant and Toddler. Once you print the pattern feel free to adjust it to your needs if the sizes I provided don't work for you. Have fun and good luck!
Clutch"Diaper Pocket" Pad {pattern&tutorial} by Toad

What you'll need:

-A computer to download the pattern and a printer to print the pieces. Download the pattern here.
-Material for the inside and outside of the pad {see pattern for deminsions}
-4 inches of velcro {I used the sew-on, but I'm sure the iron on would work too.}
-About an hour of time {most likely less!}










































And if you've made through the post this far you deserve a pat on the back and a chance to win one of these!:) So, I'm going to give away 2 of these great little prizes! Just leave a comment telling me if you'd like one for a boy or a girl and you are entered to win.

Now, if you don't sew, but would still like one of these babies I did stick a few in my Etsy shop. I usually don't sew items to sell --for a number of reasons--but the thought of some sweet mom laying her baby on one of those dirty changing tables softened my sewing heart.:)

I hope you like and use this pattern! And don't worry, I still have a few more family trip pictures to post...:).

Read more: http://ashbyfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/clutch-diaper-pocket-pad-pattern.html#ixzz1K7rDN5Lc

Toddler Trundle Bed

Toddler Trundle Bed Tutorial

Today I'm going to show you how I constructed the toddler trundle bed that I created for the SYTYC audition.

First, I measured the space under my queen bed to see how much space I had to work with. It ended up being approximately 24" x 44" if I wanted to clear my nightstand.  The height could be a maximum of 6" tall. I have included quite a few pictures to show you the process step by step.  Please pardon the messy garage. 
I used 1 x 4's to make the frame.  Mark the 1 x 4 at 24" and cut. Repeat so you end up with two pieces of this size.

Then measure to 43" and cut.  Repeat so you have two pieces of this size.

 I used glue to give it a stronger bond before I used the staple gun.

Staple wood pieces together to make the frame.

Now you need to cut four 45 degree triangles for the corners.  This allows for the inside frame to have support and will be where we install the casters.

 
I used glue again and then stapled it into the corners.

 

Attach 4 small casters in each corner.

 

Here is what we have so far.  Now we are going to move on to the inner frame that will support the foam mattress. 

I used 1 x 2's for the inner frame.  You will make this frame slightly smaller.  Measure your inside dimensions of your 1 x 4 frame and take a half inch off the length and width. Measure your 1 x 2 and cut the 4 pieces out.

Glue and staple frame together.

Now you are ready to attach the jute onto the frame.  Measure out your frame and decide how many pieces of jute you think you'll need.  I ended up using 4 pieces running the length of the frame and 8 pieces running the width. Staple them to the edge of your frame.  Space them evenly.

 Now you will need to weave the jute through and staple at the edge.

Here is the backside of the frame.  This shows you the location of where I put the staples. You will need to put in two extra supports running the width of the frame so that it gives it a little more support.  I don't have a picture showing this step, but if you have questions let me know.

Now set in frame to see if it fits.

The next step is to fill and sand the edges.  Then you are ready to paint the frame.

Now install the handle on the side. For the mattress I used 3" thick foam. I cut it to size using an electric bread knife. This is the easiest way to cut through foam.  It slices it like butter.  Place the foam on top of the jute frame. The bed is essentially complete.  Sheets will need to be made to fit since it is an unusual size.  I found instructions here to make your own fitted sheets.  Also, you might want to consider making a waterproof mattress cover as well since it is a toddler bed.  To complete the project I made the comforter and pillow case.

My daughter has already put it to use as you can see.