Diaper Covers

 Back in January when I found out that we were expecting I purchased this diaper cover pattern offered by Green Pepper. I tucked it away for a few months, but then recently while shopping at JoAnn's I became re-inspired when I discovered their sweet little section of diapering patterns and fabric. I couldn't resist this package of super girly PUL fabric; to be honest I think the cupcake fabric sold me. : ) In the future I will probably sew the covers from solid white PUL as it is more cost efficient and sensible to wear beneath light color baby outfits, but still these three fabrics were fun to work with.

I lined the covers with flannel, as I had read somewhere that flannel made a good liner. Any suggestions on fabric for lining diaper covers?

 Several patterns I have found recommend using snaps, but this pattern suggested velcro. The velcro used on the exterior is the soft side and spans the entire front of the diaper so you can adjust the fit of the diaper as your baby grows.

One construction feature I found to be interesting was how the elastic was attached. In the past I have always created a casing and then pulled the elastic through the casing. This pattern recommended that you stitch the elastic directly to the seam allowance with a zig-zag stitch pulling as you sew. Then you pull the cover right side out and top stitch around the elastic sections, once again pulling as you go. It was a lot easier than I thought it might be, and I was pleased with the results.

Overall it was a fun, easy, and quick project. I look forward to purchasing some white PUL fabric next time I visit JoAnn's, as I hope to have a nice little collection of covers to accompany the fabric diapers we have purchased. But most of all I am looking forward to the dear little girl who will be wearing them!

Divided

AN EMPTY sky, a world of heather,
Purple of foxglove, yellow of broom;
We two among them wading together,
Shaking out honey, treading perfume.
Crowds of bees are giddy with clover,
Crowds of grasshoppers skip at our feet
Crowds of larks at their matins hang over,
Thanking the Lord for a life so sweet.
Flusheth the rise with her purple favour,
Gloweth the cleft with her golden ring,
’Twixt the two brown butterflies waver,
Lightly settle, and sleepily swing.
We two walk till the purple dieth
And short dry grass under foot is brown;
But one little streak at a distance lieth
Green like a ribbon to prank the down.

An excerpt from Jean Ingelow's poem "Divided".

I added some "new" vintage books to my Etsy shop this evening. Please be sure to stop by and take a peak. Besides this delightful copy of Jean Ingelow poetry I have listed a 1940's copy of "Wuthering Heights", a copy of "The Little Minister" dating the late 1800's, as well as, a couple other lovely books from the 1800's.

Hope you are all enjoying a lovely start to your week!

Happy 4th of July!

Then Pa began to sing. All at once everyone was singing:

“My country, ‘tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing….

“Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, Our King!”

The crowd was scattering away by then, but Laura stood stock still. Suddenly she had a completely new thought: God is America’s King.

She thought: Americans won’t obey any king on earth. Americans are free. That means they have to obey their own consciences. No king bosses Pa; he has to boss himself. Why (she thought), when I am a little older, Pa and Ma will stop telling me what to do, and there isn’t anyone else who had a right to give me orders. I will have to make myself good.

Her whole mind seemed to be lighted up by that thought. This is what it means to be free. It means, you have to be good. “Our father’s God, author of liberty-“ The laws of Nature and of Nature’s God endow you with a right to life and liberty. Then you have to keep the laws of God, for God’s law is the only thing that gives you a right to be free.

From “Little Town on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

May you all have a very blessed Fourth of July!

Clematis

 I have been excitedly watching the clematis growing by our back door. I noticed several blossoms last week and knew that it would not be long before the blossoms bloomed into an abundance of beautiful flowers. The other evening when we came home we were greeted with the first few flowers and today it is in full bloom!

Aren't they beautiful? I love the rich purple color.

Last week mom and I visited our favorite greenhouse; it is owned by a Mennonite family. They have the prettiest flowers and best deals. While there I spotted this little wagon planter and could not resist purchasing it. I thought it was a great idea since it can be used each year.

                           I hope you are all enjoying a lovely week! What is blooming in your gardens?




"How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24