Back to Work

 

Today was my first real attempt at sewing since little one was born...nedless to say, I didn't get much accomplished {besides snapping this cute photo of him while in his swing}. In spite of the yawn, it wasn't long before he was tired of it. Amazingly, he can sleep so soundly as long as I hold him, I guess I'll be a couch potato a little longer!

Using Cloth

 ...diapers, that is.  It's true, I've decided to use cloth diapers with my little guy.  We're only on week two, but it is turning out to be as easy as I had heard {and hoped} it would be.  I admit I feel a little hesitant sharing {on this blog or in person} the fact that I've decided to cloth diaper because of potential criticism.  However, I'm not going to worry about it, and instead, show you how cloth diapers are working for me {and if for some reason they stop working, I'll let you know about that too}.  I know that using cloth isn't for everyone, but, being a stay-at-home mom, I figured I'd give it a try.

So far my stash is pretty little, which means a little bit more urgent and carefully planned laundry for now.  I've purchased a couple of a few different types of diapers because I know that different people have different favorites, so this way I could see which were my favorite and then buy mostly those diapers.  I decided to use mostly pocket diapers because they have the convinience of an all-in-one, but can be adjusted with different inserts.  I also purchased some prefolds and diaper covers to pad my stash for now.  I've been using everything only with the inserts that came with them, that way I will know which I like best straight off the shelf {or out of the package in this case}.  Over the next few weeks I'll be giving my honest opinion about each type.  Since being a mom has added a bunch of new aspects to my life, I plan to share my adventures with you, but don't worry, I'm only adding to my blogging, not switching gears.  So, stay tuned!

Introducing Baby

{8 days old}

I figured it was about time I shared a picture of our newest addition to the Clover & Violet family. Our little guy is just over a month old now, and, in my {not so} humble opinion, one of the cutest babies I've ever seen. I'm pretty sure this month has gone by faster than any other, and the little guy seems to grow and change every day.  As often as I feel like I am trapped on the couch just holding him {because he doesn't want to be put down if he's awake, and if he was asleep, he often wakes up}, I try to keep reminding myself that he will be grown up before I know it {he's already lost that newborn look}.

{4 weeks old}

I'm finally starting to be able to get a few things done during nap-time though, so hopefully there will be a few new designs in the coming weeks.  I've got a tutorial in the works for a super easy baby quilt {hardly a pattern}.  The car seat quilt turned out to be a success, so there should be some patterns in the shop in the near future {it is also great for keeping other people's hands off baby, one lady even tugged at it, but since it was attached, she couldn't!}.  Also, I'm dreaming up a new diaper bag that's a little larger too, and with my mom's help we should have our first prototype soon.  But, I hear crying, so I guess this nap is over.  Until next time...

Shopaholic: Clutterbags

2 in 1 Pleated Wristlet/Clutch

I've done quite a bit of shopping on Etsy in the last few months, for both baby things and things for me, so I thought it was about time I shared some of my purchases with you. I wanted to start with something I received as a gift first. My mom bought me this adorable clutch from Clutterbags to carry my stuff in the diaper bag with. For some reason I really like orange and aqua right now {maybe because it is such a great combination and matches my Cotton Blossoms bag...}, so this orange bag was perfect. It is actually larger than I had imagined, and makes the perfect mini purse. I'm now eying a few different fabrics, they're just so lovely!

Stash Project of the Month: February

I didn't imagine I'd get much sewing done with a newborn, but thought that maybe I'd at least get one project done this month.  Well, it turns out Baby is a little more demanding than I'd hoped {I barely escape to the shower during naptime!} and sleeps less than I'd wished {maybe two hours together!}.  But I keep reminding myself that everyone says these days pass too quickly, and sure enough, this first month has disappeared without even trace.

So, instead of creating anything new, I did a little organizing whenever I got the chance.  Since I hate to throw away scraps of any size, I decided to keep them all organized in zippy bags by fabric line, that way, should I want to make something {say, a scrappy pincushion?}, they are all there.  I also bundled the yardage I have as well, to keep dust out, since I never know which I'm going to use sooner or later.  The result was exactly what I was hoping for.  No more scrounging around, and no more missing pieces.  While I am not generally the most organized person, I really feel accomplished when I do finish an organization project.  Now, hopefully I'll be able to get a project done for March {which is almost here already}.

If you're joining me in this resolution, I'd love to see what your February project is, just leave a link in the comments!