MotherGoose Designs

Easy Baby Booties Tutorial

2012-01-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

Ive made these in preemie, newborn and infant sizes and they stay on the tiniest feet♥

First you make your pattern.

Preemie- 2.5" long, 1.5" wide for bottom of shoe. 1.25" long, 1.5" wide for top of shoe. 2"x4" for cuff.

newborn- 3.5" long, 2" wide for bottom of shoe. 1.75" long, 2' wide for top of shoe. 2.5"x4" for cuff.

infant- 4.5" long, 2.5" wide for bottom of shoe. 2.25" long, 2.5" wide for top of shoe. 3"x5" for cuff.

Round the edges of the top and bottom of shoe. Stretch should go across the width of the shoe and the smaller measurement of the cuff.

cut out pieces

Fold cuff pieces in half and sew(right sides together). Fold cuff in half, hiding the seam on the inside.

Sew top of shoe to bottom of shoe, right sides together. Only sew along the outside, rounded edge.

Line seam of cuff(folded in half) up with back of shoe, with cuff inside the inside out shoe.

Stretch seam and sew, lining up with back of shoe and top of shoe as you sew.

Flip shoe right side out and fold cuff down.

All done

I choose to sew these but you can serge them also. I just feel it adds bulk on teeny tiny sizes.

Undies and training undies

2010-01-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

side snapping trainers

pullon trainers

sensory undies

Birthday set

2010-01-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Presents!!!! OBV pillowcases and more

2010-01-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

OBV teething doll

OBV undies:

Matching gengerbread sets:

Blanket/jammies sets:

OBV pillowcases:

2009 Halloween Costumes

2010-01-01T16:23:00.000-08:00

Customer Reviews

2009-04-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have a TON of customers who are local, or contact me through a friend and have nowhere to leave their reviews:( So I am making a space for them to leave reviews and pictures if they would like.

Bows

2009-04-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Twirly dresses

2009-04-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Tunics

2009-01-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

Footed Longies Picture Tuturial

2008-10-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

These are super duper easy to make. If you can sew a straight line and stitch on elastic you are ready:)

Measuring:

waist-around waist where you would like the pants to fit. My toddler prefers low rise, hip huggers(and even if she didnt thats where the would fall bc she has no waist lol). I make my 6 month old's pants fit 1" over her cloth diaper in the front and back.
rise- from top of waistline in front, down between legs to top of waistline in back.
thigh-around thigh
inseam- from crotch to floor.(not ankle)
foot length(bottom)- from heel to end of big toe.
foot width(top and bottom)- across widest part of foot. For the top you want to measure from the bottom of the foot up over the top to the other side.
foot length(top)- length of foot top.

Materials:
Fleece or wool(recycled or interlock) *If recycled wool sweater sleeves are used you will have less sewing.*
Elastic for ankles and waist if you choose elastic waisted style.
optional knit for top of foot

Cutting Fabric:
**Important**
You want the pants to stretch width wise. I also prefer the feet to stretch length wise.

Fold your fleece/wool in half and cut pants so the stretch is going width wise. For the width measurement i multiply the waist measurement by 1.5" and divide that by 2.(bc you will have 2 pieces) For the length measurement i add 1/2 of the rise to the inseam and add an inch for seams. I cut a rectangle that is 5" wide and 16" long.(Kaela has a 7" inseam and 16" rise. 7" +8" = 15" +1" seam allowance). ****For a cuffed waist you will want this measurement to be 2" smaller than the inseam + 1/2 rise****Kaela's ankle is 5" around so measure down 8" from the top(for the rise) and toper the leg so it is 3" at the ankle(its folded in half so this will be 6"). You will cut 2 of these.
*for recycled wool sweater sleeves you will cut the sleeve at a right ankle to the underarm seam. Trim the length to inseam+ 1/2 rise+ 1". Cut slit on outer seam down 1/2 rise measurement. You can skip down to the sewing part. Adding elastic will be a little trickier but you can skip that step and you can just sew on the feet and add the waistband or elastic.*
Folded your piece should look like this:

Unfolded it will look like this:

For the feet i cut 2 fleece ovals(length=foot length+1", width=foot width=1"). I kind of taper these so the heel is smaller than the toe area.
Then i cut 2 fleece pieces and 2 knit pieces(length=foot top length+1", width = foot top width+1") *knit upper is optional*

Sewing your footies:
1. Attach elastic at ankle. For my 6 month old is sew the elastic 1.5" from the bottom of the leg, for my 2 year old i sew it 2.5" from the bottom of the leg stretching as i go.

2. Sew/serge the leg seam from foot to crotch.

3. Contour the front of the leg on each side. I cut a half circle out 3/4 of an inch from the elastic to the bottom. ONLY ON THE FRONT SIDE.

4. Place one leg inside the other with right sides together. Sew the crotch seam(u shaped).

Pants will look like this:

5. Place the foot part, bottom side up on the table. Place the top piece(upside down) on top. If you choose to have a knit upper it will go here. Place the fleece layer on top. Your upper pieces will be slightly larger than the sole. As you sew make sure you are matching the edges up. This will make the foot have a shoe shape instead of being flat.

6. Turn the "shoe" right side out. with the pants inside out side the shoe inside the bottom of the leg with the top of the foot matched up with the contoured front of the pants.

7. Sew the foot to the bottom of the leg, matching edges. You will need to slide the shoe portion inside the foot. Make sure your edges match. Go slow and adjust as needed.

Pants will look like this:

8. At this point you can either add an encased elastic waist or a cuffed waist band of fleece/wool.
For a cuffed waist measure a piece 1.5" smaller than your waist measurement and 4" wide. You want this piece to stretch length wise. Sew short ends together with right sides together. This will create a tube. Fold tube in half with wrong sides together. Turn pants right side out and place cuff around the waist, matching edges. I line up the seam on the waistband with the back seam of the pants. Sew the cuff on, stretching tight as you go. This will make the waist fit and stretch, but the bum will still be big enough to accomidate cloth booties.

For an elastic waist you will fold the top down 1/2" and stitch all the way around, leaving a 1" gap. Thread elastic through casing, sew ends together and then sew hole closed.

Finished pants:

elastic waisted and cuff waisted pants:

OBV tees, footies and sets!!!!

2008-10-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ok i havent posted pics in a bit bc ive been swamped with orders. But this week i decided to work in some cooler weather items for the girls:)

OCV/knit tee and fleece footies set for kaela(sorry for the crooked pic)

here she is in the footies and an OBV tee:

owl tee:

owl fleece footies:

matching fleece footies for the girls:

kenzie's have no-skid feet:

OBV tee and wool longies for kaela:

OBV tee:

wool longies:

wool footies:

Adorable matching apron tops

2008-08-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

I made these for the girls this week...well, i started them a month ago but i finished them this week!!!!
Makaela:

Mackenzie:

Mackenzie was very excited about her "big girl pants" lol. She has never worn jeans before and loves them!!!!

And just for kicks here's my coordinating top:

Hand dyed OCV and OBV pads!!!!

2008-08-17T23:02:00.001-07:00

These orders were sooooooo much fun!!! I love the way the colors turned out:)~

Denim OCV pads:

Full order(lavender, turquoise and denim OCV, blue/green OBV)

OCV LWI dyed teen package-very bright and colorful!!!!

OBV hand dyed pads:

OCV hand dyed pads:

Recent Customs

2008-08-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

OCV pads:

LWI dyed OCV:

LWI dyed OBV and OCV:

OCV:

wool soakers:

Cloth Pad Fabric Comparisons:

2008-08-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Upper Fabrics(will go up against you)
Silk noil/Raw silk:Raw silk or Silk Noil, is a heavy weave of silk that has not been stripped. This heaviness of fibers come from a protein created by silk worms, called Sericin. Sericin is a natural protein and has proven anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities. Feels nubby in texture but not scratchy.
Organic Bamboo Velour(OBV):Bamboo velour is naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and sustainable!!! It is very soft and silky.
Organic Cotton Velour: Super soft cotton fabric. Very breathable.
Organic Hemp Fleece: Hemp has antibacterial properties and is perfect for treating and preventing yeast infections. It is soft and textured. Hemp fleece starts off really fluffy but depending on the quality of your water can loose its 'fluffiness'.
Minkee: Polyester material. Very soft, cuddley and silky. Wicks moisture away from you so you feel dry. Is not absorbent on its own, the moisture only passes through. Does not hold stains.
Cotton Flannel : 100% cotton, soft but will become pilly from washing. The cheapest option for mama cloth material. Available in tons of colors and prints. Will hold stains easier because it is 100% cotton.

Soaker layers:
Hemp terry or fleece: Very absorbent. Has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Trim and breathable.
Cotton terry: Very absorbent and trim.

Barrier Layer:
PUL: waterproof, laminated material often used in cloth diapers and covers. Does not breathe well.
Fleece: Water resistant, soft polyester material. Breathes better than PUL.
Wool: All natural water resistant material. Very breathable.
Hemp Fleece: Non waterproof but absorbent. Used in All natural pads. Very breathable. Great for mamas who are sensitive to synthetics and wool.

LMK if there is something i have left out or forgotten. Thanks

Some stuff for the kids.....

2008-08-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

Fleece soaker and skirty for Kaela:

soaker:

skirty:

Birthday dress for Kenzie:

action pics to come:)

Cloth Pad Care

2008-08-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Caring for your cloth pads is really simple, especially if you cloth diaper also. Here is the simple process i recommend to all my customers.
1) Store used pads in a waterproof bag, bucket or any other handy container. i personally use a hanging wetbag that i keep in the master bathroom. Spraying or rinsing pads is optional. I do not spray or rinse and have never had a stain.
2) When wash day arrives, i recommend washing every 2-3 days, empty pads into washer. (I wash mine with my daughter's diapers.) Soak with 1/4 cup baking soda in cold water. Spin water out.
3) Wash pads on warm or hot followed by a cold rinse.
4) Hang dry or throw in dryer.
Thats it!!!!! Like i said i do not presoak, spray or rinse and have not had a stain in 3 years:) If you do not cloth diaper, you can wash pads with towels, sheets or anything else you wash on warm or hot.

My journey with cloth pads.....the benefits of cloth explained

2008-08-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, i know what you're thinking....
"Is she serious??!?? Cloth pads??? Gross!!!"
I thought the same thing when i first heard of cloth pads 3 years ago when i first discovered cloth diapering. I remember telling my husband when he came home from work about the "wierd, hippie mamas" on the cloth diapering forum who used cloth menstrual pads. After grossing him out-yes, i was trying to- i swore that i would never do that.....well, that didnt last very long lol.
As the end of my first pregnancy neared its end, i stumbled across a post wheere a mama was talking about trying cloth pads bc she was allergic to sposies. Being a first time mom, i was completely unaware that i could not use tampons post partum. I remembered that I too was allergic to sposies and that is the reason i had always used tampons. So I decided that it couldnt be "that" bad and i would try it.
When i returned home from the hospital with my new daughter i was dying to try them bc i had the worst rash from the hospital sposie pads. I was hooked as soon as i tried the first one. Believe it or not I could not even feel it. It was a nice change from the pillow i was forced to wear between my legs in the hospital.
When my daughter was 3 months old, despite EBF-ing, AF returned. I was prepared. I had created a nice stash of homemade pads. I spent the few months perfecting my pattern and researching materials and testing new ideas. As I continued to use my pads personally I discovered a few benefits for choosing cloth over sposie pads.

1) Cloth pads do NOT stink!!! Yes, its true. That is enough to convert almost anyone(and to win over DH as well).
2) AF "symptoms" will decrease or disappear altogether! Sposie pads contain chemicals which essentially "draw" the fluid from you. This creates cramping, heavy flow and other not so lovely side effects. Since switching over to cloth my periods have gone from 5-7 days (at least 3 super heavy) to 2-3 days (very light). I also have not have cramping, nausea or migraines that used to send me to my bed for 2-3 days every month.
3) AF will shorten and lighten.(see #2)
4) Cloth is comfy. It does not stick to you, chafe you or crinkle when you walk. I cant even tell i have a pad on!!
5) You will never have to run to the store bc you have "run out" of pads. (This is also a huge plus with DH)
6) It may seem silly, but it is actually really nice to put on a custom dyed, squishy cloth pad when Af comes. It almost makes you look forward to its arrival. Almost.

There are sooo many other reasons cloth is better. You can customize you own pads from choosing length, to absorbancy, to fabric and even different styles. I also love that im not throwing anything away. I HATE buying something that will be in the trash in a few days (toilet paper, papaer towels, diapers, pads). It just seems very wasteful, in my opinion. When i buy something i want to be able to use it and enjoy it. I get to enjoy my cloth pads and, boy, do they last. I still have , and use, some of the first pads i made 3 years ago.

Coming later.....cloth pad care and benefits of different materials for cloth pads.

August Customs List

2008-08-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Robin P.- (trade) 12 OCV heavy/regular pads. Red, bright yellow and bright orange.
Shipped August 4, 2008

Marina P.- 12 OBV all natural serged 12" pads. 12 OCV all natural serged 12" pads.

Pinella H.-12 pack grab bag. 7-10" heavy, 5-12" PP. Dark colors.

Shipped August 10, 2008

Heather L.-12 OCV heavy pads. 6-10" and 6-12". LWI and solid dyed.

Shipped August 10, 2008

Anna G.- 1 flannel 12" apples and cherries print overnight pad.

Shipped August 6, 2008

Jenny B.- 3 OCV 12" regulars. LWI dyed. T&T. (10% tester discount.)

Shipped August 10, 2008

Tammy L.-12 minkee t&t pads. 4-8" light, 4-8" regular, 4-10" heavy. dark colors. red, brown, fuschia, navy, purple, dark brown w/pink dots.

Kari H.- teen serged package. 4-5" liners, 4-6" lights, 4-7" regulars. LWI dyed OCV