Magic blanket binding/Baby blankets

I came across a tutorial on the blog Family, Fabric, and Fun for magic blanket binding. With this method, the front piece is cut smaller than the back, and the extra part of the back fabric becomes the binding.

The monkey blanket below is my second attempt at this method. I used fleece for the backing and then sewed down a strips of satin material as a border on the fleece. Then I followed the tutorial for sewing the blanket together. My corners didn't come out completely flat as the satin and fleece didn't stretch quite the same way (I tried to treat them as one piece of fabric), but I think it turned out cute.

The flannel blanket below was my first attempt. It turned out really well. After washing it again, the back and front don't completely stay in place, so I want to sew across the middle of the blanket a few times to keep everything in place.
The matching burp cloth is a from a free pattern and tutorial by Homemade by Jill. I use this all of the time. I am not in love with the ragged edge look, so when I make more, I plan on enclosing the raw edges.

Diaper Bag

I made a diaper bag following the directions/tutorial on Sew Much Ado. I used denim for the outer fabric and a thrifted satin sheet for the lining. I did line the inner pockets with a cotton fabric from another project instead of using bias tape to finish the edges. I also added a front patch pocket. I also used velcro for closing flap instead of a magnetic snap (it is what I had on hand).

I have been using this bag for a few weeks now. I love the inner pockets which make it easier to find smaller objects I want to carry around (pacifiers, comb, brush, etc.). I have to be careful with my closing flap and the velcro as it will snag the satin lining.

Adult sweater to toddler vest

This is based on another great MADE tutorial. This tutorial tells how to turn a large sweater into a toddler sweater vest. So, I cut out the sweater based on another shirt that fits my toddler. Then I finished the neck and arm edges with ribbing. I think it turned out well and it is honestly the best job I have ever done on finishing a v-neck without a pattern.

Elmo shirt

My toddler loves Elmo. He has an Elmo pajama shirt that he insists on wearing to bed every night. He would probably wear it during the day too if I let him. So, I followed the tutorial on MADE for making an Ernie shirt, but made an Elmo shirt instead. It was super easy to follow and turned out really cute. I downloaded a free Elmo color page from an internet search, and made the head portion larger to fit the shirt. Then I used t-shirt scraps to make Elmo.
I cut out the red head shape and made the edges jagged with my scissors to give Elmo more of a furry look.

Pocket tutorial

ikat bag (http://www.ikatbag.com) has a great tutorial on how to make pockets. Be sure to check it out.

Toddler Backpack

I made this backpack for my 1 year old son based on a pattern and tutorial at indietutes.



In my version, I created a front pocket and inside pocket from a thrifted Spiderman pillowcase. I also added a zipper as my son has zipper skills. At the top of the bag I added a loop as a handle and a small loop on the inside to hold his toy keys.

Wallet

I made this play wallet for my son based on a tutorial and pattern posted on sewing.about.com

My version included a section to hold bills and did not use bias tape for binding.