Nursing Covers

Jen is expecting baby number two! In preparation, she asked if I could make a nursing cover for her as well as another for her friend. Since I don't have any personal experience with nursing, I turned to the trusty web to learn about best practices. Nearly all websites I read suggested the same features:

• boning in the neckline to allow the mom to easily see the baby
• flannel pockets on the backside that can also be used to wipe the baby's mouth
• d-ring straps for ease putting on and taking off

I pretty much stuck to the standard features and only took liberties with the pattern and color selection. Most examples I saw online were made with the same patterned fabric throughout the body and straps and white flannel pockets on the back. I felt that made the resulting cover a little boring. Instead, I accented the main pattern with a secondary color for the straps and the top and bottom edges and used a coordinating patterened flannel for the pockets.

Here is Jen's cover.

Here is her friend's cover.

Halloween Tree Costume Pt. II

Sophie and Izzie had a mini-photoshoot over the weekend. Izzie did a fantastic job modeling my costume. There were so many great (and overly adorable) shots that I had a hard time picking pictures to post. Isn't she the cutest tree you've ever seen?

All photos courtesy of Sophie Rah

Halloween Tree Costume Pt. I

About a month ago, I received an email from Sophie asking if I'd be interested in making Izzie's Halloween costume. Of course I was! What did Izzie want to be? A tree!

After much thought, I settled on making a brown fleece poncho with a detachable hood and adorning it with handmade green felt leaves. I used some cute heart-shaped wooden buttons to hold the hood in place.

I opted to sew on the leaves instead of using glue.

I couldn't resist and used the leftover fabric to make a matching tote for trick-or-treating.

Here's a teaser photo. Looks like Sophie's measurements and my guesstimations weren't too far off.

Photo courtesy of Sophie Rah

Baby Shower Inspiration Boards

During my time in New York, I got to flex my event design and planning skills for a baby shower. Sophie and her friends were planning a "non-baby shower" shower for their friend Jane. Jane didn't want presents or to be fussed over, so the shower became more of a co-ed dinner party with a guest of honor who happens to be pregnant. They even planned to have alcohol flowing - for the non-pregnant guests of course!

Sophie and a few other girls had the food portion covered, but they needed some help with decorations. This is when Sophie asked if I'd be interested in helping.

The ideas they had so far were:

• Green mums
• Photobooth
• Guests are to write down some words of encouragement for the couple

This was my first time shopping for event in NYC, so I wasn't sure what stores to go to. With Sophie and Google's help, I ended up hitting up a few stores in the Flower District (including Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies), Paper Presentation, and A.I. Friedman. Because I flew back to California the day before, I wasn't able to help set up the decorations for the shower, and I actually have no idea what they ended up doing the day of.

I left Sophie with my inspiration boards and some supplies I was able to pick up for her.

Heartwarming

Remember the foam blocks I made for Noah? Jen sent me some photos of Noah playing with them (they weren't staged!). I got a little teary when I saw them. Moments like these are the reasons why I love designing and creating.

Now, please excuse me while I go melt into a puddle of mush. Too cute!

On an unrelated note, I'd like to make a shoutout to my awesome younger brother. HAPPY 23RD BIRTHDAY STANLEY!!!!