When I finished the denim Farm Fresh baby quilt last week I decided to make a Portable Diaper Changing Pad for Dad as well.
I followed this pattern from So Sew Easy but made changes to the flap and fastening. Because this is a baby gift for dad, I thought a more angular would be more masculine. The button hole came about because I forgot to sew in the elastic hair tie after redoing the binding.
The changing pad was made using denim scraps from the baby quilt, some soccer scraps gifted to me, and two fat eighths from my stash.
The flame and black denim print fabric were in a random bundle I purchases from Tuesday Morning several year ago. Not being my particular style, I was unsure of what I could use them for. Then lightbulb a moment occurred: I realized they would be perfect to incorporate into a masculine diaper changing pad for dad.
Still following the “using what ya got” and “make it work” mantra I’ve been repeating, I used an old vinyl shower curtain to make a wipeable surface for the inside of the changing mat. However; when I washed it and dried it in the dryer (expecting issues yet still wanting to test durability) the vinyl melted a bit.
It was a blessing in disguise as I was not thrilled with how the binding was attached on the wide corners, nor the fact that the white vinyl covered up the reverse of the quilting inside.
Out came the seam ripper. I then attached a clear plastic repurposed off of a pillow sleeve (the ones pillows are sold in at the store). I save all of those plastic cases linens come in from the store to use for storage (a habit from my mom). New plastic on and you can now see the reverse side of the quilting!
Jaybird Quilts has a nice little tutorial on how to handle those awkward angles when it comes to binding. And while I was close originally, it came out much nicer the second time around.
All that is left is to get a few diapers and wipes before gifting these to the parents-to-be.
I hope mom, dad, and baby Maximiliano enjoy!
Linking up to:
Needle & Thread Thursday
Thank Goodness its Finished Friday
Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Crazy Mom Quilts
What a clever and useful gift! I have made a number of baby quilts for new babies in the family, but this is a great addition to the gift repertoire.
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It was surprisingly easy to make and something that I also plan on including in future gifts as well!
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Lovely little project. I’ve been thinking of making something similar to keep me from schleping the entire diaper bag when a little something just for emergencies is likely all that is needed! I’ve downloaded the pattern for future use!
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That’s awesome Jenn! One thing I will personally change for the future is the vinyl material used to line the inside. While the clear plastic is neat because it allows the backside of the quilting to show through, I have some concerns about the durability.
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Oh it’s fantastic and I love the clear plastic so you can see the quilting!
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I am much happier with the clear plastic as well. While I was upset at first, the white vinyl melting turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
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What a great idea. I’m sure the dad will appreciate it. Thanks for linking up with TGIFF.
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Thanks for hosting TGIFF last week Anja! And it’s so awesome to be part of the 2015 New Quilt Blogger group with you!
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Such a cute little item!
**Found you via the 2015 New Quilt Bloggers**
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Thanks Ashley! Happy to be in the group with you also!
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How nice to make a Dad friendly item. It will be appreciated. I always made my husband carry the pink diaper bag (I thought it was funny, I had to entertain myself somehow). Of course, he didn’t care and is colorblind. He probably thought it was tan!
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Gave it to dad last week and he loved it! Especially the Soccer ball “M” on the outside. Not sure what color the diaper bag is but I’m sure he will be toting it around either way.
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That’s a great idea! We often forgot the dads and how awesome they are.
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