'Lots of Love' Baby Changing Trolley

My number- two- son, daughter-in-law, Cee, and I made this changing trolly from an old oak teawagon, for the new baby in our family(Blossom). This is Cee and Number Two's present for their new niece.

I used this trolly for changing my sons' nappies, nearly 30 years ago.
It was languishing in  our garage in a sad state.
The top shelf was split, warped and broken away from the frame. Number Two replaced the shelf with an attractive piece of plywood and made the trolley stronger.
Then he and Cee sanded and revarnished it.

 Cee, Blossom's Mummy and I, went shopping for sumptuous fabrics. And then the creating began.
Cee and I made this fitted changing mat from wipeable coated paisley fabric. 

Next we padded the top of the trolley with soft cushions on the knobs and custom made bumpers for the surround. Cee spent ages stuffing the bumpers with recycled cushion stuffing pushed in with the handle of a wooden spoon.

 I made thick absorbant covers for the changing  mat from the pretty co-ordinating fabrics we had chosen. These attach to the mat with velcro.

I made a hanging organiser with pockets for the side of the trolley. This is to keep the most used items close to hand without cluttering the mat area.

I looked up how to make the elastic topped pockets on the internet, They are surprisingly easy.
I used this nappy bag tutorial http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=38622.0
Each pocket is custom made to fit the items they hold. I shaped the pockets around the items before i sewed them. The wipes pocket is made large enough for the lid to be wide open when the wipes are being used.
The nappy cream pocket is backed with the wipeable fabric for practicality-no smears on the cotton fabric.

The other two pockets hold a nappy and the roll of liners.  The nappy pocket will hold a few disposables or one  cloth nappy with cover and inner assembled.

The bottom shelf of the trolley has plenty of room for more nappies, spare change mat covers, and clothing.
Eventually it will have more storage baskets to keep it tidy.
The trolley is a great sucess. It serves it's purpose really well.
I would like to hang a mobile above it to keep Blossom entertained while she is having a nappy change.

This is an original design by Cee and I and as such is our intellectual property.
You are welcome to use our ideas but please do not claim or sell it as your own design.

Wabbit

Wabbit, a photo by Hesterb on Flickr.

I crocheted this little rabbit for my baby grandaughter (nicknamed Blossom). I made this little crochet rabbit from cotton yarn. She has some bells inside and a detachable lavender scented flower.
I used this free pattern http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rabbit- by Kristelle Trafarski

I was going to make Blossom a calico rabbit with lavender inside it for her bassinet, but I couldn’t find my pattern so I decided to make her this crochet rabbit instead.
I like this pattern. It was easy to make and I enjoyed adding my own embellishments.
I added hind feet and a pompom tail.

The feet are made the same way as the arms but with 7 stitches and are a bit longer. I sewed them firmly to the base of the body and now the rabbit can stand on its own.
I made a crochet rose that attaches with velcro. This has a few drops of lavender oil underneath it, as a sleep aid.

I really like how the rabbit has turned out.
I hope Blossom likes it too.

Postscript: As soon as Blossom began grasping I sewed the rose onto Wabbit securely, so that it was not a choking hazard.

Craftiness

I love making stuff.
It is a family tradition.
My Dad was born in 1907, to a farming family, at a time when it was normal for people in New Zealand to make or repair many of the things that they needed.
My Mum also grew up on farms and learnt to bake and sew. She did beautiful embroidery and always mended our woollens.

As a child I watched my parents and family friends create all sorts of things with carpentry, sewing, knitting and crochet ( to name a few of the techniques). I was taught to sew knit and crochet.
The knitting didn't take, but  I still love to sew and crochet.

In the 1970's handcraft was trendy. My friends and I tried all sorts of crafts: macrame, candle making, papercraft, corn dollies, pottery, floristry........ and I continued with my love of crochet.
Throughout my adult life I've made many of the things that I needed or wanted.
Soft furnishings, plant supports, clothing, baby items, toys, items for pets, cosmetics and many more.

I love the internet because it is so easy to find inspiration and instructions.
I also enjoy sharing my creations with others.

This is my creative blog.

                                          Here are a few things that I have crafted recently

                                                          Crochet Hook Case

                                                      Gingerbread Man  Finger Puppets

                                                    100th Birthday Card for my Uncle

                                                                    Bean Tripod

                                                                  Wedding Bouquet

                                                                        Face Cream