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Burp Cloths
I'm in love with these burp cloths. I liked them so much, I bought them. Unfortunately, the price tag is a bit much so getting more than one set isn't really in the budget - besides I sew! So, I examined them closely and have to say 1) I'm disappointed with the quality - although the stitches are nice, the there's a lot of excess material on the front side of the burp cloths (it gives it a 'wrinkled' appearance if you try to brush it flat), 2) they have a great feel - the front is an interlock, the back a sort of low fuzz minky style fabric, and the whole cloth is trimmed in a satin ribbon, 3) they're HUGE!
After taking all of this in, I decided to design my own. So, yesterday, I set to work and made two (both for my "Oh Baby" swap - so of course, no peeking if you're my partner!)
Here's what I came up with:
I kept the general shape of the original burp cloth (I may rework this and make both sides contoured next time around), but chose a cotton fabric for the front (it uses about a fat quarter), a fuzzy fleece on the back, and eliminated the ribbon trim. Initially, the material I used for the backing seemed like a close match, but after working with it, it's more like a towel than anything else! I like the overall design, but plan on reworking it a bit when I make more for myself.
I thought I was done with this package, but have one more idea to make the whole thing complete! I'm off to get supplies and finish this up today!
Previous Comments
[1] On Mar-07-2008, Michee Rose wrote:After seeing the contour burpcloths on your site--and having a baby shower to attend a couple weeks later--I made my own version of the burpcloths. Granted, I didn't have an example to work from. I just took some measurements on myself and drew something out on tracing paper, fiddling until it looked good.
I cut two layers of flannel and bound it (hong-kong-style, because proper binding just pisses me off) with a coordinating cotton, cut into bias tape.
I made a matching blanket and had a lovely "designer set."
Once I get my sewing room set up (I just moved), I plan to make one for my just-born-nephew and more for all the other babies due this year (7 and counting in my immediate circle).
[2] On Mar-07-2008, bernadette wrote:
And when you make them, you get to choose the colors and patterns! Yours are fun.
For my babies, I just used a pile of old cloth diapers my m-i-l gave me. (My first kid was a champion spitter, so I needed a PILE of cloths!)
But If I were making some today, I would probably favor using a towel as the lining and a flannel as the fancy fabric. Not sure how I would bind it all.
[3] On Mar-07-2008, RobinE wrote:
Your burpcloths look great! :)
I made my burpcloths last year. Not nearly as fancy as yours, but they worked great. I used flannel on top and two layers of birdseye cotton beneath, and then just serged the edges. If I ever make more, I'll definitely have to try the contour edge... that looks like it might really help keep it in place on the shoulder.
[4] On Mar-07-2008, Julie wrote:
Those are great, Stacy! I will have to try a couple for some of friends who will deliver soon.
[5] On Mar-08-2008, MelissaB wrote:
Cute! I have a contoured burp cloth pattern I made up that I really like a lot. I made them for my kids and then I've made them many times for shower gifts too. They fit so nicely on mom (or dad's) shoulder.