The Cupcake Diaper Bag

Cupcake print diaper bag for Aaliyah

 Last Saturday, Justine's mother-in-law hosted a surprise baby shower for her.  I've had this diaper bag finished for a few weeks, but I haven't posted any pictures of it because I didn't want Justine to see them.  Justine actually picked out these fabrics which are Heidi Grace coordinates from Joanns.  I love the colors together, and I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. 

I used this Purse-O-Nalities pattern from

Palm Harbor pattern company.   When I first made this pattern a couple months ago, it reminded me of a carpet bag.  I thought that it would make a cute diaper bag with those side pockets, and I was right. 

This pattern does require more fabric than any other tote that I make which is why it is also the most expensive tote that I make and sell.

Because this particular bag is for Justine, and she just happens to have a very special place in my heart, I added some extra details that I thought she would especially appreciate. 

 On the inside of the diaper bag, I added a gathered pocket that is divided into two sections.  The other side has a larger flat pocket that is also divided into two sections.  A small pocket on one end of the bag is the perfect size for a pacifer or smaller items.  And the other end of the bag sports a removal bottle holder which is perfect for a baby bottle or Mom's water bottle.

I can only imagine how harried Justine might be when trying to juggle her busy life with baby, so I added a swivel hook on a short strap for the elusive pacifier or for Justine's car keys.

 Here's a closer view of the front of the bag which is pleated and trimmed with the contrasting fabric.  Those elasticized side pockets will hold bottles or cups.

The zippered pocket on the outside of the bag is a feature that is included in most of the Purse-O-Nality patterns, and I love it!  Justine could safely carry her wallet or checkbook or any other valuable items safely in this zippered pocket eliminating the need to carry a diaper bag and a purse.

Here's a shot of the matching changing pad that I included with the diaper bag.  I found an online tutorial for this project, and I like the way it turned out, too. 

Here's the happy mama opening her presents at the shower.  It was a beautiful shower, and she got tons of lovely gifts! We are all looking forward to the arrival of the little princess.

Stay tuned for more handmade baby gift ideas!

Diaper Bags and National Sewing Month!

I learned just yesterday that this is National Sewing Month.  I'm excited to have a whole month dedicated to my favorite hobby.  


To celebrate National Sewing Month, I plan to do even more sewing than usual.  Of course, it helps that NSM coincides with my increased orders for purses and my ever growing list of items to make for our new granddaughter who will make her appearance next month.  (I hope her parents are giving her the bedroom with the biggest closet.)

The happy "parents-to-be"

Now, back to sewing ....  This past week, I tried a new pattern for a diaper bag.  No, not a diaper bag for the new princess in the family, but a diaper bag for a friend of mine to give to a new little guy joining her family next month. 

I love the way the bag turned out.  It is large enough for most any new mother's needs.  My friend chose the fabric herself.  The airplane print is perfect since the new daddy is a pilot.  I love the way she chose to have me mix the stripes with the print and accent with the blue handles.

This is the pattern that I used, Simplicity 2713.  It's a nice pattern, but I learned something by using this pattern.  "If you want to make a bag, use a pattern designed by a bag maker."  That's what I learned.  The tissue pattern pieces and the instructions made this pattern much more complicated than most of the patterns that I use.

Like all the bags I make, this one has pockets on the inside.  The pocket you see in this picture is a large pocket with a gathered top and a velcro closure.  This pocket is big enough to hold a travel package of wipes or a diaper. 

The pockets on the other side of the diaper are smaller, and would be perfect for smaller items.

I do love the side pockets on this pattern.  They are big enough to hold a bottle or cup.  I love the stripe fabric that is ruffled.  Oops!  Did I say ruffled?  I mean gathered since boys don't do ruffles.

The top of the bag has a zipper closure which I love.  That means that if the bag falls off the car seat or is being investigated by a crawling infant, the items in side are secure--unless the infant has mastered zippers.

This final picture is the back of the bag which sports two smaller pockets.  All in all, this is a cute bag that I would be happy to carry if I needed a boys' diaper bag.  I hope the recipient likes it and gets a lot of use from this one!

Would I use this pattern again?  Probably not.  But I would not hesitate to adapt some parts of it and incorporate them into patterns that I use and love.