Genuine Germ Drops!

Louise from I'm Feelin Crafty made up a batch of our Monster Spray, and it was so succesful at vanquishing the beasts in her child's closet, that she was inspired to create these germ drops. We loved them so much, we asked her to share. Take it away Louise...

I'm so honored to be posting here at Prudent Baby! Wow! Yep, I'm blushing again!
Have you made Prudent Baby's Monster Spray yet? We concocted some spray of our own earlier this year. And let me tell you.... It gets rid of our monsters like nothing else! There are those nights where we have to spray down the room. And there's been at least one night that Daddy ran around the outside of the house spraying a 'No Monster Barrier' around the house while chanting 'NO MONSTERS, NO MONSTERS, NO MONSTERS'! Who knows what the neighbors thought about that, but who cares, our little guy was able to sleep peacefully! So then when the medicine comes out for the boo boos and all I get are screams, I had an idea... Genuine Germ Drops!

Find out all about Louise's Genuine Germ Drops and get the free downloads after the jump...
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How to Make Beautiful Dress Up Wings

I spotted these AMAZING dress up wings at Llevo el Invierno while surfing the crafty web, and I just had to ask their creator to share the tutorial with us. Her site is adorable, and it is written in both spanish and english, definitely check it out for more crafty inspiration. Take it away Eri...

Hi everyone! I'm Eri from Llevo el Invierno, and I'm here to share my wings tutorial handmade for my little daughter Emma with Prudent Baby readers. I drew my own pattern to make these bird wings.  I share the pattern because it is near the springtime and this is a season when costumes for kids are always needed. You don't have to be an expert in sewing to make these wings, you just have to have some patience to cut and paste all the pieces of fabric. Enjoy your flight, little birds!!

Get the full Beautiful Dress Up Wings tutorial after the jump...
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Last Minute St Patrick's Day Treats w/ FREE PRINTABLES!

We loved the little Jelly Bean Pods from the 4th of July so here are more for St. Patrick's Day! This time we have free printables to make us all look extra Mom-tastic. But really they take like 3.5 seconds to make. Shhhhh...


Get the FREE PRINTABLES and EASY INSTRUCTIONS...
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DIY Doll Stroller Liner Part 2: With Oil Cloth!

Last year I showed you how to make a stroller liner for a doll stroller. We got a nice year of use out of that cotton version, but that 99 cent garage sale stroller has turned out to be the most-oft used toy in our house, so it was time for a new liner.

This time I used some Nicey Jane Oil Cloth from Fabricworm's awesome oilcloth selection, and I love the result - it will definitely stand up a little better to days left outside in the rain. Get the full DIY Doll Stroller Liner Tutorial here.

Pretty Party Dress with Free Downloadable Pattern!

So I showed you a tease of this dress awhile back on the Prudent Baby Facebook Page (we have so much fun over there, why don't you join us: facebook.com/prudentbaby) It took me a minute to get it to you because I was waiting to give it to miss Dove. Umm, how cute is she?

Adorbs. So this is a bit more work then some dresses, but I am really happy with how it turned out.

If you think you're ready for it, get the full Pretty Party Dress Tutorial with Free Downloadable Pattern after the jump.

And remember to leave me or Miss Dove a comment, because any comment you leave could win you this week's surprise prize!
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Christmas Stocking Free Pattern!

Ho Ho Ho!  Santa's on his way...he's making a list, he's checking it twice, he thinks homemade stockings are nice!  So we went ahead and made you a free stocking pattern and a little tutorial so you can make your own.  i did some very beginner quilting, you should try it!  But if quilting scares you, you can totally skip that part and still have a gorg stocking hanging from your mantle!

Get the free Christmas Stocking Pattern and Tutorial after the jump...

And remember, leave a comment and you could win a pretty sweet key fob set...
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Crayon Apron Tutorial

Oh my, could this be any more adorable?  I know Scarlet would LOVE one, I can't wait to sew it up.  This tutorial is so clear and cute that I just had to ask Samantha of Bobaloo Kids to share it with you!  Take it away Samantha:

Hi everyone!  I’ve made quite a few of these super-cute crayon aprons for the little artists I know and they’re always a big hit.  They’re also available in my Etsy store – stop by and take a look!  

Get the full Crayon Apron Tutorial after the jump...

And remember to leave a comment, you could win that cozy Bamboo Ewe yarn!
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How to Make Fabric Slippers with Free Pattern

Homemade slippers, what could be cozier? After all, The Season of Cozy is upon us.

These are non-slip slippers and they have a super comfy minky lining. I'll tell you all about how to make them non-slip and how to make a sole, along with a free pattern, so you too can get cozy.

And I had fun making the Rolled Fabric Flowers we posted last week as little embellishments. Gorg, right?

Get the full How to Make Slippers Tutorial and Free Slipper Pattern after the jump...

And remember, leave a comment on this or any post this week and you might win yourself some fabric glue!
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Snap Wrap Dress

Remember when I showed you the Double Gauze Dress and asked if you wanted a full pattern and tute? The reponse was affirmative, so here it is. It's definitely a bit different, but trust me, this way is much easier.

With a neck tie, there's no worrying about getting the strap length justright, and with the snap closure, you can get it on and off without a zipper. And you've been clear that you'd rather just avoid the zippers if possible (we hear that).

I can't wait to hear what you think and see some reader versions! I hope it lives up to the expectations and is simple to execute. Let me know in the comments! And in addition to dropping mad knowledge bombs on all of us Prudent Mamas, your comment could win you that train-tastic fat quarter up there on the left!

Get the Snap Wrap Dress free pattern and tutorial after the jump...
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4 Season Crossover Top

This funky little top is so fun. Your little one can wear it over shorts in the summer, or a long sleeve top and jeans in the fall. It's reversible and slips right over little heads.

I made my mine in a heavier fabric that's still breathable and I love the way it turned out, but I think it would also be adorable in a double gauze or cotton lawn or voile.

And a little gold bias tape makes it extra snazzy for little princesses.
Get the full 4 Season Crossover Top Tutorial after the jump...
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Double Gauze Dress

So I sewed this dress for Miss S with every intention of sharing with you a detailed tutorial and a free downloadable pattern.  However, as I was sewing it I came across a few hurdles and thought up some fixes to make a better/simpler project. So I'm pondering working on a new pattern and step-by-step DIY that will allow you to make a similar dress.

But in the meantime, I wanted to show you the final product mostly because this fabric is unbelievably gorgeous and I want you all to get some.  It's a double gauze and so flowy, soft, and cozy.  There are a bunch of beautiful double gauze fabrics also by Kokka still available at Fabricworm, check them out here.

If you'd like me to take another stab at creating a pattern for this dress and sharing a tutorial with you, let me know in the comments.  If you like it, I'll get to work on it now.
P.S. by "get to work", I mean scribble a horrible picture and send it to Jacinda to do the actual pattern drafting, HA.

UPDATE: Here's the (revised) pattern: Prudent Baby Snap Wrap Dress

Birds, Binoculars & Breakfast Trail Mix

Rebecca from Cooking With My Kid is here to share a fantastic field guide for an activity that your lil' one is sure to love. Take it away Rebecca!...

This morning I surprised my kid with an indoor bird watching expedition complete with make-your-own binoculars and breakfast trail mix. He's been talking about it all day long.

The bird watching expedition starts with our special breakfast trail mix which we take along while we search for birds throughout the house using our home made binoculars.

My kid uses the Bird Watching Guide I created to find each of the birds hidden throughout the house. Once he's identified and found a bird, he circles it on the guide and heads off to look for the next.

Click here to learn how to set up a bird watching expedition in your own home...

And don't forget! Leave a comment on this or any post this week and you might win the Wool-Blend Felt pictured up there on the left. The Season of Cozy is upon us!
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The 1.5 Dress

1.5 yards + 1.5 hours = One New Dress.

Scarlet and I met the prudent dad for dinner shortly after the completion of this number, and he complimented my new dress! I excitedly exclaimed "Thanks! I made it!" to which he responded: "It's cute!" Then, bubbling over, I effused: "I'm so glad you like it!" To which he replied: "It's not the sexiest thing ever." Oh. Okay.

So, if your goal in life is to be as sexy as possible at all times, then I guess this isn't the dress for you. But if you just want a dress that is quick, cheap, and comfy, this one should do.

Not even a little sexy? Hrmph. Get the full 1.5 Dress Tutorial after the jump...
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Snappy Toddler Dress

So I used the pattern I printed out yesterday to make another version of the OG Snappy Toddler Top. This time I went dress length and used contrasting fabric for the neck and the bias tape trim.

Is this fabric to die for or what? It's Monaluna for Birch Fabrics Circa 50 line in Starburst Pool (neckline and bias tape trim) and Chairs Multi (dress body) designed by our very own Cynthia of Fabricworm.  Working with it was amazing - the texture is so lovely, probaby because it's 100% organic cotton.

Get the Snappy Toddler Top (or dress) Pattern here and learn How to Make Bias Tape here.  And check out the rest of this great fabric collection here. And remember, any comment you leave this week could win you a 1/2 yard of Nicey Jane oilcloth from Fabricworm!

It's A...

Long-neglected mothers of boys rejoice! The selfish ladies of Prudent Baby now have personal interest in all things male because... It's a Boy! So get ready for snails and puppy dog tails and... mustaches! To announce Baby Boy Boneau, I've whipped up a few of these super easy mustache lollipops as part of Prudent Baby's Summer of Fanciful Treats: Sponsored by Bake it Pretty. If, like me, you still can't get enough of the mustache trend, you have to take a peek at the 1st birthday party Jessica from A little Gray threw for her son, Hendrix. Then check out Babble's In Celebration of Baby Boys: The Mustache. I want that wooden teether!

Click here for the crazy simple DIY for these mustache lollipops!
 
And remember, any comment you leave this week could win you a 1/2 yard of Nicey Jane oilcloth. Tell us a mustache story. My husband has a mustache. I like it.
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Printing Patterns

Many readers have asked us how to blow up and print our patterns tiled so they can create bigger sizes. I'll show you how to do it on a mac, and maybe some readers can weigh in with PC instructions in the comments.  And while we're talking about printing, I'll remind you that you can print nice, clean Prudent Baby DIYs with none of the web stuff (like ads or sidebars) just by hitting "print this post" on the bottom of each post page. Learn how to tile and print a pattern after the jump...
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How to Sew a Capelet, with Pattern!

Capelets are sort of magical - like a cross between a costume and actual clothing.  So your little princess can feel like she's playing dress up while actually being dressed.  At least I think so, which is why a capelet was my first thought upon beholding this most magical princess collection of fabrics ever.

The new Heather Ross Far Far Away 2 fabric has had Jacinda and I biting the insides of our cheeks with anticipation since we got a sneak peek at Quilt Market. Soooo of course when Fabricworm got the first shipment in, we went batty!  The whole collection features our favorite fairytale heroines looking sweet yet non-frilly.  This capelet features Rapunzel fabric on one side and Moon and Stars on the other, both available at our beloved Fabricworm now (but it's going to sell out superfast so go, go, go)!

But back to the capelet.  This is NOT a complicated project and can be customized in so many ways. It is reversible, too. Oh, and you can also use the collar pattern to make a cape for a boy.

I promise your princess will adore it.  Or if, like me, you have a non-princessy daughter who prefers squashing bugs and climbing walls, she will also adore it.

Get the full How to Sew a Capelet Tutorial after the jump...

And remember to leave a comment on this or any post this week and you might win 1/2 yard of nicey Jane oilcloth, get the details here.
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Easiest Softies Ever

Okay so these are the easiest homemade stuffed animals ever.  I know I've mentioned my love for the blog Graphics Fairy, where you'll find a daily vintage royalty-free image of goodness.  Well, I went to her site and snagged some great animal pics, colored them, then printed them on to some iron-on transfers...AND posted the template for you after the jump.

This little softie DIY is a great way to put some wayward fabric scraps to good use (as backings) and to come off like a crafty superstar with hardly any effort at all.

Get the full DIY for the Easiest Softies Ever after the jump...
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Beginner's Bias Tape Bag with Free Downloadable Pattern

I promised you this free downloadable bag pattern when we offered up the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker Giveaway as a great first project for your Homemade Bias Tape, so here goes...

I've made a couple so far, and I usually don't like fabric bags (i'm a leather lover) but I actually adore these for summer. They are super quick to whip up (under an hour) and are also reversible, so you can get a couple different looks in one swoop.

You could also use store-bought bias tape, like I did for the big one (oh, and you can blow up or shrink the pattern to make different sizes - Scarlet's been using the littler one as her lunch bag).  Either way I think it's a sweet & simple summery project.  But I'm dying to know, what do you think??

Get the full Beginner's Bias Tape Bag Tutorial and free downloadable pattern after the jump...
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