Diaper bag for a friend

One of my very best friends is having a baby girl (after three boys!) and she chose pink, taupe and brown for the nursery with an elephant theme. I was thrilled to find a fabric line in those colors that's available right now so I could make her some special things for baby Hannah's debut, sometime in December. I made her this sturdy diaper bag. I hope it matches her decor (I haven't seen any pictures yet) and that it will get used for play dates or diapers or something.

The dimensions are approximately 18" wide, 15" tall and 5" deep.

The elephants make two spacious front pockets on the front, lined with the pink, white, taupe striped fabric.

On the interior, there are four pockets, two large, two small on one side and a zippered pocket on the opposite side. You can also see the magnetic button closure here - my first time using this closing technique but it was surprisingly simple so I may use it again. This interior pocket is 9" by 10".

 

The back of the bag has the same elephant print from the front pocket and pink contrasting

 edging. I used the 70 weight Pellon interfacing for this bag so it's very sturdy and stands up all by itself. I also added it to the handles because I prefer substantial handles. I used the tutorial from Sew Like My Mom as a general guideline for the bag.

I made a bunch of matching goodies for little Hannah to fill it up with. My favorite is the minky blanket in Amy Butler's Lotus flower. I've been saving this fabric for something special.

I made it larger than average so it could be used in the stroller or car and as a safe play mat for baby. I used to use these all the time when I needed a safe, soft place to lay my little one for some tummy time, especially at someone else's house. I also used one for William to designate his safe play area, ie no big kid toys allowed on the blanket. Minky is supersoft and the texture appealing. I made a border out of the Amy Butler fabric on one side to give it a more finished look.

 I had more leftover fabric than I intended to have so I also made a diaper clutch bag in coordinating fabrics.

It fits the travel size wipes and two diapers but can be used for all kinds of other purposes. It has a velcro closure and a grosgrain ribbon pull tab.  I like the pink elephants on the inside.

I also made a soft changing pad with one thick layer of fleece and an interior layer of cotton quilt batting. I never liked how thin my changing pads were and even though this one doesn't have a waterproof layer, the whole thing can be tossed in the washing machine.

It folds up in quarters and has a velcro closure.

I also knit a baby cardigan for Hannah in Madeline Tosh superwash. I think it's really cute but I think the size is too large for a new baby. I followed the pattern for a 0-3 month size but I'm pretty sure what I've ended up with is more like a 6-12 month size. The pattern I followed is available for free (thanks Carole!) and is a top-down construction, my favorite.

I think the bag and home made goodies are finally ready to go to the baby shower with me. I hope she likes it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!