Showing posts with label sew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sew. Show all posts

Thursday, June 27

DIY Insulated Camper Van Window Shades

When people find out we use our van as a camper, they typically have the same questions:
  1. Where do you all sleep?
  2. Do you have any privacy with all those windows?
  3. Isn't it hot/cold?
We already answered the first question with our DIY removable bunk system, and we'll address questions 2 + 3 today with DIY insulated window shades that provide both privacy and, well, insulation!

Check out all our camper van posts and tutorials here!


I was amazed the first time we used these shades - camping in 90+ degree weather in direct sun. We put up the shades, put a screen over the door to keep bugs out, and turned on a small portable fan. I napped in there with the baby without breaking a sweat. I couldn't believe it. I had been dreading the trip, afraid the van would be like an oven. But it wasn't!

I pretty closely followed this tutorial and used Reflectix insulation for the base of my window shades, then backed them with pre-quilted fabric. Could you use the Reflectix without the backing? Probably. It still insulates pretty well on its own, and it would save you some time and money for sure. So if funds are tight, give it a try! But the quilted fabric is great for several reasons: it gives more stability to the shades, adds another layer of insulation, and softens the interior of the van. I would use the quilted backing again in a heartbeat for that last reason alone. It helps to dampen sound and feels less stark than the plain Reflectix. It feels so cozy and quiet in there!

It was 90 degrees out in this photo, but we were cool and comfy in front of the fan! You can also see the window shades behind him.

Tuesday, July 1

Stroller Friendly Diaper Bag {free pattern & tutorial}

Ok, peeps. Get ready. We're about to make the sweetest, most versatile, storage-packed diaper bag in all of time and space. And the best part? It's totally stroller friendly!


That's right. All the storage & organization you need attaches securely to the handles of a standard stroller.

 

With just a few snaps it converts to a convenient messenger style diaper bag. Haul those baby stuffs in style, mommas!


And back again to a hands-free stroller bag!


If you're planning any summer outings you won't want to leave home without this. It's great for anytime you'll be doing lots of walking and don't want to lug a bag around. In fact these pics are from our trip to the zoo on Big Brother's birthday! Plus with it securely snapped on the handles, the under-stroller basket is open for lunch boxes, jackets, or baby carriers.


The shoulder strap is permanently attached on one end so you can't lose it. When you're ready to wear your bag, just snap the shoulder strap on at the other end and you're ready to go.


Want to put it back on the stroller? Snap the stroller straps and tuck the shoulder strap inside the bag or into one of the back pockets. It will be there when you need it later!


The water bottle pockets on the side are perfect if you don't have cup holders on your stroller.


And did I mention tons of storage? The finished size is 16.5" wide, 11.5" tall, and 4" deep with twelve pockets! Let's take a closer look. The front flap has a zipper pocket built in.


 The flap also has a clip for when you want it to stay closed. Big Brother has decided his personal mission is to keep it clipped at all times.


There are water bottle pockets on each end (with elastic tops to keep your drinks snug).


When you lift the flap there are two smaller zipper pockets on the front.


Baby Brother not included.


On the back there are two open pockets - perfect for keeping a burp rag handy!


Under the flap there is also a zipper closure. Flaps are super convenient when you need to be in and out (and when it's hanging on the stroller!), but we all know nothing is worse than a diaper bag tipping over and spilling EVERYWHERE. One zip and you know your stuff isn't going anywhere. Problem solved.


And inside that zipper? So. Much. Room. For all the stuffs. This is a pack-it-in-the-morning-and-go-all-day kind of bag. We fit everything we needed for an entire day at the zoo!


And you can keep it all organized with a whole mess of pockets. Two open pockets on the front, another zipper pocket on the back, and two more elastic water bottle pockets on the sides. Be still my organizing heart.


This is what I had in my bag today: baby toys, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug repellant, coconut oil (great for diaper rashes!), disposable diaper bags, wallet, pen, jackets for the brothers, back-up pants & undies for big brother, full backup outfit for baby brother, three double-stuffed cloth diapers, wipes, extra socks, roll-up grocery bag, water bottle, sunglasses, and burp rags. For serious, you guys, this bag is in it to win it.


Wednesday, May 21

Dinosaur Birthday Crown {free pattern}

To keep our party for Big Brother simple, the only thing I actually made was his special-request "dino hat."


I think he liked, since he hardly wanted to take it off! It was pretty simple to make and very cheap (we had all the felt already!).


Today I have a free pattern for anyone else who needs a dinosaur birthday crown for a little birthday boy! Ready to get started?


Monday, April 21

Easy Monster Blanket

The other day the Brothers were at the fabric store with me and Big Brother spotted this monster fabric and fell in love. It happened to be on sale and I was there because I had a 20% off purchase coupon in my pocket so I decided it was finally time to make a special blanket just for my biggest boy.


I guess I shouldn't say this is a tutorial, because I'm actually going to refer you to my baby blanket tutorial which I just adapted a tiny bit to make a bigger version.


Here's what you need to make one:
  • 1 1/2 yards quilting cotton
  • 1 1/2 yards flannel 
  • 2 packages double fold bias tape
  • thread  
  • Baby Blanket Tutorial
  • a handsome fella to make it for
 
Subscribe