put-a-bird-on-it diaper bag

If there is anything I learned from years and years of helping in the church nursery, it's that behind every great baby there is a well-stocked diaper bag. In my middle school opinion, the best ones had a plethora of pockets, nooks and crannies carefully organizing the pacifiers, bottles, diapers, wipes and cheerios (though I think many of today's babies have traded in their cheerios for what my friend calls "baby crack"). I remember being especially impressed by the moms who somehow managed to carry around a diaper bag that was full of MacGyver-like tricks and preparedness, while simultaneously matching their bag to their shoes, belt and purse. Such a feat!

Despite my admiration for such fashion-forward parenting, I will throw aside all pretense and admit that there is very little chance I will fall into that category of well-coordinated moms. At least at this point my baby accessorizing choices are based on two main factors: I like simple and I like cheap. And generally the simplest and cheapest option is to re-use something I already have laying around the house. Perhaps like a canvas Land's End tote bag that I have used approximately once?

It's clean, it's barely used, it's sturdy, it has a big pocket on the outside and is lined with many smaller pockets on the inside. I think it could suit our needs very well.

For the most part this tote is exactly what I imagine proving useful for lugging around baby goods. Though I decided to make one minor change to the overall look of the bag by adding a larger pocket to the side that didn't have a pocket previously. To make the pocket I:

1. Took a swatch of upholstery weight fabric and embroidered an adorable bird scene that I came across on a bib tutorial here.

2. Sewed the embroidered piece to another heavy-duty fabric and ironed the edges of the rectangle flat.

3. Hand-sewed the rectangle to the bag around the two sides and the bottom, leaving the top open to serve as a pocket.

Currently the Little Oyster's new diaper bag is packed with all the essentials for the hospital, and looking quite sweet if I do say so myself. Though, I have to admit I've been a bit humbled by the whole bird-embroidery-situation. You see, a few weeks ago my dear friend Alyson sent me a Portlandia link called "Put a Bird on it", which essentially mocks people like me who think that a bird silhouette will improve nearly any crafted good. But despite the good dose of humor and humility I chose to go forth with what I'm now calling the put-a-bird-on-it diaper bag. I've weighed the costs and cuteness wins.

we will keep them as our own

It's now officially autumn, and this morning it seems that the weather has begun to adapt to the new season. Personally I appreciate being ushered into the week with the calm and quietude that comes from a gray and cold, rainy morning. I'm drinking tea, listening to a mellow soundtrack, eating fresh baked bread, and thinking upon a month full of family, friends and excitement in October. Stay tuned for some fun posts about all that!

Despite the gloomy weather today we did have some moments of sunshine this weekend, affording me the opportunity to take some nice pictures on the front window sill (I have a very mediocre "point and shoot" camera that only performs well in the bright morning rays). I have been eager to share these bird creations for a week or so.

I am very fortunate to be surrounded by dear friends who appreciate the economy of friendship and shared services. I don't know how to knit, and Becca prefers not to sew. So we decided to exchange adorable handcrafted goods. I am thrilled to be on the receiving end of this pair of birds, complete with twig beaks and legs (just look at the tiny green leaves that still survive on the end of the blue bird's feet)!

Originally I intended these to be a part of a baby mobile. However, marriage is teaching me that you must always be ready for changes and surprises. Like when I showed these birds to Luke and he said "Which one's mine? I want the blue one." Well then! Who would've thought that these small ornamental knitted birds would knock on the door to Luke's crafting heart. In that case, we will keep them as our own. And I apparently get the yellow one.