Recently I asked readers to share pictures of their completed do-it-yourself projects. Angel sent this great picture of a ring sling! She wrote:
It took some time, and much begging and learning and ironing, but with the help of family and friends we have sewn our first (of probably many) slings. We’re still debating on the length of tail we want as I’d like for my preschooler to be able to hold onto it on walks and when we’re out and about (it gives him a sense of freedom). Any suggestions on making it more hand friendly? We were just going …read more

Nursing covers are not for everyone, but if a cover helps you feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public, you might be glad to find these instructions to sew your own “Bebe au Lait”-style nursing cover. Heather at Sleek Mama created these detailed pattern instructions and sewed two stylish covers for just $8!

Josie Mercier offers a free pattern for knitting your own nursing tank top! This cute and clever design also doubles as a nursing bra. It would make a great project for expectant mothers or experienced knitters looking to make a baby shower gift beyond the basic baby blanket or booties!
For other do-it-yourself breastfeeding and baby gift projects, see:
~ Pullover Crew Neck Baby Bib
~ Baby Bib with Neck Ties
~ Ring Sling
~ Nursing Necklace
~ Nursing Pads
~ Baby Booties
~ Cloth Diapers
~ Nursing Pillow, Nursing Shirt, Nursing Bra and Pumping Bra, Cloth Diapers, and More
Hat tip to Lil Irish Lass for the breastfeeding tank …read more

There is something for everyone (breastfeeding or not) in the mix of the Breastfeeding 1-2-3 highlights from April 2008:
~ Free Pattern for Sewing Your Own Crew Neck Over-the-Head Baby Bibs
~ Judge Denies FLDS Request to Keep Mothers with Nursing Babies
~ World Health Day 2008: Protecting Health from Climate Change
~ Breastfeeding Basics Checklist for a Good Breastfeeding Latch
~ Gentian Violet and Grapefruit Seed Extract as Thrush Remedies
~ Breastfeeding and International Travel
~ Top Five Breastfeeding Interviews

After I posted instructions for how to sew your own baby bib with extra-long ties around the neck, a reader posted a comment asking for a pattern for a crew neck over-the-head baby bib. In the wonderful way of the internet and the breastfeeding community, reader Elizabeth jumped in with an offer to email her pattern out. After the seventh request for the pattern (eight if you count yesterday’s!), I asked Elizabeth if she would mind sharing the pattern directly on the blog, and she happily agreed! Thanks Elizabeth for sharing your instructions and photos for a free over-the-head bib …read more

Want to save money on nursing pads and help save the environment too? Several sources provide very simple instructions for making reusable nursing pads from flannel receiving blankets, old cotton t-shirts, or fleece fabric. Check out these options:
NJW of Associated Content — uses a CD as a circle pattern to make reusable nursing pads out of flannel
Frugal Families — suggests four layers of flannel rather than two
Frugal Baby Tips — uses old cotton t-shirts
mistymq on eHow — uses fleece and t-shirt cotton or flannel, and adds a waterproof fabric layer (PUL, drapery lining or plastic diaper cover-ups)
For more “do-it-yourself” projects …read more

Things have gotten so crafty around here lately with all sorts of patterns and instructions for how to make lots of breastfeeding and baby accessories. When I saw these adorable baby booties and the free downloadable pattern from Heather Bailey (via Kiddley), I couldn’t resist sharing them too. You can make these Bitty Booties from any combination of thick wool suiting, high-quality felt, leather or ultra-suede. The instructions offer patterns for sizes 0-3 months and 3-6 months but I suspect you could readily adapt the pattern for larger sizes. For inspiration and wonderfully creative ideas for how to decorate your …read more