amy's rags to stitches: 2013

One project I have been super excited about, because they have so many uses and are so functional... wet bags!

We originally started using wet bags for outings with our little guy in cloth diapers. This allowed us to go out and about with cloth diapers and not worry about transporting the soiled wet cloth diapers. However, I am discovering there are many other uses for these handy waterproof bags. I recently made one for a friend of mine who needed something to carry her swimsuit in so the rest of her items in her bag would stay dry. These bags would also be great for travelling to carry your bath products (in case you are like me and worry about shampoo and conditioner leaking all over your clothes in your suitcase!). They also make great cosmetic bags.

12"x12" size

The wet bags I have been making are made with a PUL (polyurethane laminate) fabric liner, a water-resistant material. The outside of the bag is made with a heavier cotton fabric so it's more durable.

7"x7" size

Since the PUL fabric I ordered is CPSIA compliant, lead free, and BPA free, I also made two re-usable snackbags with some lighter cotton fun prints. The bag above (with the bicycle print) is a sandwhich bag size, and the bag below is a snack bag size.

7"x4" size

However, since the time I first ordered PUL material, there has been some debate over whether PUL is actually food-safe. It is very difficult to find proof that PUL is harmful to food, and I can see there can be a lot of more research into this subject. One company from the states who makes a large amount of reuseable snack bags (who I'm sure when I first did my research, claimed to use a PUL lining), now does not disclose the type of fabric they use in their wet bags and snackbags. All they will say about their lining is "it's FDA approved, CPSIA compliant, BPA free and lead free". I am not convinced PUL is not food-safe, yet I am going to look into this further. I am in the process of looking into a couple other lining alternatives. I think I will continue to do my research and dedicate another post soley to snackbags once I come to better conclusions.

Back to wet bags... The larger wet bags have a carry handle that can also snap onto strollers or backpacks.

I also made an EXTRA LARGE wetbag for travelling purposes which we use for cloth diapers when we are away from home. (This would also make a great laundry bag)

17"x26" size

Wet bags are a great green alternative to plastic bags, and can be re-used over and over again. I recommend washing them on delicate so the colors of the outside fabric stay fresh, and line dry as the PUL shouldn't go in the dryer.

You can now order wet bags available in the SHOP, or order a custom made wet bag with one of the following prints by emailing amysragstostitches@gmail.com.

12"x16" size

If you've used baby legwarmers before, you know that diaper changes are quick and easy, and they are just so cute! They also work well on cold winter days as an extra layer for baby's legs. Our little guy still wears them as he scoots around the house. For a little girl, they can double as footless tights underneath a dress too.

With a new baby on the way, I thought it might be fun to make some legwarmers for a newborn. I also made Affam a couple more pairs while I was at it. I found socks on clearance at Superstore, so I gave this a try.

The finished product:

The left two are made from men's socks, making them big enough for Affam. The ones on the right are made from girl's socks and they were shorter for a newborn. The middle two (grey and navy) are made from girl's kneehigh socks, so they are a bit longer for a newborn (and also gender neutral).

These were actually very quick and easy to make. If you are interested in making these yourself, you can follow the DIY tutorial found on My Sister's Suitcase blog. The only modification I made was to make the newborn size smaller. I made the socks skinnier by cutting off 1/4" from the width and then sewed the seam up the side as my last step.