Twin Tip Tuesday; Borrow Before You Buy

There are so many gimmicks and gadgets made for babies (and kids). Today’s twin tip is aimed to save you a little dough.

If at all possible, Borrow Before You Buy

Ask friends and family to borrow items you are thinking about purchasing. If you cannot borrow what you are looking for, start with just one. (Twins learn to share early.)

Take these swings for example: I thought babies needed swings. My mom bought us two very nice (read that as slightly expensive) swings. As you can see from the photo above, the boys didn’t care for them too much. They did grow to like the swing, but by that time they also grew out of them.

Lessons I learned:

1. Babies grow fast!
2. Baby gadgets are expensive.
3. Twins do not necessarily like the same things.
4. Think creatively.

That’s it, short and sweet. Thanks for stopping by to read my Quick Twin Tip. I hope this helps anyone approaching baby season.

Pink Cheetah Baby Shower Gifts

There’s a new baby on the way! It’s a girl. We don’t get many girls in this family. So of course, I have been crafting up a storm.
The color/theme is pink cheetah. I found this fabric at JoAnn’s, and used brown flannel as a compliment. We know her name, so that made these gifts really fun!
The first thing I made was a blanket. This blanket is about a yard widthwise, and lengthwise.

For this blanket I used this tutorial from A Feathered Nest.
Next I made my specialties; bib, burp cloth, and onesie.

I tried a new pattern:

This pattern is the Snuggler from Simple Sewing for Baby. (I’m not getting paid for this- just wanted to let you know where the pattern came from.)
Next up was some yarn work (fulfilling my crochet kick).

The hat on the left was made using this pattern (with some adjustments for 0-3 month size), the headband from here, and the hat on the right from this pattern.
Everything got the addition of handmade tags, including care instructions. I love giving handmade gifts! What are your favorite baby gifts to give?

Participating in these parties: TOO Cute Tuesday, Whatever Goes Wednesday