Tag: reviews

spring kcwc: storytime pj pants

April 28th, 2012 · Bambino Steps (Kimberly) ·

My contribution to the Spring Kids Clothes Week Challenge: three pairs of springtime pajama pants.

I cut these pants out over the winter and am so thankful that the KCWC pushed me to finish them. They’re the perfect weight for spring sleeping, and as this is the fifth time I’ve used this pattern, it goes without saying that I adore it. I’m so sad that this size, 3T, is the largest in the small-sized pattern pack and both small and larger-sized pattern is now out of print. I’m hoping they’ll re-release it as a PDF.

Now for the modeling.

Betty is such a trooper.

Pattern: Oliver & S Bedtime Story Pajamas (pants only – top seen here and here)

Cotton Polka Dot and Line Prints: Garibaldi by Sara Morgan for Blue Hill Fabrics via Bolt

Cotton Black Waves Print: Joel Dewberry for Westminister Fibers via Mill End

Contrasting Waistband and Cuffs: Linen from Joann’s

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toddler activity: sink or float experiment

March 5th, 2012 · Bambino Steps (Kimberly) ·

Approximately two seconds after I read Meg’s post about doing a sink vs. float experiment, I announced to my son that we were going to do a science experiment. He was stoked.

We started by using his construction hat as a bucket (I wanted something waterproof), and with minimal help on my part, he gathered supplies from around the house. We then laid down a towel and filled a clear plastic bowl with water, and then he got to work, plopping each object into the water, first predicting whether or not the object would sink or float.

He was thrilled the entire time, shrieking, “It tink!” or, “It flo!” This has become a favorite activity now, and it’s been so interesting to see what new objects he wants to experiment with.

Some of the objects we’ve used include:

  • bath toys
  • various dried beans including coffee beans
  • rocks, gemstones and shells
  • coins
  • paper and stickers
  • Q-tips and cotton balls
  • corks
  • spoons and a tea strainer

After he’s done experimenting, he wipes down each object, and lays it on a towel to dry, a part we both enjoy because it extends the life of the activity.

Happy Experimenting!

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homemade laundry powder

January 30th, 2012 · Bambino Steps (Kimberly) ·

About a year ago I discovered this homemade laundry powder recipe from Soule Mama, and I’ve been using it ever since…mostly. When I first started making it, I grated the soap by hand, which I loathed. I began dreading the process whenever my batch ran out, and eventually went back to my favorite laundry soap, only occasionally making the powder. For Christmas this year, I gave away several dryer balls along with a jar of laundry powder to friends and family, and during the hand-grating process, I wised up and streamlined the process.

I only purchase Dr. Bronner’s soap when it’s on super sale, which is quite rare, so my preferred castile soap is Kirk’s, which I get for 99 cents a bar. I have also used Fels Naptha, but stopped after reading it contains icky petroleum.

First I cut each bar into more manageable chunks using the blade on our cheese board.

Then using the grating attachment on my food processor, I run each chunk through the machine. It easily fits 10 bars at a time.

Finally, I transfer the gratings to a large bowl, change to the standard “S” blade, and run the gratings through the machine again. In my experience, this is a must to ensure the soap fully dissolves in the wash.

Following the recipe, I mix the other ingredients in a large bowl (my sinuses prefer this done outside), and transfer to large jars, adding up to 50 drops of essential oil to each batch. So far, these are my favorite combinations:

  • Clove, Sweet Orange and Peppermint
  • Lemon & Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Rose & Grapefruit

I use anywhere from 1/16 to a 1/4 cup per load, depending on load size, stains, etc.

Again, a quart jar of the laundry powder along with several wool dryer balls makes a fantastic gift.

Happy Laundering!

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diy kids fire hat

January 18th, 2012 · Bambino Steps (Kimberly) ·

Shortly after Halloween my son’s dollar store fire hat that went along with his Pickles costume bit the dust. This made him quite sad, and made me quite sad because he would occasionally wander about the house calling out for it, thinking it might materialize out of thin air.

One afternoon when he had had a mini meltdown over it, I decided we would make him a new hat, together. A quick Google search brought up this tutorial, which was super easy to follow. We simply molded a brown paper bag over his head, as I quickly ran painter’s tape around his noggin. Then we folded the hat up and he painted it to his liking.

As you can see by his face in this last picture, he loved the painting part. He got so excited that those nice green curtains in the background now have beautiful paint splatters across them. But he’s so darn cute in the hat, I don’t mind the mess.

This is the best picture that I was able to snap of him wearing it because he quickly swapped it out for another.

That said, he wears the fire hat all the time (honest to God he is wearing it as.I.type.this) and it has held up for two months now without any repairs needed. Not bad for a quick diy.

Happy Playing!

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number bean bags and carrying case

January 13th, 2012 · Bambino Steps (Kimberly) ·

For Christmas this year, I made two sets of number bean bags, using this tutorial from Chez Beeper Bebe. One set for my son: kazaam!

And one set for my nieces & nephews: kablam!

I added top stitching to each bag, as I wasn’t confident they would hold up well without the extra reinforcement.

I also added counting dots to the back of each bag (which, oh my, was quite tedious) by tracing a pen cap onto Heat n’ Bond and black felt.

Additionally, (yes, this was a seemingly never-ending project) I made a little carrying case for each set, using the juggling balls drawstring bag pattern from Oliver & S Little Things to Sew. Such a quick project (compared to those bean bags!) which resulted in very sturdy, fully lined bags.

And for my nieces and nephews, I also created a little bean bag toss out of a stunningly beautiful cardboard box, using Danielle’s tutorial.

Like, on Christmas Day, an hour before my family’s Christmas festivities began. Talk about down to the wire.

We’ve been playing with our set by tossing them into an empty laundry basket (or in the air, or at the cat and dog), studying the numbers and carefully counting each dot. Such a fun way to learn how to count.

The project was virtually free, as I used scraps for the bean bags, the beans from the bean bowl, the fabric leftover from making these pants and obviously a really old cardboard box. The whole thing took, what seemed like forever, but it was actually nice working at it bit by bit, at a more relaxed pace than what I typically create for myself. So often when I sew, I want it finished right away and I’m mentally lining up the next 50 projects I want to complete.

Here’s to a more relaxed approach to sewing (and life in general) in 2012!

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