Halloween Shoppe

Our Halloween Shoppe items are listed! Swing by Etsy and check out the aprons, BOOties and hair clips we're offering this fall.

Adventures in Fabric Dying (note to self :: get gloves)

I think that I just opened Pandora's Box.

Never, ever in all my years have I dyed my own - anything. (Okay- I did dye my hair with a bold teal streak last summer but it was too much maintenance to keep up with.) I didn't do tye-dye at home, school or camp. No Home Ec projects, no College-Art-School  experiments. So this is completely uncharted territory for me.

I bought a boatload of plain white onesies last night to make more of the Tiny Acorn tees. I love white, but more importantly- I LOVE COLOR! So I decided to try dying my own fabric. There's an AC Moore right down the street from my house, so while Lilly was in camp today, I went over to see what dye options existed. I only knew of those Rit boxes that look kinda like Jell-o. But surprisingly enough- they didn't carry them- AT ALL! They had a Tulip pre-mixed dye that you had to use in the washing machine. We have a front loader so this option would not work for me. The other choice was a Tulip powder. So I decided to give that a shot.

Teal dye...I sense a theme with my dye choices.

I decided to follow the directions on the package vs. trolling the internet for reviews and work-arounds. I figured - it will either work- or be an epic fail. So the first thing I did was boil a gallon of water. The package said to use STEAMING water, and well- boiling is the only was I really know how to get water that hot.

So to my steaming hot water I added 1/4 cup of salt and the contents of the packet. Stirred it around and hoped for the best as I dipped the first onesie in. It was really hard to tell what color the dye bath was, so it wasn't until the white onesie went in that I saw it was more of a blue/turquoise than a "teal". Oh well... the color wasn't what I expected...could be worse- right? So I decided to add and 2nd onesie. One of the downfalls of this method is that I could only dye 2 onesies at a time. Maybe 3 if they were really small.

"Teal" Dye bath

It said to stir for constantly for15 minutes and then occasionally for 30 minutes. So I kinda stirred for 5 minutes, and then here and there for 10 minutes and then a few times over the next 30 minutes. Overall I was pretty impressed by how the color took. I was nervous that it might be spotty or streaky or too light or too dark. But it kinda just sat there and turned a really great solid color. I'm sure using a brand new white cotton garment was helpful. I can see how the dye might be spotty if it was a blend material or something that has been washed or stained a lot.

Looks blue to me.

After the 45 minutes was up I realized that I should be wearing gloves. And an apron. Luckily I have LOTS of aprons. But no gloves. I carefully scooped the onesies out and started rinsing them in our stainless steel sink under cold running water. The dye came out really clean after just a few minutes. The pot of dye water was still hot, so I decided to grab 2 more onesies and see what would happen with a 2nd dye lot.

Overall- I was THRILLED with the results. The first 2 onesies came out identical in color. The second two were different styles so they came out slightly different in color and were a tad lighter in hue than the first lot. Right now all 4 onesies are in the washing machine, getting an extra good wash and rinse. I would not recommend this method if you need consistency in color. It seems like there are numerous factors that could affect the dye outcome. But for me, to offer one of a kind appliqued tees - this is PERFECT! I can't wait to a) buy more dye and b) make some more onesies

NEW! Tiny ACORN onesies and tees

 From tiny

ACORNS

grow mighty

Oak Trees

I needed a little change from sewing everyday, so I made up about 2 dozen of these sweet onesies and tees. Although applique is one of my side passions, I had never tried using textile paint. But after a little trial, and a little more error...I think a new obsession is starting!!! Each one features  handstamped text and applique in felt and fabric with a tiny bit of hand embroidery. All the pieces I created are one of a kind and available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

This design is based on a watercolor painting I created for my daughter's Pre-K teacher.

 

Mini Wet Bags!

The mini wet bags that many people have been asking about are finally available!

"Our mini zippered wet bag is ideal for personal  items like mama cloth, cosmetics or toiletries.  You could also use for keeping snacks or any  other small items. On the side you will find a 3/8"  ribbon handle/ link loop combo so you can hang  or clip your wet bag anywhere, or use as a  wristlet. The plastic link is completely removable.

Each bag features waterproof 1 mil Polyurethane  Laminate (PUL) lining. The lining is sewn  separately to reduce wicking. Measures 6" H x 7"  W with a 7" zipper.  (About the size of a plastic  sandwich baggie). Wipe interior with wet cloth or  machine wash gentle, machine dry low/line dry.  Do not bleach or iron."

 You can purchase them at the WEBSITE (www.diaperbagwrangler.com)
and also at the ETSY SHOP (www.diaperbagwrangler.etsy.com)

great for cloth wipes or mama cloth

same ribbon handle and clip as the larger bags

use for snacks....

or small electronics...

or cosmetics...

plastic link is removeable

ribbon handle to use as wristlet

regular and mini wet bags

Sweets Treats Apron - Etsy Exclusive!

 

 

  

 

Women's Snap To It! Full Apron

 Are you aking sweets with your sweetie this Valentine's Day? Check out our new apron print- Sweet Treats, available only through the Etsy Shop (diaperbagwrangler.etsy.com). Great for Valentine's Day and everyday.

Little Kids Personalized Apron

Little Kids Personalized Apron

New Print- Mod Papaya - Little Kids Personalized Aprons

The Mod Papaya apron is available at both the Etsy Shop (diaperbagwrangler.etsy.com) and the Website (diaperbagwrangler.com)

Mod Papaya Little Kids Apron

New Print- Country Garden

This lovely new fabric has a creamy tan background with the word "garden" subtly printed allover in various fonts. Flowers, fruits and veggies in oranges, yellows, greens and reds, and finally a bird silhouette in a burgundy. The coordinating fabric is olive/green.

Available at our Etsy Shop: www.diaperbagwrangler.etsy.com
And website: www.diaperbagwrangler.com

County Garden Personalized Little Kids Apron

Fits ages 2 - 6

Snap to It! Apron with Removable Dishtowel

Sneak peek of the "design your own" apron page...

The Diaper Bag Wrangler will be rolling out  a NEW "Design Your Own" feature later this week. Here's a little sneak peek of the progress....

pick your own fabrics and I'll make you a custom apron!

Boys in the Kitchen

I receive a lot of requests for pictures of different aged kids modeling the aprons, so here's two awesome brothers who dropped by to model the new Kids Snap To It! Aprons:

 

  

Kids Snap To It! Apron GIVEAWAY!

By popular request- it's finally here...the Kids Snap To It! Apron

Our *NEW* Kids Snap To It! Apron is a mini version of our popular Women's Snap To It! Apron. This innovative apron was designed by me and cannot be found anywhere else.

Each apron features a completely removable dishtowel that simply snaps underneath the waistband. The towels are made of ribbed terrycloth for maximum absorbency. Each towel measures approx. 12" x 12" and we even offer replacement towels. The back side of the apron features a solid 100% organic unbleached muslin lining. Coordinating fabric trim for the waistband and ties. Three snaps across the front. Ideal for kids ages 6 to Tween.

Machine wash and dry. Iron the apron if needed. Separate the towel from the apron prior to washing.

Want to win my sample??? (you will get the one shown: Red Buds fabric with solid black trim)
All the info is below:

THE WINNER IS: LISA G. - YAY! I KNOW you love our aprons!!!!!

Wipe Clean Toddler Apron GIVEAWAY!

The Holiday season is upon us! It's also the time of year when The Diaper Bag Wrangler becomes "Apron Mayhem!". Our Aprons have been a holiday gift giving staple for the past three years.

So by popular request, we are pleased to offer 2 NEW aprons.

Our *NEW* Wipe Clean Toddler Apron is a basic apron made with a designer cotton fabric with a PVC free laminated front. Perfect for arts and crafts or "helping" in the kitchen, this apron will keep your toddler clean(er). Ideal for 2-5 year olds, it features a tie neck and waist. Machine wash (YES- MACHINE WASHABLE!!!) and LINE DRY or wipe down with a cloth. Do not put in a dryer, iron or dry clean.

Want to win my sample??? (you will get the one shown: Aqua & Red Dot fabric with solid white trim)
All the info is below:

THE WINNER IS: JESSICA W. - YAY!

Thank you everyone for entering!!!!

Sew Cute! Fabulous Fan Mail

Little Julia is showing off her new Diaper Bag Wrangler Super Hero Apron. She loves watching her mama in the kitchen and she will certainly be a great brownie baker and cookie decorator when she's a little bit bigger!

Thanks Julia!!!!

Send us your fan pictures and you could be included in a future Sew Cute! post.

* *New** Super Hero Aprons

Do you have a SUPER helper in the kitchen when it comes to baking cookies or making a yummy PB&J sandwich??

Introducing the NEW Super Hero Aprons from The Diaper Bag Wrangler. Available in two colors- Royal Blue and Magenta, and available in two sizes - Little Kids (ages 2-6) and Big Kids (ages 6+). Each one is reversible and made with premium 100% cotton fabric. The front features 4 pockets, and there are waist ties and an adjustable d-ring neck. The Super Hero shield is made with EcoSpun Felt, each letter was individually designed and hand-drawn by me and is embroidered to a hand cut felt crest. It is then machine sewn to the apron. As a BONUS all aprons have a secondary felt embellishment on the left pocket. The Royal Blue apron features a star and the Magenta features a lightening bolt. (The aprons will be available for purchase through our Website and Etsy Shop.)





Are you LOVING these new Super Hero Aprons???!!! I am giving away my 2 original samples of the Little Kids Super Hero Aprons (for ages 2-6). One winner will receive a Royal Blue Apron with your choice of letter. The second winner will win a Magenta Apron with your choice of letter.




To enter: All you need to do is enter your name, e-mail and color choice in the form below. No entries can be made via blog or facebook comments. The entries will be entered on the master spreadsheet, and a winner for each color will be selected through the random number generator at random.org. One entry per person, U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends Friday 2/19/10 at 10pm (EST). The winner will be posted on the blog and also contacted via email.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. THE WINNERS ARE:

Royal Blue: Jessica W.
Magenta: Stephanie P.

Coming Soon - A SUPER Giveaway!

Stop by on Monday, February 15 for a new Diaper Bag Wrangler GIVEAWAY!

There will be 2 SUPER Winners!

Holiday Collection

Our Holiday 2009 Collection is now available!

We are offering Reversible Tie Back Headbands, Snap to it! Aprons, Doll Aprons, Aprons for Little Kids and Big Kids plus Baby Booties.

Our featured fabric is the Red Snow Buds fabric by Dena Designs. It is a red fabric with a geometric off white floral print. The coordinating trim on the aprons is hunter green with a stylized ivy/floral print.

All items are available at www.diaperbagwrangler.com and www.diaperbagwrangler.etsy.com