A little fact about me, I hate projects that carry over more than a day. So, for this one I broke it down into three parts: 1. The actual seat slipcover, 2. The canopy, and 3. The finishing touches. Each of these were a one "craft" day project: meaning, when the kids are asleep.
For the longest time I was searching for a tutorial for a car seat cover, but couldn't find one that didn't have you rip your old car seat all apart. I didn't want to do that. I don't have a good reason why, so it's best if you just don't ask, but I just didn't want to.
Finally, I decided to just figure it out for myself. I love these kinds of projects because when they work out you feel even more like you accomplished something so amazing!
All I did was take off my old cover, lay it out as flat as I could and trace the sections. The seat had ten sections. The canopy had three, front and back, so six. I decided, since I have a girl coming, that ruffles were necessary. I just estimated on the ruffles, and it ended out working perfectly!
I LOVE it! I can't believe it actually worked, and that my sewing machine and I didn't get into some sort of terrible lovers quarrel.
(Another fact... I'm completely self taught when it comes to sewing. Most of the time I just send stuff through the machine and see how it turns out :) The seam ripper is one of my very best friends!)
All that being said, I'm really happy with it and CAN'T wait to put baby girl in there soon!!!
** Disclaimer: Altering your car seat may void your car seat’s warranty.
This turned out absolutely beautiful!! Great job! I'm a new follower. :)
ReplyDeletewow!wow! that looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy! It turned out so cute! I'm so glad your finally joining the crafty blogland! Can't wait to see more of your amazing projects! Congrats friend!
ReplyDeleteMarie
mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com
This is absolutely adorable! I want to make one of these! The ruffles are so sweet and it looks so comfy to sit in too!
ReplyDeleteI love making things girly for my daughter! You did a great job!
ReplyDeleteAdorable! Great job!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! That cover looks adorable. Does the hood cover go over the original hood or did you replace that part? Would love more details. We are expecting a girl too. I have wanted to make a cover, but just like you didn't want to tear up the original one.
ReplyDeleteAwww! That's adorable! I love the fabric you used. Makes me wish my littles were still little.
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to stop by and link up your project for Functional Friday!
~Angela
The Not So Functional Housewife
Love the fabric pattern. You did an excellent job. Thanks for linking to Things I've Done Thursday.
ReplyDeleteMelanie
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
how super cute sure to be soft and warm :) come see what I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
ReplyDeletethat is beautiful!! and looks so cozy!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is the cutest car-set ever! Looks super hard - I am impressed!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute car seat cover! Love it!!
ReplyDeleteyou did an awesome job!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteToo cute! You did a great job; and just like you I learn, I seam rip and I go again haha. Love the material you chose.
ReplyDeleteHey! Just wanted to let you know that I featured this today from the Show & Share link party! Congrats! Grab a button if you'd like!
ReplyDeletehttp://southernlovely.blogspot.com/2011/10/show-share-10-features.html
ADORABLE! I would love for you to stop by and link up your slip cover to More the Merrier Monday. It lasts through Wednesday so you have plenty of time to link up.
ReplyDeletehttp://diyhshp.blogspot.com
wow this is amazing! You are so talented seriously so impressed it is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing and linking up to our party Show and Share. Make sure to come back this week and link up your latest projects. We would love to see them.
ReplyDeleteA mommy's life...with a touch of YELLOW
tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com
You've been featured for Functional Friday! Thank you for participating!
ReplyDelete~Angela
The Not So Functional Housewife
Amazing! Seriously you are so creative to just come up with that yourself. I wouldn't know where to start!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. This is so cute. I would seriously pay you to make one for me...for another BOY!!! Really though??
ReplyDeletesimply fabulous! Can you estimate how much of the print fabric you used? I MUST do this! :)
ReplyDeleteJust ran across your blog today (from Pinterest) and I absolutely LOVE this car seat cover. I'm expecting our last baby at the end of Jan. and we're having a girl! I was wondering if you would be interested in making this and selling it?? I would totally buy it! I have a sewing machine but I don't have the chops for this kind of thing. :) Just let me know!
ReplyDeleteIt's very cute and you did a wonderful job however this is a horrible example of car seat safety. You should NEVER replace the padding or fabric on your car seat. The material your car seat is made out of is fire retardant and was crash tested on with the things that came on the car seat. I really urge you to put a disclaimer on your tutorial. I would hate for a child to die in a car accident all because they wanted their car seat to be cute like this.
ReplyDelete@Cari
ReplyDeleteSo glad someone finally said it.
Completely unsafe, as much as I appreciate cute baby stuff I would rather not risk my child's safety.
@Cari
ReplyDeleteHi Cari,
Thanks for coming over to my blog for a little visit. Not sure if you had a chance to read the post on your visits, and whether you did or not doesn't really matter I guess.
I do just want to point out to you that I didn't "replace" the padding or fabric on the carseat, as you mentioned. Both are entirely intact. I realize that is not the point you are trying to make, but was something I wanted to address.
Also, this is not, nor was it ever intended to be a tutorial. It's simply me (on my space of the internet) telling about what I did to my car seat.
I think your suggestion about a disclaimer is entirely valid though, and do appreciate your concern for my child and all other children riding in car seats.
Please feel free to stop by again anytime!
Thanks for being so understanding Amy. I'm relieved that you know that my comment was well intended. I never knew anything about car seats before I had my daughter 3 years ago and it has become one of the things I'm most passionate about.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty awesome, Amy. Boggles my mind, actually. I'm guessing your baby is just as safe in this as any other car seat. More babies will be hurt by parents putting the chest strap over the baby's tummy than by evil ruffles. It IS important to be aware, though. Ruffles kill, people.
ReplyDelete