Simplicity 1177: Baby Carrier Tent

Happy New Year! As stated in my first and only 2023 blog, I've finally found a daily routine, and I am spending more time in the sewing room. So, of course, I want to share as much as I can, when I can, with you. It's been a while since I have sewn for a baby. While I enjoy making the occasional bib, burp cloth, and baby pad, the big projects (e.g., a diaper bag) take longer, and the materials can make it pricey. I made this baby carrier tent last year for the newest baby in my life, and it confirmed that the big projects aren't my jam.

Simplicity 1177 is a baby accessory pattern. It offers designs for eight accessories, so you definitely will get your money's worth if you want to make several different baby items. Initially, I wanted to make the diaper bag because it's designed to fold out to a changing pad. But the bag is shaped like a box, and I couldn't make something for someone I wouldn't even carry myself. The next best and most practical thing was the carrier tent.

I purchased the main fabric years ago at Hancock, and I used it to make a small diaper bag for my niece, Miss J when she was a baby. The lining fabric is a minky fabric from JoAnn. I omitted the bows and trim, so I didn't have to purchase the additional notions. Now let's talk about why I probably won't make this again. The pattern instructions and illustrations could have been better, especially when explaining how to finish seams for certain parts of the tent. I had to reread a couple of steps several times before I could understand what I was instructed to do. And to be honest, I still don't think I understood, and at some point, I just used logic and sewing intuition. Additionally, the material cost would also make me think twice about sewing this, especially when you can find a great quality carrier tent for as low as $20. Nevertheless, I do love to see this make whenever I spend time with this precious girl, and that makes it all worth it.