The Nursery Diaries :: Chapter 5

In case you missed Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.

This is Chapter 5... titled CRIB BEDDING

This is the camera phone edition... my apologies. 

Disclaimer: I do not sew.  I send everything out to a seamstress.  If you are looking for a seamstress in your area - try the phone book or google, and as strange as this may sound - I would check references.  A good seamstress is hard to come by.   I do spend hours estimating yardage and drawing up the details of the items that are being sewn up... but I'd hate to lead you astray and make you think I did this handiwork pictured below.  I did design it, but I did not sew it.

The cribskirt:

Normal bedskirts are made with a deck (the part of the bedskirt that is sandwiched between your mattress and boxsprings)... and they are 4 sided (foot of bed, two sides (the length of the bed), and a deck).  However, a usual bedskirt is not on a bed that needs to be dropped/lowered every few months.  A crib is a different story.  I've done cribskirts a few different ways in the past, but decided that this system is the most logical.

Three individual sides that tie to the spring system.  One of the long sides of my crib is against the wall, omitting the need for a 4th side (it'll be hidden against the wall anyway).  I like a skirt to "kiss" the floor... not be dangling up in mid-air.  Nothing against dangling up in mid-air, it's just not my look.  SO... each side of the crib skirt is a separate panel, and as you lower the coil/spring system and mattress you can tie the skirt a little further up up the spring deck so your look will be consistent (your skirt can kiss the floor still, regardless of your mattress height).  I had mine black-out lined... the weight of the lining makes it stay in place better, and just works better for the flat panel style of my skirt panels.  Had the style been gathered or ruffled, I would not have used black-out lining, probably wouldn't have used any lining at all actually.

 

Here I am hunched over the crib tying the skirt panels to the spring system.  Friend was watching and thought you readers would appreciate an action shot.  I couldn't reach the side panels as my belly wouldn't allow me to get close enough. 

 

See the ties?  See the rust on the spring system?  I wish it wasn't there.  Remember it was my crib and has been in my grandmother's cellar for years. One Saturday afternoon I hooked a wire brush to Chance's drill and tried to get the rust off and gave up after nearly injuring myself.  I don't think it will pose a threat as it is not accessible from anyplace the baby would ever be.

 

Another shot of how the skirt panel tied on.

 

The bumper pads:

I am aware that there is risk, danger, and warranted concern about bumper pads, will take them out of the crib when the little girl is of an age when they become a danger.  There are mesh/breathable bumpers out there, and while they aren't as cute, they are safer.  Thank you for being concerned about the well-being of my daughter, I would never want to do anything that might potentially harm her.   

The ties, boxing, and welt cord are the stripe I mentioned I had installed on the diagonal.  The ties are each  23" long before being looped into a bow.  I wanted big bows, so I had to have long ties.  I've never been into bows, but they seemed right.  The cotton ivory fabric (bumper face) is just some extra that was in my "stash", I prewashed it and shrunk it... so when she vomits and poops on it I won't have a stroke.  I will likely handwash them when necessary.  The bumper covers are slipcovers (zipped on bottom), removable with cushions beneath.   

In this photo below the end bumpers weren't set in place yet... they rest square between the long side bumpers.

 

 

I wasn't alone in this endeavor, I had a friend and my husband helping me.  Friend tied the bows... said her grandmother taught her how, she nailed it.  So much so that I untied the bows I made and had her re-tie them.  I need a lesson in bow-tying.

Next chapter I will show you the draperies, they went up this very same night.  It's coming together!  The new chair should be here this week or next. 

To answer some questions:

The paint on the crib is Ralph Lauren Regent Metallics, as I pointed out in Chapter 2. I had the crib stripped and primed and then painted (they sprayed it).  The paint can is not in front of me, but I am guessing that it is latex paint... the website simply says "interior finish".  There is not a clear top coat on it, the paint finish is very nice (remember, I told you I had great painters) and it wasn't necessary... plus I didn't want it to be a glossy finish, it's already gold for goodness sake. 

"When she chews on the crib" comments/questions... I have the plastic rail protector that covers the side rails- they are just ugly and I will wait until this becomes an issue to put them on.  

The Oscar de la Renta fabric: to my knowledge it is discontinued.  I have searched endlessly since I bought it 3+ years ago and have not been able to find it again.

The stripe on the bumpers is Artmark Fabric - Jigsaw Stripe in color "Petal"... nothing fancy, just turned on diagonal (in my opinion) makes it so much more interesting!

Comments

[Michele]

It is absolutely beautiful.

[Kim]

i love all the safety disclaimers. you just need to do what works for you. love all the bedding. can't wait to see the whole room.

[Stephanie]

You are such an engineer with the crib skirt! I've never seen it done before but I love it!

And as always, your fabric/colors/design is gorgeous! Your little girl will be so lucky to inherit her mom's good taste.

[Christina]

It is so lovely! I love the chapters, keeps me wanting more!

I hear you about the peanut gallery re bumpers and reused items. When showing my girlfriend our nursery she called the crib a "sids machine." Awesome.

[Erica]

Erika, this is sooooo beautiful! I was always frustrated by the constant shifting of the crib skirt each time I had to wash my kids bedding. Your idea is brilliant! I am hoping to have a third baby soon, and I might try to replicate what you did with your crib skirt. I love the bumpers. I love the fabric on the diagonal. Everything is so beautiful.

[autumn]

Looks fabulous! As a mother of a 13 month old I have learned to ignore everyone and do what you want for you and your baby! I had to switch to the mesh liners b/c my baby slept with her face completely smushed up against the pad as soon as she could roll over. I wasn't happy about losing the cute pads and going to plain white mesh but they don't look so bad with her decor and peace of mind is worth a lot! However with your access to a great seamstress you could probaby have her sew cute trim if you needed over existing or make them from scratch. And my baby is worse than a new puppy about chewing especially on her crib rails or one side in particular. She is also a pro at undoing child proofing! I saw an Etsy seller featured on a blog that sold cute quilted like covers for crib rails that tie or snap. You are so creative I know you don't need advice but I wish I had known about the covers before spending time and money on plastic. Also they make a great place to rest your head late at night when standing over the crib, patting baby's back trying to get her to go back to sleep!

[LB]

Don't you love comments from people a/b things you don't ask about?! I've used bumpers w/ both girls. In fact, I have a shot of Audrey fast asleep (around 6 mo) with the bumper over her head; it was hilarious and she is fine. I think the "danger" is when they are too little to move themselves around. I would ignore people and do what you want. :)

The nursery is GORGEOUS! I can't wait to see the final pics when it's all put together. Btw, you may balk at this b/c some people don't like to "hide" the crib sheet - but may I suggest "The Ultimate Crib Sheet?" You can get them @ Babies R Us. Basically, when baby has a huge explosion and gets it all over the bed, rather than do the work of taking everything off, you just take off this top protective sheet and throw in washer. It's been a lifesaver for me, though I'm sure your designer instincts will kick in and think it hideous - it's just plain white w/ snaps. :)

[Angela Conklin]

I love the crib skirt idea...love it!!!

Oh, and your seamstress??? EXCELLENT work! The piping and the bumper material match up perfectly! Great job. Look forward to seeing the draperies!

[Elizabeth]

I am DYING over how gorgeous this is. I think it is the first nursery I have seen (and I have hunted high and low for inspiration) that feels feminine without being old fashioned. Your take is so fresh. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing.

In the vein of things you didn't ask about, I thought I would suggest making the little darling a coordinating sleep sack with some of the leftover fabric. My mom made one for my now two year old and it has been a lifesaver!

Can't wait to see the curtains and more pictures!

[Jessica]

Thank you so much for all the details on the cribskirt! I'm getting ready to make a cribskirt since I couldn't find one I liked that matched my crib set - and I had never heard of making 3 separate panels and tying them on...but that is genius! A lot easier than what I was going to do. I love her crib and the bedding and it's looking so good!! I think it's funny that you put up disclaimers - I guess you have to though since I'm sure everyone loves to give you their expert opinion ;) Can't wait to see the draperies!

[jennifer little]

Gorgeous! You are so smart on the crib skirt.

[Anna]

The fabrics are so pretty together Erika! I can't wait to see the finished pics. Thanks for sharing!!

[Kat]

Everything looks fabulous! What a dreamy nursery!!! You totally should patent that crib skirt design!!!

[paddywack designs]

Wow, it looks awesome! I love the combination!

[Anna]

Love, Love, Love, Love it!!!! Can't wait to see it in person! I'll have to come by on the next work trip. . . XOXOXO

[Mrs. Blandings]

She will be safe and sound and snug as a bug. It looks terrific. Can't wait for there to be a baby in that crib!

[MaryBeth]

Wow everything is really coming together. I would have got a bed in a bag from babies r us (haha) It must be so nice to have such talent. Also when I was little we didn't even have carseats or seatbelts, I wonder how we ever made it to adulthood without all the safety stuff. Live and let live. xo, MB

[Jessica {lovely jubbly london}]

It looks perfect! Love your clever idea for the skirt- I will have to file that idea away.

[megan]

This nursery is fantastic! It looks wonderful. I can't wait to see more.

[Britt]

Oh my goodness! That is so beautiful! I love it! You are going to have one unique, stylish baby girl. And I think it's so sweet that the crib used to be yours.

[Angela in WA]

One lucky baby!!! Looks great.

[InTheTweeds]

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. You, Erika, are beyond talented!!!

Can't wait to see everything together!

[diana glynn]

This is going to be one lucky little girl!! A gorgeous room and wonderful parents. Absolutely beautiful Erika.

[alston]

beautiful! such a gorgeous combo, and creative thinking with the skirt...

[mamacita]

FWIW, my babies' crib remained pristine -- they slept in a co-sleeper ("the Sidecar") until they were big enough to sleep in the bed with us. [Huge mistake, BTW, but that's another story.] Anyway, the crib was always lovely to behold, as is yours.

[tipi]

Love the nursery. The safety disclaimers crack me up. I've been suprised at the things that are actually dangerous. Love the bumper pad. The biggest problem I've had is changing the sheets on a crib. Its such a pain.

[Becky]

um...pure genius that attaching the bedskirt to the springs so it can stay the same length. that has always bothered me. plus, when you start snatching a mattress out of a crib to change the sheet, the whole bedskirt comes off. soooo frustrating. i'm a little mad that you didn't have kids at the same time i did and that i'm done. and i have been searching high and low for a valance to go with the panels in little girl's room. last week the thought came to me..."hello? rip the back panel off of the crib skirt. no one will ever know, and you know it is a pattern you like and the perfect colors--even though it will be a little matchy matchy...i can deal." yep, all that in one thought lol!!

it looks great. and the rust will clearly just serve to build up her immunity. it's why i don't dust.

[e.e.]

This is just gorgeous! You have lovely taste. I had some sheets made using this idea where the main part of the sheet zips onto an undersheet, and it has been a lifesaver since it's such a pain to take off the bumper, etc. every time you change the linens. Take a look and if you like it, just have your seamstress make you some. I've LOVED mine: http://www.cloudsandstars.com/ginghamstarterset-1.aspx

[virginia @ where you hang your hat]

So, so beautiful!

[LindsB]

Everything is coming along and looks beautiful! I cant wait to see Chapter 6!!

[Kate]

It is beautiful! I especially love the bumper - looks so thick an soft! How did you make it so thick? Did you use regular bumper pad foam? I'm in the process of making bumpers now and I haven't found anything that thick!

Great job!

[Courtney]

So I'm wondering if it's a little odd that I want my room to mimic a newborns....and I'm also thinking you need to start manufacturing some UG cribsheets sista!

[Frances Haines]

I agree with everyone that the crib skirt design is wonderful AND practical, but slipcovering the bumperpads is GENIUS!!!

Mary Frances

[Iman]

Loooveee it!
The fabrics are divine.
When you have your lil' one you'll know what works and what doesn't. I left my bumper on the crib and all three of mine were fine.

[Susie]

It looks fabulous - I've said this before, but I love the combo of patterns!

[Christy]

Love the bedding & can't wait to see the final reveal. The room is beautiful from what I can see. Love the bumper idea, I am not a fan of the floating bumper & like the "kiss the floor" version much better!

PS. FWIW, I used a bumper with my son until I changed it to a toddler bed. He also never chewed on his crib.

[Kyla]

So lovely...even though I've just had a few glimpses, this is already one of my favorite nurseries ever! Good work.

Re: unsolicited advice. I have two littles, ages 3 and 10 months. Yes, sometimes there are busybodies and safety nazis that are obnoxious. But I've found that most adivce, whether unsolicited or not, came from people who truly cared about me and my children, and I take it with a smile rather than getting offended. Some advice I take to heart, some I ignore, but I try and remember that most of it is offered with the best of intentions.

[alison g. (brazil)]

So perfect - elegant, not over the top - that I want to cry (you know, in a good way!)

I guess when you're at the level of blogstress that you are, people feel free to comment or question anything. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for just wanting to be helpful, but seriously? "Dangerous" crib bumpers (yes, I've read all the scary stories, too) Chewing on the rails? I was prepared with the plastic covers, too - never needed them. I just wish everyone would stop being so PARANOID. We survived, right?

Sorry for the rant...just hate that you have to defend your nursery choices - sheesh!

[Grace]

What beautiful bedding - wonderful job! Can't wait to see the hwole room fnished!

Thanks for answering the question about the paint/chewing on the rails. I didn't even know they made plastic rail protectors for cribs (can you tell it's my first baby?) - I guess I need to catch up. That's a great idea. I, like you, had someone 'reminding' me about all the dangers of this and that and the paint issue came up, so I'm thankful for your tip.

Wonderful job!

[Sarah F.]

I have just started reading your blog and love it. The kitchens you designed and shared ont he blog amazed me. I shared the blog with my husband and we refer to you as the "Kitchen Lady" or "the Woman with the Amazing Kitchens"... anyway, I haven't had a baby but I am in the "information gathering stage" because we hope to start next year. I love the way this nursery is turning out and I am so appreciative that you are willing to share your process and results. We are all so lucky.

I chuckled about the safety warnings. I am not pregnant and have no experience with that type meddling, but my first thought was that you should set up a temporary email account for you blog so unsolicited comments and advice don't fill your everyday inbox... your clients, family and friends can use your old account and the blog commenters who want to annoy you can have their own in box!! You can log in occassionlly or just ignore it for a bit! Give yourself a gift. Enjoy the blog process and free yourself from the peanut gallery and worrying about them. Okay, so I just gave you unsolicited advice and I don't even have children! Oh dear!

I love your blog. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Weg]

I have enjoyed seeing the nursey come together. I love all your ideas. Genius on the crib skirt issue!

[Jennifer]

this looks so good! I need to find a good seamstress in Birmingham. I keep saying I'm going to learn to sew, but really?

I'm filing this all away for future knowledge as -- I'm sure you've noticed -- most of the off-the-rack baby bedding is just ... weird.

[Bickies]

I love it all - beautiful job!
The crib skirt system is brilliant. I fought with my crib skirt for years! I also LOVE the box shape of the bumper pad.

I'll be checking back to see the drapes!! Can't wait.

Take care!

[Jennifer]

Right there with you... love the crib skirts that kiss the ground. Sweet dreams for your little angel! I love it!

[Natalie Roe]

the bumpers i made for bennetts crib look exactly like that! {i mean in shape and construction, but in boy fabric} they have been great bc they were never "poofy" enough for him to bury his face in them, they stand upright so he couldnt use them as a pillow {which scares me about some bumpers and little babies}, and i have thoroughly enjoyed the size of them {he is 19 months and they are still in his crib}. and actually is wasnt until this month that he discovered that he can stand on them, so NOW is the time to take them out!

beautiful erika!

[krista]

love love love!!! I made Finn and Shands's bed skirts the same way, gota have that skirt kissin the ground!

[Kim]

You don't need another person to tell you how ingenious the crib skirt is, but I'll do it anyway. Genius and beautiful too.

[Ali]

Love it! Isn't it all too exciting!

[Darby]

Sister, It looks awesome!! You are so talented!!

[taylor brown]

G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S!!!!!!!

love it! i want to climb in that crib right now and take a nap!