Water-proof Baby Changing Mat

It seems like everyone I know has had a baby this summer!  Naya and I have loved meeting so many new friends and cousins.  But, the more babies you know, the more presents there are to buy...and while I could buy for babies all day long, our Dave Ramsey budget doesn't have much room for such purchases (more on that in a future post!).  Thankfully, I found this post on Pinterest that encouraged me to get crafty with some vinyl tablecloths I found on clearance.

And after a bit of trial and error...I finally came up with a product I like:

Two table cloths plus a bit of bias tape = GREAT addition to any pool/beach bag!

 The tutorial in the above link includes fabulous pictures and step-by-step instructions on how to create this changing mat.  Here are the much more simplified instructions I followed:

1. Trace desired size circle on to one table cloth TWICE.  (You will want a front and back of the same material and same size.)
2. Decide how large you want your pocket (donut-shape) to be, and using a pencil tied to a string as a compass as well as you previous table cloth cut outs, trace a donut shape on the opposite table cloth material.
3. Cut out 2 circles from Step 1 and 1 donut from Step 2.
4. Stitch bias tape to inner circle of donut shape.
5. Pin all pieces together (two circle pieces with printed table cloth sides out, and one donut shape with printed table cloth side out).
6. Stitch bias tape to outside of all 3 pieces to secure the mat together.
7. Fold the mat in thirds, like an envelope, and make slight creases.
8. Stitch down the two creases to create pockets.
9. Between the seams you just created, on one end attach two pieces of ribbon.
10. To carry, fold mat on creases, roll tightly from top to bottom and use ribbon to tie bundle together.

In my pockets I could fit my daughter's swimsuit, swim hat, swim diaper and beloved Sophie!

An example of how the mat folds up "in thirds".

With the mat secured by a ribbon, you can easily toss the mat in your trunk, stroller or diaper bag!

 This bright and cheery changing mat went to our friend Summer.  We hope she enjoys the pool as much as Naya does and that her mom can keep her on this mat when she's putting on her sunscreen, changing her diaper or drying her off.  Just stopped by Meijer to check out the clearance section and found adorable table cloths for $2! I stocked up for the baby showers this fall.