[blparent] making baby clothes

[Tay Laurie]

Hi everyone,

considering that I know a good portion about sewing, knitting, etc, I was wondering if it would be ok to make my own baby clothes, at least for a few outfits? I think that doing so might be cheaper, and would give me something to do until baby arrives. I'm not looking to make things out of silk, satin, etc, but sturdy, soft fabrics and things that are easily washable. Also, are dresses for a little girl appropriate even at such a small age?

I also wondered about baby swings. The few I've seen are fairly large. Right now we only have a one bedroom apt, but will be moving into a larger one, or possibly a rented house, as soon as possible. I don't think one of the ones that suspends from the doorway would be my cup of tea, as knowing me I'd forget and run into it. Can anyone suggest brands or styles of swings, cribs, etc? Anything lower to the ground or that can be raised and lowered, since hubby can stand and I can stand for only a few minutes at a time might be a good idea.
Also, what about laundry soap? Do we simply use less of the normal stuff we use, or is there a specific baby detergent? I appologise if these are silly questions, but I'd rather have them answered than make a mistake and hurt the young one.
And, another stupid question. I've seen a basinette. But I haven't really seen a cradle, except for the doll cradle I had in 2nd grade, that was directly on the ground. The two boards that made up the head and foot were curved at the bottom to provide the rocking action. Is this how real cradles are? Or are they slightly higher? my grandmother said they're not on a stand since the baby could flip them over.
I'm just trying to decide what kind of furniture to get, i.e crib, cradle, etc. Also, at what age should we consider little one sleeping in his or her own room? Since it would take a few minutes for me to get into my chair and roll into the nursery, (five minutes on average) I don't want to neglect little one because it's hard to get out of bed. So we figured for at least a litlte while having him or her sleeping in our room, so one of us can quickly tend to their needs. But at what age does that become inappropriate?
Again, thank you guys for all your help!