If you like the idea of organic foods for your baby, what about organic clothes? Clothes made from organic fabrics are great for many of the same reasons that organic food is great. However, they may not be easy for you to find or they may be beyond your budget, especially since those little ones grow so fast! One solution, sew them yourself.

When it comes to sewing, there are three great advantages to sewing for babies. Amount of fabric, amount of time, and perfection is not required. An adult shirt can easily require two or three yards of fabric, but a shirt for baby uses less than a yard. That means less cost and also less waste if your sewing skills are a bit rusty. Smaller garments mean shorter seams and fewer pieces to cut out and most patterns are fairly simple, unless you add lots of decoration. If some of your seams are crooked, baby won't care as long the item is comfortable.

If you've never sewn before or have limited experience, start with something simple such as a baby blanket. Use a soft knit, most any will do, but consider finding a textured fabric for tactile and visual interest. You don't even need a sewing machine for this project. You can stitch the edges of a blanket by hand using a running or cross-stitch. All you need is one square yard of fabric, trim for the edge (optional), pins, and a needle and thread. Turn each edge under twice so the raw edge is enclosed, pinning as you go, so it doesn't come unfolded. Then sew the length of each side, making sure to catch some of the folded edge, and the fabric below it, in each stitch. Add some organic lace for trim or a contrasting piece of fabric and you're done.

Make sure to save any scraps from your sewing adventures, both the big ones (whole garments you lost patience with) and the little ones (leftover bits from cutting out a pattern), anything much bigger than a quarter can serve some use down the road. Keep a scrap basket near your sewing area and just toss them in as you go. Later you can cut small pattern pieces out of large sections and the little pieces are great for using in appliqués or testing stitches and sewing machine setup before you work on the real thing.

Once your skill level increases, move onto crib bedding and baby clothes. You can even make your own diapers. Patterns are available at your local fabric store or online. You may be able to find organic fabric locally, but if not, see below for directions on searching The Organic Pages Online. If you're in need of a sewing machine, there are many new models available for under $200 or check classified ads or online for great deals on used machines. Here's a quick tip - those old-fashioned treadle machines are great for children learning to sew. The needle goes up and down with each motion of the foot pedal, which gives good control for little fingers as well as a real understanding of how it works.

Concerned about those soft toys your baby is snuggling up to? Make your own stuffed animals or dolls for them to hug. Organic cotton batting is available for stuffing, or use those leftover fabric scraps. Doll clothes are fun to make and require even less precision than baby clothes.

Wondering when you'll have time to sew? Try wearing your baby in a sling. Baby will be happy and content next to you and you'll be hands-free. You can sew your own slings or buy from the many versions available for sale. One of the great things about making your own slings is that you get to choose the colors, just make sure to check the pattern for recommended fabric types.

When you sew organic, you'll feel great knowing that the fabric next to your baby's skin was without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers and that you're supporting organic farmers, fabric makers, and retailers in the process. Sewing is a creative endeavor, so remember to bring out your inner artist. Appliqué a colorful pattern on the front of baby's overalls or invent your own stuffed toys. You'll get to admire your handiwork every time your baby wears or snuggles up with your creations. So, just gather some scraps of fabric and let your imagination run wild!

Visit the Organic Trade Association's searchable directory, The Organic Pages Online, at www.theorganicpages.com and use the "advanced search" option to search for organic fabric and notions, baby slings, patterns and more.