My Cloth Diaper Monkey Turns 1

Today was Monkeys birthday.

He has been in cloth diapers from day 1.  He is still a 100% cloth diaper baby.  He is also my 6th baby, all cloth diapered. My oldest child is 19.  Ive been at this 19 years and loving it.  I love being a mom, I love cloth diapering.  The number of years actually spent changing cloth diapers is a little more then 11.  My kids have potty trained around age 2.  Some took days, some weeks, one took months.  Thats because his dad let him fall in the toilet and he was scared.  

How do you succeed at 100% cloth diapering?  Don't use sposies.  Its like breastfeeding; use a bottle and you will undermine yourself.  

Is that cuz sposies are easier?  I don't think they are really easier, but it can feel that way.  Yes cloth means rinsing diapers, extra laundry and it seems like more work.  But consider this: 

•your supposed to dump the poop from sposies into the toilet (legally).  Most people don't though.  

•Yes I have to do laundry every other day, but know what? I don't have a giant laundry pile that I'm gonna need to haul down to the laundry mat to use 5 triple loaders.  Cloth Diapers means I never get behind on my laundry.  A little extra work today means I don't have a day of overwhelming laundry.  

•Sposies are notorious for poopslpions that cloth holds in.  No one takes that into account when adding up the work of diapering, ebf poop clean up of clothes on a regular basis?  That would suck.  

•Also I have a bullet proof night diaper system.  Hybrid fitted under wool, change half way through the night.  I never have a wet bed that needs sheets and mattress cleaned... Any sposie moms able to claim that?  

•Cloth diapering is guilt free.  I feel awesome about using them.  Sposies would leave me with an environmentally guilty conscience.  And guilt is time consuming.  

•Lastely they are super cute.  

The only bad thing is that apparently not everyone wants to talk cloth diapering and see my diapers.  Except other CD moms, and almost every grandma.  Grandma's love me though lol.  They think I'm awesome.  

So Happy Birthday my Monkey, sleep sound in your cloth.  

Answering: clothes I picked to work with the Mommy figure

I (excitedly) told a group of Facebook friends about my capsule wardrobe shopping trip.  And from that was asked what I picked to work with my mommy figure.  So I'm writing this... A post I never thought I would be writing lol.  First a few notes and disclaimers
•I'm a size 9 pants large shirt for the mommy belly which isn't actually from having Monkey or my other kids...its from a winter of donuts.  I'm also an A cup and my bum is not the bum of my youth lol, it has the sag of my 40 years lol. 
•I'm not a fashion expert.  I'm a seamstress though so I do know a thing or to about fabric. Drape and clothes....but mostly I know about powwow clothes and baby clothes.  Also I feel I should admit that I'm a fan of Nirvana and as a 90's teen was very grunge....but my clothes have grown up since then, in general, mostly as of last night lol.
•I went shopping at Giant Tiger and I'm thrifty.  GT is a Canadian discount department store.  Not big like Walmart or Target, small department store.  You can find similar styles in nearly any store.  And of course, check the clearance racks!
•I need clothes to be nursing friendly.
•These will not make me look like I'm a size 3.  They just make me look good at NY current size.

Maxi Skirt and Banded waist t-shirt.
I love maxi dresses.  However they looked better when I didn't have belly.  So I got a maxi skirt with a drop waist.  Drop waists are awesome at belly coverage.  Same with a t-shirt with a banded waist.  It helps smooth out the belly, and blouses the shirt nicely.  Gives me a nice, smooth silhouette.  I also got a cream and blue scarf with a butterfly print.  I love scarves.  I don't use them to hide myself while nursing.  Actually Monkey pulls in them and pushes them to the side.  I usually remove it while nursing. 

Jeans:
I got three pairs.  What they all have in common is this:
•they fit, properly.  Both in the waist (no muffin top), and the bum (hold up the mommy sag.
•one is twill, 2 are denim (one with Lycra).  This means they have form and structure that jeggings frequently lack.  Plus they will wash better. 
•regular rise waist.  First time in decades I haven't bought low rise but it was time to face that me hiking my low rise jeans up over sag with muffin top spilling out just isn't all that sexy. 
What's different?; one is a faded pair of capris.  After all summer is coming.  One is a regular jean with a boot cut and some rainbow stitching (to appease my child like heart).  This was my difficult purchase.  I love skinny jeans.  I have the legs for them.  But I used to love a flared leg so we will see how I like them.  It was a maybe purchase.  Risky, I know.  And the last pair is black skinny jeans.  These are twill.  Twill is as heavy as denim but with a softer (brushed) feel.  They are pull on (no button or zipper), like a jeggings, they have some Lycra for stretch, but the heavy fabric gives them that jeans structure. 

The blouse:  I got a very light weight flowy  blouse.  Its army green cuz my daughter wants to share it.  This means I still need a black one for my slacks.  Its not too loose (flow) that it males it look like I'm wearing a tent (too big is also not flattering).  And its not to small that it grabs my belly.  It has structure I. The design to make it fit a female body.  The other blouse is a maroon. Berry kind of colour.  It has an elastic waist.  This functions like the banded waist.  In fact it works so well I'm adding elastic to the waist of a large yet beautiful too I was gifted. 

Splash of red:

I got a sleeveless crossover red shirt.  It has a banded waist also.  The criss over cascades which is always a great belly hider.  And the splash of red can brighten, cheer or sophisticate any plain pair if pants.  Its Jersey knit and yet can be dressed up or look casual.  Shirts that do this are great wardrobe pieces. 

Cami's:
I like a good tank under my clothes.  Often in replace of a bra, but not always.  And cuz I like it tucked in to keep my back warm (personal thing).  Also if I have to pull up my shirt to nurse (I prefer to pull shirt down though). The cami's fit. And feel good.   And I brought a bra.  Let's face it, those boobs look best when help up, even if they are only a tiny bit of sag. 

All the shirts work with all my pants.  The blue one also works with a summer skirt I kept.  The black cami works with both my slacks (I kept, they fit) with one of my mini cardigans, but a black summer shirt that's a bit dressier would be good.  I like shirts I can wear year round and just add a sweater. 

I kept a few tank tops, a winter shirt, a summer shirt,  and my black nursing T-shirt.  Like I said I also kept my two slacks (one is a funky summer pair).  Also my leggings and a pair of sweat pants and two hoodies. 

No yoga pants? 
Yeah, sorry, don't own any.  And I do yoga.  I usually wear leggings and a tunic for yoga, or my sweat pants.  Ot if at home whatever I'm currently wearing.  Didn't keep any tunics (oh my).  But I mostly wear leggings under jeans or a skirt.  I hate being cold. 

Sweats for yoga? 
If your doing hot yoga or other popular types sweats won't work, your boil, buy a work out outfit.  But I do yin yoga (hold a pose for 5-15 minutes).  I'm not working up a sweat.  It is strenuous but in a different way and I find it very meditative, slows me down, relaxing.  I'm extremely flexible so I can get very comfortable in most poses. 

So there you have it.  Create your own budget capsule wardrobe and share :) Just remember to love it and buy what fits you. 

A Mommy Shopping Trip - a lesson in how to be good to you.

Have you readabout capsule wardrobes? (You can read about them at unfancy)   Its about having basic, non over flowing closet of clothes you love   Its an idea I love as I dislike clutter, excess and over consumption.  I often declutter my wardrobe.  However what I don't do is properly stock it in the first place.  Previously I compensated for this by raiding the closets of my teen daughters.  However I'm bigger post baby. 

So I was feeling kinda down.  I added weight over the winter and my clothes were mostly not fitting well.  Add to that a wardrobe that was becoming thread bare and didn't have "outfits". 

How is this important to mothering?  Its very important.  Our emotional and mental well being effects those around us.  If we don't feel good about ourselves, we don't preform our best.  We are also less likely to go outside, make healthy choices etc. 

So after reading an article about capsule wardrobes that referenced unfancy, I went and read it.  She has just (the other day) gone on hiatus but go read.  I read and I decided, I need this.  I need clothes that are in decent shape and are flattering.  But I'm thrifty.  So I went clearance shopping. 

Now here's the golden nugget.  I went and was very honest about my new size.  I am a size 9 pant, large shirt.  That's a bit to swallow when I was a size 3 just 2 years ago.  
Could I have squeezed in to a 7?, a stretchy 5?  Yes, cuz I have been.  But then I'd be back to sporting a muffin top.  Just cuz we can get into a certain size doesn't mean it fits. 

The point is to feel good about how I look.  Accepting my current size means the clothes will look good.  No muffin top.  And when we lie to ourselves we don't feel good.  Yes I went back to eating proper portion sizes (last week lol) and will likely drop the extra 10 I gained over the winter.  However that doesn't mean buying the size I hope to wear and look good in eventually.  I need to feel good now. 

It was a success.  I got 2 pairs of jeans, a pair of capri's and a maxi skirt.  I also got 5 shirts, a bra, to cami's, a scarf and socks.  Thenbas soon as i got home i brutally emptied my closet and chucked stuff that will be taken toba thrift shop tomorrow.  I kept 2 pairs of slacks, a few shirts, skirts and sweaters.  I also (in the back of my closet kept 3 dresses I hope will fit again). My closet and dresser have room to spare.  And my new wardrobe is adult (no skinny screen print tees).  I'm 40 in 5 weeks. 

I feel good.  I look good.  I'm ready to go take Monkey out all over town.  Chat to other moms at the park.  I feel confident.  I don't feel old.  Buying age appropriate but fashionable clothes made me feel younger, not older. 

I don't have the suggested 10 pairs of shoes.  To me that feels like over consumption.  I have one spring jacket and a sweater jacket.  I plan to find a purse.  Monkey doesn't usually need more then 2 diapers when out now so I could throw his stuff in a purse.  All I need it for is my wallet and cell phone lol. 

The lesson:  be good to you, look after you and be honest with you.  The smile, the confidence and the pride will make you mother to your fullest. (I will do my hair before going out lol)

New "lovey" idea!

Some babies like "lovies".  It may be a blanket or stuff toy of some kind or any random object.  Many parents (and babies) find such lovie objects a helpful tool for night time, naps or when cranky. 

Monkey hasn't found any such object.  He has a few stuffies but only is interested in the horse one that I made, and only as a plaything. 
He had one if those adorable beanie stuffies attached to a soother.  No interest in a soother. 

Have some of those muslin blankies and one with tags.  As thing, likes them to play with, especially the muslin ones. 

Monkey wants my nipple to me this soothing item to be rolled and twisted between his fingers.  Ow and no lol.  Lately its been me nursing with my hand over my other boob.  Until today :)

Today I wore a new shirt from my mil.  It has tassels.  Monkey has just lovie'd the tassel to sleep on my lap. 

Like as I wrote this he was playing with it while nursing, fell asleep and came off the boob.  He's puckered out from his birthday party this afternoon.  

So I'm going to buy two blue tassels (maybe two brown also).  And I'm going to sew them on the end of his muslin blankies.  Then im going to buy what i need to make my own amd sell with my diapers, carriers and swim diapers.  Im all excited.  K off to look online at simplifi! 

Behind the scenes of Monkey's 1st B-day: truth, limits and compromise

Monkey is my 6th child.  I've learned a few things about what makes a good birthday party.  Each decision comes down to 3 things: truth, limits and compromise. 
Some starter Truths:
Do party prep and clean up the day & night before.  It all will take longer, hours longer then you think!  You might stress a bit.  Its OK, we are moms, we do that.  Most will have husbands that go to bed perfectly relaxed.  They will not be stressed.  Take a page from his book and go snuggle in bed.  (I didn't, I should have lol).  You will not take all my advice, or all of anyones.  Some things you'll insist on learning on your own.  That's OK.  We are human moms, not demi gods.

How old is the birthday person? 
Monkey is one (in a few days).  What makes a good birthday depends on age. 
•truth: 1 guest per year is not a good idea.  Do you want 16 teens at your child's 16th bday?  No! I promise you don't.  That's a stupid rule, don't use it. 
•limits: limit the guest list.  A 1 yrs old doesn't care if you invited everyone they have ever met.  They won't even remember it.  We are inviting grandparents only.  A huge guest list for babies and toddlers usually results in a meltdown.

•truth: not only will Monkey not remember all (well any) details of this party but you and the guests will only remember a few details.  My 19 yrs olds 1st bday, I remember she screamed when she touched the icing.  The cake wasn't smashed.  We laugh about it now.  I also remember she got an adorable ladybug outfit that I loved dressing her in. 
•compromise: everyone not invited can see pics.  They well ooh and ahh. 
•compromise: pick the right time.  We aren't celebrating on the day.  Its not a must, chose a day that works, likely a weekend.  Monkey is 1, so evenings are not a good time.  The party will be a noon when he is least likely to be cranky.

What are your skills?
•truth: I am not a professional cake decorator, party organizer etc. 
•limits:  yes make a few awesome things so you and your guests are impressed.
•compromise: buy some snacky things that are premade and just need to be heated. You want time to enjoy this day.   We bought sugar donuts, quiche and samosas.  I made garlic bread and summer chicken salad wraps (recipe at bottom).
•compromise: ask someone special to bring something.  They will like being included, unless its over the top. 

Cake:
•truth: everyone knows I'm not a professional cake decorator.  I choose easy patterns, used cookie cutters for shapes, and watched you tube videos.  It doesn't look pro but it still looks pretty awesome.
•limits: my new oven and I aren't best friends yet so I used a box cake and did the decoration myself.  
•compromise: I am happy with an awesome cake by an average mom, it doesn't have to look pro to be awesome. 
•truth: The not as good side is facing the wall.

Decorations:
•truth: again, not gonna be remembered outside of the pics you take.
•limit: stay within your budget! It's a birthday.
•compromise: again. Not pro.  Do what you can make look good!  A simple streamer design, matching table covering, paper plates, accessories. 
•limits: don't go over the top.  Simple will look better. 

Gifts:
•limits:  kids are easily overwhelmed.  Keep it simple, gifts too.  We have picked one from us. 
•truth: what does birthday person really like?  Monkey loves the vacuum, not the super cool new fads.  So for him a fisher-price corn Popper toy like we had when little. 
•compromise: let your guests decide what to get.  Its fun; for them, they likely want to do that.  If asked for ideas, give a few ideas.  If asked for a specific; give one....one!  If they want more they will say so.  Yes if there are big no-nos, say so, with tack.
•truth: children,  especially boys can make a toy gun out if anything!  I swear, they are like mini McGuiver's on this.  Ban them from the gift list if you want, but your kids will still make one, even out of their hands and finger.

Birthday Outfit:
Truth: what's your budget?  Its only gonna fit 6 months. 
Comprise: baby, toddlers and kids want to play.  You might want a fancy outfit, but choose one that is comfortable on the kid.  Or go for cute over fancy
Limits: you can't have it all (red carpet outfit, smashed cake, non ruined red carpet outfit).  Use a bib, a big one. 

Some social truths:
•if you invite your kids whole class (school age), or your 50 "closest friends" etc; people will see this as a cash grab. 
•this isn't a free stock up on everything you want for your child's coming year; if you expect 26 things you really want; people will be offended. 
•this isn't the event of the year (except to you),  1.5-2 hours is great.  If out of town family wants to visit more, let them. Just them gets to stay and catch up. 
•the 1st birthday is mostly about family (blood, marriage or chosen).  If baby or toddler needs to nap, let them nap. Your family wants to see happy baby and you. Not crying baby.  Naps happen.  Go with it and enjoy some adult time. 

Reality Check:
•truth: if you play cruise ship coordinator or try to do to much, you will miss much of the party and totally regret it. 

All right, hope that helps you have a great birthday filled with the best of memories. 

Summer Chicken Salad Wraps:
(My own creation, so there are no measurements, I just throw it together.  Its OK, you can cook this way, I promise it won't go wrong)
•Cream cheese
•mayo
•cucumber
•cherry tomatoes
•chicken
•lemon
•dill

- cream together equal parts mayo and cream cheese. 
-chop finely (or food processor but I don't have one) cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken
-mix into cream cheese - mayo.
-add in lemon juice and dill. 

Now put in wraps, roll, toothpick and cut in half.  Also good in a bowl in fridge for quick sandwiches.  

Diapers per meter (lil more then a yard)

Ever sit there starting at a fabric order wondering "how much do I need". Well here is my break down for you if your making a butterfly fitted (the diaper I most recommend making). 

Flannel:
If your making a butterfly fitted from flannel (which tends to be more narrow then other fabrics) I can get 4 diaper cuts per meter (2 across, 2 down) with a little left over.  So out of 10 meters I get 14 butterfly Fitted's that are 3 layers thick.  (That's 9 layers folded). 
20 meters flannel = 28 diapers

Fleece, Terry and CV:
Using hemp or bamboo-rayon fleece (HOBF, SHOBF) paired with cotton fleece, terry or cotton velour (CV) I need one layer each.  Its wider then the flannel and I can get 3 across.  So 1meter hemp or bamboo-rayon fleece + 1 meter CV, terry or cotton fleece = 6 butterfly Fitted's (folded that's 3 layers hemp or bamboo-rayon, 3 layers CV, cotton fleece or terry),
4 meters fleece + 4 meters CV, terry or cotton fleece = 24 diapers (5 each = 30 diapers)

Fleece and Flannel:
This one is more tricky (math wise).  Ok so if you want to pair 1 layer hemp or bamboo-rayon fleece with 1 layer flannel.  Then 2 meters hemp or bamboo-rayon fleece is 12 cuts and 3 meters flannel is 12 cuts.  1 cut each = 12, 2 layered diapers (folded that's 3 layers hemp or bamboo-rayon fleece with 3 layers flannel).  
4.5 meters fleece + 7 meters flannel = 27 diapers

* this applies to solids, vertical prints and universal prints.

Swim Diaper TutorialTutorial - with hack for using mesh.

Swim diapers are fantastic.  Back when my oldest was little (19 years ago), you had to have your swim diaper inspected and some pools were uncertain about them.  Time has proven the cloth swim diaper though and now some pools are banning the disposable swim diapers (cuz of the weird stuff they leak) in preference for cloth swim diapers.

My first swim diaper was pul lined in one layer flannel with a Velcro strip.  Now they are lined in athletic wicking mesh.  Much lighter when wet.

To make today's swim diaper we used the Aquarius swimmer pattern from sewmamasew.  (This was a project at the metis centre today).  You can use any swim pattern you like though.  (Note these fit smaller then a cover as they are not going over a diaper).  That link takes you to the tutorial, but I've made a small change.

You will need:
Pul
Athletic wicking mesh/jersey
Universal thread
Foe (fold over elastic)
Ball point needle
Snaps and snap press (or velcro)

So start by tracing your pattern onto your PUL on the back side.  Use a bright marker.  I used blue, wish I'd used red.

Now lay your mesh over top of pul (on back side) **no cutting has happened yet!

Pin like crazy.  Normaly you don't pin pul but swim diapers sole function is holding in poop, so its ok to pin.  I pinned inside and outside the diaper outline.

Next straight stitch the two fabrics together about 1/8th- 2/8th inside the outline.  Now you can cut out the diaper.  This way that stretchy mesh hasnt gone wonky while cutting and is the exact same size as the pul.  Awesome right?  It's also going to make adding the foe easier :)

         (This has 2 traced and pinned)

 Next place your fold over elastic (folded over) on edge of diaper (leaving a tail.  The tail is for finishing).   Your going to sew this down with a narrow width zigzag (at edge of foe).  You do this just like bias tape.  Your pattern has areas where you don't need elastic so dont stretch the foe.  And areas that do need elastic stretch (legs, back & front waist) so do stretch foe (to the fullest) in these area .

Sewing foe un stretched around tab
(Pin marking elastic)

Sewing foe fully stretched through legs and waist.

Since this is for a swim diaper I marked the elastic placement with pins, points sticking towards foe.  This way when I folded the foe over the edge of the fabric the needles stuck through and were not in my way.

Now when you have only and inch- inch and a half left tie off your thread (back stitch).

Then measure to see how much foe is needed to finish.
Pin together the foe (right sides together) using the tail you left at the start.  Straight stitch them and clip close to seam.  Now fold back over edge of diaper and finish sewing (zigzag stitch).

Now add the snaps.   

And your done.  

Delivery Day: Simplifi Fabric Love

Today my fabric order from Simplifi arrived.  I'm in organic fabric love lol.  Now I just need a trip to fabricland for notions and my rings from sling rings.

So here it is:

Organic cotton canvas (9oz weight) for two ring slings.  Love this print.  The feathers appeal to my Indigenous tastes and i love the muted blue and cream.

Mei tei fabrics.  The ocean blue and golden yellow leaf print is organic cotton canvas for the full structure of the mei teis.  The prints are the decoraticw panels.

Here we have creamy hemp fleece paired with organic flannel for some butterfly Fitted's.

And last but not least pul and foe (I already have athletic mesh) for swim diapers.  I'm excited to sew the girly print.  My youngest daughter is 14 so its been a while since I got tobsew little girl stuff lol.
Now to pre wash.

A Word About Stripping

As you know I've been cloth diapering for 19 years.  A lot has changed.  Some changes are good and some are not. 

Nowadays the question of stripping diapers is a daily occurrence on CD (cloth diaper) boards.  People openly and frequently talk about how they do it, how often they've had to etc. 

Back in my day (lol) stripping was mentioned behind hands in hushed tonnes (much like the other kind of stripping lol).
- "Psst, did you hear she had to strip last week" . 
- "did she have thrush?"
- "Nope"
- "eww"

Yeah, that's how it went.  Now I realize some modern diapers are harder to clean and that is part of the problem.  The other part is bad advice.  So here is some good advice.  SUDS:
S: simple wash routine.
U: use enough detergent.
D: duration
S: skip the additives. 

Simple Wash Routine:
Rinse used diapers.  Wash every two days on a regular and full wash cycle (no promises for MF, zorb or highly synthetic diapers). You don't need to spend 3 hours checking for bubbles etc. 
Use Enough Detergent:
Detergent.  Not soap.  Not "CD safe".  Regular detergent, full amount.  You wouldn't use half detergent in your clothes, why would you on something that was peed and pooped in?.  Tide, gain and xtra are well known for their good performance
Duration:
Full cycle.  Not a tonne of extra rinses and soaks.  You want to wash but not add extra minerals in or wear out those diapers.  And not some quick wash cycle either. 
Skip The Additives:
Coconut, orange, tea tree and other oils.  These will build up oils on your diapers.  Check detergent for these too (country save liquid has coconut for example).  Skip brighteners and softeners.  Especially softeners, they cause repelling.  Skip the fragrances.
*Do add a water softener if needed.  And feel free to use vinegar if you like. 

Now should you need to strip cuz you got some 2nd hand diapers, had yeast or fell pray to crazy advice and have ammonia or "stink"  do strip with bleach and re-prep those diapers.  You do not need to add bleach to your regular wash routine.  This will wear out the fabric (just like if you bleached your favorite shirt every 2 days), nor do you need to do it monthly.  If hand washing flats or prefolds, feel free to add a wee bit.  Although it will add wear. 

If you have repelling or dingy looking diapers from hard water then use RLR.  That's what it is for: mineral removal, not stripping. 

Boiling can only be done to flats and prefolds.  It will brighten, clean and remove oils.  It won't replace stripping. 

Do not use Dawn.  Seriously, it's for dishes.  Use it on your dishes. 

Sun your diapers for great stain removal, air freshness and brightening.  Again sunning doesn't replace stripping. 

How to strip:
In a bath tub use hot water and 1/4 cup if bleach.  Mix.  Add diapers.  Soak several hours stirring with wooden spoon occasionally.  Then rinse.  Finally wash in machine, dry, wash 2-3 more times (re prep),

Items for sale

So I've made arrangements to be able to sell some things in a local shop looking for locally made items for a portion of the store.  I'm very pleased with this and happy to be involved in a shop with this in mind. 
The its will be baby carriers (mei tei's and ring slings), butterfly fitted diapers, swim diapers, some fitted leg prefolds for 0-3 months and some woolies.  The initial stocking will be small but if successful I will make more and will make items to order also.  I won't be selling clothes on shop but will do items to order through here. 

I spent a lot of time looking at fabrics particularly for the baby carriers.  In the end I've ordered all organics from simplifi fabrics.  It's a choice I feel better about on several levels.  The swim diapers aren't organic of course, but the rest will be. 

It is a little scary!  I'm a low income mama.  Putting out cash I could use to make money with no magic ball to see it will all turn out is nerve wrecking!  And I still have to go buy some wool.  

Well we will see what does and doesn't sell I guess.  Wish me tonnes of luck folks and check out the items as I make them.  Also items will not be sold in the US.  Sorry folks, its easier then going through testing on baby carriers etc. 

The wrong fabric

I've sewn my kids some great clothes, parents and sister too.  I see great things for myself on the internet.  I buy the right fabric for it.  Then I have an idea, change everything and try to "make do" with what I have.  I know not to do this in theory.  I do it anyways.  I have no idea why.  I wish I didn't.  Especially cuz these great ideas for myself usually aren't.  Last night I did this. 

Now this morning I am tired, frustrated and annoyed cuz I totally wasted fabric.  I fixed the shirt mostly except I need to seam rip the front and re-sew that as sewing quickly at night isn't a good idea either. 

What was so awful?  Well the secondary fabric choice was way to heavy. Changed the drape completely and it looked like a super cute outfit for a 6 year old...with a wonky neckline I need to fix. 

I've decided not to rush into fixing.  It needs me to slow down and take a break.  I don't do this on things for others.  Just me.  I'm annoyed with myself and with fabric wasted and the outfit I don't get to make now cuz I used the fabric intended for it. 

So let my mistake be your lesson.   Take it slow and use the right fabric.  

Internet is awesome but it can't beat IRL (real life).

I've written posts to help figure out the best diapers and fabrics for you.  I've written which diaper style is best in my opinion.  What fabrics I prefer and which I dislike.  I'm on online groups discussing all kinds of mommy topics from cloth diapering to baby wearing, to nursing and natural parenting. 

No matter what the subject new moms and moms new to whichever topic always want 20 moms to tell them what's best.  The problem with this is that they will get 15 different answers from 15 moms who have tried it all and 1 answer from 5 moms who tried only the mainstream option. 

So what's a mom to do?  The majority of moms just don't have the cash to buy 6 baby carriers, 3 breast pumps, 2 strollers and 5 styles of diapers in 15 different brands.  I know I don't!

Well do some research online for sure, check out my post "Decision Help" Then go online searching for a local CD group, baby wearing group, LLL group.  Post an add on kijiji, at the library and a call out on your facebook page.  Then make arrangements to go meet these groups and moms IRL (in real life).  Ask to try on their carriers (with their babies if yours is still on the way),  ask to learn to put their fluff on their baby's bums.  Ask to see how different breast pumps feel (LLL).   

Now with cloth diapers you have the option of trying out a diaper trial program.  Sadly most let you try out a bunch of pockets and aio's; never letting you really try various styles.
However I did find two options and perhaps there are some local options for you. 
•Natures Bumz
• Nikki's Diapers.  *please note the Nikki's isn't a true trial program but a return policy that functions like a trial program to some degree.   
**because companies have to work with manufactures to bring you items they will require you to use CD safe detergent.  I suggest adding vinegar and once you own your own diapers switch to something effective (tide, gain, xtra).  A diaper trial program has to strip after return so the CD safe detergent isn't an issue for them. 

Can't I try on different carriers at Walmart or Babies R Us?  Sure you can.  Here's the downfall.  The staff doesn't know anything about carriers,  the variety will be limited.  Consumer protection policies fail in the carrier business and allow the sale of carriers that are bad for a baby's hips, and you won't have the advantage of someone showing you how to use it properly. 

I know the real world can be scary but breathe deep and jump in.  The best part is you will meet moms and make mommy friends.  If this is your first that is especially important cuz very shortly your going to discover that your non mommy friends will have the same interests and opinions they always had while yours have suddenly gone down a very different road.  You will want and need mommy friends.  You might not believe me but I promise its true.

Have fun and jump into an IRL life today!

Cute pictures in wool shorties

Monkey is wearing one of his wool interlock shorties today.  I used monster bunz for these cuz I prefer the fit.  Ignore the mess please lol.  Its a Saturday morning which means the teen siblings were allowed to spend the night up watching movies, playing video games and crashing in the living room.  When they get up they get to tidy their mess lol.  

Ethics - DSS vs Wazoodle.

In a previous posts I've talked a fair but about my love for simplifi fabrics.  Today I'm going to talk about two more mainstream online fabric shops that specifically target cloth diaper sewing moms.  Absorbency advice at the end.

Options:
DSS (diaper sewing supplies) and wazoodle both focus in mainstream modern cloth diapers.  There main selling is people making AIO'S, AI2's and pockets. 

•DSS heavily touts their PUL.  If you didn't know better (any many moms initially don't), you'd think you need PUL to cloth diaper.  Fair enough, it's their product.  And its not like they claim it's better then wool or fleece, they just don't mention them as options.  On my scale I rate this 6/10.  But I'm an idealist, 8/10 might make sense to more people.  Hey DSS, offer up some variety :)

•Wazoodle offers a bit of each option.  The wool is in the higher price end (like simplifi. Unlike Nature's).  I'm giving this a 9/10 for giving their customers options

Product descriptions:
•DSS gives really good product descriptions.  You know what you are buying on each and evey fabric.  The descriptions are acurate. Descriptive and helpful all around.  Ethics- 10/10. 

•Wazoodle not only gives poor product descriptions they slant they buyer towards the fabrics they invented, zorb and its sister fabric (invented by the cleaning industry), MF.  To make it even worse they use loop holes to avoid giving full fabric content on zorb (proprietary info).  Luckily the blog Dirty Diaper Laundry interviewed and hounded for an answer....zorbs secret fiber content is MF (microfibre).  Ethics 2/10

Bamboozled:

•DSS has to be given credit here.  When it comes to bamboo-rayon descriptions they are completely honest.  No false claims of being antimicrobial.  No misleading naming of bamboo fleece (they omit the word organic).  They call it bamboo from viscose (ie rayon).  Ethics: 10/10.  Really they need extra credit for this. 

•Wazoodle touts the diaper fabric party line with names like "heavy organic bamboo fleece".  They make all kinds if claims in the properties if bamboo, which bamboo has...until it's made into fabric (linen excluded).  Considering their famous zorb invention contains bamboo this isn't a huge surprise.  Ethics 4/10

Product advice:
•DSS offers average advice on fabric uses.  I disagree with them advising you don't have to prewash.  You'll be happier with your finished product if you do.  Otherwise they offer vary good advice on how to sew and use.  They compare bamboo-rayon, cotton and hemp in a vary accurate way with the pros and cons if each and what's best for different families.  Ethics: 8.5/10 * the don't "have" to prewash really disappointed me especially since so many moms sewing CD's are new to sewing. 
 
•Wazoodle offers a calculator to decide number of layers.  It is the MOST inaccurate thing I've ever read.  Just don't read it!  They drastically underestimate layers if fabrics needed.  Additionally they tout their MF/Zorb horn again by claiming its most absorbent.  It absolutely isn't.  OK it can absorb lots...but it can't hold what it absorbs so that's irrelevant.  I think when moms ponder absorbency they mean absorbed and held.  On top of that, while they mention lint etc can become trapped inside MF (and so zorb) while in the wash. They neglect to mention it also traps dirt and germs.  Yuck!  Ethics 1/10

Overall:
• DSS gets an 8.6/10 on ethics if your a major idealist, otherwise they get 9.1/10.  I would consider them a company worth shopping from.  If they decide to carry wool in the future that would be amazing.  (In colour variety hint hint). 

•Wazoodle gets a failing grade in ethics here with a mere 4.25/10.  I would not (do not) shop from this store. 

Absorbency advice:
Ask moms who know and not anyone trying to sell you something.  Under recommended posts I have my "fabric reference page".  Read it.  Follow long time CD using and sewing moms, join a cloth diaper sewing Facebook page (or several really).  Learn who the experienced moms are.  Really an absorbency test isn't that accurate (sorry moms awaiting baby to try CD's).  Absorbency needs testing in the field.  If not on baby's bum, try what I did, test out those inserts inside your undies while pregnant to catch those pee sneezes.  Talk to moms who have used variety.  Rocket bums has a fb group run by the RB inventor and she has tried many styles and fabrics too.

Pairing & using Hemp in cloth diapers

Using hemp in diapers is a great choice.  Knowing how to use it optimizes performance. 

Hemp is manually processes with cotton into man made fabrics.  Its pretty fibrous which is why its combined with cotton.  Bamboo is also very fibrous and processed with cotton but its chemically processed into rayon.  This chemical process changes the bamboo so much it no longer contains the properties that make it popular.  But hemp does contain those antibacterial, anti microbial, hypoallergenic properties.  Being so fibrous and manually processed means hemp has a high oil content that will take many washes to prep.  8 washes minimum.  I've used hemp prior to full prepping around the house.  I did once while out and regretted it.  Be patient and don't "test" this fabric till it is fully prepped. 

Hemp is 2-3 times more absorbent them cotton.  1 layer hemp fleece = 3 layers cotton flannel.  So you don't need 9 layers hemp.  3-4 is perfect.  Hemp absorbs and contains better then any other diaper fabric. 

Hemp-bamboo fleece? I think this is created simply for marketing.  Considering both need pairing with cotton, your looking at the hemp content being split and shared with the bamboo.  Bamboo-rayon is almost as absorbent hemp.  And since bamboo is processed into rayon, combining it with hemp doesn't give back the properties of being antibacterial etc.  The hemp loses those properties when turned into a hemp-bamboo-rayon.  Choose hemp or bamboo.  There is little point to choosing both. 

Hemp has one drawback; its slow to absorb.  Hemp French terry less so.  So if you want all the great properties of hemp but quick absorption what should you do?  Top it with another fabric.  Something that absorbs quick and or wicks.  This will draw your wetness quickly into that super absorbing hemp.  In my post about combining fabrics (and when it is and isn't needed) I mention sometimes you like the performance of two different fabrics.  This is such an instance, especially for a newborn or a heavy wetter. 

I have topped various hemp diapers in different fabrics all with good results.  I've combined with flannel.  I love the performance of flannel and its a thirsty fabric.  It sucks up wetness right away.  Ive combined it with cottin fleece for a very high preformance overnight diaper.  Cotton fleece is what sweat shirts are made of.  Holds lots. Micro fleece is a wicking fabric and wicks that moisture through itself down to the hemp right away.  And baby doesn't feel the wetness.  And the oh so soft CV (cotton velour).  This was gifted to me and I'm very impressed with its cuddly softness.  It has some stay dry effect.  It is an absorbing fabric.  It doesn't feel dry but it doesn't feel sopping  wet either.  That's the best way I think I can explain it.  I like it as an option cuz stay dry is more comfortable for baby, while at the same time I want my Monkey to know a wet diaper needs to be changed.  Its a good compromise. 

Contour stitching.  Contour stitching is a good idea in any absorbent part of a diaper. Contour stitching is when you stitch a few ovals around the edge of a soaker or wet zone working in.  Not many are needed.   It helps distribute moisture.  Doing so in slow to absorb hemp is a big performance booster.  This would be less necessary in hemp French terry as the weave of the fabric does this on its own. 

Go test out some hemp diapers following these suggestions and I believe you'll be pleased with the results. 

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My Boob Hat! :)

Ok well Monkey's boob hat.  But I'm so excited and really we all know baby accessories are for mom. 

So I saw a fb post with babies wearing those knit hats that look like a breast and nipple.  I shared saying how I'd love one.  A friend linked me to her friend that makes them.  We made arrangements and today I picked it up. 

Monkey seems to like it as do I.  When I get a family member to get a pic of us nursing with this hat I'll add that here. 

I see these hats as a quiet way to advocate for breastfeeding (in additional to vocal advocacy).  I firmly and proudly say "Breast is best".  I do not see this as a so called mommy wars statement.  It is fact.  It is truth and im tired of the so called mommy wars silencing nursing moms.  

My daughter added the text to the pic.  She was showing it off to her friends.  Im thrilled to have teens who see breastfeeding as normal.  

Midnight Diaper Laundry

I stayed up late tonight, erryone else went to bed early.  It seemed like good me time.  When i was done i went to the diaper bin to grab diapers for night time changes and there was 4 clean diapers....crap....i had prepared to do laundry earlier in the night.  But someone else was using the laundry room (we live in an apartment).  Then I just plain forgot. 

I thought briefly if I could just do it in the morning.  But that's a risk with four.  I change twice before he wakes up.  What about an unexpected poop?  And the. I remembered my 14 year old threw her school sweater in the laundry bag too.  She has a school uniform and one sweater.  She needs it in the morning by 8am. 

So I'm up even later.  Doing laundry.  I actually like doing laundry.  Its that one chore everyone notices and appreciates.  And its kinda easy. You put it in, take it out, fold it but the machine does the rest. 

Thing is laundry when I want to be in bed snuggled up to my Honey, isn't fun.  I don't really want to be awake right now. 

When not to do diaper laundry - midnight.  That's when

And....I did get to go to bed.  After I put the laundry in the dryer I posted a note on the mirror (guaranteed teen daughters will find in that location lol).  And so when I got up with Monkey the clean laundry was in the living room.