So in a previous post I talk about how you don't need to felt wool, and I don't.
Sometimes it happens by accident when dad (let's blame him lol) throws your favorite night time wool in the wash. Leya face it, he isn't going to do it to the pair you don't care about cuz they are in the back of baby's dresser. There isn't much you can do. If they are too small you can save them for the next baby or pass them on.
Now say you don't let dad do the laundry for this reason and you carefully hand wash and lano your wool. You may find the crotch felts over time, or the knees (for older babies), or the thighs (for chunky babies). Don't panic. It is going to happen. It won't be supper felted and (in the instance of the crotch) the felting will make it work a little better.
I consider this type if felting the natural wear and tare and breaking in process. Let it be. You might want a wool shaver if it gets fuzzy. That's up to you and all about looks.
Enjoy and relax mama's! Relax.
Thursday, 5 November 2015
what I've been up to.
Well I have been hand sewing my lil monkey a felt campfire set for Christmas (inspired by pintrest). Along with Halloween costumes and homeschooling Ko-Ko (15 yr old big sis) its been very busy here.
Monkey is almost talking which should help the potty process. He pulls off his pants post pee still, good sign but not trained yet. Almost ready. Almost lol.
The last month (just turned 18 months last week) has been leaps and bounds for him.
The campfire is taking more time then expected. Some nights Ko-Ko and I sew our fingers off. Other nights she reads and I attend to an increasingly ill daddy monkey. We blog the campfire progress so rest assured it will be here as a tutorial when complete. We have rocks, graham crackers and log cushions k(to sit on) left to do.
Monkey is almost talking which should help the potty process. He pulls off his pants post pee still, good sign but not trained yet. Almost ready. Almost lol.
The last month (just turned 18 months last week) has been leaps and bounds for him.
The campfire is taking more time then expected. Some nights Ko-Ko and I sew our fingers off. Other nights she reads and I attend to an increasingly ill daddy monkey. We blog the campfire progress so rest assured it will be here as a tutorial when complete. We have rocks, graham crackers and log cushions k(to sit on) left to do.
(So far)
Sunday, 27 September 2015
Don't Felt That Wool!!
Well you can felt if you want to, but you don't need to. None of my wool is felted. Not even my cashmere, or my night time wool. I do sew a wet zone in my wool for a little extra protection. If you have a good diaper under your wool, you will be fine. Not felting means more wool to sew with (no shrinking), full stretch (useful over fluff bums), full cuddly softness, and no accidentally ruined wool that over felted (unless hubby washes your favorite pair lol).
Unfelted upcycled shorties.
Unfelted knitted night time longies
Unfelted wool rib knit
Unfelted wool jersey knit
Unfelted wool interlock romper
And Unfelted CASHMERE longies, the most soft, cuddly wool of all
Thursday, 17 September 2015
Dispelling the myth of the many moms who "couldn't" breastfeed.
*first off there are a few medical reasons a Mom can't breastfeed. I will cover this.
I feel it is important to dispell the myths of why so many Moms supposedly couldn't breastfeed. I feel this is important because such myths interfere with the normalization of breastfeeding and because the fact is breast milk is the natural, normal food for human babies and formula is a less healthy substitute. It isn't just as good or almost as good. Breast milk is nature's norm so formula is less them normal. End of story.
All too often I hear expectant moms tell me they hope they will be able to breastfeed. When I ask why they think they might not be able to 9/10 times they respond by telling me of all the moms they know or have heard of who "couldn't" breastfeed. The fact is most moms who claim they couldn't, in fact could have if they had gone to Le Leche League, gotten a Lactation consultant (now free in many areas), or made the commitment to the lifestyle of a nursing mom. By perpetuating this myth we further undermine breastfeeding by having new moms start off believing it's something only a few can achieve. It is time to stop being silent for fear of mommy wars and people's feelings. Mommy wars are nothing more then formula propaganda to silence the truth. So hear it is; the cold, hard truth.
Legitimate reasons a mom can't breastfeed: * please note non of these are common.
√ cleft lip / palette. Except in a minor case this will interfere with a baby's ability to latch.
√ mastectomy. Obviously yes this will interfere with breastfeeding.
√ breast reduction. Depending on how the reduction is preformed this can effect the milk ducts.
√ / x lip ties. It can make breastfeeding difficult. A doctor can easily fix this so please don't give up!
√ a very few life threatening, chronic illnesses. Check with both your doctor and a licensed lactation consultant.
The myths: if the below reasons are reasons you tell other moms you "couldn't" breastfeed, please help normalize breastfeeding by saying you decided not to breastfeed as the lifestyle choice wasn't for you.
X) inverted nipples. This is what breast shields are designed for. See a Lactaion Consultant (LC) or go to Le Leche League (LLL) meetings for assistance.
X) small breasts. Got news for you, size doesn't matter. At best I am an A cup (when not nursing).
X) my baby refuses the breast. Well then you shouldn't have been using bottles.
•Yes breastfeeding every hour or two all day and all night is tiring. That is the sacrifice of being a mom, suck it up!
• yes you are expected to put your life on hold and not be out "having fun", using a baby sitter several nights a week, you're a parent now, get over it!
•yes you are expected to nurse in public, do other moms, a favor and help normalize breastfeeding.
X) not enough milk. Unlikely.
• if baby has the correct number of wet diapers and is gaining weight you have enough milk. In the unlikely event baby doesn't there are many natural, healthy, easy ways to correct this. Get an LC and go to LLL.
• do NOT judge your milk supply on what you can pump. Pumping is not as effective as nursing.
* note Many moms are using lactation aides to increase milk supply who do not need them. Stop, please, cuz it is counter productive to normalizing breastfeeding.
*x* if you are regularly using formula this will cause you to not have enough milk. Stop slacking, ditch the formula and nurse your baby.
X) baby nurses non stop so I " know " I don't have enough
• wrong, baby is constantly growing, spurt after spurt especially in first 4 months. Every time baby grows, baby needs a larger supply and must tell your body to make the new supply level by nursing all the time. Go to LLL and you will learn tonnes.
X) my milk is to weak.
•Nope, your just switching sides before the first breast is emptied so baby isn't getting all that healthy fattening hind milk. Unless you feel a tugging sensation at the back of your breast, that breast isn't empty. I don't care if the L&D nurse said to switch sides every 10 min, that info was given to the nurse by formula companies. Go to LLL.
X) my baby nurses 45 min at a time / I don't have time
• yeah, it's not a 5 min job, sit down, nurse and enjoy your baby for as long as baby needs.
X) my baby has teeth. Nope.
• babies should be exclusively breastfeed for a minimum of 6 months. Sometime after that food can be introduced. Breastfeeding (according to the world health organization) should continue till age 2, or longer. Babies nurse with teeth. It is quick and easy to ensure your baby won't bite while nursing. They don't get milk if biting. Go to LLL for advice.
X) I'm on medication. Most meds don't cross the milk barrier in any significant amount.
•Get an LC, ask her to join you at a doctors appointment and together they can put you on appropriate meds.
X) I had to quit due to a bad cold.
• If your sick your body is producing the antibodies (which are in your milk) to protect baby. Go to LLL
X) mastitis.
•Best cure for mastitis is nursing + antibiotics. Go see your doctor and LLL.
X) yeast infection / thrush.
• go see your doctor and an LC if needed also. You need to treat you and baby. But you absolutely can still breastfeed.
X) baby won't nurse under my nursing cover.
• Then don't use the stupid cover! These were designed by formula companies to hide breastfeeding. Help other moms by helping to normalize breastfeeding.
X) smoking tobacco or marijuana.
•Well we all know it isn't a healthy choice for mom, but it doesn't cross the milk barrier and you can breastfeed. What is unhealthy is 2nd hand smoke though.
X) drug use or alcoholism
• yeah you shouldn't be breastfeeding. This doesn't mean your body isn't able too. It means you aren't putting your babies needs first and probably shouldn't be a parent either. So no, I don't class this as unable to breastfeed, just choose not to cuz drugs or alcohol was more important to you.
X) baby's dad wants to use a bottle for bonding time.
•fact is bottle feeding simply isn't a bonding thing for babies on the same level as nursing. The only activity that is as bonding is reading to your child. So tell dad to read before you nurse baby.
• another thing is to have dad cuddle up to mom and baby while baby nurses. Its comfy, sweet and really good for mom's post partum mental health.
X) I need / want to go on a diet.
• well you can breastfeed but you shouldn't diet. Dieting is never healthy anyways. Go see a dietician, learn to eat proper portions for a nursing mom and take baby on brisk walks. Add a baby carrier instead of a stroller and you will burn more calories.
X) my baby is to fat. Nope.
•There is no such thing as an exclusively breastfeed baby that is too fat. Once they walk they will slim down unless you feed them unhealthy food and / or too much.
X) baby doesn't sleep through the night. LMAO. Get used to it.
• sleeping through the night from 6-18+ months is medically considered one 5 hour stretch. Welcome to motherhood.
•a baby's tummy and digestive system is teeny tiny and needs to be fed regularly. Giving baby artificial food to sleep longer is a selfish act that has zero benefit for baby.
X) baby won't latch well / cracked nipples.
• LLL and or an LC. Poor latch is about a learning curve. Get help fixing the latch and all will be better. A good LC can fix this in minutes.
•babies naturally know how to latch. Most do right after birth and then suddenly seem to forget. They didn't forget. You clothed them and put them in "nursing holds". Go google " laid back nursing ". It is easy, restful and the natural position.
X) I am vegan
• human milk, seriously it won't turn your child into a meat eater any more them it will turn them into a cannibal. (I've only heard this once)
^^and on that note^^ do NOT tamper with the breast milk! Do not water it down, do not make your own replacement (home made formula), cuz it will be lacking even more of natures magic then formula, you do not have the science background to know what you are doing!
Again, things you can do:
√Look up your local Le Leche League meetings.
√Ask your health unit, doctor, midwife or hospital for lactation consultant. They are fantastic trained help needed by most mom's because todays moms grew up not seeing breastfeeding. It is time to normalize nursing.
√Look up Dr. Jack Newman (world known expert) and get his book. If you live in Ontario then email him. If you live in Toronto book am appointment.
I feel it is important to dispell the myths of why so many Moms supposedly couldn't breastfeed. I feel this is important because such myths interfere with the normalization of breastfeeding and because the fact is breast milk is the natural, normal food for human babies and formula is a less healthy substitute. It isn't just as good or almost as good. Breast milk is nature's norm so formula is less them normal. End of story.
All too often I hear expectant moms tell me they hope they will be able to breastfeed. When I ask why they think they might not be able to 9/10 times they respond by telling me of all the moms they know or have heard of who "couldn't" breastfeed. The fact is most moms who claim they couldn't, in fact could have if they had gone to Le Leche League, gotten a Lactation consultant (now free in many areas), or made the commitment to the lifestyle of a nursing mom. By perpetuating this myth we further undermine breastfeeding by having new moms start off believing it's something only a few can achieve. It is time to stop being silent for fear of mommy wars and people's feelings. Mommy wars are nothing more then formula propaganda to silence the truth. So hear it is; the cold, hard truth.
Legitimate reasons a mom can't breastfeed: * please note non of these are common.
√ cleft lip / palette. Except in a minor case this will interfere with a baby's ability to latch.
√ mastectomy. Obviously yes this will interfere with breastfeeding.
√ breast reduction. Depending on how the reduction is preformed this can effect the milk ducts.
√ / x lip ties. It can make breastfeeding difficult. A doctor can easily fix this so please don't give up!
√ a very few life threatening, chronic illnesses. Check with both your doctor and a licensed lactation consultant.
The myths: if the below reasons are reasons you tell other moms you "couldn't" breastfeed, please help normalize breastfeeding by saying you decided not to breastfeed as the lifestyle choice wasn't for you.
X) inverted nipples. This is what breast shields are designed for. See a Lactaion Consultant (LC) or go to Le Leche League (LLL) meetings for assistance.
X) small breasts. Got news for you, size doesn't matter. At best I am an A cup (when not nursing).
X) my baby refuses the breast. Well then you shouldn't have been using bottles.
•Yes breastfeeding every hour or two all day and all night is tiring. That is the sacrifice of being a mom, suck it up!
• yes you are expected to put your life on hold and not be out "having fun", using a baby sitter several nights a week, you're a parent now, get over it!
•yes you are expected to nurse in public, do other moms, a favor and help normalize breastfeeding.
X) not enough milk. Unlikely.
• if baby has the correct number of wet diapers and is gaining weight you have enough milk. In the unlikely event baby doesn't there are many natural, healthy, easy ways to correct this. Get an LC and go to LLL.
• do NOT judge your milk supply on what you can pump. Pumping is not as effective as nursing.
* note Many moms are using lactation aides to increase milk supply who do not need them. Stop, please, cuz it is counter productive to normalizing breastfeeding.
*x* if you are regularly using formula this will cause you to not have enough milk. Stop slacking, ditch the formula and nurse your baby.
X) baby nurses non stop so I " know " I don't have enough
• wrong, baby is constantly growing, spurt after spurt especially in first 4 months. Every time baby grows, baby needs a larger supply and must tell your body to make the new supply level by nursing all the time. Go to LLL and you will learn tonnes.
X) my milk is to weak.
•Nope, your just switching sides before the first breast is emptied so baby isn't getting all that healthy fattening hind milk. Unless you feel a tugging sensation at the back of your breast, that breast isn't empty. I don't care if the L&D nurse said to switch sides every 10 min, that info was given to the nurse by formula companies. Go to LLL.
X) my baby nurses 45 min at a time / I don't have time
• yeah, it's not a 5 min job, sit down, nurse and enjoy your baby for as long as baby needs.
X) my baby has teeth. Nope.
• babies should be exclusively breastfeed for a minimum of 6 months. Sometime after that food can be introduced. Breastfeeding (according to the world health organization) should continue till age 2, or longer. Babies nurse with teeth. It is quick and easy to ensure your baby won't bite while nursing. They don't get milk if biting. Go to LLL for advice.
X) I'm on medication. Most meds don't cross the milk barrier in any significant amount.
•Get an LC, ask her to join you at a doctors appointment and together they can put you on appropriate meds.
X) I had to quit due to a bad cold.
• If your sick your body is producing the antibodies (which are in your milk) to protect baby. Go to LLL
X) mastitis.
•Best cure for mastitis is nursing + antibiotics. Go see your doctor and LLL.
X) yeast infection / thrush.
• go see your doctor and an LC if needed also. You need to treat you and baby. But you absolutely can still breastfeed.
X) baby won't nurse under my nursing cover.
• Then don't use the stupid cover! These were designed by formula companies to hide breastfeeding. Help other moms by helping to normalize breastfeeding.
X) smoking tobacco or marijuana.
•Well we all know it isn't a healthy choice for mom, but it doesn't cross the milk barrier and you can breastfeed. What is unhealthy is 2nd hand smoke though.
X) drug use or alcoholism
• yeah you shouldn't be breastfeeding. This doesn't mean your body isn't able too. It means you aren't putting your babies needs first and probably shouldn't be a parent either. So no, I don't class this as unable to breastfeed, just choose not to cuz drugs or alcohol was more important to you.
X) baby's dad wants to use a bottle for bonding time.
•fact is bottle feeding simply isn't a bonding thing for babies on the same level as nursing. The only activity that is as bonding is reading to your child. So tell dad to read before you nurse baby.
• another thing is to have dad cuddle up to mom and baby while baby nurses. Its comfy, sweet and really good for mom's post partum mental health.
X) I need / want to go on a diet.
• well you can breastfeed but you shouldn't diet. Dieting is never healthy anyways. Go see a dietician, learn to eat proper portions for a nursing mom and take baby on brisk walks. Add a baby carrier instead of a stroller and you will burn more calories.
X) my baby is to fat. Nope.
•There is no such thing as an exclusively breastfeed baby that is too fat. Once they walk they will slim down unless you feed them unhealthy food and / or too much.
X) baby doesn't sleep through the night. LMAO. Get used to it.
• sleeping through the night from 6-18+ months is medically considered one 5 hour stretch. Welcome to motherhood.
•a baby's tummy and digestive system is teeny tiny and needs to be fed regularly. Giving baby artificial food to sleep longer is a selfish act that has zero benefit for baby.
X) baby won't latch well / cracked nipples.
• LLL and or an LC. Poor latch is about a learning curve. Get help fixing the latch and all will be better. A good LC can fix this in minutes.
•babies naturally know how to latch. Most do right after birth and then suddenly seem to forget. They didn't forget. You clothed them and put them in "nursing holds". Go google " laid back nursing ". It is easy, restful and the natural position.
X) I am vegan
• human milk, seriously it won't turn your child into a meat eater any more them it will turn them into a cannibal. (I've only heard this once)
^^and on that note^^ do NOT tamper with the breast milk! Do not water it down, do not make your own replacement (home made formula), cuz it will be lacking even more of natures magic then formula, you do not have the science background to know what you are doing!
Again, things you can do:
√Look up your local Le Leche League meetings.
√Ask your health unit, doctor, midwife or hospital for lactation consultant. They are fantastic trained help needed by most mom's because todays moms grew up not seeing breastfeeding. It is time to normalize nursing.
√Look up Dr. Jack Newman (world known expert) and get his book. If you live in Ontario then email him. If you live in Toronto book am appointment.
Saturday, 12 September 2015
Potty Training In Wool
So today is the first day if fall weather and a need to dress monkey rather then have him run around in nothing but his monkey undies. Also my timing for sitting on the potty is off due to having just 3 whole hours of sleep last night. (Life if moms). But the good news is I got to see how effective wool is over (non water proof) training pants. And it is amazing. Monkey undies are not as absorbent as diapers. This is so my toddler can learn that peeing in underwear is not ideal. His wool longies stayed dry. We will have some happy easy fall potty training without the worry of multiple clothing changes.
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Fastest Way To Dry Wool
Weather you are cleaning and lanolizing wool or dying wool the biggest issue is it takes so long to dry!!
Well I have good news for you! I dry my wool in about 2 hours per piece. Interlock fabric or longies. I simply place it on the back of a fan and the wetness is sucked out. I can wash and lano my full stash and have every piece dried by bed time. Now you can too.
Well I have good news for you! I dry my wool in about 2 hours per piece. Interlock fabric or longies. I simply place it on the back of a fan and the wetness is sucked out. I can wash and lano my full stash and have every piece dried by bed time. Now you can too.
Monday, 7 September 2015
Disposable diaper low down - can they be green?
The law suit against honest company which (amoung other items) includes their diapers sparked an interest in me as to what is in their diapers and can disposal diapers be "green" or "natural" diapers. Honest brand diapers aren't the only ones claiming to be green or natural, G diapers make a similar claim.
The claims: honest co and g diapers make slightly different claims. G diapers call their diapers "green". Their claim is relatively safe, their diapers biodegrade pretty quickly. That is generally what it takes to call ones self green. Of course the other side would be, is the process of making the diapers a green process? But most of today's consumers aren't looking at that. Hopefully in the near future. Honest co claims " natural". To me that is totally different. To me that implies natural only products.
Sodium polyacrylate: this is the substance that makes disposable diapers absorbent.
Both G diapers and honest co admit it is in their diapers. It is a chemical compound. Making it is not a natural process, not sure if it is a green process. Both honest co and g diapers use this polymer. Honest adds wheat and corn to it and calls it a bio core. I would agree that is misleading. Why is corn and wheat added? No reason that benefits the chemistry (function) of it. My guess is simply advertising. -and is that GMO wheat and corn, or organic wheat and corn, unnecessarily added to the diaper core?- Sodium polyacrylate is in all disposable diapers. Its a white powdery substance that turns to a weird gel bead substance when it has absorbed wetness. It is also what is in all disposable feminine pads. It used to be in tampons till it was banned for causing toxic shock syndrome.
It has been deemed by the governments of Canada and the US to he safe in cosmetics, fake snow, diapers and feminine pads. Not safe in tampons, workers should wear gloves and masks because long term exposure (8+ hours a day) could cause skin irritation, lung problems and possibility of cancer but not conclusive. It is only fatal if ingested in large amount. That isn't likely unless you baby / toddler eats their diapers. Not common, but not unheard of.
Photo sources: link, link, honest company and wiki.
Sodium polyacrylate.
The claims: honest co and g diapers make slightly different claims. G diapers call their diapers "green". Their claim is relatively safe, their diapers biodegrade pretty quickly. That is generally what it takes to call ones self green. Of course the other side would be, is the process of making the diapers a green process? But most of today's consumers aren't looking at that. Hopefully in the near future. Honest co claims " natural". To me that is totally different. To me that implies natural only products.
Screenshot of materials used in honest co diapers, from their site.
Sodium polyacrylate: this is the substance that makes disposable diapers absorbent.
Both G diapers and honest co admit it is in their diapers. It is a chemical compound. Making it is not a natural process, not sure if it is a green process. Both honest co and g diapers use this polymer. Honest adds wheat and corn to it and calls it a bio core. I would agree that is misleading. Why is corn and wheat added? No reason that benefits the chemistry (function) of it. My guess is simply advertising. -and is that GMO wheat and corn, or organic wheat and corn, unnecessarily added to the diaper core?- Sodium polyacrylate is in all disposable diapers. Its a white powdery substance that turns to a weird gel bead substance when it has absorbed wetness. It is also what is in all disposable feminine pads. It used to be in tampons till it was banned for causing toxic shock syndrome.
It has been deemed by the governments of Canada and the US to he safe in cosmetics, fake snow, diapers and feminine pads. Not safe in tampons, workers should wear gloves and masks because long term exposure (8+ hours a day) could cause skin irritation, lung problems and possibility of cancer but not conclusive. It is only fatal if ingested in large amount. That isn't likely unless you baby / toddler eats their diapers. Not common, but not unheard of.
For me this all means there is no disposable diaper or feminine pad I want on my children's genetials. End of story, but that's me. And yeah, I wouldn't call any product containing it natural. I however won't argue with the green claim since it does biodegrade. Hopefully soon green will mean more then that alone.
Photo sources: link, link, honest company and wiki.
Saturday, 5 September 2015
A Day Of Poop :(
Monkey has been sick all week (my 6th kid, but 1st sick baby) and his main nourishment has been breast milk. He only had a few bites of solid food per day. Makes me so relieved I am breastfeeding. I don't know what a bottle mom would do.
The return to (nearly) ebf has meant ebf style poop...and no mom ever complained of that lol.
Well....until today
We were just less then 24hrs into snack sizez meals of solid food, so still ebf style poop. Monkey had plans for that poop and twice pulled off hka undoes and pooped on the ground.
As bad as it sounds it is rh a good and bad situation. Taking off undoes to poop is awesome awareness. Getting him to poop on the potty, and trying to get dishes done without him pooping on the carmwt will be a whole new challenge.... Starting tomorrow. I also fortunate he is back into potty mode follow a week of being sick.
The return to (nearly) ebf has meant ebf style poop...and no mom ever complained of that lol.
Well....until today
We were just less then 24hrs into snack sizez meals of solid food, so still ebf style poop. Monkey had plans for that poop and twice pulled off hka undoes and pooped on the ground.
As bad as it sounds it is rh a good and bad situation. Taking off undoes to poop is awesome awareness. Getting him to poop on the potty, and trying to get dishes done without him pooping on the carmwt will be a whole new challenge.... Starting tomorrow. I also fortunate he is back into potty mode follow a week of being sick.
sewing pattern copy right laws - myths debunked: link share and discussion.
First off, here is the article
Ok so a quick over view and thoughts. Basically everything you were told you "couldn't do" you can. The only thing the copy right law protects is the printed pattern. The article explains why.
What you can't do:
•You can't sell someone else's pattern as your own.
•You can't sell someone else's pattern as your own.
What you can do:
•Make as many things from one pattern as you like.
•sell items you make from that pattern.
• not give credit for the pattern
•sell items with "licensed" prints (ie Disney).
• modify the pattern.
•Make as many things from one pattern as you like.
•sell items you make from that pattern.
• not give credit for the pattern
•sell items with "licensed" prints (ie Disney).
• modify the pattern.
•trace your favorite diaper, make a pattern from it and yep, even sell it.
Unknown:
•sell a modified pattern. As in when I modified monster bunz pants to be a romper, shorties or soaker. I don't know if that then makes it my pattern or hers at that point but I don't supply my modification. I do tell others how to do the same and that is totaling legal.
•sell a modified pattern. As in when I modified monster bunz pants to be a romper, shorties or soaker. I don't know if that then makes it my pattern or hers at that point but I don't supply my modification. I do tell others how to do the same and that is totaling legal.
Why have you been misguided?
•Money basically. People want as much as they can.
•misunderstanding. People create something and assume the copy right covers more then they thought.
•ego. Lots a people, especially with today's internet age want to be the big guy, and they feel that most when telling people what they can't do. In a perfect world their ego would be flattered telling you what they can do, but sadly most aren't there yet.
•Money basically. People want as much as they can.
•misunderstanding. People create something and assume the copy right covers more then they thought.
•ego. Lots a people, especially with today's internet age want to be the big guy, and they feel that most when telling people what they can't do. In a perfect world their ego would be flattered telling you what they can do, but sadly most aren't there yet.
So:
get sewing, selling and whatever else you wish to do just like the big designers out there. Stop paying extra for "rights to sell", you have that. Don't buy cottage licenses. Don't avoid the new frozen fabric prints. Once you create it its yours!
get sewing, selling and whatever else you wish to do just like the big designers out there. Stop paying extra for "rights to sell", you have that. Don't buy cottage licenses. Don't avoid the new frozen fabric prints. Once you create it its yours!
Enjoy.
Monday, 31 August 2015
A Family Scrap Book.
Our family has been very fortunate to have a wonderfully run Metis Centre (servicing First Nations, Metis and Innuit) in our community. We have benefited grately from the beautiful site, neighbouring park and the programs.
The baby centric programs offer a free photo shoot each summer. Last year we got great infant pics of littlest Monkey, daddy monkey and me. This year it was almost the whole family (Monkey #2 wasn't there).
Following the photo shoot we get a jump drive of 15 photos to print and do what we wish with. Our family got 51! I didn't print all 51 but I did get five 8x10's and many 4x6's.
Then I went to dollar tree and dollarama and loaded up with affordable scrap book items and some budget items like a binder and photo pages to hold it all. Also some computer paper for full size pages.
Cocoa puffs and I organized and planned and played things out. Eventually we put it all together.
I am so impressed and it was great mom and daughter time. The subject and colours all flow great. Of course we started with the family shot. Not the best pic of anyone but we were all facing the camera, an accomplishment with 7 people.
We have the spring babies and fall babies (minus #2)
The girls and the boys
Mommy and daddy.
We flow through the kids.
The photographer took tonnes of baby Monkey.
And lastly daddy monkey and I....although for some reason the circle under my eye is super inhanced :/ but I liked this one better over all.
See it can be done on a budget :) yeah it clearly isn't a $60 scrap book, but that's fine, it's a regular family scrap book. And I am thrilled.
The baby centric programs offer a free photo shoot each summer. Last year we got great infant pics of littlest Monkey, daddy monkey and me. This year it was almost the whole family (Monkey #2 wasn't there).
Following the photo shoot we get a jump drive of 15 photos to print and do what we wish with. Our family got 51! I didn't print all 51 but I did get five 8x10's and many 4x6's.
Then I went to dollar tree and dollarama and loaded up with affordable scrap book items and some budget items like a binder and photo pages to hold it all. Also some computer paper for full size pages.
Cocoa puffs and I organized and planned and played things out. Eventually we put it all together.
I am so impressed and it was great mom and daughter time. The subject and colours all flow great. Of course we started with the family shot. Not the best pic of anyone but we were all facing the camera, an accomplishment with 7 people.
We have the spring babies and fall babies (minus #2)
The girls and the boys
Mommy and daddy.
We flow through the kids.
The photographer took tonnes of baby Monkey.
And lastly daddy monkey and I....although for some reason the circle under my eye is super inhanced :/ but I liked this one better over all.
See it can be done on a budget :) yeah it clearly isn't a $60 scrap book, but that's fine, it's a regular family scrap book. And I am thrilled.
Saturday, 29 August 2015
this week in potty land
So we took 2 days off but Monkey wanted his undies so back on they went and I asked a Facebook friend about where she is at with EC (toddler the same age), and an IRL friend who is old hat EC. She suggested I think of this time with an EC (elimination communication) mind set.
Yes Monkey is showing just pre potty ready awareness so use it all to talk about it. Oh look you had a pee. This one is in your (undies/diaper/potty) etc. And on aand on, no pressure on him or me. Just knowing I am giving him the words and concepts that he will soon be ready to use.
Today was interesting in that Monkey reacted to a wet diaper with being whiny, but wet undies by taking them off.
I am happy with this (but dread him doing that if he poops in them lol)
He clearly prefers his undies. I don't know why cuz he can't tell me yet and why is a complex thing to answer.
I guess knowing why isn't as important as seeing it as a step and supporting it.
It is exciting to see him learn and grow though.
Yes Monkey is showing just pre potty ready awareness so use it all to talk about it. Oh look you had a pee. This one is in your (undies/diaper/potty) etc. And on aand on, no pressure on him or me. Just knowing I am giving him the words and concepts that he will soon be ready to use.
Today was interesting in that Monkey reacted to a wet diaper with being whiny, but wet undies by taking them off.
I am happy with this (but dread him doing that if he poops in them lol)
He clearly prefers his undies. I don't know why cuz he can't tell me yet and why is a complex thing to answer.
I guess knowing why isn't as important as seeing it as a step and supporting it.
It is exciting to see him learn and grow though.
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
Monkey Undies With A Decorative Knit
Yesterday my order from Simplifi Fabrics came. I ordered a cute safari knit print for some more Monkey undies. 1/2 meter was enough for 5 cuts but I did 4 (hoping to trim out a sweater with the rest).
To add a decorative knit to your Monkey undies (pattern here) just cut a third core peicw using your knit and lay it over the absorbent core prices.
To help prevent slipping while adding leg cuffs and waist band I basted the three layers together. Ibuaed the diamond stitch but zigzag would work too.
To add a decorative knit to your Monkey undies (pattern here) just cut a third core peicw using your knit and lay it over the absorbent core prices.
To help prevent slipping while adding leg cuffs and waist band I basted the three layers together. Ibuaed the diamond stitch but zigzag would work too.
Monday, 24 August 2015
potty training: it's OK to try again later
So my lil Monkey is nearing potty training age. He will be 16 months on the 28th. The training pants (monkey undies) are made and in progress of making more. Potty training plans are in place. We are practicing in the mornings. But he isn't ready yet.
How do I know he isn't ready yet? Well little clues. The main one being when he peed on the floor yesterday he didn't seem all that aware. He isn't in anyway fascinated by the pee he gets in the potty either. His potty success is entirely based on my timing.
There are signs we are getting close though. He tries to pull off diaper or undies if he poops. He likes flushing the toilet when I dump his potty. This is awesome as it scares a few toddlers. He isn't resistant to my attempts.
So what path do I take? I am getting him on the potty in the morning. I am not pushing. If he is done I encourage one more try then let it go. When he gets undies wet I show him, touch it. Tell him he had a pee. And it would be fun if he gets his pee in the potty. I am not holding high expectations. I will keep looking for readiness every 7-10 days. I do not want to miss that window! I also do not want to frustrate h. It can be a careful balance.
How do I know he isn't ready yet? Well little clues. The main one being when he peed on the floor yesterday he didn't seem all that aware. He isn't in anyway fascinated by the pee he gets in the potty either. His potty success is entirely based on my timing.
There are signs we are getting close though. He tries to pull off diaper or undies if he poops. He likes flushing the toilet when I dump his potty. This is awesome as it scares a few toddlers. He isn't resistant to my attempts.
So what path do I take? I am getting him on the potty in the morning. I am not pushing. If he is done I encourage one more try then let it go. When he gets undies wet I show him, touch it. Tell him he had a pee. And it would be fun if he gets his pee in the potty. I am not holding high expectations. I will keep looking for readiness every 7-10 days. I do not want to miss that window! I also do not want to frustrate h. It can be a careful balance.
Saturday, 22 August 2015
Potty training #4; potty fear and losing the window
Potty training #4 started easy. I thought he would be the youngest one trained. He was a talker which made things easy and he had siblings using the potty. Cocoa puffs was his little hero and he followed her everywhere. He started at 16 months. By 18 months he was pretty much day trained but occasionally needed a reminder. He was also using the big toilet. He was nervous about the big toilet and wanted me to hold both his hands. I was OK with this. It had been a smooth easy ride.
Then one day I was helping my dad and left the kids with their dad (I was married to a real arse at the time). I told him about monkey #4, that he was nervous so please hold his hands and reassure him he would not fall into the toilet. You'd think a dad would know this, but that's how little time he actually spent with us.
According to my daughters he was busy playing video games and told Monkey 4 not to be a pussy and just go sit on the toilet. Cocoa puffs went with him. She was 3.5 and tiny, she was smaller then monkey 4. He fell in the potty and Cocoa puffs couldn't get him out.
I came home to him still in tears. He wouldn't sit on a toilet or potty. There was a lot of tears and eventually I said he would need to go back in diapers and we would re learn when he was a little bigger. By 2 I was trying again but we had missed the window. He seemed to be completly un concerned. By 2.5 we were still at it and failing. At my wits end I started saying it was unacceptable. Diapers are for babies. And I gave all potty trained kids a treat at the end of the day for a day with out paccidents. That worked and he trained with in the week.
I wish I had never left him with his dad. I wish I had gently insisted he face the fear and use the potty. Missing the window was a nightmare and frustrating for us both.
Then one day I was helping my dad and left the kids with their dad (I was married to a real arse at the time). I told him about monkey #4, that he was nervous so please hold his hands and reassure him he would not fall into the toilet. You'd think a dad would know this, but that's how little time he actually spent with us.
According to my daughters he was busy playing video games and told Monkey 4 not to be a pussy and just go sit on the toilet. Cocoa puffs went with him. She was 3.5 and tiny, she was smaller then monkey 4. He fell in the potty and Cocoa puffs couldn't get him out.
I came home to him still in tears. He wouldn't sit on a toilet or potty. There was a lot of tears and eventually I said he would need to go back in diapers and we would re learn when he was a little bigger. By 2 I was trying again but we had missed the window. He seemed to be completly un concerned. By 2.5 we were still at it and failing. At my wits end I started saying it was unacceptable. Diapers are for babies. And I gave all potty trained kids a treat at the end of the day for a day with out paccidents. That worked and he trained with in the week.
I wish I had never left him with his dad. I wish I had gently insisted he face the fear and use the potty. Missing the window was a nightmare and frustrating for us both.
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
PDF patterns are coming soon!
I have made a few patterns that are all my own (not mods) and I have found a community member willing to make them into PDFs to print and download (free of course). I'll keep you all posted!
Woo hop!
Pic for cuteness
Woo hop!
Pic for cuteness
Potty Training #3: older siblings and night training lesson for mom
I have to admit, Monkey #3 was so easy, and I'm not sure I get to take the credit lol. Monkey 3 is affectionately known as cocoa puffs. And with her I had the benefit of two siblings using the potty, and (due to #2) always saying, go pee! She trained watching her siblings. Mostly monkey 2. Cocoa puffs and him were a riot together.
She was super short and needed a step to get to the potty but she didn't like it cuz her sibs used the toilet. Mostly she climbed up on the potty to get to the toilet. I always always sure she would fall in. She didn't. She did however decide she should pee like a boy lol. And somehow it worked, and girl had aim. She day trained really quickly.
She did not night train though till almost a year later when at 2.5 I found a very tiny potty and put it in her bedroom by the night light. Tiny kid had a tiny bladder, and fear of walking out if her room at night. The potty in her room fixed the issue in one night.
When lil Monkey is ready to night train I will keep one in his room. Because of monkey 2, doing so with his brothers wasn't feasible. Also after dinner night trainers and young children in my house only have sips of water or a very quick nursing just to wet their whistle. I don't allow drinks in bedrooms, which helps the three year old plays for water when bed time refusal kicks in. Night training is easier when nursing is over but it can iccur while still nursing.
I should have thought of a solution sooner (cuz hind sight is 20/ 20). Let kids have what they need to potty train, and make use of siblings. They are sometimes the greatest teachers.
She was super short and needed a step to get to the potty but she didn't like it cuz her sibs used the toilet. Mostly she climbed up on the potty to get to the toilet. I always always sure she would fall in. She didn't. She did however decide she should pee like a boy lol. And somehow it worked, and girl had aim. She day trained really quickly.
She did not night train though till almost a year later when at 2.5 I found a very tiny potty and put it in her bedroom by the night light. Tiny kid had a tiny bladder, and fear of walking out if her room at night. The potty in her room fixed the issue in one night.
When lil Monkey is ready to night train I will keep one in his room. Because of monkey 2, doing so with his brothers wasn't feasible. Also after dinner night trainers and young children in my house only have sips of water or a very quick nursing just to wet their whistle. I don't allow drinks in bedrooms, which helps the three year old plays for water when bed time refusal kicks in. Night training is easier when nursing is over but it can iccur while still nursing.
I should have thought of a solution sooner (cuz hind sight is 20/ 20). Let kids have what they need to potty train, and make use of siblings. They are sometimes the greatest teachers.
Potty training #2: intellectual disabilities & (later) regression.
Monkey #2 has "non verbal learning disorder", which means he doesn't learn non verbal things - anything visual. I didn't know that at the time, he was diagnosed at 6 years.
He had no interest in pictures in stories and wanted me to make up stories. He doesn't know if someone is happy, proud, disappointed . In his world the world thinks, feels and believes whatever he is thinking, feeling, saying etc. This is known as an undeveloped sense of mind. You could cheer him on all you wanted - no effect. I sensed this back then but didn't understand.
It took a while to train him. And he only had to pee if he said so. Very frustrating. I had to make him want to. Then I had to get him to empty his whole bladder cuz he'd drop a squirt to get what he wanted then pee his pants minutes later. And with no sense of social norms he didn't care.
Treats and peeing on Cheerios was a big thing. He was trained by 2.5 with LOTS of persistence. Problem was I had to then train him to do so without one. Cuz you don't want to be giving kid rewards forever. His teachers aren't going to either.
Then at age 4 he decided playing trumped peeing. He also started to pee anywhere. At that point we were talking wilful disobedience. And yes he got in trouble for that. I know today's advice says not to. And yeah, don't punish a toddler. But if your 4 year old refuses to pee in the toilet you need to respond how you normally would for disobedience.
Now most kids aren't in Monkey 2's shoes. But most kids would rather play then take the time to pee. And toddlers also have an undeveloped sense of mind, difference is theirs is developing.
School was hard. I had to explain to his teachers they would need to insist he pee before recess. The teachers would good about this till grade 3. At that point he was diagnosed, he had an iep explaining his disorder. But he had that teqchwr that is the epitome if the worst teacher. After school accidents at age 8, the vice principal stepped in. But the teacher made that a point of ridicule. I pulled him and his siblings at that point and homeschooled.
Patience, insistence, creativity, trying things I normally wouldn't, sympathy and discipline were the keys to potty training Monkey 2...,they were the jeys to everything with him actually. I think the thing that was hardest was the years and fears if him being ridiculed if I couldn't fully train him. And the tears through those early school years. He didn't care cuz if he said he didn't pee his pants, in his mind everyone believed that. Interestingly a year into homeschooling he was peeping like most kids his age...mostly, don't see a movie in the theatre with him cuz he takes 3 trips in 15 min till all the pee is oyr unleas you say "go back and pee till your bladder is empty".
He had no interest in pictures in stories and wanted me to make up stories. He doesn't know if someone is happy, proud, disappointed . In his world the world thinks, feels and believes whatever he is thinking, feeling, saying etc. This is known as an undeveloped sense of mind. You could cheer him on all you wanted - no effect. I sensed this back then but didn't understand.
It took a while to train him. And he only had to pee if he said so. Very frustrating. I had to make him want to. Then I had to get him to empty his whole bladder cuz he'd drop a squirt to get what he wanted then pee his pants minutes later. And with no sense of social norms he didn't care.
Treats and peeing on Cheerios was a big thing. He was trained by 2.5 with LOTS of persistence. Problem was I had to then train him to do so without one. Cuz you don't want to be giving kid rewards forever. His teachers aren't going to either.
Then at age 4 he decided playing trumped peeing. He also started to pee anywhere. At that point we were talking wilful disobedience. And yes he got in trouble for that. I know today's advice says not to. And yeah, don't punish a toddler. But if your 4 year old refuses to pee in the toilet you need to respond how you normally would for disobedience.
Now most kids aren't in Monkey 2's shoes. But most kids would rather play then take the time to pee. And toddlers also have an undeveloped sense of mind, difference is theirs is developing.
School was hard. I had to explain to his teachers they would need to insist he pee before recess. The teachers would good about this till grade 3. At that point he was diagnosed, he had an iep explaining his disorder. But he had that teqchwr that is the epitome if the worst teacher. After school accidents at age 8, the vice principal stepped in. But the teacher made that a point of ridicule. I pulled him and his siblings at that point and homeschooled.
Patience, insistence, creativity, trying things I normally wouldn't, sympathy and discipline were the keys to potty training Monkey 2...,they were the jeys to everything with him actually. I think the thing that was hardest was the years and fears if him being ridiculed if I couldn't fully train him. And the tears through those early school years. He didn't care cuz if he said he didn't pee his pants, in his mind everyone believed that. Interestingly a year into homeschooling he was peeping like most kids his age...mostly, don't see a movie in the theatre with him cuz he takes 3 trips in 15 min till all the pee is oyr unleas you say "go back and pee till your bladder is empty".
Monday, 17 August 2015
Potty Training #1: parents on the same page.
The first 2 months of trying to potty train my oldest (Monkey #1) was a nightmare! Her dad and I had separated. The problem was we weren't on the same parenting page. My house was nursing or open cup . His house was sippy cups. And this is part of why I loath them lol. A kid on a sippy cup runs around with it all day like a bottle whose nipple has a nip on. Thats a lot of fluids! And it made potty training impossible. He had a potty, I had a seat for his toilet. It went on and on.
I called his mom, cuz men love mommy who always knows best, eapecially compared to the ex.
His mom had good potty advice. So since her advice wasn't insane I called him. I told him he should ask his mom tips on potty training and then let me know. He did and we agreed. Then I said I'd start and return her to him in two weeks but he had to meet me at McDonald's with her to start my visit with every single last sippy cup. We wete buying her first happy meal now that she was to big for sippy cups.
She arrived at his place day trained 2 weeks later, and two more weeks she was night trained.
Moms and dads do things different. This is true for parents together or apart. For some thibgs it makes no difference. But somethings have got to be the same. And if your toddler has a sippy cup or bottle, I highly recommend they only be allowed at the kitchen/dinning room table.
I called his mom, cuz men love mommy who always knows best, eapecially compared to the ex.
His mom had good potty advice. So since her advice wasn't insane I called him. I told him he should ask his mom tips on potty training and then let me know. He did and we agreed. Then I said I'd start and return her to him in two weeks but he had to meet me at McDonald's with her to start my visit with every single last sippy cup. We wete buying her first happy meal now that she was to big for sippy cups.
She arrived at his place day trained 2 weeks later, and two more weeks she was night trained.
Moms and dads do things different. This is true for parents together or apart. For some thibgs it makes no difference. But somethings have got to be the same. And if your toddler has a sippy cup or bottle, I highly recommend they only be allowed at the kitchen/dinning room table.
6 Babes and they all potty trained different.
I have 6 children. That's a lot of cloth diapers and a lot of potty training. And they were all different. So I'm going to try and do a post on each and link them here.
Monkey 1: parenting on the same page. Link
Monkey 2: special needs, regression. Link
Monkey 3: that was easy!
Link
Monkey 4: potty fear.
Monkey 5: monster in-laws.
Monkey 1: parenting on the same page. Link
Monkey 2: special needs, regression. Link
Monkey 3: that was easy!
Link
Monkey 4: potty fear.
Monkey 5: monster in-laws.
Sunday, 16 August 2015
Monkey Undies Sewing Tutorial
This is the sewing tutorial for Monkey Undies. (Pattern here) All seams are 1/4 inch seams. Use a long stitch and a needle appropriate for a stretchy fabric.
Fabric for the training pants should be knits. The core needs to be an absorbent knit. I used Cotton Velour for sides, legs and waist. I used cotton terry for the core. You could add a decorative cotton knit to the outside of the core for esthetics.
1. Place two core peices (wrong sides) together. Sew edge of side panel (right sides together) to top side edge of core. Repeat with other side.
2. Fold undies up (inside out) and sew sides to bottom side edge. Repeat on other side.
3. Sew sides of waist band together and fold in half. Repeat with leg cuffs.
4. With seam in center back of undies pin waist band into waist (raw edges together). You will need to stretch and ease it in. Also stretch while sewing.
5. Repeat step 4 instructions with both leg cuffs.
Absorbent Soaker Pads. These are optional. I will be using these to increase absorbency in first days till Monkey shows understanding of potty training. More like potty readiness first, then real potty training. I will also use them for first outings. You need absorbent fabrics for these. I used 1 cotton fleece and 2 cotton flannel. Together one of these inside a pair of undies will be less absorbent then a cloth diaper, but that's the point. You might want to add snaps to snap in soaker. This would be easier for toddlers to pull up and down Themselves.
6. With right sides together sew around edge of soaker pad, leaving an opening on the side.
7. Clip seam allowence (except where open ). Turn and top stitch.
8. Sew a contour oval in centre. And thags all.
Fabric for the training pants should be knits. The core needs to be an absorbent knit. I used Cotton Velour for sides, legs and waist. I used cotton terry for the core. You could add a decorative cotton knit to the outside of the core for esthetics.
1. Place two core peices (wrong sides) together. Sew edge of side panel (right sides together) to top side edge of core. Repeat with other side.
3. Sew sides of waist band together and fold in half. Repeat with leg cuffs.
Absorbent Soaker Pads. These are optional. I will be using these to increase absorbency in first days till Monkey shows understanding of potty training. More like potty readiness first, then real potty training. I will also use them for first outings. You need absorbent fabrics for these. I used 1 cotton fleece and 2 cotton flannel. Together one of these inside a pair of undies will be less absorbent then a cloth diaper, but that's the point. You might want to add snaps to snap in soaker. This would be easier for toddlers to pull up and down Themselves.
6. With right sides together sew around edge of soaker pad, leaving an opening on the side.
7. Clip seam allowence (except where open ). Turn and top stitch.
8. Sew a contour oval in centre. And thags all.
And done.
