Wool cover/longie help!

[asexxiladii]

Ok so Im new to CD's. I just ordered 3 pockets (outer layer PUL and microfiber inserts). Havent gotten them in the mail yet!! So I've been researching on how to DIY since I want to start using my sewing machine... and make my own CD's. I bought some wool sweaters from the goodwill store. One says 100% Merino wool, 100% lambs wool and 100% cashmere, all mens size long sleeves. First of all are these going to work, fabric wise and size wise??? And the lambs wool is kinda scratchy, is there any way to soften it up?? I like the idea of prefolds or fitteds then the wool covers. I basically SAHM so i would use the PUL for vacay or long rides?? Im kinda confused and is there a great pattern on the wool cover, I've seen it made from small sweaters but I couldnt find small just men size. Thanks alot if anyone could help, my son is in sposies now but I literally Hate them, he is so irritated by them! Sensitive skin. 

[EmTheWife]

Your materials should work fine, but be sure to felt them prior to cutting into them (and lanolize them before using)!  Felting will shrink the item and cause the fibers to become dense; it will also sometimes soften an item, but don't count on that.  To felt them, wash in hot water and dry hot until adequately felted (material should feel dense but not stiff).  You can search online for longies / shorties patterns.  Most longies use just the sleeves of the sweater, and shorties can be made from the body, though all this depends on the size of your child.  I use my son's pants as a guide for longie sizing, and his diaper as a pattern for shorties, adding 1-2 inches all around for growth and diaper.

I use mine over pfs and flats, day and night; the wool is super for night diapering as it prevents the clothing and bedding from becoming damp.

Here are some links I use:

http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/wool-diaper-cover.html

http://www.borntolove.com/frugal-column2.html

You can also search old MDC posts

Happy diapering!

[cristeen]

You don't actually have to felt them, if you have a serger.  But also realize that there's degrees of felting.  There's felting enough to make it a solid piece of fabric, more or less, and then there's felting until it's a rug, so to speak.  You probably want somewhere in between for softness. 

To soften up the scratchy one, you can try using conditioner (like for your hair) on it after it's been felted, but there's no guarantee it'll be enough.  I've had a few scratchy sweaters that I just had to relegate to other uses because they were far too scratchy for baby. 

[asexxiladii]

Well i dont have a serger just a sewing machine so, and since this is my first time ill try the felting and just keep an eye on the drying. And my son is 5 months now but is about 17lbs i didnt measure him though maybe I should. But thank you for the feedback, I could really use it!

[asexxiladii]