Anybody want to talk wool? - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[forestmushroom]

Originally Posted by cristeen 

It depends on what sort of distribution you want between the PUL and the wool.  I had 1 PUL cover per size until DS was a year old.  And probably at least 6 wool, sometimes 12 (depending on size and season). 

If you want 3 or 4 PUL covers, then you can have less wool - maybe 3 or 4.  If you only want 1 or 2 wool (like for night-time), then I'd go with probably 6 or so PUL covers.  This is for NB/infant sizes.  Once they get bigger/mobile, things change. 

But seriously, IMO you can't really have too many covers in the infant period.  I suppose you could, but it'd take some work.  I happen to think that 1 cover for every 2 diapers wouldn't be too many.  But at the same time you could get away with far less. 

This is such a blur to me--but I think because my last baby outgrew all the NB stuff like within 2 weeks...

All I remember is a PUL cover with the cord cut out from NB.. but I always sell my NB covers as soon as baby outgrows them...

Cristeen, how long did you LO were the cozy designs NB size for shorties, longies, etc. ?

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by forestmushroom 
Cristeen, how long did you LO were the cozy designs NB size for shorties, longies, etc. ?

I don't think I had any NB Kozys.  I had smalls.  And he didn't even fit into those until he was 6+ mos old.  He wore them, but they were too big.  And the smalls fit him until he was over a year, IIRC.  But then this is the kid who had to wear preemie PUL covers because even at 8 lbs the NB sizes were HUGE.  He couldn't wear the NB until he was something like 6 weeks old (3 mos?  It's a blur.). 

At 2, he still wears the mediums in waist size, he can still get in the Med shorts (or he could last time we tried them and he's still wearing Med fitteds).  Where they started getting tight were in the thighs, he's got some thick thighs now (he was chicken legged until a year).  But the waist still fits.  We had to start ordering custom lengths for him around 16 mos. 

ETA - Oh, I guess I should point out my little guy is a giant.  At 27 mos, he measured this morning at 39.25 inches tall (1.5 inches taller than at Thanksgiving), and at last weighing he was over 40 lbs. 

[forestmushroom]

Yeah, I didn't have any NB size, either, and the smalls we have still fit my 2 yo... who is smallish, but still.....

I might have to order nb shorties....

[casmer]

What about making wool covers from recycled wool sweaters? Something like this website. I have also found directions on lanolizing them.  I have read that some upcycled sweaters won't lanolize, but I'm not sure where I read that.  I was also wondering how I would go about sizing the covers or should I try and wait until baby is here? 

Has anyone done this before? I can't knit or crochet, so that's why I ask :)

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by casmer 
Has anyone done this before? I can't knit or crochet, so that's why I ask :)

Learning to knit is actually pretty easy.  A set of needles, some yarn and the videos on knittinghelp.com  I learned in an afternoon during my first pregnancy.  I find crochet to be more difficult to get right (while learning), but easier for me to just pick up and do on a whim. 

As for sizing, I'd probably d/l a pattern for a diaper, and use that as a guideline for waist and rise.  I'll still highly recommend a drawstring, which you can do with braided wool yarn if nothing else. 

[casmer]

I have tried to teach myself to knit several times and can't do anything past the basic stitch.  I have poor spatial reasoning (I guess that's the term for it), so I would have to take a class.  I do much better when someone can physically show me how to do it.  Pictures just don't cut it.  I've thought of taking a class, but really I have too much going on right now.  I've got basic sewing down, so I figured I would try that first.

[cristeen]

I couldn't do it off pictures, but the videos did it for me, in part because I could pause it, rewind it, watch it over and over and over again until I could figure it out. 

But, not everybody is suited for it.  In which case, I would stick with the recycled woolies.  Just be sure you use a synthetic thread so it doesn't absorb. 

[hollyann]

I learned how to knit just by going in a yarn shop and asking if they taught it, the owner sold me needles, yarn and a pattern, and then sat down with me till I finished making a hat! It was kind of a all day affair, but maybe you could find someone like that, or a relative who could show you. Then you can learn decreases and increases, etc from tutorials on youtube.

I do agree though, knitting isn't for everyone, I've found a lot of people who can't knit can crochet and vice versa, so you could try that too!

[forestmushroom]

Originally Posted by hollyann 

I learned how to knit just by going in a yarn shop and asking if they taught it, the owner sold me needles, yarn and a pattern, and then sat down with me till I finished making a hat! It was kind of a all day affair, but maybe you could find someone like that, or a relative who could show you. Then you can learn decreases and increases, etc from tutorials on youtube.

I do agree though, knitting isn't for everyone, I've found a lot of people who can't knit can crochet and vice versa, so you could try that too!

Our library has groups where people will teach you like this!  I keep meaning to go... but finding the time is difficult... But that is the only way I will learn. 

[casmer]

I really *should* try and get out to learn, but for some reason, it feels like I either have something else going on or "should be" doing something else. I'm also a slow-learner...I really like to soak it in, so class settings really wear on me.  Knitting and crocheting look like so much fun though.

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by casmer 

I really *should* try and get out to learn, but for some reason, it feels like I either have something else going on or "should be" doing something else. I'm also a slow-learner...I really like to soak it in, so class settings really wear on me.  Knitting and crocheting look like so much fun though.

Do you have a friend who can teach you?  How about a knitting circle where people might be willing to help?  I know at our local yarn store they have knitting/crochet circles twice a week where people can get help with random things from others, or just sit and chat and make new friends. 

I would still recommend checking out the videos on knittinghelp.com and seeing if those might work for you. 

[forestmushroom]

I have a few covers made from recycled sweaters, but really it is better to do this after baby is born and you can measure the chubby leg, rise, etc... but that could be me, I'm not the best seamstress...

[casmer]

Cristeen - I'll have to check out that website!  I've never tried to learn from videos, so it may actually work out for me.  I have some social anxiety, so I won't venture out until I get too desperate :)

Originally Posted by forestmushroom 

I have a few covers made from recycled sweaters, but really it is better to do this after baby is born and you can measure the chubby leg, rise, etc... but that could be me, I'm not the best seamstress...

Me either, so I'll try to get everything ready and then when she gets here do it.  I have enough felted sweaters that I might try to make one, just so I have the idea down.