and a monster was born....

[she]

hey there,
I'm pretty darn new to this place, but I've been lurkng non-stop since I found it!
This crafting board has really inspired me to make a couple of covers for DD. I really don't know why I haven't made her any diapers before....really haven't felt like sewing much I guess. Anyhoo, DDs is in potty/diaper limbo at the moment, but her *crappy* kushies covers are falling apart and getting too small, I've been against buying any new ones, as she may be potty F/T within weeks. So why not make a couple, right? So I did, just from stuff in my stash. Worked FANTASTIC!
I copied the kushies cover for a pattern, and used some fleece I had. The fleece was a medium quality, I was a little worried that it wouldn't be thick enough, but it passed the overnight test! Her jammie waisband in the front got wet, but that always happen before, too. I'm thinking of lowering the band of velcro on the front and adding elastic to the upper edge to prevent it.

so a couple of questions if I may

are most diapers and cover patterns quite similar? they look it from the pix online...I'd rather not buy a bunch of different patterns from people if they are not terribly much different and I can do the adjustments myself.

and for wool soakers, are they made from reg wool or merino?

thanks!

[Susan_McCormack]

I really can't answer your questions about the patterns as I've just purchased my first one a few days ago. But as for wool soakers, most mamas choose yarn that is soft but doesn't necessarily have to be merino. There is usally somewhat of a tradeoff between durability and softness. While merino is super soft, it will tend to pill and/or felt a bit after use. If you are just starting out, you may want to try some wool yarn you can find locally. Many start out using Lion brand Fisherman's yarn, although some feel that it may be too rough for soakers (although I personally don't mind it and it does get softer with use). You can usually also find Paton's Classic Merino and Cascade 220 at many of the larger chain craft stores.

If you want to venture into something on line, one of my favorites is the 2-ply merino from http://www.yarndealer.com . It is really soft and doesn't get too pilly or felted after use.

Hope this helps

[amysuen]

I own 4 diaper patterns: Darling, Cuddlebuns, Honeyboy and VB AIO. They're all the same in general shape, but have little differences like wing shape, snap/aplix placement, rise, crotch width, etc. If you don't want to buy a pattern you can draft your own from this SnS (scroll down) As you draft, keep one of your favorite diapers/covers nearby and compare it with your draft so you end up with a pattern that includes the features you like in your diaper/cover. HTH!

[she]

thanks!

I think I'm just going to modify the kushies pattern, make the crotch narrower and widen the 'wings' and change the elastic and velcro application...and then make a diaper pattern from that, a little smaller to fit inside the cover and without gussets. I have this big plan - making the most perfect luxury fitted diaper! but like most of my big plans it'll probably never happen.

I didn't know merino was so delicate... maybe I can find a blend...
I'd really like to use Briggs and Little(from my hometown!), but it's not soft. Well that's in the future anyway, I won't need to make any soakers for the current kid.

this place is great! I've got NO ONE IRL to talk about this stuff with!

[TrishWSU]

I used that tutorial to make a diaper pattern that I really like. Of course I'm still tweaking it to get it just perfect.

If you make a pattern for a cover, you may not need to make it smaller for a fitted if you plan to turn and topstitch your diaper. Depending on your seam allowance, the fitted may fit just perfectly inside the cover. I discovered this to be true for the Darling Diapers pattern, at least.

Good luck and have fun! Making diapers gets addicting. I'm kind of sad my dd is starting to PL, but that's ok-I'm making training pants now! :LOL

[Susan_McCormack]

The 2-ply from yarndealer isn't very delicate, it does stand up to some abuse

If you're looking for some more soaker help, please feel free to come over and visit the Wooly Wonder forums at http://www.woolywonder.com/forums