Let's talk about tutorials!

[Kari_mom]

We have such a nice group of diaper-sewing mamas here right now , and so many new diaper-makers joining us. I think we should consider adding some tutorials to cover the basic questions that we answer every day. I know I would love to have a couple of links that are easy to find to refer mamas to, as well as a reference for myself.

We have the craft tutorial section already, I am pretty sure that LaLa would love to add more. If we come up with a list of what we think could be helpful and divvy it up, it wouldn't be too much work for any one of us. Plus, it would be cool to have some input on what info should be in each tutorial. I've been working on one for recycled sweater longies, and I know it could really use a critical review from other experienced mamas.

What do you guys think?

[muttix2]

As a newbie sewing mama, I think it would be great! I always get really fast responses here (which is great ) but it would still be great

[amberthesugarcat]

Excellent idea! Some ideas from me:

1. Directions on making recyled longies and aplix/snap wool covers. And how to felt the wool and keep it clean. There is one mama (Sarakate) who is a genius on this topic and we should stickie her info. I have bookmarked so many of her threads and she is the expert as far as I am concerned.

2. Elastic, what kinds, size, how to sew casing or directly in.

3. Best fabrics for cotton (velour,flannel, etc.) and best fabrics for AIO outers (fleece, cheap or MM).

4. Best inners (microfleece, suedecloth, cotton, etc.)

5. Thread suggestions (poly).

Probably most of this is already covered in the stickies (I need to review them again) but step-by-step instructions would be great (esp. with photos). One mama had wonderful photos of how to make your inner roll out (or outer roll in) and that should be stickied also.

I can help if anyone wants. I am no expert, but I have done everything wrong that you can imagine, so I can help idiot proof.

[Jes'sBeth]

I've never put a tutorial together but I think it's a great idea. I've certainly looked at a ton of them! I'd be willing to work on this a bit in the new year. Even if I'm helping to make them more understandable through editing/ asking clarifying questions. I've gained so much knowledge from hanging out on this forum that I want to make sure I give back some too!

Great idea!

[LeosMama]

I agree, but don't want to be the one to tell someone to go read the sticky as I'm not so good at being tactful sometimes.

So Kari_mom, as you're the one who thought of this idea, you should compile the list of topics and ask for volunteers/hand out assignments!

I suppose you might wait until the new year, as I certainly don't have time until sometime in January to work on this.

[Sheena23]

Great Idea!! I know I have the cheat sheet for fabric absorbancy bookmarked, as well as the leg elastic tutorial and they have both helped me.

[Seie]

As a newbie diapersewer I would love a tutorial

[ekortering]

I did a picture tutorial on how to draft your own fitted diaper pattern. I believe I posted it here, but it is probably *buried* Here is the link to it if you want to include it:

http://community.webshots.com/album/262005662xKCumw

[LeosMama]

ekortering, cool cool, very cool. i vote that should get included in the tutorials sticky.

[Kari_mom]

I am so glad you like the idea of putting together some tutorials! I am willing to organize it, I realize that posting the idea put me at risk for that job! And even though I posted about it today, I was thinking that the serious work will be done AFTER the holidays. I'm looking forward to it, I always have a bit of a post-holiday letdown in projects.

Amberthesugarcat, I love the ideas you've come up with so far. I've searched for Sarakate though, and I can't find her. Maybe you can give me a link?

Erin, I have always loved your diaper-drafting tutorial, it would be a great addition.

So far I think we have:

Elastic selection and application
Fabric and thread selection
Rolling legs in and out
Draft your own diaper pattern
Recycled wool longies - I know of at least 3 ways to make these, should we include all three?
Recycled wool soakers

Are these good to start? Or are there other questions that we see a lot that we should consider? Maybe prefolds to fitteds? How about one on how to construct a leak-proof AIO?

I would really like to see us develop our own tutorials, not just links to other sites (though links can and should be included). I think there is a unique knowlege base here and I would really like to capture that. What do you think?

[boscopup]

Originally Posted by ekortering

I did a picture tutorial on how to draft your own fitted diaper pattern. I believe I posted it here, but it is probably *buried* Here is the link to it if you want to include it:

http://community.webshots.com/album/262005662xKCumw

I just want to say I LOVE that tutorial. That's how I drafted my pattern when I started diapering sewing. Thank you thank you thank you!

Definitely add that one!

[Jes'sBeth]

To go along with this, we should have a FAQ's section that list all of the questions that we get regularly and some definitions (like t&t). I know we answer several of the same questions regularly here and we always will because some people won't see the sticky, but some will and will be happy that they didn't have to wait for an answer.

[beepsmnms]

Wicking PUL tutorial. After washing my PUL diape in hot and drying in hot it worked great.

[Jes'sBeth]

hmmm... a tutorial on rolling legs in and a faq about how to sew with PUL including needle, shiny side to feed dogs or teflon foot, type of thread to use, how to seal it when you're done...

we could do a really good job of answering some basic questions for new diaper sewers and could have some great tutorials for when we need to try something new.

This is a great idea!

[StrawHatBrat]

I already did a rolling in of legs tut... so I can dig it up if you like.



Here is the thread: I bumped it to this page.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...05#post4324805