Making Wool Soakers

[papschmitty]

Let me start by saying that I am a complete novice to CD and to sewing. I'm currently pg with #2 and really want to try to CD this time around. I'm planning to do a combo of prefolds and one size pocket diapers. I'd like to try to make my own wool soakers for the prefolds to save $. My aunt, who's a very good seamstress and has a serger, has offered to make my wool soakers for me. I hit the thrift store and have 3 sweaters to work with; 2 are cashmere and 1 is merino wool. I aready washed them on warm and dried them on hot to help felt them. Now I just need to ship them off to my aunt with my desired diaper pattern(s). So, other than any general advice you want to give me, do you suggest any particular patterns to use? I've found a few free one online but since I don't sew, I have no idea how good or easy any of them are. TIA oh wise women!

[detroitgirl77]

Heres a good one and its free:
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=227301

[Teddy'sMom]

If you want to make longies you can use the sweater arms to do so. There are several free tutorials on how to do this in the sticky. My only suggestion is to pick one that has the extra diamond of wool at the crotch. Without it the pants will split at the crotch (IME).

-Jill

[love2bmom]

Congratulations on baby and kudos for deciding on cloth! The above advice is great

[papschmitty]

Thank you so much to all of you! I used the suggested pattern and shipped everything off to my aunt. Since this is my baby after all, I wanted to try to make one myself despite the fact that the only things I've ever sewn are wayward buttons. I made a soaker completely by hand with nothing but a needle and thread. It probably looks totally lame to those of you who actually know what you're doing but I think it's beautiful! I made it from a sweater I got at the thrift store - Banana Republic 100% merino wool for just a couple bucks! High five for me! :

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a71...Woolsoaker.jpg

[Funny Face]

Originally Posted by papschmitty

Thank you so much to all of you! I used the suggested pattern and shipped everything off to my aunt. Since this is my baby after all, I wanted to try to make one myself despite the fact that the only things I've ever sewn are wayward buttons. I made a soaker completely by hand with nothing but a needle and thread. It probably looks totally lame to those of you who actually know what you're doing but I think it's beautiful! I made it from a sweater I got at the thrift store - Banana Republic 100% merino wool for just a couple bucks! High five for me! :

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a71...Woolsoaker.jpg

Hey! Look at you! I think you did a great job! I can't believe you did that by hand, it looks awesome. Did you use a pattern. I think you've inspired me to try to make one too even though I can't sew. Any tips?

[papschmitty]

I used the pattern listed in the second post on this thread. My advice? Have a sense of humor and keep your expectation low. Then it's hard to be disappointed! I have zero sewing experience and I found this a lot of fun. I'm sure it took 10 times longer than if I had used a sewing machine but it's still something I can be really proud of. Use an old sweater from the thrift store that way you're not out a lot of money for fabric. Good luck!