Mothering › Mothering Discussion Forums › Archives › Pregnancy Archives › October 2008 › How are we all coming along on our cloth diaper stashes?
New Posts  All Forums:
 

How are we all coming along on our cloth diaper stashes? - Page 2

post #21 of 92
7/28/08 at 9:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dis View Post
Diapers are GREAT for teaching yourself to sew - make the first few out of something cheap, like old t-shirts or flannel sheets, and I bet you'll be surprised just how easy it is, even the elastic! And if you use something cheap you won't feel bad if you mess it up. I actually think diapers are waaaaaaaaaaay easier to sew than things like dresses. And since I started sewing diapers I think I've actually become a much better seamstress.

Good patterns - what kind of size do you want? Free or not? Darling Diapers has a free newborn pattern, but I think the full Darling Diapers pattern is totally worth paying for - really detailed instructions, 4 different sizes, from newborn to large, and pretty much every possible option you can imagine (side closing, front closing, snaps, touchtape, covers, pockets, fitteds, whatever you want).

I'd prefer velcro side or front closure fleece covers. I have a patternf or a free pull up fleece cover, but I heard from another firend that it doesn't fit very well. I have a Tots Bots cover I have LOVED since my DD was about 12lbs, I'd love to find a pattern as close to that as possible.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I am going to try to sew the covers, if that goes well, i will need some small diapes and covers eventually.

You may also like:

Sitting or Squatting: What's Really Best in the Bathroom?
There Is Not Always a "Fix" For the Difficult Child
10 Things You Don't Need For a New Baby
post #22 of 92
7/28/08 at 9:44pm
I'm coming along. I have 4 dozen infant sized prefolds. I'm going to trim 1-2dozen to be the GMD "newborn" size, I think. I have nearly 3 dozen fitteds, but I have small babies, so I don't expect to be able to use them right away. I also ordered some one-size Tiny Tush pockets from the co-op here. I'm hoping they'll work on a fairly new baby for overnights.

I still need some covers and a couple of Snappis. Other than that I think I'm done other than prepping/washing.
post #23 of 92
7/28/08 at 10:23pm
I have 3doz preemie prefolds, I still need to wash them and fluff them up. I've made her 4 nb covers, 4nb fitteds (will probably make more once I finish the necessities) 6sm covers, 2sm pockets. I need to do a few pul-only covers and a few more small pockets before I consider her her small stash done, then if there's time left I'll start on small fitteds and med covers & pockets, I also already have about 50 infant prefolds that she'll be sharing with her big brother. I've got several store bought covers in sizes nb and med, and a few things from ds that I'll use with her, holiday themed diapers as well.
post #24 of 92
7/28/08 at 10:27pm
Your soakers look great! I keep meaning to knit up some curly purlys but because I want to finish the bulk of her stash of dipes, clothes, hats and blankets before I put the time into the soakers.
post #25 of 92
7/28/08 at 10:30pm
Stephanie, your dipes look great!
post #26 of 92
7/28/08 at 10:59pm
Wow, my hat is off to all of you "do-it-yourself" mamas! Your diapers looks so lovely and the soakers....

I with the others who either don't have time or the talent to make such a great stash. I kinda feel like a boring CDing mama .

I just went through all the old baby stuff I had and was pleased to discover that I have:

22 Motherease one-sized diapers
8 Motherease (ME) inserts
4 ME small covers
4 ME med/large covers

I am planning to rehabilitate these with some hot soaks, vinegar, etc to make them like new for the new baby...

Now here is the part where I either need support or the bag over one's head icon...ah yes, here it is :

So, I also have a but I am not planning on using (they were gifts when DD was born):

12 prefolds (?which kind...MIL bought them in portugal)
12 Pro-Wandlen (Again ????...friend bought them in BC and they are German in make)...I never did figure out how to use them and tried desperately to find how to online...
1 wool soaker

So here is where I guess I need support: I tried the profolds a couple of times and found that they were a pain and fell off mostly...the wool soaker was gross. It leaked and was HUGE once it was on. And I don't mean that it didn't fit, it was just that DDs bum was huge with it. So I guess my dilema is that I hear about all of these CDing mamas who swear by prefolds and soakers and so I know they must work or at least there is a better way but I can't figure it out. My plan at the moment is to sell the German dipes and prefolds and the wool soaker at a local sale in September. However, if there is someone out there patient enough to work through this with me, I'm willing to give them another try .

I'm trying to go easy on myself about it...after all I received the MEs as a gift too and I am reusing them so talk about a cheap stash! I really did love the MEs. They never leaked, they didn't smell, were easy to launder, made in Canada, and were one size so I never had to buy more! I guess I have nothing to complain about.

For fun I am going to a local store tomorrow to check out some other types of dipes to maybe up my stash (a friend is now swearing by Bum Genius). If that doesn't pan out I might buy a few brand new MEs so that I don't have to do laundry as often.

Sorry for the long post
post #27 of 92
7/28/08 at 11:01pm
Okay, so I bit the bullet and in addition to the

Standard size 24 Chinese Prefolds
5 Small Dappi Diaper covers

I got from Craigslist, I also bought

24 standard size Natural Prefolds which apparently will take you through potty training, but we'll see
6 Newborn Thirsties Covers in Neutral mixed colors
6 Small Thirsties Covers in Primary mixed colors

from jardinediapers.com

I also bought the Medela Swing breastpump from drugstore.com, paid $400 off of my $800 credit card balance and ordered my birth kit all in one day - I'm on a roll!
post #28 of 92
7/28/08 at 11:24pm
Ok, so I have everything I need for size medium and up.

Just ordered:
12 newborn prefolds
3 Bummis Whisper Pant newborn
3 Snappis
2 Bummis Whisper Pant small
8 Fleece Liners
2 Litewrap - Newborn

Would Like:
4 bumgenius (or 2-3 small covers and 2-3 large covers)
a wet bag for diaper bag

Woo Hoo! I love clothe!!!
post #29 of 92
7/29/08 at 12:02am
Turtlemum - I'd go have a visit in the diapering forum!!! The ladies over there are SO helpful with how-to's and things and I've gotten so much info about using wool there.

My Mom used to use wool back in the 80's and they didn't know about lanolin at the time (my Mom's group of gals anyways) and the wool was just kind of another layer to soak through. Apparently, lanolizing the soakers is the way to go and my Mom thinks it's just genius. Again, check out the diapering forum!!!
post #30 of 92
7/29/08 at 12:07am
I just never could feel the love for wool. I've tried it a few times, and I hate having to hand wash, lanolize, etc. I know it's just once every week or two that you have to do it, but I still hate it. I much prefer to throw my PUL covers in the wash and hang them out to dry in under an hour. Plus, keeping the CD system fairly simple for DH is a must. I know if I used wool, some of it would eventually end up in the washing machine by accident
post #31 of 92
7/29/08 at 12:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amber Lion View Post
Turtlemum - I'd go have a visit in the diapering forum!!! The ladies over there are SO helpful with how-to's and things and I've gotten so much info about using wool there.

My Mom used to use wool back in the 80's and they didn't know about lanolin at the time (my Mom's group of gals anyways) and the wool was just kind of another layer to soak through. Apparently, lanolizing the soakers is the way to go and my Mom thinks it's just genius. Again, check out the diapering forum!!!

Thanks for the suggestion. I did go there last time and found it way too overwhelming. I still look at the list of short forms and my eyes go buggy. But I do think it is worth a go this time and maybe because I've CD'd I'll understand more.

I didn't know about lanolin either and that might explain the soaking through bit. I still don't get how to fit other clothes over a wool soaker though...I was guessing that the mamas that made wool longies were doing it because pants don't fit over wool?

From Tiger Lily's post, if wool means hand washing once a week, it'll never happen. I don't hand wash anything, even my bras and underwear (which I've been told extends their life...). I too loved the wipe down a cover and reuse it and washing it occasionally and having them line dry super quick.

I think that probably answers the wool soaker question for me...I don't think it is for me. I could still use prefolds and the German dipes with ME cover I think? Right?

Hmmm, what to do, what to do...off to the diaper forum, thanks again!
post #32 of 92
7/29/08 at 2:20am
I don't use a lot of wool, but I can say I only wash it when it needs lanolizing (ie: it gets too damp too fast) or got poop leaked onto it. Otherwise they are fine and fresher than the PUL covers because they breath! So I basically washed them like once every month or two. As for fitting pants over a soaker, you don't have too thats what Babylegs http://babylegs.net/newWeb/home.php?main=home&sub=home are for or you can use longies. In my experince with my first DD pants basically sucked rocks period because they never fit right until she was atleast 8 months old, and really we never needed them much until she was more than a year old.
post #33 of 92
7/29/08 at 9:26am
Ugh, I need some motivation to get working on mine.
So far, all I've made is 2 fitteds, 1 pocket (trying different patterns to see which I like), 2 fleece covers, and 1 wool cover. I bought a few infant prefolds just to see what they're like.

I have a few Fuzzi bunz I bought with shot elastic for really cheap, so I need to fix those up. Takes about 2 sec to sew in the elastic, but 20 min to get to it!!

I need to make wipes too-how many are you guys making?
post #34 of 92
7/29/08 at 10:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Turtlemum View Post
Thanks for the suggestion. I did go there last time and found it way too overwhelming. I still look at the list of short forms and my eyes go buggy. But I do think it is worth a go this time and maybe because I've CD'd I'll understand more.

I didn't know about lanolin either and that might explain the soaking through bit. I still don't get how to fit other clothes over a wool soaker though...I was guessing that the mamas that made wool longies were doing it because pants don't fit over wool?

From Tiger Lily's post, if wool means hand washing once a week, it'll never happen. I don't hand wash anything, even my bras and underwear (which I've been told extends their life...). I too loved the wipe down a cover and reuse it and washing it occasionally and having them line dry super quick.

I think that probably answers the wool soaker question for me...I don't think it is for me. I could still use prefolds and the German dipes with ME cover I think? Right?

Hmmm, what to do, what to do...off to the diaper forum, thanks again!
Microfiber is a special make of 100% polyester that is so absorbent that you're not supposed to put it directly against baby's skin for fear it will suck the moisture right out of their skin. It needs to be underneath a more gentle layer (fleece, microfleece, cotton, anything) Its supposed to be highly absorbant, wash good, and its very non-bulky & lightweight. Thats what I plan on using in place of wool soakers.

If you do try this, the chepest way to get ahold of the stuff (I haven't been able to find it at jo-ann's or anywhere like that) is to buy it at an auto parts store or online from an auto parts store (will be labeled "microfiber towels".) People use them to wash fancy cars with special paint jobs, but it's the same stuff.

I'm also really tempted to buy one of those "sham-wow"s from the tv commercials & try it out as an overnight soaker. Any thoughts on that?
post #35 of 92
7/29/08 at 10:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kim919 View Post
Microfiber is a special make of 100% polyester that is so absorbent that you're not supposed to put it directly against baby's skin for fear it will suck the moisture right out of their skin.
If you do try this, the chepest way to get ahold of the stuff (I haven't been able to find it at jo-ann's or anywhere like that) is to buy it at an auto parts store or online from an auto parts store (will be labeled "microfiber towels".) People use them to wash fancy cars with special paint jobs, but it's the same stuff.
No, don't even do that-go to Walmart or Kmart or wherever, and in their auto section, you can get a whole bag of microfiber towels for just a few bucks! You'll want to wash them separately quite a few times, as they do tend to bleed, but if you're really looking for cheap, that is the best way.
Also, not only will it suck all the moisture out but I read it will actually adhere to the poor baby! So definitely use it as an inner, not anything touching baby's skin.
post #36 of 92
7/29/08 at 2:29pm
I have 24 small and 24 med carousel AIO's. They're more like lined covers really, but they'll work. I have 20 kushies soakers for inside those.
2 doz infant prefolds
6 small diaperaps velcro covers

I'd really love to buy 12 kissaluvs fitteds, we'll see.

I'll wait till bb's about 8 mos or soto invest in some nice AIO's for out-and-about.
post #37 of 92
7/29/08 at 7:20pm
Quote:
Microfiber is a special make of 100% polyester that is so absorbent that you're not supposed to put it directly against baby's skin for fear it will suck the moisture right out of their skin. It needs to be underneath a more gentle layer (fleece, microfleece, cotton, anything) Its supposed to be highly absorbant, wash good, and its very non-bulky & lightweight. Thats what I plan on using in place of wool soakers.
You mean as inserts or doublers, right?

It gets confusing, because there are two meanings for the word "soaker". One is an absorbent layer added to the diaper. But when we're talking about wool, we're actually talking about using it as a water- proof/resistant OUTER cover. So microfiber won't work as a cover, which I think is what Turtlemum is looking for

And Turtle--yes, I believe an ME cover will work over those diapers. I can't say for sure, but MOST waterproof covers work over fitteds/prefolds/etc.
post #38 of 92
7/30/08 at 12:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayleesan View Post
I think I am going to _try_ and make some fleece covers, anyone know any good patterns??

Katrina's pattern is free. I have my own pattern that is similar but I don't have it drawn up.


Our stash is mostly complete. All I need are extra pfs - 2 doz GMD nb and 1-2 doz GMD yellow edge. Money is too tight to buy those right now though.

I may have posted before but my stash is here - I think that works. There are a few things missing, mainly wool - woollybottoms footies, another sleep sack or two, and a GN wool set... I think that's it.
post #39 of 92
7/30/08 at 7:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bella Catalina View Post
Katrina's pattern is free. I have my own pattern that is similar but I don't have it drawn up.


Our stash is mostly complete. All I need are extra pfs - 2 doz GMD nb and 1-2 doz GMD yellow edge. Money is too tight to buy those right now though.

I may have posted before but my stash is here - I think that works. There are a few things missing, mainly wool - woollybottoms footies, another sleep sack or two, and a GN wool set... I think that's it.
Yeah I love Katrina's pattern-very, very easy, especially with my serger =D
I'm SO jealous of your perfectly organized, pretty stash, Bella! It looks great.
post #40 of 92
7/30/08 at 9:40pm
I like diaper stashes!

I have:

12 newborn prefolds
24 infant size prefolds
6 BumGenius 2.0's
3 small Bummies covers

I may order some more BGs and I'll get covers in medium when the baby is a coupld of months old. I'm also thinking about trying to make some of my own dipes out of old flannel sheets. Probably just prefolds You ladies who make fitteds are talented!

I also have for EC'ing:

3 waterproof mats for our bed/floor/under baby
A little "chamber pot" from Nova Naturals

I'm planning to EC pretty much from birth, but won't begin to focus on it until the baby is a week or so old. That worked well for me with my last DC
New Posts  All Forums:
 
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: October 2008

You may also like:

Sitting or Squatting: What's Really Best in the Bathroom?
There Is Not Always a "Fix" For the Difficult Child
10 Things You Don't Need For a New Baby
Mothering › Mothering Discussion Forums › Archives › Pregnancy Archives › October 2008 › How are we all coming along on our cloth diaper stashes?