[GeorgiaGalHeidi]

is it the performance or looks? Maybe a bit of both?

I initially loved Kiwis for their fit, but then it became the look! What do you think? For example...does a MM or KSS actually perform better than other soakers? KWIM? What is the driving force--the look, performance, or a perfect mix of the two?

 

[jessicaSAR]

Definitely a combination of fit, perfomance and appearance for me. Kiwis for example. They are beautiful, but what initially appealed to me was the full coverage cut that fit well over bulky night diapers. I have since sold all my Kiwis because I have found that there are plenty of cheaper covers (yes, I am cheap) that work just as well and give the same coverage. So the fit and performance were great, but not extraordinary enough to warrant fighting over.

On the other hand, it is the fit and appearance of BBB that keeps me stalking every stocking. These soakers fit my dd like they were made just for her. Nothing else I have tried fits as well. On top of that, the yarn is amazing. It is soft and durable. And the colors really are extraordinary. I am really drawn to beautiful colors (BBB, MM and KP are tops here), but I will not keep even a beautiful soaker if it is scratchy or doesn't fit or doesn't work well.

So, to sum up, I think something must have all three aspects in order to warrant the hyena label.

This is also why I am not a diaper hyena (only a soaker hyena). I have found so many diapers that work just great that none really stand out above the rest.

 

[Knittin' in the Shade]

I think that it's a combo of things. Like with KSS and MM, they were among the first three soaker-makin' mamas

and they both do absolutely unparalleled work in terms of creativity, craftwomanship and attention to detail.

I think that even if something is beautiful, though, it's not enough. It's got to fit like a dream, and work effectively. When you combine those three elements (creativity, fit and performance) and a bit of good karma for the WAHM, a hyena product is born

 

[QueenSheba'sMom]

the items that I've seen that are stalk worthy are ones that have really great fits and styles, but are really hard to get

I stalk/ed beccabottoms like crazy because the soaker design is ingenius and the ultratrim diapers fit better than anything else I've found. They've been very difficult for me to get a hold of.

Elbees are out of my price range, but they are clearly in their own diapering dimension of softness & trimness.

I;ve seen FCB's in person, but never tried one on my own dd. They appeared to be really bulky, so I'm curious about why they're so well loved.

 

[Mama K]

Fit -- is the diaper bulky? Trim, trim, trim is IN!

Does it look unique? Beautiful colors or special prints?

And then the fabrics -- silk, cashmere, angora, anything organic...

And that, in my opinion, is what makes something hyena-worthy.

 

[Jennisee]

Well, I'm still classified as a newbie, but I stalk the FCBs. Thet are a tad bulkier than other diapers, but for that little bit of extra bulk, I find we get a ton of extra absorbancy. And the fit is crazy perfect. I have a friend who commented that if a FCB Size 1 fits my petite, 16-17 lb girl AND her tall, 23-ish lb boy, then it has to be a perfect diaper.

Now, for diapers, I'm not too picky about print. I mean, if I had a choice, I'd have a complete rainbow or vibrant girly prints, but I'll take a FCB in boyish prints just to get one. (Right now, I only have 2.) I'm also a sucker for a velour-lined diaper and soaker.

Now, wool is a different story. I am picky about the color and design. Plus, I want it to be super soft, so I love merino wool. (I even buy DH merino sweaters, b/c they're so cuddly.) And obviously, it has to work well and fit DD right. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out yet which brands I should be stalking. :LOL

 

[mum2tori]

Well for me as a "closet"

it is uniqueness. Something a little different than the rest. One of the original Hyena items are Fuzbaby. Lori's design was very original and her creativity with the "Diaper Garden" was extremely unique.
SOS diapers were another original Hyena diaper... she was one of the first one-sized diaper. MudpieBabies has an original soaker design in her AIOs (now copied by others) and her HUGELY fabulous fabric selection. FullMoonBabyGear has the "exotic" fabrics selection (I think she has one of the first "Sushi" diapers). KoolSheepSoaker has her incredible embellishments. ElBees are so trim and cleanlined. BizzyBHive has her fabulous appliques and embroidery on her wool and fleece covers. Fussybutt uses organic veluors and beautiful embroidery. That just a few that I think of immediately.

So for me it's the uniqueness of the item. I think it often becomes "Hyena" because it is usually one WAHM making it and there is a limited supply. Because there are only a few at a time... there is a frenzy for them.

Of course it does have to 'work' too. :LOL

 

[DreamingMama]

if the fabric or print or product is raved about here on MDC everyone goes bonkers and the product becomes hyena material. :LOL

Sometimes it is because the product is very fuctional and beautiful, sometimes because it is just beautiful.