Meet my little sister

I'm the oldest of seven kids.  This means that to my littlest siblings I was almost like a third parent at times.  My youngest sibling, E, was born when I was 14 years old.  But that's not the purpose of this post, just a prerequisite to help put things into perspective for you.

E is much like I was when I was young.  She's extremely creative and crafty.  For years I would get handmade gifts from her--painted ornaments, sewn little pillows, jewelry of some sort--she's got the eye and she is absolutely, 100% confident of who she is.  This is probably due to the fact that she is the baby of the family and was is the most spoiled of our little clan. 

Well, shortly after I discovered I could sew using a machine, I realized that E would also similarly benefit from a machine.  I found this little guy in the toy section of Walmart:

 Yes, it is Bratz brand, but who cares! It works!
I bought if for her along with a pattern for pajama shorts.  She loved it.

We went to Walmart in the days that I was visiting my family (they live about a seven hour's drive from me) after the holidays and picked out some pretty flannel to use for the pattern.  Then, with instructions and little intervention (I'm a teacher by trade so I've learned how to teach without doing for others), she made her own pair of pajama shorts--including an elastic!  (Not zig zag stitched--it was strung through the waist band)

 

 

My little girl was so proud of her self (That is a sticker she placed on her forhead) and she had a very sucessful little pair of pajamas that she promptly grew out of. 

In the years that followed my mom saw her sewing progress and bought her a more advanced machine (it was the $75 Brother at Walmart).  

I don't have pictures, but do you know that she made her own pattern and sewed little teddy bears for all the little kids in her church?  They were so popular that people just kept asking for them and she was finally so tired of making them that she put her foot down!

When I was expecting my little precious Bunny, this is what she gave me at my baby shower:

 

She even included a scripture from Luke that goes with my nursery theme (which she spelled incorrectly--ha ha!):

"Rejoice with me.  I have found my sheep which was lost." 

Oh yeah, my theme is the Parable of the Lost Sheep--the story Jesus tells where the shepherd leave his 99 sheep behind to go looking for that one which is lost.  I want my little girl to know that God will always go looking for her no matter how far she strays and that she is precious to Him.  I painted a full room mural on my walls of--no lie--100 sheep including the lost sheep being brought back by the shepherd. 

 

But I digress.  

This is really a spotlight post for my little sister E and I'm just slightly ADD.  Sorry.

When E was only 11, she decided that she could sew.  And she did.  Does she make mistakes?  Tons.  She is the most impatient seamstress I know and prefers not to read instructions or take time to do mundane things like pinning (much like her big sister).  But because she's confident she produces some pretty awesome stuff! 

I wish I'd made that decision at 11.  Who knows how mature a seamstress I'd be at this point! I'm still learning and I have LOTS to learn!

Anyway, I'm really proud of her.  She's my little girl, all grown up and in the 10th grade now!  I can't believe how time flies.

10 months pregnant

I found this picture the other day and though my daughter is now 5 months old, I just couldn't help but post it.  I was so HUGE! I can't even remember what that felt like!  The girl to the left is my friend who was about 6 or 7 months prego at the time. Since I was about three days overdue by this point we knew this would be our last time to be pregnant together so we took the picture.

Sewing: Starting out

I know that a lot of you out there read my blog and see the things I sew and think to yourself, "I could never do that!"  You give up before you've even tried.  I know this is how you think because I once thought the same things.  I remember I bought a pattern to sew something for a friend, and took one look at that self-same pattern, and gave up after cutting out a few pieces.  Those cut up pieces still lie pinned together in one of my craft drawers. 

And then, right after he asked me to marry him, my husband (then fiance) gave me a Singer sewing machine from Walmart as a present for the year anniversary of when he asked me out.  (I gave him a power tool so we were totally even ;-D).

I don't even remember why I wanted it.  Maybe because I wanted to sew curtains?  They're pretty easy and didn't seem daunting to me at all.  Maybe because I wanted to try a quilt--though I've only ever made one successful quilt and calling it successful is a long shot.  Quilting scares me.  But shortly after he bought it for me we decided we'd go to the Rennaissance Faire, and I wanted to wear a costume and didn't want to pay $300 for mine so I bought a pattern.  I was so determined to have this costume that I didn't let the pattern scare me.  It was FOUR PIECES and even included some boning and I did it!    I couldn't believe when I was done and wore the thing to the Faire how successful I'd been!  And because I liked mine so much, I sewed another one from the same pattern for my friend, an extremely easy tunic for my hubby, and capes for two other friends who were coming along.

Thus began my sewing hobby.  Since then I've made a plethora of things.  Napkins for a tea party at church, 

 

 ...dish towels and matching placemats for a friend...

 

 ...curtains for every room in every house/apartment we've had since getting married, curtains for friends and family,
 banquet gowns and clutch purses for my little sisters (They go to a pretty strict private Christian school and needed prom type dresses but modest ones and since those don't exist I made their dresses),

handbags for many friends...

the list goes on.  I've discovered over the past four years that sewing isn't as scary as I"d made it out to be!  I know this mostly because every year my one little sister chooses a more and more difficult dress for me to make her. 

I say all this to tell you one thing:

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Do you want to make your own cloth diapers?
Do it!
Do you want to try your hand at making maxi pads?
Do it!
Do you want to make some cloth baby wipes, bibs, or even a diaper bag?
Do it!
Do you need a new purse and want to sew your own?
Do it!

What's the worst that can happen?  You'll mess up?  I mess up about 70% of the time.  That's why you buy a seam ripper!! Ha ha!

Thomas Edison failed at making the light bulb so many times that most of us would have given up and said it was impossible.  He was just pleased at himself for eliminating all the different ways that the invention wouldn't succeed.  And then... he did it.

You can do it! I promise! It isn't that hard and it doesn't require much skill most of the time.

Go out and buy yourself a bottom-of-the-line sewing machine.  Or buy a used one.  DOn't spend a lot of money on your first (Walmart has a very simple Brother machine for around $75).  Buy one of the easiest patterns you can find.  A simple handbag, a bib, a skirt.  Buy fabric (don't start with knit--stretchy--fabric or you might be in over your head).  And do it.

I promise you'll thank yourself.

And if you need some guidance along the way, just ask you mom, your grandma, your mother-in-law, your friend, or even me!  If I can't help you I'll tell you.  I just love empowering others to make amazing things and do the impossible.

Your fear of failure shouldn't be enough to stop you from doing something amazing--even if it's something as simple as sewing something your son or daughter will poop into .

Let me know how this goes for you!  I would love to see creative progress :-D

My first giveaway!

It's my birthday so I'm doing my first diaper giveaway. Check it out!!! Happy Valentine's Day everyone and make sure you enter!

Diaperkit.com: Review and Giveaway CLOSED

Here's the thing, guys.  Diapers are expensive.  Disposable diapers are the worst, and though even the most expensive cloth diapers save lots of money over disposables, they are some times just way too much for our wallets to handle when it comes to that one time investment.  I've grown my stash gradually for that reason, just buying 1-3 diapers with each paycheck--less now that I have somewhere around 30 diapers.  But I have to say that sometimes I just don't feel like spending $18 on a diaper even though I'm absolutely in love with all the cute brands that are out there.

Well, Amber at Diaperkit.com must have felt the same way because she did something about it. She offers pre-cut and ready to go kits for making fitteds, covers, AIOs (All In Ones), and more for about $5-$9 each.  You get the same exact quality as other modern cloth diapers but you spend half as much.  AND you get the satisfaction of sewing the diaper yourself and getting those bragging rights!

Straight from the mouth of Amber herself:

DiaperKit.com is a WAHM (work at home mom) owned business. I have five children, three of whom are old enough to be in homeschool.

"I decided to start DiaperKit because I love cloth diapers and love to sew them. I have used cloth on all of our children and twice we have had two in diapers at the same time. I've tried many different patterns and fabrics. Through my sewing experiences I came to realize that I hate cutting out patterns. There is so much tedious work that often leads to a sore back and neck before you can even sit down to sew. Why not have someone else do all of the boring part and I could just sew! So, after much discussion and a lot of preliminary work, I designed my own pattern and moved forward with what has become DiaperKit.com."

"YOU can sew fabulous modern cloth diapers  and we've got everything to get you started!

Forget about paying $16 (or more) each for modern, easy to use cloth diapers. Sew your own cloth diaper stash!

Get started sewing & saving money right away with our pattern and pre-shrunk, pre-cut, ready to sew cloth diaper kit package. For the cost of ONE pre-sewn modern all-in-one diaper you can get our cloth diaper pattern for fitteds and all-in-ones and a ready to sew kit! We've got great tutorials and all of our patterns and kits come with fully illustrated instructions as well as scraps to practice sewing with. DiaperKit is easy on the budget, easy on the earth, and easy on you!"

So, Amber was kind enough to send me one of her Deluxe Flannel AIO kits in the mail to review and giveaway.  Since I'm a huge fan of one-size diapers I asked her if she had any one-size kits.  She does not, but she told me that many people just buy the largest kit and adjust it themselves to make it a one-size diaper.  It sounded good to me, so she sent me a size 4, and I turned it into a one size, AI2 (All In Two) diaper.  Check out THIS POST if you're interested in that process and product.


I was so pleased with her kit, that after making a one-size AI2 diaper from her Size 4 AIO package, I really wanted to try a diaper in my daughter's current size.  Her kits just seemed so easy but I'd made mine more difficult by adding changes (which I loved, btw!).  If I was really going to review her diaper, I felt I needed to sew it her way as well as mine.  So I ordered another kit--a beautiful royal blue, size 2 Deluxe Flannel AIO kit.  I was able to sew it in about 45 minutes.  Check out THIS POST if you're interested in seeing that process and product."

 After using both of her diapers for a couple of weeks, I've decided to rate the Diaperkit AIO on a series of levels: 

Instructions: The instructions were clear cut and easy to follow.  They included illustrations and even alternate instructions for if you want to turn your AIO diaper into an AI2.  

Ease of Sewing:   I found it very easy to sew and I feel that this is a project that beginners could easily handle.  If you've never used a sewing machine before, I recommend practicing on something simpler like making a pillow or cloth baby wipes just to get the hang of using a machine. 

Ease of use: This diaper is very easy to use.  There is no pre-stuffing because it's an AIO, and even if you use it as an AI2, all you need to do is snap the insert in before using it.  It is so easy to use, in fact, that when I left my daughter in the nursery during church a week or so ago, I found that one of the attendants who is not familiar with modern cloth diapers was able to easily put this diaper on her (though she did put it on loosely but I find that most babysitters have put all of my daughter's cloth diapers on her loosely).

Absorbency: I was skeptical about how absorbent flannel alone would be.  I'm used to more fancy absorbent layers like microfiber, sherpa, and hemp.  When I decided to review this diaper I was worried that it wouldn't work and I would have to say negative things about it.  But I put it through all the paces and it was surprisingly absorbent!  Even more surprising was that, without a "stay dry" layer such as microsuede or microfleece, my daughter's skin was still relatively dry to the touch when I changed her.  Yes, the diaper felt wet to the touch when wet (unlike some popular pocket diapers) but it didn't seem to affect her any differently.  


Night diapering: My daughter wore this diaper a couple of times at night.  My daughter is not normally a heavy wetter at night so it was fine most of the time. However, on one particular night when she woke up to nurse many times, she leaked through the diaper.  I talked to Amber about this and she says that that most of her children needed more than just this diaper at night so she uses one of her fitteds with an doubler and a cover.  The next night, I just added some trim hemp inserts I already had and there was no leakage. 

Day diapering: It worked great.  No problems whatsoever during the day.

Poop bombs:   The first time I put the diaper on my little bunny, she christened it by pooping a big, messy, breast milk poop all over it and none of her liquid mess came spilling out onto her legs, sleeper or anywhere. I was very pleased. 

Closures:  The closures are touch tape with laundry tabs and very adjustable.  However, if you dislike touch tape, you can feel free to change that by adding your own snaps!  That's the great thing about this diaper is that you can customize it to your needs and preferences.  

Laundry:   The only thing I needed to get used to about this diaper is the drying time.  It's my first AIO diaper and I didn't realize that those types of diapers take longer to dry than my pocket diapers. So, rather than line drying it with my pockets, I stick it in the dryer with my inserts which works just fine.  As far as washing goes, the diaper gets more absorbent with each wash and the flannel gets slightly more stiff and I haven't noticed any stains, even after her poop bomb.


Price: Amazing! You'll spend from $7-$9 on one of these beautiful diapers.

Fit: Very good.  It's trim and the elastic is soft and gentle so it doesn't pinch her at all around her legs or her back. 

 Materials: One layer of waterproof PUL, and six layers of soft, white, flannel.

Colors: It comes in 18 different colors.  Also, there seem to be limited addition prints available from time to time and she has hand-painted diaper kits available.  

What I would change:  The first time I tried sewing this diaper, I felt that I needed a little more information.  First, I wanted to know what length of elastic should be used in each leg.  So I emailed Amber and she guided me to a page on her website that has this information.  Problem solved!  The second thing I felt could change to improve my experience was having a piece of hooked touch tape to practice with.  I asked her for one in my second diaperkit and she graciously sent it.  I since discovered that she sells extra squares of the hooks for only $.12 each.  I could have just added it to my order. 

Overall Rating: I feel that how this diaper works is partially Amber's responsibility in her choice of materials and her design, but also partially the responsibility of the seamstress.  My first diaperkit had a couple of obvious mistakes--one being that I sewed the elastic wrong in one of the legs and the inner flannel shows no matter what I do.  However, despite the flaws that I created in my diaper, it still works great.  So, even if you kind of both up your first try at a diaper kit, it will probably still give you great results.  My second diaper is close to perfect and has the same performance as my first, flawed attempt.  I rate this diaper a 9 out of 10 and I would highly recommend it to anyone who asks.  It's wonderful and when it's not in the wash, it's the first diaper I go to in my stash. 

Since I love these diapers so much I'm sure you will too! And besides, it's very empowering to be able to sew your own diapers!  If you're interested, you can go on over to Diaperkit.com and buy one of these adorable diaperkits, you can enter to win one here. 

Today is my birthday which is the perfect day for a giveaway!!!  Because my birthday is on the 14th, I will give you 14 days to enter to win.  If you want to win a Deluxe, Flannel, AIO diaper kit in the size and color of your choice, please enter this contest by Wednesday, February 28th at midnight.  

(For each entry, please leave your email address so
I have a way to get in touch with you)

MANDATORY ENTRY: 

Go to Diaperkit.com and tell me what kind of diaper you would like to buy including the size and color.  

EXTRA ENTRIES:

*1 entry: Tell me how you feel about sewing your own diapers and why.

* 3 entries: Blog about my giveaway and leave a link to your post in your comments letting me know you did so.


* 1 entry: add my button to your blog and leave a link to your blog in a comment letting me know you did so.

*2 entries: Follow my blog and leave two separate comments letting me know you did so. 


* 1 entry: subscribe to my blog via feedburner and leave a comment letting me know you did so.


* 1 entry: Go over to Amber's blog and then leave me a comment here letting me know one thing you learned from her sewing and knitting wisdom. 


* 15 entries: Order something from Diaperkit.com. Comment for each entry separately making sure to include your order number.  




Good luck and I can't wait to hear from you and share this wonderful gift with one of you!!!

One of my most recent diapers

What can I say, guys, I've had three snow days in a row and LOTS of time for sewing!

I made a couple more but failed to take pictures of them all.  I decided to make this one with only flannel (since my Diaperkit diapers work very well that way) but have since discovered that the reason my other AIO leaked wasn't because the diaper had flaws, but because my daughter suddenly became a heavy wetter at night and I need to add more layers.  Phew! I thought I was going to have to go back to the drawing board!!! Anyway, I think this one's pretty.  I currently only have white PUL so I had to find some way to make it crazy! I love crazy, bright colors!!! 

Make your own cloth maxi pad--the AIO version

To make this maxi pad, I actually used the scrap pieces that Amber sent me with my Diaperkit.  I didn't need them to practice with, so I figured I'd might as well put them to better use!  I trimmed them up a bit first, though, so they had a nice shape.  If you don't feel comfortable cutting out a pattern yourself, you can simply trace a pad or a pantiliner.  Also, be sure to prewash all your fabrics before hand.  Amber prewashes hers before they get to you, but I added another layer of flannel to this maxi and I prewashed that myself.  I also used my own scraps of PUL to make the wings since her kit comes with three layers of flannel and a layer of PUL for practice and I obviously needed wings for my pad with no way to adhere it to the panty otherwise.  

This is my wing pattern, cut out of wrapping paper.

You need to cut four of the wings out of PUL.  I guess you could use another type of cloth but I was afraid that if I did then the liquid would absorb into the wings and mess up my clothing, so I used waterproof PUL to be safe.  

Sew them together right sides in and shiny sides out.  It's best to put a layer of paper (I usually cut another wing out of wrapping paper) over the top piece of PUL when machine sewing it because it will stick as you sew otherwise.  I was lazy and did not which is why there's a wrinkle in my seam but I'm not a perfectionist about the details so I let it go.  

Trim the top edges so it will turn out nice and crisp. 

All turned out and ready to put into my pad.

Pin both wings against the right side of the PUL layer like so.  I cut out another piece of flannel for the top of my pad--from more of my selvage.  I figured I'd make the pad pretty and use a printed flannel for the top and use the white pieces for the inner layer.  Once you pin the wings to the PUL, you will sandwich them between the right side of the PUL and the right side of your top layer (which was the printed flannel for  me--if you want a fabric that will pull the moisture away from your skin like in cloth diapers, use microsuede or microflece)

Now, sew your layers together, right sides in with the wings sandwiched in between. Don't sew all the way around or you won't have a way to turn it right side out.  Also, if you leave your ends curved like mine, it will be difficult to sew that back together from the right side, so I'd leave part of the side of your pad open.

It's all sewn together minus this side.  Notice that my wing is still pinned in place.  

I sewed just the wing in place without closing the hole.

Next, it was time to work with the inner layers--three pieces of flannel in my case.  It's up to you what you use. 

I top stitched them so they'd stay together. 

With pat right side out...

I stuffed the top-stitched inner inside.  (It hasn't been top-stitched yet in this picture--my bad!)

Now, with the inner inside, it's time to close her up with a top stitch.  Fold the edges of your opened pad in, and pin them into place.  

Now, you're going to top stitch around the edge of the ENTIRE pad, starting with the opened edge.  It will look really finished and crisp this way--especially since it's not a good idea to iron PUL fabric.

The pad from the underside...

...and the view from the top.

Now, sew on your velcro to the wings. On one pad, sew the hooks to the outside, and on the other, you will sew the loops to the inside (or vice versa). If you prefer snaps, then use them. I'm staying away from snaps in my diapers and pads (though I prefer them to velcro) until I have the money to buy my own snap press :-D.

My stitch was a little messy because my sewing machine was being a bad girl!

Voila!

And for easy storage in your purse, you can fold it like so:

And there you have it, ladies (and gentlemen???).  Your very own mama cloth.  

Go ahead and try one.  You can do it!!!

What's the worst that can happen if you try???

Happy sewing!