**We've moved!!**
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
**This post has been entered in Works for Me Wednesdays at We are THAT Family and Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom!**
I've mentioned in other blogs that another way to save money is to use cloth instead of paper towels, toilet paper, and other products around the house. But WHY?
First, you can use cloth around the house to replace these products:
*Paper towels
*Toilet paper
*Tissues
*Napkins
*Disposable "dish cloths" (made from really cheap fabric for only a few uses)
It might seem weird or gross to you to use these items. But think about all of this:
*In a fancy restaurant, you use cloth napkins. Which have been washed many times and used by tons of strangers! But this is considered upscale, not gross. Why not do the same at home?
*50 years ago, handkerchiefs were the norm, not Kleenex. We can still use them, just make sure to wash after use so bacteria can't grow (I've never had a problem though).
*Dishcloths are only breeding grounds for bacteria if you ball them up and leave them wet. Spread them out and let them dry and there's no problem!
*Un-paper towels are meant for one use (typically) before washing, so there's no mess to spread around and no time for them to get yucky!
*Family cloth (i.e. "toilet paper") can be thrown into the wash with cloth diapers if you use them, or with dirty bath towels if you don't (meaning no additional washes, and it doesn't have to touch your clothes or anything).
There really is a significant environmental savings to be had here. First, there's all that paper you're not using. The soft, cushy toilet paper that most consumers demand is 100% new wood pulp, causing a serious deforestation problem. An average tree can be made into up to 1000 rolls, and the average family of 4 requires 100 rolls per year. Toilet paper also can't be recycled (although it CAN be made from recycled material, thus saving trees initially AND saving that paper from going into a landfill). The making of toilet paper is a serious problem, and causes more ecological impact than driving SUVs or eating fast food. According to this source, we could save 470,000 trees, 1.2 million feet of cubic landfill space, and 169 million gallons of water if everyone in the US traded one roll of regular toilet paper for a recycled roll. Since the average American uses about 24 rolls per year, if we switched to ONLY recycled paper, we could save 11,280,000 trees, 28.8 million feet of cubic landfill space, and 4 BILLION gallons of water PER YEAR!!
Toilet Paper World also says this:
In the early 1970s, an EPA study for Congress concluded that using one ton of 100% recycled paper saves 4,100 KWH of energy (enough to power the average home for six months) and 7,000 gallons of water. It also keeps more than 60 pounds of pollution out of the air and saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, which is increasingly important as many local landfills near their capacity. Paper industry representatives have estimated that one-ton of recycled paper saves approximately 17 trees.
This is a HUGE deal, everyone! The environmental impact of toilet paper isn't just what happens once it's used and flushed. It's what happens when it's produced! We could save even MORE by not using any toilet paper at all, but we need to at least use 100% recycled!
There is also the harmful effects of the bleach used to produce the white toilet paper that most people typically use and want. According to Pollution Issues, "Between 50 and 80kg of chlorine is needed to bleach each tonne of pulp of which approximately 10% will go on to bind with organic matter to produce furans, dioxins and other organochlorines." That's bad for the environment, and bad to press against your very absorbent skin!
Annual cost of toilet paper is around $140 (for a family of 4). If you make your own wipes, it'll cost about $12 to make 30 2-layer, 8 x 8 flannel wipes. That's a HUGE savings just in the first year.
Approximately 3000 tons of used paper towels end up landfills each year! That is a lot. Using cloth can help to stop that. It'll also save you a lot of money. The average household uses about 2 rolls of paper towels per week, and with costs around $1/roll, that's $100 per year. Cloth shouldn't cost more than $10 to buy, and probably less to make.
I could keep convincing you about the environmental impact, but as you can see, it's huge. Most paper products are produced in a similar way and we, as Americans, use WAY too many of them. The easiest and best thing to do is to make your own cloth to use at home. Here are some (mostly no-sew) ideas for doing it yourself:
*Cut up old terry cloth towels in 8 x 8 squares to use as rags, toilet "paper," etc. No hemming necessary.
*Cut up old beach towels to use as napkins
*Cut old sheets
*Buy flannel and sew it together (right sides together), leaving a small part unsewn. Then turn it and sew it closed.
*Cut any fabric and "hem" the edges with an iron and finishing tape
You can also buy these re-usable items at various stores. Many good (and reasonably-priced) items are on Etsy.
We've replaced some our tissues with cloth, and I've used cloth "toilet paper" before (right after Daniel was born). It was a LOT softer. I really preferred the cloth. I've used cloth instead of paper towels too and it's fine -- I keep a laundry basket in my kitchen so I can toss used ones there along with my kitchen towels (and downstairs bathroom towels). They get washed every couple of weeks. Bathroom wipes go in a special bag then get tossed in with diapers or bath towels. If they don't have their own wash, then they really don't increase water usage at all.
I thought up a great kitchen project (a year ago, that I have yet to try): making 12 x 12 cloth towels, and making it so they can snap together and get rolled up! Of course, you can just set your towels in a small basket, they don't really need to get rolled, but it would be kind of cool.
Finally, since I haven't tried everything myself, I've provided some resources from people (mainly other bloggers) who have tried this cloth in their homes.
Resources:
Going Green with Family Cloth (in the bathroom)
Family Wipe Experiment
Family Cloth
Benefits of Cloth Wipes
Cloth Napkins
Un-paper Towels
Did you learn anything new about the environmental impact of disposable items (I did!). Will you consider changing some of your family's habits?
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Mama Cloth
**We've moved!!**
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
**This post has been entered in Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family and Things I Love Thursdays at Diaper Diaries.**
Ever heard of "mama cloth?" It's cloth pads to replace the disposable ones typically used during your monthly "visitor." (I've barely had a need in the last three years, since I've been pregnant most of the time from May '07 - Jul. '09 and just got it back Sunday!) But, mama cloth is really great for you and the environment! And I did use it postpartum with Daniel. I'm liking using it now too. A lot of people say their first postpartum period is really painful and awful and this time I'm having no pain at all (which wasn't true when I got it back after Bekah and I was still using disposable pads!). I really think the cloth is making a difference because I always had cramps and general soreness and fatigue before.
So why should you use mama cloth? Here are a few reasons:
*Disposable pads contain dioxin and other chemicals, which can cause serious and as yet unknown reproductive problems (like PCOS, infertility, or even just extra cramping and bleeding. Think about it -- you're pressing these chemicals up against your most sensitive regions and you're actually absorbing the chemicals!).
*Cloth pads feel softer and nicer. No more crunchy, bulky pads!
*Cloth pads are much greener -- just save them in a zippered, waterproof bag and wash at the end of the week. Nothing to throw in a landfill.
*Potential for reduced pain and reduced bleeding (due to the fact that you're not exposing yourself to the chemicals anymore). This is really serious. I believe that our exposure to these chemicals is causing us to experience longer bleeding, more painful periods, PCOS, and other reproductive disorders. Eliminating your exposure to harmful chemicals could, over time, cure you of these problems (and red raspberry leaf tea can reduce your pain naturally in the mean time, by the way).
*Always have clean pads (bleeding more than usual? Lasting longer? Do a wash and you'll have fresh pads in an hour or two, no trips to the store).
There are many places that you can buy pads if you want to (look at the resources below). You can also make your own. I made all of mine. They're not like the old rags women used to use. They're shaped, absorbent, they snap in place, and the top layer wicks the moisture away from you.
(You can also buy cloth tampons if you're interested, but I can't quite get my head around that one. Some people knit them and stuff them with cotton padding, leaving a trail of yarn at the end to remove it. Of course there's no applicator with this type. But, if you really hate the feeling of pads, you can try this. Another option is the Diva Cup, which many women prefer, but I believe these are silicone, and you do have to put it inside. If you don't like putting things inside or you are allergic to silicone or latex -- I can't remember which they're made from -- cloth pads are for you.)
There are many free patterns out there to make your own mama cloth, and many that you can pay for as well. I offer one for free on another website (listed in the resources). The patterns have instructions with them. They really do sew up quickly; I made 30 pads in just a few hours. My pattern also comes in two different sizes. If you don't have a snap press, you can use sew-on snaps, or Velcro (though I recommend Aplix or Touchtape instead).
For postpartum use, along with my pads, I also sewed several 6" x 6" flannel wipes, and I kept a peri bottle in the bathroom. Whenever I used the bathroom, I would wash off warm water from the peri bottle and wipe gently with the flannel wipes. It was soooo very soft when I was sore and swollen from birth, and I just tucked it all into my little zippered, waterproof bag! I had cloth (bamboo terry, also very soft) ice packs that I had dipped into comfrey leaf tea and frozen that went into these bags. I highly recommend this system, and you can use parts of it every time, not just postpartum.
Check out the resources section for more information!
Resources:
Comfy Cloth Pads
Why Use Cloth?
Mama Cloth Pattern
Fleece Mama Cloth Pads
Cloth Pads Database (links to many tutorials and patterns)
Diva Cup
Keeper (like a Diva Cup)
What do you use during your period? Are any of these options new to you?
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
**This post has been entered in Works for Me Wednesdays at We Are THAT Family and Things I Love Thursdays at Diaper Diaries.**
Ever heard of "mama cloth?" It's cloth pads to replace the disposable ones typically used during your monthly "visitor." (I've barely had a need in the last three years, since I've been pregnant most of the time from May '07 - Jul. '09 and just got it back Sunday!) But, mama cloth is really great for you and the environment! And I did use it postpartum with Daniel. I'm liking using it now too. A lot of people say their first postpartum period is really painful and awful and this time I'm having no pain at all (which wasn't true when I got it back after Bekah and I was still using disposable pads!). I really think the cloth is making a difference because I always had cramps and general soreness and fatigue before.
So why should you use mama cloth? Here are a few reasons:
*Disposable pads contain dioxin and other chemicals, which can cause serious and as yet unknown reproductive problems (like PCOS, infertility, or even just extra cramping and bleeding. Think about it -- you're pressing these chemicals up against your most sensitive regions and you're actually absorbing the chemicals!).
*Cloth pads feel softer and nicer. No more crunchy, bulky pads!
*Cloth pads are much greener -- just save them in a zippered, waterproof bag and wash at the end of the week. Nothing to throw in a landfill.
*Potential for reduced pain and reduced bleeding (due to the fact that you're not exposing yourself to the chemicals anymore). This is really serious. I believe that our exposure to these chemicals is causing us to experience longer bleeding, more painful periods, PCOS, and other reproductive disorders. Eliminating your exposure to harmful chemicals could, over time, cure you of these problems (and red raspberry leaf tea can reduce your pain naturally in the mean time, by the way).
*Always have clean pads (bleeding more than usual? Lasting longer? Do a wash and you'll have fresh pads in an hour or two, no trips to the store).
There are many places that you can buy pads if you want to (look at the resources below). You can also make your own. I made all of mine. They're not like the old rags women used to use. They're shaped, absorbent, they snap in place, and the top layer wicks the moisture away from you.
(You can also buy cloth tampons if you're interested, but I can't quite get my head around that one. Some people knit them and stuff them with cotton padding, leaving a trail of yarn at the end to remove it. Of course there's no applicator with this type. But, if you really hate the feeling of pads, you can try this. Another option is the Diva Cup, which many women prefer, but I believe these are silicone, and you do have to put it inside. If you don't like putting things inside or you are allergic to silicone or latex -- I can't remember which they're made from -- cloth pads are for you.)
There are many free patterns out there to make your own mama cloth, and many that you can pay for as well. I offer one for free on another website (listed in the resources). The patterns have instructions with them. They really do sew up quickly; I made 30 pads in just a few hours. My pattern also comes in two different sizes. If you don't have a snap press, you can use sew-on snaps, or Velcro (though I recommend Aplix or Touchtape instead).
For postpartum use, along with my pads, I also sewed several 6" x 6" flannel wipes, and I kept a peri bottle in the bathroom. Whenever I used the bathroom, I would wash off warm water from the peri bottle and wipe gently with the flannel wipes. It was soooo very soft when I was sore and swollen from birth, and I just tucked it all into my little zippered, waterproof bag! I had cloth (bamboo terry, also very soft) ice packs that I had dipped into comfrey leaf tea and frozen that went into these bags. I highly recommend this system, and you can use parts of it every time, not just postpartum.
Check out the resources section for more information!
Resources:
Comfy Cloth Pads
Why Use Cloth?
Mama Cloth Pattern
Fleece Mama Cloth Pads
Cloth Pads Database (links to many tutorials and patterns)
Diva Cup
Keeper (like a Diva Cup)
What do you use during your period? Are any of these options new to you?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Cookbook Project
**We've moved!!**
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
Introducing....
My brand new cookbook!
The cookbook, Modern Alternative Mama in the Kitchen: A Cookbook of Whole Foods, contains over 60 recipes that use whole foods. Many are easy to put together on a weeknight and some can be easily frozen or partially prepared in advance (which and how to do this are noted in the book). Several are also allergy-friendly (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, legume-free, etc.). If you are interested in eating and cooking whole foods, but have no idea where to begin, this book can help you. Also included are cooking tips, sources for finding good quality foods, easy substitution ideas, and other great resources. (If you like the recipes I've posted so far, most of them -- plus many more -- will be in that cookbook.)
This cookbook will be available in just a few short weeks for those who are interested in learning more about cooking and eating whole foods!
Although writing a cookbook has been a dream of mine for years (since back when I only wished I could cook), writing it now has a special purpose. I am writing this cookbook in support of women's rights to birth where and how they choose. Part of the proceeds from this cookbook will be donated to both local and national charities that promote access to midwives, doulas, and other natural birthing resources. These include CHOICE, Ohio Families for Safe Birth, and The Big Push for Midwives. If you support this movement, please consider purchasing a cookbook. These are grassroots organizations that are trying to make a difference, and they can use all the help they can get.
Unfortunately, not a lot of women are informed that they have different choices, beyond the usual OB-hospital situation. Many wish for a more natural birthing experience but have no idea where to go to find one. Birthing centers are currently very limited, and many women have no idea how to find midwives, or that they even exist. The idea of home birth or even of natural birth is foreign to most women. (I've heard women say others are "super women" just because they gave birth unmedicated!) Rather than separating women from one another and forcing them to birth in one location, in one way, we should be uniting them and empowering them. Women should have the support of a midwife, doula, or other professional who are trained in natural birth and who believe in them and their ability to birth their baby naturally.
This cookbook is dedicated to aiding a natural lifestyle and supporting womens' right and ability to birth naturally.
Please tell everyone about the cookbook so we can get a lot of support! The cookbook will be available through this blog -- details to follow.
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
Introducing....
My brand new cookbook!
The cookbook, Modern Alternative Mama in the Kitchen: A Cookbook of Whole Foods, contains over 60 recipes that use whole foods. Many are easy to put together on a weeknight and some can be easily frozen or partially prepared in advance (which and how to do this are noted in the book). Several are also allergy-friendly (gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, legume-free, etc.). If you are interested in eating and cooking whole foods, but have no idea where to begin, this book can help you. Also included are cooking tips, sources for finding good quality foods, easy substitution ideas, and other great resources. (If you like the recipes I've posted so far, most of them -- plus many more -- will be in that cookbook.)
This cookbook will be available in just a few short weeks for those who are interested in learning more about cooking and eating whole foods!
Although writing a cookbook has been a dream of mine for years (since back when I only wished I could cook), writing it now has a special purpose. I am writing this cookbook in support of women's rights to birth where and how they choose. Part of the proceeds from this cookbook will be donated to both local and national charities that promote access to midwives, doulas, and other natural birthing resources. These include CHOICE, Ohio Families for Safe Birth, and The Big Push for Midwives. If you support this movement, please consider purchasing a cookbook. These are grassroots organizations that are trying to make a difference, and they can use all the help they can get.
Unfortunately, not a lot of women are informed that they have different choices, beyond the usual OB-hospital situation. Many wish for a more natural birthing experience but have no idea where to go to find one. Birthing centers are currently very limited, and many women have no idea how to find midwives, or that they even exist. The idea of home birth or even of natural birth is foreign to most women. (I've heard women say others are "super women" just because they gave birth unmedicated!) Rather than separating women from one another and forcing them to birth in one location, in one way, we should be uniting them and empowering them. Women should have the support of a midwife, doula, or other professional who are trained in natural birth and who believe in them and their ability to birth their baby naturally.
This cookbook is dedicated to aiding a natural lifestyle and supporting womens' right and ability to birth naturally.
Please tell everyone about the cookbook so we can get a lot of support! The cookbook will be available through this blog -- details to follow.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Final Homemade Christmas Update
**We've moved!!**
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
Our homemade Christmas was a success!!
We completed a homemade gift for everyone. I'll be blogging about some of the more exciting things separately, so that if you are interested in the projects yourself, you will have a how-to guide. But here is a run-down on what we ultimately did for everyone:
My mom -- A reversible Japanese-print vest, and a candle.
My dad -- Rice-filled heating pads (made with flannel) and some healing cream (based on the diaper-rash cream posted earlier).
My brother -- A soft, fleece throw.
Ben's mother and sisters -- Liquid face moisturizer, and body cream
Ben's dad and brothers-in-law -- A set of rice-filled heating pads (2 short, 1 long, and 1 u-shaped one for the shoulders).
Niece -- 6 doll diapers
Nephew -- Wooden blocks (all different shapes -- columns, squares, rectangles, arches, etc.) We're going to make Daniel a set too for his birthday!
Bekah -- 2 sheet sets and 6 doll diapers.
Ben -- I bought him a Star Wars Lego, because he's been wanting one. :) But I also made a series of 12 cards for him and decorated them a little. On each card is something I promise him, like "We will go bowling, just the two of us." Some promise a favorite meal at home with no kids. They are all different. I thought of this because when I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he said "Nothing material, I just want to spend time with you." Obviously I couldn't reveal any part of this gift earlier because he reads this blog daily!
We've already posted a how-to post on the blocks. If anyone is interested in any of the other projects, leave a comment and I'll post on those, too!
What did you get for Christmas? How was your holiday and what did you do?
Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
Our homemade Christmas was a success!!
We completed a homemade gift for everyone. I'll be blogging about some of the more exciting things separately, so that if you are interested in the projects yourself, you will have a how-to guide. But here is a run-down on what we ultimately did for everyone:
My mom -- A reversible Japanese-print vest, and a candle.
My dad -- Rice-filled heating pads (made with flannel) and some healing cream (based on the diaper-rash cream posted earlier).
My brother -- A soft, fleece throw.
Ben's mother and sisters -- Liquid face moisturizer, and body cream
Ben's dad and brothers-in-law -- A set of rice-filled heating pads (2 short, 1 long, and 1 u-shaped one for the shoulders).
Niece -- 6 doll diapers
Nephew -- Wooden blocks (all different shapes -- columns, squares, rectangles, arches, etc.) We're going to make Daniel a set too for his birthday!
Bekah -- 2 sheet sets and 6 doll diapers.
Ben -- I bought him a Star Wars Lego, because he's been wanting one. :) But I also made a series of 12 cards for him and decorated them a little. On each card is something I promise him, like "We will go bowling, just the two of us." Some promise a favorite meal at home with no kids. They are all different. I thought of this because when I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he said "Nothing material, I just want to spend time with you." Obviously I couldn't reveal any part of this gift earlier because he reads this blog daily!
We've already posted a how-to post on the blocks. If anyone is interested in any of the other projects, leave a comment and I'll post on those, too!
What did you get for Christmas? How was your holiday and what did you do?
Like what you read? Subscribe over on the right and get posts everyday in your email!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wooden Blocks: How-to
**We've moved!!**
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
As many of you know, we've been working on a homemade Christmas this year. I'll put a final update on all the projects that we did in a few days, but wanted to share one project with you now. We made a set of wooden blocks for my nephew, using only a few common household tools. The rest of this was written by Ben, the one who actually made the blocks! Enjoy the project!
The goal: To make a nice homemade gift for my 1-year-old nephew that will encourage his creative development, be something meaningful that will last, and be relatively cheap (materials wise, though certainly not time wise; after all, we are trying to get out of debt). The gift we chose was a nice set of wooden blocks, painted in Texas A&M Aggies colors (red and white) since that is his father's favorite football team.
The materials I used were some scrap pieces of 2x6 left over from some household repairs and a piece of 1" dowel rod. While the pieces I used were scrap, they were the perfect size and what I would have purchased, if needed. Buying the pieces new would probably cost $10-20 depending on the number blocks you'd like to end up with. Plan ahead and calculate the square area of all the pieces you want, and decide if you'll need an 8', 12', or 16' piece of 2x6. (Make sure you account for the width of the blade in your calculations!)
I ended up with a 35 piece set, which I felt was a good size, but maybe a little on the small side. A 40-50 piece set seems like a good number, although depending on either your skill level, or the amount you think your child (or gift recipient) would play with them, you may want a smaller or larger set.
This is a break down of all the pieces:
(cut from the 2x6)
2 - 2.25"x6.75" arches (with a triangle cut out of the bottom)
2 - small triangles from the arches above
8 - 2.25"x2.25" squares
4 - 4.5"x2.25" rectangles
2 - 2.25"x6.75" (cut diagonally) sloped triangle
8 - 2.25"x2.25" (cut diagonally) right triangle
(cut from a strip of 2x6, 3/8" thick)
5 - 4.5" flat pieces
(cut from 1" dowel rod)
2 - 6" columns
2 - 3" columns
I started by deciding what size pieces I wanted, and marking the wood before I cut it. (I've highlighted the pencil marks so that they can be more easily seen). NOTE: I am aware that not all the pieces are marked :0 I wanted to see how the sizes I decided on felt in my hands, before I marked all the other pieces.
(To help identify which pieces I'm referring to later in the post, on the left side, the top piece is two arches, then 4 squares, 2 sloped triangles, 6 flat pieces, then finally the dowel rod)
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
As many of you know, we've been working on a homemade Christmas this year. I'll put a final update on all the projects that we did in a few days, but wanted to share one project with you now. We made a set of wooden blocks for my nephew, using only a few common household tools. The rest of this was written by Ben, the one who actually made the blocks! Enjoy the project!
The goal: To make a nice homemade gift for my 1-year-old nephew that will encourage his creative development, be something meaningful that will last, and be relatively cheap (materials wise, though certainly not time wise; after all, we are trying to get out of debt). The gift we chose was a nice set of wooden blocks, painted in Texas A&M Aggies colors (red and white) since that is his father's favorite football team.
The materials I used were some scrap pieces of 2x6 left over from some household repairs and a piece of 1" dowel rod. While the pieces I used were scrap, they were the perfect size and what I would have purchased, if needed. Buying the pieces new would probably cost $10-20 depending on the number blocks you'd like to end up with. Plan ahead and calculate the square area of all the pieces you want, and decide if you'll need an 8', 12', or 16' piece of 2x6. (Make sure you account for the width of the blade in your calculations!)
I ended up with a 35 piece set, which I felt was a good size, but maybe a little on the small side. A 40-50 piece set seems like a good number, although depending on either your skill level, or the amount you think your child (or gift recipient) would play with them, you may want a smaller or larger set.
This is a break down of all the pieces:
(cut from the 2x6)
2 - 2.25"x6.75" arches (with a triangle cut out of the bottom)
2 - small triangles from the arches above
8 - 2.25"x2.25" squares
4 - 4.5"x2.25" rectangles
2 - 2.25"x6.75" (cut diagonally) sloped triangle
8 - 2.25"x2.25" (cut diagonally) right triangle
(cut from a strip of 2x6, 3/8" thick)
5 - 4.5" flat pieces
(cut from 1" dowel rod)
2 - 6" columns
2 - 3" columns
I started by deciding what size pieces I wanted, and marking the wood before I cut it. (I've highlighted the pencil marks so that they can be more easily seen). NOTE: I am aware that not all the pieces are marked :0 I wanted to see how the sizes I decided on felt in my hands, before I marked all the other pieces.
(To help identify which pieces I'm referring to later in the post, on the left side, the top piece is two arches, then 4 squares, 2 sloped triangles, 6 flat pieces, then finally the dowel rod)
Most of the cuts should be done with a single or double bevel miter saw (like the one shown below). The remaining can be done with a basic hand held circular saw. We didn't have a miter saw when we did this so we used a circular saw for most. It is doable but not as easy. Bekah LOVED this project, by the way; she was constantly signing "more" when the saw stopped and bringing over new pieces of wood and saying "cut please."
Start by cutting the 2x6 length wise twice, with the circular saw, into two strips 2.25" (cut on the blue lines). This will leave you with two pieces 2.25" wide and a piece about 5/8" wide (5.5" originally, minus 2.25", 1/8" cut, 2.25", second 1/8" cut). To make it simpler later, trim 1/4" off the bottom of the piece, so that you're left with a 3/8" piece, instead of a 5/8" wide piece.
The diagram below shows all of the respective pieces that will be explained in the following paragraph.
Then use the miter saw to "chop" the 2.25" pieces of 2x6 into the right sizes; 2.25" wide for squares, 4.5" wide for rectangles, 6.75" for arches, 6.75" for sloped triangles, and 2.25" for right triangles. The dowel rod can also be chopped at this point into 6" and 3" long pieces.
Whether you have a single bevel or double bevel miter saw, you can now set it at 45 degrees to cut some of the 2.25"x2.25" squares in half diagonally to turn them into right triangles. The miter can also be used at this point to cut the under side of the arches. It would be best to use a rotary saw, but since I don't have one, I used my miter saw. I started the arch about 1.5" from the ends of the piece and used a triangle to mark the cuts.
For the sloped triangles, cut the 2.25"x6.75" piece diagonally with the circular saw.
The last pieces I cut were using the 5/8" wide scrap we left earlier. I trimmed it down, using a length wise cut with the circular saw, to 3/8" wide. As I noted earlier, the best idea is to trim this piece before cutting the 2.25" pieces, so that you can set your circular saw squarely on the larger piece. I chopped this into 4.5" long flat pieces to act as a floor or roof piece.
Once you're cut out all of the desired pieces, we need to make the wood pieces safe for kids to play with. I used a hand held sander to sand every edge, and every surface, of each piece, to remove all rough spots in the wood and the sharp edges.
Once I was done with all the cutting and sanding I let Rebekah "play test" the pieces to ensure that they were in fact, fun to play with. She certainly thought so :0
Finally, the wood should be either painted or covered with a vanish to help protect the wood. Dark, semi gloss, "kid safe" paint (very important that it's kid safe) looked very nice, and a clear vanish will help it look more "old fashioned", if that is more your style. It will probably require at least two coats of a dark paint, and 4-5 of a lighter one since the wood will soak it up a little.
In all, it took about 6 hours to measure, cut, sand, and paint all of the pieces. We gave it to our nephew last weekend when we had our family Christmas and he certainly seemed enthralled by the blocks. He must have played with them for over an hour while the rest of us opened our gifts.
With the average child under two watching over 2 hours of TV per day, isn't it better to give them a constructive, fun, toy that will help build their minds instead of turning them into mush? As a child, I played with LEGOs for hours and hours, and still do since Kate got me a LEGO Darth Vader set for Christmas :0 Is it any wonder that I became an engineer? From childhood, I've wired my brain into figuring out how pieces and parts go together, how to replicate a real world object, how to analyze a random collection of objects and build something constructive with it. I may use computer code now, but those problem solving principles are still the same.
Do you like working on wooden projects? Do your children have wooden blocks or other fun, brain-building toys? Which are their favorite?
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
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**This post has been entered in Things I Love Thursdays, because I really do love how well this cream works!!**
In my search to clear Bekah's diaper rash, I decided that I didn't really like any commercial products. They have too many ingredients in them and most are more of a barrier product than a healing product. I do like Burt's Bees and it's what I use if I have to use a commercial product, but I was pretty sure I could do better.
I researched the healing powers of many different ingredients. Both shea butter and sweet almond oil are known to heal and moisturize the skin. Comfrey and calendula are also known to heal the skin. Lavender oil is antibacterial (and smells nice), so this actually helps to "cure" the rash (Bekah's was bacterial). Coconut oil, too, is antibacterial and also soothing to the skin. Anything made by bees -- pollen, wax, honey -- is healing and antibacterial. All together, it makes the perfect rash cream!
Ingredients:
1/4 c. spring water
1 tbsp. comfrey leaves
2 tbsp. calendula flowers
1 tbsp. raw shea butter
1 tbsp. raw coconut oil
1 tbsp. beeswax
3 tbsp. sweet almond oil
10 drops essential oil
1 4-0z. glass jar with lid
Directions:
Mix 1/4 cup spring water with 1 tbsp. comfrey leaves and 2 tbsp. calendula. Simmer gently for 10 - 15 min. Strain, reserving the water.
In a double boiler (I used one pan in another, the bottom one filled with water), melt 1 tbsp. raw shea butter, 1 tbsp. beeswax, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 tbsp. sweet almond oil, and add 2 tbsp. of the herbal liquid. Stir all together until everything is completely melted. Add 10 drops of essential oil (I used lavender but plan to experiment with others soon). Pour into a very clean 4 oz. glass jar. Allow to cool, then use like normal diaper cream.
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
**This post has been entered in Things I Love Thursdays, because I really do love how well this cream works!!**
In my search to clear Bekah's diaper rash, I decided that I didn't really like any commercial products. They have too many ingredients in them and most are more of a barrier product than a healing product. I do like Burt's Bees and it's what I use if I have to use a commercial product, but I was pretty sure I could do better.
I researched the healing powers of many different ingredients. Both shea butter and sweet almond oil are known to heal and moisturize the skin. Comfrey and calendula are also known to heal the skin. Lavender oil is antibacterial (and smells nice), so this actually helps to "cure" the rash (Bekah's was bacterial). Coconut oil, too, is antibacterial and also soothing to the skin. Anything made by bees -- pollen, wax, honey -- is healing and antibacterial. All together, it makes the perfect rash cream!
Ingredients:
1/4 c. spring water
1 tbsp. comfrey leaves
2 tbsp. calendula flowers
1 tbsp. raw shea butter
1 tbsp. raw coconut oil
1 tbsp. beeswax
3 tbsp. sweet almond oil
10 drops essential oil
1 4-0z. glass jar with lid
Directions:
Mix 1/4 cup spring water with 1 tbsp. comfrey leaves and 2 tbsp. calendula. Simmer gently for 10 - 15 min. Strain, reserving the water.
In a double boiler (I used one pan in another, the bottom one filled with water), melt 1 tbsp. raw shea butter, 1 tbsp. beeswax, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 tbsp. sweet almond oil, and add 2 tbsp. of the herbal liquid. Stir all together until everything is completely melted. Add 10 drops of essential oil (I used lavender but plan to experiment with others soon). Pour into a very clean 4 oz. glass jar. Allow to cool, then use like normal diaper cream.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Candle Making
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We finally made some candles last weekend! I've been meaning to post on this one for quite awhile, but I kept delaying making the candles. I got everything I needed at the very beginning of October but it took me until Thanksgiving to actually do it. I am HORRIBLE at starting projects, but once I get going I do finish!
So, candles! Have you ever made any at home before? I learned a lot when I started thinking about making mine.
First, types of wax.
Paraffin -- It's the most common and cheapest, but it leaves a lot sooty residue in your home, because it's petroleum based.
Beeswax -- This is better because it's natural wax, but it's expensive, naturally honey-colored, and typically not used for container or scented candles. I wanted both.
Bayberry -- This is the most expensive wax, made from the bayberry bush. It comes naturally dark greenish colored and scented. This didn't suit my purposes.
Soy wax -- This is the newest and cleanest-burning wax. It takes scent well, and color too if you choose. This is the wax I used. It really wasn't too expensive, either!
I wanted to make container candles, so I had to select my containers. I chose 8-oz. mason jars. I'd recommend choosing a wide-mouth variety. I meant to, and mine are sort of wide, but the jars themselves stand up taller than they are wide, and I wish they didn't. I probably also should have gone for 16-oz. jars instead. I wasn't paying much attention and I thought the "big" mason jars were 16 oz. instead of 32-oz. so I picked ones that were smaller than I meant. But, they work just fine.
I chose wicks that said "for container candles," and wicks are marked as to what they should be used for -- what type of wax, what type of container or mold, etc. So, just look at the wax you purchase and decide which wicks will work best. You need some tacky wax to adhere the wick to the bottom of your candle jar, too. So, to sum it up, you need:
*Some type of wax
*Glass containers with lids
*Wicks
*Tacky wax (to adhere wicks)
*Scent (fragrance oil or essential oil)
You can also opt for food coloring if you'd like colored candles; this wasn't important to me so I didn't try.
Before we get to how-to, let's talk scent. Personally, I only use essential oils. They're a lot more expensive, but you don't need nearly as much. One source I found said you need as much as 1 oz. of fragrance oil to 8 oz. of wax, while you need only 1/8 oz. essential oil to 8 oz. of wax. Fragrance oils are also synthetic and typically petroleum-based, and I didn't want that. Plus, the whole reason I decided to make candles was for therapeutic reasons. I figured if I could mix in the oils I wanted (like eucalyptus, which helps congestion), then I could light the candles to make us feel better. So, essential oils were definitely my choice.
The wax I chose said I could microwave it to melt, but I didn't feel like I'd have enough control over it this way. I chose to use a double boiler on the stove (bottom pan filled with water) to melt the wax:
[Picture of wax melting in double boiler]
It took 1 - 2 cups of loosely packed wax pieces to fill each 8 oz. candle. When the wax was completely melted, I poured it into the jars, which were prepared with the wicks stuck to the bottom. Then, I added 20 - 30 drops of essential oils, depending on how strong each was. I stirred gently with the wick. These will be fairly mildly-scented candles, I think; I probably could have used more.
We use a clothespin to hold each wick in the center while the candles dried, like this:
[Picture of the clothespins on top of the jars]
When the was was mostly cool, I used a toothpick to poke holes in the top, to see if there were any air bubbles or open spots. In some candles, there were. For these, we melted more wax and poured it into the holes.
Now our candles are done!
[Picture of finished candles]
Here are the scent combinations I used:
*Peppermint (calming, relaxing, anti-nausea)
*Peppermint-lemon (calming, relaxing, anti-nausea)
*Eucalyptus-lavender (relaxing, eases stuffiness)
*Lavender-lemon (fresh, relaxing)
*Lavender (relaxing)
*Clove (helps headaches)
I have several more essential oils coming soon, and I'll try more scents, and play with the amount of scent. But, that's the basic procedure for container candles!
EDIT: Thanks to "Anonymous" for reminding me to add some more information here. I was able to buy most of these supplies at Joann Fabrics and Crafts (wax, wicks), jars at Meijer, and I ordered the essential oils online through my coops. I imagine any craft store would have the wax and wicks, any general store would have mason jars, and any health food store should have essential oils (but they'll be a LOT more expensive).
Some general do's and don't's:
DO:
Use a double boiler for melting your wax
Keep young children away from this process!
Use pot holders if you have to move your glass jars soon after filling
Pour your wax carefully and leave 1/2" of space at the top of the jar
Check your candles when they're firm but still warm to see if they will need extra filling
Start with LESS fragrance (20 - 30 drops of essential oil) and add more to later candles if necessary (some wax simply can't handle large amounts of fragrance)
Read the instructions that come with the wax you choose thoroughly before beginning
DON'T:
Melt your wax directly on the stove -- it could burn!
Overheat your wax (there should be a temperature on the box of wax, but once it's fully melted it's done, don't let it sit)
Let your hands touch the hot wax, especially while pouring (you can adjust the wick once the wax is poured, you don't need to hold it in place)
Trim the wicks until the wax is completely cooled
Add too much fragrance (more than 1/8 oz. per 8 oz. of wax, or whatever it says on your wax container) at once, or your candles may not set
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!
Have you ever made candles? If so, how did you do it? Are you interested in candles or other crafts? If you are interested in other crafts, please post which ones!
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
We finally made some candles last weekend! I've been meaning to post on this one for quite awhile, but I kept delaying making the candles. I got everything I needed at the very beginning of October but it took me until Thanksgiving to actually do it. I am HORRIBLE at starting projects, but once I get going I do finish!
So, candles! Have you ever made any at home before? I learned a lot when I started thinking about making mine.
First, types of wax.
Paraffin -- It's the most common and cheapest, but it leaves a lot sooty residue in your home, because it's petroleum based.
Beeswax -- This is better because it's natural wax, but it's expensive, naturally honey-colored, and typically not used for container or scented candles. I wanted both.
Bayberry -- This is the most expensive wax, made from the bayberry bush. It comes naturally dark greenish colored and scented. This didn't suit my purposes.
Soy wax -- This is the newest and cleanest-burning wax. It takes scent well, and color too if you choose. This is the wax I used. It really wasn't too expensive, either!
I wanted to make container candles, so I had to select my containers. I chose 8-oz. mason jars. I'd recommend choosing a wide-mouth variety. I meant to, and mine are sort of wide, but the jars themselves stand up taller than they are wide, and I wish they didn't. I probably also should have gone for 16-oz. jars instead. I wasn't paying much attention and I thought the "big" mason jars were 16 oz. instead of 32-oz. so I picked ones that were smaller than I meant. But, they work just fine.
I chose wicks that said "for container candles," and wicks are marked as to what they should be used for -- what type of wax, what type of container or mold, etc. So, just look at the wax you purchase and decide which wicks will work best. You need some tacky wax to adhere the wick to the bottom of your candle jar, too. So, to sum it up, you need:
*Some type of wax
*Glass containers with lids
*Wicks
*Tacky wax (to adhere wicks)
*Scent (fragrance oil or essential oil)
You can also opt for food coloring if you'd like colored candles; this wasn't important to me so I didn't try.
Before we get to how-to, let's talk scent. Personally, I only use essential oils. They're a lot more expensive, but you don't need nearly as much. One source I found said you need as much as 1 oz. of fragrance oil to 8 oz. of wax, while you need only 1/8 oz. essential oil to 8 oz. of wax. Fragrance oils are also synthetic and typically petroleum-based, and I didn't want that. Plus, the whole reason I decided to make candles was for therapeutic reasons. I figured if I could mix in the oils I wanted (like eucalyptus, which helps congestion), then I could light the candles to make us feel better. So, essential oils were definitely my choice.
The wax I chose said I could microwave it to melt, but I didn't feel like I'd have enough control over it this way. I chose to use a double boiler on the stove (bottom pan filled with water) to melt the wax:
[Picture of wax melting in double boiler]
It took 1 - 2 cups of loosely packed wax pieces to fill each 8 oz. candle. When the wax was completely melted, I poured it into the jars, which were prepared with the wicks stuck to the bottom. Then, I added 20 - 30 drops of essential oils, depending on how strong each was. I stirred gently with the wick. These will be fairly mildly-scented candles, I think; I probably could have used more.
We use a clothespin to hold each wick in the center while the candles dried, like this:
[Picture of the clothespins on top of the jars]
When the was was mostly cool, I used a toothpick to poke holes in the top, to see if there were any air bubbles or open spots. In some candles, there were. For these, we melted more wax and poured it into the holes.
Now our candles are done!
[Picture of finished candles]
Here are the scent combinations I used:
*Peppermint (calming, relaxing, anti-nausea)
*Peppermint-lemon (calming, relaxing, anti-nausea)
*Eucalyptus-lavender (relaxing, eases stuffiness)
*Lavender-lemon (fresh, relaxing)
*Lavender (relaxing)
*Clove (helps headaches)
I have several more essential oils coming soon, and I'll try more scents, and play with the amount of scent. But, that's the basic procedure for container candles!
EDIT: Thanks to "Anonymous" for reminding me to add some more information here. I was able to buy most of these supplies at Joann Fabrics and Crafts (wax, wicks), jars at Meijer, and I ordered the essential oils online through my coops. I imagine any craft store would have the wax and wicks, any general store would have mason jars, and any health food store should have essential oils (but they'll be a LOT more expensive).
Some general do's and don't's:
DO:
Use a double boiler for melting your wax
Keep young children away from this process!
Use pot holders if you have to move your glass jars soon after filling
Pour your wax carefully and leave 1/2" of space at the top of the jar
Check your candles when they're firm but still warm to see if they will need extra filling
Start with LESS fragrance (20 - 30 drops of essential oil) and add more to later candles if necessary (some wax simply can't handle large amounts of fragrance)
Read the instructions that come with the wax you choose thoroughly before beginning
DON'T:
Melt your wax directly on the stove -- it could burn!
Overheat your wax (there should be a temperature on the box of wax, but once it's fully melted it's done, don't let it sit)
Let your hands touch the hot wax, especially while pouring (you can adjust the wick once the wax is poured, you don't need to hold it in place)
Trim the wicks until the wax is completely cooled
Add too much fragrance (more than 1/8 oz. per 8 oz. of wax, or whatever it says on your wax container) at once, or your candles may not set
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!
Have you ever made candles? If so, how did you do it? Are you interested in candles or other crafts? If you are interested in other crafts, please post which ones!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Cloth Diaper Tutorial
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Notes: First, I wrote this tutorial over a year ago. My diaper-making has changed since this time! This diaper was right after I started using cloth tabs, but before I started doing snaps or the sham pocket opening. I took some pictures to update this tutorial a few weeks ago, as I was making my last batch of diapers. But then I downloaded them to my laptop and erased them from my camera, and now my laptop doesn't work! So, um, the pictures are stuck on there and I can't get to them, and I'm not currently making diapers to take any more. So either when my laptop gets fixed or I start more diapers I will get pictures and update this tutorial to show you what my newest diapers look like, I promise. The pattern I use now is also better, so that you don't have to "guess" on the size of the tabs. I linked to the proper pattern below. The tutorial I linked to above will show you what the sham opening looks like.
Here is the original tutorial:
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
Notes: First, I wrote this tutorial over a year ago. My diaper-making has changed since this time! This diaper was right after I started using cloth tabs, but before I started doing snaps or the sham pocket opening. I took some pictures to update this tutorial a few weeks ago, as I was making my last batch of diapers. But then I downloaded them to my laptop and erased them from my camera, and now my laptop doesn't work! So, um, the pictures are stuck on there and I can't get to them, and I'm not currently making diapers to take any more. So either when my laptop gets fixed or I start more diapers I will get pictures and update this tutorial to show you what my newest diapers look like, I promise. The pattern I use now is also better, so that you don't have to "guess" on the size of the tabs. I linked to the proper pattern below. The tutorial I linked to above will show you what the sham opening looks like.
Here is the original tutorial:
Interested in learning how to make a cloth diaper with nice cloth tabs? You're about to learn! With this pattern, I was able to get 11 diapers out of less than a yard of fabric. Yes, really! They are a size small (fits 8 - about 20 lbs.). I chose Alova suede cloth for my inner fabric and PUL for my outer fabric. My tabs are made of a stretch knit, with Aplix as a closure. You can use this pattern actually for any type of diaper you want -- AIO, AI2, fitted, pocket fitted, or PUL pocket. This one happens to be a PUL pocket. The instructions for a pocket fitted would be the same, except for the fabrics used. The instructions for any other diaper would be slightly different due to sewn in/snapped in soakers. There are plenty of other resources on the internet for those, though!
You can also choose to use your own pattern with these instructions. If you like the look of this pattern in particular, I am willing to sell it fairly cheaply. :) Just send me a message!
Materials needed:
*Inner fabric (Alova suede cloth, minkee, lightweight fleece, flannel, etc.)
*Outer fabric (PUL, Procare, Windpro fleece, anything else if you're doing a fitted)
*Cloth tab fabric (stretch knit, cotton, really anything)
*Elastic (about 1/2 yd.)
*Thread (100% polyester)
*Hook and loop (2" hook, 8" loop)
First, the pattern itself. Here it is, laid out so you can see it all:
The easiest way to cut the fabric, though, is to fold the pattern in half and cut it on the fold. This way you're cutting less (two layers at once) and you know it's going to be symmetrical. So, here it is folded:
Now, remember that this is the pattern for the WHOLE diaper, not just the body. You'll have to cut the body first, leaving off the tabs. The next picture is the body of the diaper, cut, laid on top of the pattern so you can see how much to leave. It's about 3 - 4" and doesn't matter too much really.
This is just one layer. You need to now use the piece you've already cut (the piece in the picture, the magenta, is PUL) to cut any other layers you will need. You will definitely need at least an inner and an outer, probably more if you're doing a fitted. What matters most here is that your two pieces match, so use the one you've just cut as a pattern for all the other layers.
Then, you'll need to cut the tabs. Lay the cut piece on top of the pattern as shown above. Pick up your tab fabric and fold it. The folded section needs to be AT LEAST as wide as the uncovered area on the pattern, but can be wider. Lay this part on top of the pattern with the fold on the outside edge of the tab. The idea is, you're going to cut it so it slightly overlaps the body of the diaper. You'll need two of these, one for each side. Here is a picture of the tab, folded and by itself:
Once you have cut the tabs, set them aside. You won't need them until after the next few steps.
Place the two body layers on top of each other, right sides together (for suede cloth, the soft side; for PUL, the not-shiny side). These layers will face out later. Pin it carefully. Alternately, use a glue stick to baste the two layers together. Here it is:
Now, you will sew a seam around the diaper, avoiding the tab areas and the back of the diaper. Here is a picture of where to start sewing:
Once the diaper is sewn it looks like this (ignore the kitty paws!):
Notice where it is sewn and not sewn. The back of the diaper and the tabs are not sewn yet. Now, clip around the area that is sewn to even the edges. The seam allowance should be around 1/4" when you are done, and it will look like this:
Now that the body of the diaper is sewn, it's time to pin the tabs to the diaper. Lay the tab next to the diaper like this:
The top half of the tab will be pinned to the top layer of fabric; the bottom half of the tab will be pinned to the bottom layer of fabric. Remember that the tab is folded, with the fold on the outside, facing away from the diaper. It will be sticking up when it is pinned properly. When it is pinned, it looks like this:
When you're sewing it, open up the tab so you sew one side at a time. It will look like this:
Carefully sew each side of the tab, being careful not to sew the diaper closed where the tab is pinned to the body or you won't be able to turn the diaper. Once it is sewn to the diaper, it will look like this:
Just one more step with the tabs, and then we'll sew in the elastic. Remember that the tabs are closed on the outside due to the fold, and they are now sewn to the body of the diaper on the opposite side. But, there are two remaining sides that aren't sewn yet. The tabs need to be sewn along the curve (bottom of the tab) and along the top (which connects to the back of the diaper). Make sure, when you are doing this, that you sew all the way from the folded edge of the tab onto the body of the diaper. For the back of the diaper, start about an inch away from the tab, then sew all the way across. Here is where you should start:
Once this has been sewn, trim the tabs the same way you trimmed the seam allowance on the body of the diaper, so it looks smooth.
Now, we need to mark where the elastic will go. Fold the diaper in half so that you can mark the same thing on each side. The bottom of the leg elastic should be about 3" above the bottom of the diaper. The top of the leg elastic should be in the curve just before the tab (about 2 - 3" away). Here are two pictures to show you where these marks should be (slight pinkish marker):
Bottom
Top
Set the elastic (I use 1/4" Lastin, but you can use polybraid or whatever you want) at one of the points. Tack it down by sewing forward slightly then backward. Then, switch to a zig zag stitch and sew the elastic down (stretching it out until it is taut but not as tight as it will go) into the seam allowance. I don't measure my elastic, but I would think it's 4 - 5".
Here is the tacking and starting the elastic:
When you're done, it will look like this (the picture is one leg):
For the back elastic, I like to do both the inside and outside of the pocket opening. Some people prefer to do only the outside. I think doing both gives a better fit, helps the diaper stay stuffed, and looks better. You can choose though.
At the point where your stitching ends (remember sewing about an inch onto the back of the diaper? The rest of the back is open still), clip the seams towards the outside of the diaper. This will leave a higher part of the diaper (the unsewn part). That's where your elastic goes. It will look like this after the clipping:
Sew one layer at a time. You will probably have to remove the tray on the sewing machine in order to put the pocket opening over the arm to do this. Once it is done, the whole diaper should look like this:
You can choose, at this point, to fold down the extra fabric at the back above the elastic and hem the pocket opening. In this particular diaper, since it is for home use and these fabrics don't fray, I am not going to bother. Then, turn the diaper right side out. It will now look like this:
Some people prefer to just leave the diaper like this, and sew on their hook and loop (or snaps). That's fine. Others, like me, prefer to topstitch. Start the needle about 1/4" from the edge, right next to the opening of the pocket. Stitch around the diaper, just inside the elastic (it'll be about 1/2" from the edge there). This will form a casing for the elastic, and mini-gussets around the legs to keep in the messes. When you sew around the elastic, stretch it out. It will look like this as you are sewing that part:
At this point (whether you've top stitched or not), attach your hook and loop. About 6" of loop tape goes on the front of the diaper. About 1" square of hook goes on each of the tabs. It's also a good idea to add 1" square of loop tape to each tab (just a bit away from the hook) to function as laundry tabs so your diapers don't turn into a giant chain in the wash. Once you have done that, here is your finished diaper!
You can also choose to use your own pattern with these instructions. If you like the look of this pattern in particular, I am willing to sell it fairly cheaply. :) Just send me a message!
Materials needed:
*Inner fabric (Alova suede cloth, minkee, lightweight fleece, flannel, etc.)
*Outer fabric (PUL, Procare, Windpro fleece, anything else if you're doing a fitted)
*Cloth tab fabric (stretch knit, cotton, really anything)
*Elastic (about 1/2 yd.)
*Thread (100% polyester)
*Hook and loop (2" hook, 8" loop)
First, the pattern itself. Here it is, laid out so you can see it all:
The easiest way to cut the fabric, though, is to fold the pattern in half and cut it on the fold. This way you're cutting less (two layers at once) and you know it's going to be symmetrical. So, here it is folded:
Now, remember that this is the pattern for the WHOLE diaper, not just the body. You'll have to cut the body first, leaving off the tabs. The next picture is the body of the diaper, cut, laid on top of the pattern so you can see how much to leave. It's about 3 - 4" and doesn't matter too much really.
This is just one layer. You need to now use the piece you've already cut (the piece in the picture, the magenta, is PUL) to cut any other layers you will need. You will definitely need at least an inner and an outer, probably more if you're doing a fitted. What matters most here is that your two pieces match, so use the one you've just cut as a pattern for all the other layers.
Then, you'll need to cut the tabs. Lay the cut piece on top of the pattern as shown above. Pick up your tab fabric and fold it. The folded section needs to be AT LEAST as wide as the uncovered area on the pattern, but can be wider. Lay this part on top of the pattern with the fold on the outside edge of the tab. The idea is, you're going to cut it so it slightly overlaps the body of the diaper. You'll need two of these, one for each side. Here is a picture of the tab, folded and by itself:
Once you have cut the tabs, set them aside. You won't need them until after the next few steps.Place the two body layers on top of each other, right sides together (for suede cloth, the soft side; for PUL, the not-shiny side). These layers will face out later. Pin it carefully. Alternately, use a glue stick to baste the two layers together. Here it is:
Now, you will sew a seam around the diaper, avoiding the tab areas and the back of the diaper. Here is a picture of where to start sewing:
Once the diaper is sewn it looks like this (ignore the kitty paws!):
Notice where it is sewn and not sewn. The back of the diaper and the tabs are not sewn yet. Now, clip around the area that is sewn to even the edges. The seam allowance should be around 1/4" when you are done, and it will look like this:
Now that the body of the diaper is sewn, it's time to pin the tabs to the diaper. Lay the tab next to the diaper like this:
The top half of the tab will be pinned to the top layer of fabric; the bottom half of the tab will be pinned to the bottom layer of fabric. Remember that the tab is folded, with the fold on the outside, facing away from the diaper. It will be sticking up when it is pinned properly. When it is pinned, it looks like this:
When you're sewing it, open up the tab so you sew one side at a time. It will look like this:
Carefully sew each side of the tab, being careful not to sew the diaper closed where the tab is pinned to the body or you won't be able to turn the diaper. Once it is sewn to the diaper, it will look like this:
Just one more step with the tabs, and then we'll sew in the elastic. Remember that the tabs are closed on the outside due to the fold, and they are now sewn to the body of the diaper on the opposite side. But, there are two remaining sides that aren't sewn yet. The tabs need to be sewn along the curve (bottom of the tab) and along the top (which connects to the back of the diaper). Make sure, when you are doing this, that you sew all the way from the folded edge of the tab onto the body of the diaper. For the back of the diaper, start about an inch away from the tab, then sew all the way across. Here is where you should start:
Once this has been sewn, trim the tabs the same way you trimmed the seam allowance on the body of the diaper, so it looks smooth.Now, we need to mark where the elastic will go. Fold the diaper in half so that you can mark the same thing on each side. The bottom of the leg elastic should be about 3" above the bottom of the diaper. The top of the leg elastic should be in the curve just before the tab (about 2 - 3" away). Here are two pictures to show you where these marks should be (slight pinkish marker):
Bottom
TopSet the elastic (I use 1/4" Lastin, but you can use polybraid or whatever you want) at one of the points. Tack it down by sewing forward slightly then backward. Then, switch to a zig zag stitch and sew the elastic down (stretching it out until it is taut but not as tight as it will go) into the seam allowance. I don't measure my elastic, but I would think it's 4 - 5".
Here is the tacking and starting the elastic:
When you're done, it will look like this (the picture is one leg):
For the back elastic, I like to do both the inside and outside of the pocket opening. Some people prefer to do only the outside. I think doing both gives a better fit, helps the diaper stay stuffed, and looks better. You can choose though.
At the point where your stitching ends (remember sewing about an inch onto the back of the diaper? The rest of the back is open still), clip the seams towards the outside of the diaper. This will leave a higher part of the diaper (the unsewn part). That's where your elastic goes. It will look like this after the clipping:
Sew one layer at a time. You will probably have to remove the tray on the sewing machine in order to put the pocket opening over the arm to do this. Once it is done, the whole diaper should look like this:
You can choose, at this point, to fold down the extra fabric at the back above the elastic and hem the pocket opening. In this particular diaper, since it is for home use and these fabrics don't fray, I am not going to bother. Then, turn the diaper right side out. It will now look like this:
Some people prefer to just leave the diaper like this, and sew on their hook and loop (or snaps). That's fine. Others, like me, prefer to topstitch. Start the needle about 1/4" from the edge, right next to the opening of the pocket. Stitch around the diaper, just inside the elastic (it'll be about 1/2" from the edge there). This will form a casing for the elastic, and mini-gussets around the legs to keep in the messes. When you sew around the elastic, stretch it out. It will look like this as you are sewing that part:
At this point (whether you've top stitched or not), attach your hook and loop. About 6" of loop tape goes on the front of the diaper. About 1" square of hook goes on each of the tabs. It's also a good idea to add 1" square of loop tape to each tab (just a bit away from the hook) to function as laundry tabs so your diapers don't turn into a giant chain in the wash. Once you have done that, here is your finished diaper!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Homemade Christmas
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Homemade Christmas is something I'm just getting into this year. As some of you may know (and the rest will find out), I LOVE to sew and craft! I haven't had too much time since Daniel was born, especially since he's now getting a bit older and needing more attention, but I definitely still do it when I can. Before he was born, I had a HUGE list of projects I wanted to finish before he was born. I got most of it done, although I really only finished the last stuff on the list yesterday!
I digress. Homemade Christmas came out of my love of creating. It is the idea that every gift I give will be something that I've created myself, just for that person. I've come to really dislike the idea that we need to spend a lot of money to try to buy the "perfect" present for someone, especially when it's something they either won't really use much, or that they'd buy for themselves. Why buy someone a power tool? Or even a nice sweater? It seems so much more meaningful to sit down and imagine what someone might like, create it yourself, and give it with love.
I have been working on my Christmas list for awhile. It's hard in two ways. First, for my immediate family (husband and kids), I typically think of too many things to get them! I have a whole big list for my daughter (who will be almost 2 at Christmas and is really getting into it this year -- she LOVES the lights and trees that are up). For more distant family, I have trouble thinking of what I might make them. But I've had SO many ideas. Here is my general idea list:
*Vanilla extract (working on this one!)
*Rice-filled heating pads (I make mine from pretty flannel, so soft)
*Body/face lotion
*Other bath products (salts, shampoo?)
*Doll diapers/clothes
*Candles (soy wax scented with essential oils)
I can't remember what else right now. But this is some GOOD stuff I'm trying to make! I'm creating my own recipes for the bath products based on the research I did. I'm still waiting on some shea butter and the essential oils to come in, so I haven't been able to play with it yet.
For Bekah, I am planning:
*3 sets of sheets for her toddler bed
*1 denim blanket
*Doll diapers and clothes
I am not sure what else! Perhaps I'll get creative with non-toxic, non-staining fingerpaints, or playdough. I'm not going to list what I'll be doing for other family members, because 1) I'm not totally sure yet, and 2) They might read this blog! I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. :)
I am just so excited about this. I feel like it's a really great way to use my talents, and show that I love people, and, honestly, save a little money. I don't have money to buy everyone a $20+ perfect store-bought present. But I do have the time and creativity to make some nice things. I tend to be a pretty hands-on, physical person. I'm not too verbal, so I have trouble actually saying "I love you" to many people (or at least trouble elaborating on that!). So I like to show people through actions or these homemade gifts.
In a few weeks, once I've really dived into my projects, I'll post an update on how they're going and some hints on what I'm doing for different family members. But nothing definite until after the holiday!
Have you ever done a homemade Christmas? If not, how do you do your holiday shopping? Are you interested in the idea for the future?
Please visit our new site, ModernAlternativeMama.com.
Comments on this post have been locked and updates are no longer being made to this page. Please click here to view this article on the new site.
Homemade Christmas is something I'm just getting into this year. As some of you may know (and the rest will find out), I LOVE to sew and craft! I haven't had too much time since Daniel was born, especially since he's now getting a bit older and needing more attention, but I definitely still do it when I can. Before he was born, I had a HUGE list of projects I wanted to finish before he was born. I got most of it done, although I really only finished the last stuff on the list yesterday!
I digress. Homemade Christmas came out of my love of creating. It is the idea that every gift I give will be something that I've created myself, just for that person. I've come to really dislike the idea that we need to spend a lot of money to try to buy the "perfect" present for someone, especially when it's something they either won't really use much, or that they'd buy for themselves. Why buy someone a power tool? Or even a nice sweater? It seems so much more meaningful to sit down and imagine what someone might like, create it yourself, and give it with love.
I have been working on my Christmas list for awhile. It's hard in two ways. First, for my immediate family (husband and kids), I typically think of too many things to get them! I have a whole big list for my daughter (who will be almost 2 at Christmas and is really getting into it this year -- she LOVES the lights and trees that are up). For more distant family, I have trouble thinking of what I might make them. But I've had SO many ideas. Here is my general idea list:
*Vanilla extract (working on this one!)
*Rice-filled heating pads (I make mine from pretty flannel, so soft)
*Body/face lotion
*Other bath products (salts, shampoo?)
*Doll diapers/clothes
*Candles (soy wax scented with essential oils)
I can't remember what else right now. But this is some GOOD stuff I'm trying to make! I'm creating my own recipes for the bath products based on the research I did. I'm still waiting on some shea butter and the essential oils to come in, so I haven't been able to play with it yet.
For Bekah, I am planning:
*3 sets of sheets for her toddler bed
*1 denim blanket
*Doll diapers and clothes
I am not sure what else! Perhaps I'll get creative with non-toxic, non-staining fingerpaints, or playdough. I'm not going to list what I'll be doing for other family members, because 1) I'm not totally sure yet, and 2) They might read this blog! I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. :)
I am just so excited about this. I feel like it's a really great way to use my talents, and show that I love people, and, honestly, save a little money. I don't have money to buy everyone a $20+ perfect store-bought present. But I do have the time and creativity to make some nice things. I tend to be a pretty hands-on, physical person. I'm not too verbal, so I have trouble actually saying "I love you" to many people (or at least trouble elaborating on that!). So I like to show people through actions or these homemade gifts.
In a few weeks, once I've really dived into my projects, I'll post an update on how they're going and some hints on what I'm doing for different family members. But nothing definite until after the holiday!
Have you ever done a homemade Christmas? If not, how do you do your holiday shopping? Are you interested in the idea for the future?
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