Snap Laundry Tabs

Sometimes necessity is literally the mother of invention.
In this case I've been madly sewing newborn diapers and as such I have been using lots of hook and loop tape. (Also known as Velcro) but the downside is that the loop piece is always shorter than I need and I run out two or three diapers in just before I get to the laundry tabs.

I also have an abundance of snaps since even with a snap down rise my newborn diapers just don't use nearly as many snaps as a batch of OS diapers.

So behold the snap laundry tab.

Basically sew your Velcro wing tabs as usual. Then fold over as if you were closing them to Velcro laundry tabs.

Using your awl force it through both parts of the wing. Do this just above and below the center of the Velcro piece.

Next attach your snaps. I recommend putting the larger male snap half on the area next to the Velcro, and the female shorter piece on the section further in the diaper. This way the smoother part is against your baby's skin.

Wha la snap laundry tabs!

Top Stitching a Diaper and Sewing Elastics

In the cloth diaper sewing group I'm in on facebook, we were asked how we all do our elastics. I seem to be in the minority who sews elastics in when they do top stitching. She asked if I could take pictures and I decided to make a little tutorial on how I did it.
It would be easier to show you in a video but we seem to have lost the charger to the digital camera I use for that. And since I don't have a way to mount my cell phone to my head hopefully this will do.

First note my diaper is turned right side out and waiting on elastics. This is a pocket so will have back elastic and leg elastic on both sides.

 

mark your elastics per your pattern. I use a washable crayon. 

 

Pin your back elastic on the marks. I leave about 1/4 inch extra beyond the pins.  This is it without any other pins all bunched up.

 

Stretched out.  Now with the diaper stretched use your fingers to move the elastic up against your seam allowance. And place a pin directly underneath. repeat across till the pin hold the elastic in place. Check to make sure you aren't pinning the elastic by accident.

 

I lifted the pocket opening to try to show you how this looks inside. It's hard to see but the elastic is not pinned to the diaper but is held in place by the pins if that makes sense. 

 

All pinned in place.

 

Repeat the pinning at the elastic caking marks for the leg. 

 

I use my knees and hold one wing with them, then use one hand to stretch the diaper out and the other to place my pins. you're doing the same thing where you push the elastic into the seam allowance, and pin just below it. 

 

Here's the leg all pinned and ready to sew. 

 

You can sort of see that the pins are not right against the edge. You'll be sewing in the area of fabric on your pins. 

 

One leg done. 

 

Repeat on other side and you are ready to sew. 

 

Ok so I start at the back elastic tacking mark and sew down, reverse, then back down tacking it in place. 

 

Pivot and sew across the pinned area. I'm bad and sew over my pins, but you can definitely remove them as you sew just make sure to pull your fabric taught so the elastic stays where it is pinned and to sew slowly.
Sew across the area of fabric my finger is pointing to.

 

Showing the stitching so you can see where I'm talking about sewing. 

 

Go back up the next tack mark, forward, then back again, turn and pivot the diaper and carry on top stitching ...

 

around the wings and to your leg elastic.  

 

Turn your diaper again and tack your elastic down. I sew in reverse once then back forward. 

 

Pivot back and sew along your pin area again. 

 

I was trying to get a good photo of my needle plate so you could see where I'm sewing. I think that's the 6/8th mark. 

 

Diaper slightly stretched so you can see the finished leg. I forgot to take a photo of the other end of the leg elastic. But it's the same process. So you just pivot and tack the elastic down then continue top stitching around the front of the diaper. 

 

Other side has been reached. So I tack the elastic down, reverse, and forward, then follow the same process of sewing on the pinned area. around the 6/8th mark.

 

Reached the last elastic marking. tack down, reverse,

 

and go forward, then continue top stitching... 

 

Till you reach your starting point with the elastic tack mark on the back of the diaper.  Finish your threads how you like and clip them, now all that's left is your snaps or velcro on the wings and you are set.

Hope that makes sense!

My beleifs and who I am.

For those who are recently reading my Blog(or are new facebook friends)You should be warned now.
I know what I beleive and have strong opinions. Before I get to that though I want to let you know what I believe and why.

First I am christian. This is important as it shapes a lot of my beliefs. I beleive that we were created and the earth and all the animals by God.
As such I beleive that god made us perfect, then after the fall of man in genesis we became sinful. As such We are a sinful people.
I do not place one sin above another. As God says they are all equal. Due to this I have strong views on things deemed "sinful" by the Bible.
This includes but isn't limited to: Stealing, adultry, murder, lying, and homosexuality to name a few.
I also beleive that it is possible to care about a person and disagree with something in their lifestyle or personal decisions they've made. How many of us have family we love but that has done something we disagree with? Weather it's something as simple as who they date, where they choose to live, how they raise their kids, or as big as living a homosexual lifestyle it doesn't mean we can't love that family member.
As a Christian I'm instructed to love ALL humans. And as such it's the same thing for me.

I also believe women where created to birth babies naturally. And that we were also created to be able to feed them naturally with the breasts we were born with.
There is only a very tiny percentage of women who CAN'T nurse. Of course we all know many who "weren't able to" and sadly many of them were "booby trapped" either through their environment, a well meaning pediatrician/family member, lack of emotional or physical support,  or many other things.
I don't judge these women. It was not their fault. They did what they could. I don't judge those who use formula either. Because I am also a firm believer that women and families should have the right to choose how to raise their children, and that starts with where they give birth, how they give birth, who they choose to see(if at all) for their families care, and how they feed thier children.
This also extends into their right to choose to vaccinate or not, and homeschool, or unschool, or whatever.
As a parent I think those choices and everything in between belong to the parents and should stay that way.
However I am also pro life, and pro adoption. I beleive that it is NOT our right to choose to terminate life. to me it is murder. As such I will post pro life posts to my page.
While I am all for women's right to choose many things, What about baby's right to life? Anywho I won't argue the details of this here that's another post for another day.

You will see boobs on my facebook page, becasue I beleive in normalizing breastfeeding.
You will see posts about homosexuality on my page, as well as natural childbirth, vaccinations(I'm personally anti vaccinations but that's just me),  carseat safety facts, potty training info, baby led weaning, babywearing, CIO, Anti CIO, Positive discipline, Natural consequences, and so much more.

I have lots of links and research to back up my beliefs. I have scripture to back up my spiritual beliefs. If you don't agree that's fine with me. But my page is for my thoughts. As yours is for yours. Civil disagreements are fine, discussion is encouraged, but outright rudeness won't be tolerated. And I will delete comments as I see fit.

This goes for my blog too. ;)

The potty training journey part 1

We started potty training on Monday April 1st. (Also my birthday) ;)
We decided after much thought and consideration and recommendations from others to go with "Oh Crap , Potty Training" for our "method".
The process makes total sense and every part I've read so far is logical and well thought out.
You basically are working in phases/blocks/stages whatever you want to call them rather than days.
Phase 1: naked (at least from the waist down) the goal is to get baby to sit on the potty and hopefully pee. Bonus points if they tell you when they need to go but not nessicary.
Phase 2: commando aka no diaper or undies just a dress, skirt, or pants. You use a diaper during naps and nighttime (unless you decide to night train too).
Phase 3: commando with outings.

Eventually baby starts telling you when they need to go but at first and for a bit you are prompting and taking them.

This is where we are at.
I have been so impressed with Sweetness as we travel this process. She's gone from clueless to I peed to I'm peeing fast. And most of the time at the I'm peeing stage.
I've learned her "potty dance" and she can stay dry for short outings so long as we do regular potty breaks. Her bladder is very small after all.

I really like that the author focus's on the positives not the negatives, that the potty training isn't reward or shame based and that it just focus's on teaching. No pressure just easy.

So far so good. I'm impressed. I'll keep you posted on our progress and how we are doing every little bit.

Cloth Diaper Must Haves

I've been thinking a lot about a post that might help my readers lately. Due to lots of traveling I have had diapers on my mind.
I've been using cloth exclusively for a little over a year now and part time for a few months longer than that(that was before the allergy to disposables became clear).
So I've played with many types and kinds of diapers and accessories. And there are some that I keep reaching for and some I don't. So I thought I'd recommend some Diapering Items to help round out or start a stash.

1.) Flats
These don't seem like a great option as you have to fold them. But they are super versatile! They make a great burp rag, tie on bib, and tablecloth. Also for travel these are the most compact option. There is a bit of a learning curve but they are totally worth it.
Also super cheap. I love the target brand Flour Sack Towels as they work great as flats! And they are available EVERYWHERE.
I recommend at least 10 in anyone's stash.

2.)  Prefolds
These are awesome to keep on hand for burp rags, diapers, backups on wash day, or if you use mostly pockets, an extra insert here and there. They are SUPER absorbent, and easy to wash and dry. You can bleach them after yeast infections, sun to remove stains, and they are basically the most versatile diaper out there.
Paired with an extra absorbent insert these do FABULOUS over night for super pee'rs.
I recommend at least 5 Toddler size in a stash, and if you have super pee'rs as many as you have pockets in Infant size to use as inserts.

 3.) Covers with a Front Inner Flap
Think bummi's or flip diapers but I prefer Work at home mom made covers honestly. They come in just as many cute prints. One size, and sized options. And are very affordable.
I recommend at least 5 of these in any stash.

4.) Stay Dry Liners
You can buy these or they are super easy to make. Buy a yard of Microfleece at the fabric store. But into strips about 4 inches wide and at least 8 inches long. 9 or 10 is better. No sewing required as it doesn't unravel. lay these between baby and the flats or prefolds and they will stay dry overnight.
These are also great if you need to use a non cloth safe cream or your baby is having tummy issues as they rinse REALLY well if they get poopy.
I recommend one yard of fabric cut into as many strips as you can get from it.





5.) A Spray Bottle
I don't use a wipe warmer. Babies have been used to room temp wipes since forever. If necessary I use warm water on a cloth. But usually I use a spray bottle that I keep in her room that has mostly water in it. And a few essential oils to keep her smelling fresh and bacteria or fungas at bay.

6.) Lavender and Tea Tree Essential oils
I put 3 drops of lavender in my spray bottle when I fill it. Tea Tree is a natural anti-fungal and I use it in the wash occasionally. Usually after we've been sick to kill germs and fungus.
And they both smell nice.
One Bottle of Each on hand at all times is a good idea.







7.) Vinegar
Works great in a spray bottle to keep smelly diapers in need of wash less smelly. Works great in the wash for softening, and for keeping stink at bay. You can clean with it and not worry about baby drinking it as it's not harmful if ingested. It works to get rid of vomit smell in place of febreez, and even pet odors to an extent.
If you have hard water this can make mineral buildup worse so use with caution. If not though it's awesome!
A large bottle. Keep this on hand at all times.

8.) Downy Ball
Most grocery stores have these in the laundry detergent isle. Check the little hanging displays or on the top or bottom shelves. You can also order them from amazon but they are cheaper in the store.
I use these to dispense vinegar. Reason being vinegar works best in the last rinse cycle and the ball dispenses in that cycle.
I recommend one in your washing supplies.

A day in the life of BopBop and Sweetness

There's been a challenge going around my mothering.com ddc on facebook where you do a "photo diary" for one day. I decided to do this yesterday to show what a typical weekday for me and the bebe is like.

So Starting at 8:45-ish We woke up. Sweetness nursed by then and my room is too dark to show that so we took a picture after.

 

 Happy baby with a full tummy.

 by now it's 9:35-ish.

 out of bed and get the baby dressed. back to the room to get myself dressed.

 Norrie play's learning games on the bed while I get dressed.

 Dressed but my hair is a wreck.

 Leggings, and a black sweater.

Hair fixed.

 Check on Sweetness. She's still playing and being silly.

 

Added a skirt and boots to the outfit. 

Time to head to the chiropractor. But first...

 The dogs need breakfast. I forgot something in the bedroom...

 AHHH! Running late!

Grabbed my keys, 

 Bye Puppies!

Sweetness is buckled and ready to go.

 

Our house. :) 

Arrival at the chiropractor.

 Chiropractor's office. :)

 Done with our adjustment. Now to walmart. 

At walmart about 10 minutes later.

Best parking space EVER! 

Eating our horribly unhealthy burger king breakfast. Egg and cheese crissont FTW.

 Leaving walmart about an hour later.
(btw this sign tells you to check your car for un-attended children you might have left behind.)

Get home and Chad has caught a bird. Gross. 

Inside. The pups are happy to see us! 

Home. 

She asked for a drink. 

Reading a book.

Checking on the dogs. 

Wearing a slinky for a belt. 

 We need a snack.

 Still obsessed with her "belp".

 Snacktime. Pretzels and crackers and tuna.

 Stealing some of my tuna.

 Time to get ready for a nap.

 Nursing. Her foot is on my cheek. Gymnurstics is typical for a toddler. Then put her down with her blankie and kitty. Can't take a photo or it will disrupt the cycle.

 Fed the tree frog.

Check on the dogs. 

 Set a timer to do some housework.

 I've been spotted. So I let them in to keep them quiet.

 Silverware put away. What are those short forks called? I aparently need to buy more.

 A much cleaner sink.

 Time to do something else.

Like tidy the livingroom. and have a snack.

 

Catch up on facebook then to take a nap.

  Wake up. Baby's awake.

Give her a potty break. 

 

Waiting for me to open the door. 

 Baby's laundry.

 In the wash.

 Needed another drink.

 Time to deal with the laundry somemore. (always!)

 Take diapers out of the drier.

 I broke to fingernails. :(

 Time for a light lunch.

 Oatmeal! YUM!

 Cheese and Goldfish.

 Blessing our food.

 She requested more "new gah" AKA Tuna.

 Coloring while we snack.

 Had to strip her clothes. We had an accident.

 Potty break again then getting ready to go.

Time after a clothing change for the munchkin.

making a cup of coffee for the road.

 Need to leave for Nana's.

 Mama and Bebe!

 Bathroom mirror shot.

 Grabbing stuff to take with us. Gloves for my little sis Sgirl.

 She thinks the neighbors camper is an ambulance. lol

 Bye puppies!

 Leaving the house.

 Time after buckling Sweetness in the carseat.

 55 degree's outside. Not to bad. :) (that's my tire pressure light nothing to worry about it comes on when the temp fluctuates. I just need to add a tiny bit of air to them.)

We're at Nana's!

 Nana's house.

 My little siblings thought thy found a dinosaur bone.

 Sweetness is very excited to get out to play.

 Waving form the porch. We had to borrow a coat from Nana since I left her's at church Sunday.

 Sgirl playing in the yard.

 Playing in the yard at Nana's.

Pepper got to ride too.

 Let's go Pepper!

Digging in the yard. with Aunt and Uncle.

 Inside with Jman.

 Playing with the tablet again.

 Getting dinner ready.

  

Sitting down to eat. 

 Eating Taco insides. YUM!

 Heading home.

 In Pj's and a night Diaper.

 Starting our bedtime routine. Nursing, rocking with a paci, and singing. Then night night.

 Goodnight baby.

Out of sweetness's Room.
I uploaded pictures, and read on facebook for about an hour. Then went to bed at 10: 45 ish.
Watched Start Trek in bed then went to sleep after 11.
That was our day!