Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Custom Orders Galore

I've heard a few fellow diaper sewers complain about custom orders. I must admit, I am surprised by this. I personally LOVE to work with people and help them design their diapers, covers, or what have you...it gives me the opportunity to provide you, the customer, with EXACTLY what you want.

Some recent custom orders I've completed include a large wipe-able changing pad and training pants. Currently, I have 3 custom orders: one for burp cloths, one for a set of three wool diaper covers, and some cloth diapers for a special needs teen.

You can read about custom orders from Little Moose Diapers by visiting my ETSY store.

An example of custom orders I can complete for you include cloth pull ups from size 1 Toddler through 16 Junior, Wool covers or longies, cloth diapers in specific prints and colors, and more...if you are unsure, just ask and I'll let you know if I am able to make it or not.

Blessings,
Hope

Monday, April 27, 2009

43 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Here's a great blog entry listing 43 gift ideas for any mother from A Marketplace of Blessings

Blessings,
Hope

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Keeping a Diaper Pail

Some people are intimidated by using cloth diapers, and to tell you the truth, I once was as well...but once you start using cloth, you won't want to go back.

But, what do you do with the dirty diapers? You keep a diaper pail. This could be a large bucket or a small tote container placed up out of reach of little ones. (I keep mine on top of the dryer) After changing the baby's diaper, you place the dirty diaper and cloth wipes in the pail.

I personally choose to use a dry pail for a few reasons, the primary one being I don't like the idea of having dirty water to deal with. I have not had a problem with odors using a dry pail. I do not have a lid on this pail....placing a lid on your diaper pail will contribute to the growth of bacteria and buildup of ammonia odor.

If odors become a problem, sprinkle a little baking soda on top of the diapers every time you add one to the bucket. When wash time comes, rinse your bucket with warm water. To sanitize, spray the bucket with a diluted bleach if you wish, just be sure the bleach has dried before adding any PUL covers to it.

Happy Diapering,

Momma Moose

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Featured Artisan - One Girl Circus





In this day and age, where so many people are unconcerned with leaving a legacy, Karen at One Girl Circus, has created an item which will be a delight to pass on for generations to come.

Her Felted Wool Jacket with Lace Cut-Outs will be an heirloom which is a blessing to any little girl. The detail she has put into the lace cut outs is attractive - I can picture her intense concentration as she traced out and trimmed each and every detail.



This Felted Wool Jacket would add a touch of sweetness to any spring dress...picture your little girl dancing around daffodils or attending a special occasion in this jacket. With it being wool, she will feel warm and cozy since wool helps maintain body temperature.

To debunk a myth - all wool is not itchy or scratchy. While some wool can be irritating (specifically Mountain or Shetland Wool), the beauty of Karen's jacket is she used Merino wool, which is one of the finest wools available. Karen has taken the time to felt this jacket, prior to construction, which will only add to the value of the jacket...felted wool is prized for it's softness, as well as it's ability to absorb water - up to 30% of it's weight, making it a great garment for dreary spring days.To debunk a myth - *all* wool is not itchy or scratchy.

You can find this heirloom jacket, along with many of Karen's other creations here on 1000Markets at One Girl Circus .

Blessings,

Momma Moose

Monday, April 20, 2009

How to wash cloth diapers

You will eventually establish your own diaper washing routine. Some ladies prefer to rinse once, then send the diapers through a wash cycle. Some prefer to simply put the diapers through the wash cycle.

Be aware that bleach can lessen the life of your items by causing wear and tear on fabrics and elastic, and may cause fading of colors. If you choose to wash in bleach, fill the washer with hot water and ¼ cup of bleach. Once the bleach and hot water have had a chance to mix (the washer is full), add you diapers. DO NOT bleach your PUL (Polyurethane laminate) covers – this will eventually ruin the PUL.

An alternative to bleach is vinegar. Fill a downy ball with white vinegar, and toss it into the washer with the diapers. Using vinegar will help kill some bacteria and will also make your diapers softer. You may notice a slight vinegar smell upon removing the diapers from the washer, but your diapers won't smell of vinegar once they have been dried.

You can dry your diapers either in the dryer or on hung on a line outside. If you choose to line dry them, you can throw them in the dryer for just a few minutes to soften them up a little. Line drying will allow the sun to naturally whiten your covers and help remove stains. Drying your PUL covers in the dryer will not harm them.

DO NOT: Use Borax or Bleach on your PUL covers
DO NOT: Use any fabric softener or fabric sheets – these will put a coating on your diapers which will yield in less absorbtion.
DO NOT: Use ‘normal’ laundry detergent on your diaper items. Many of these contain oils and fabric softeners in them.
PLEASE DO NOT: Wipe off a PUL cover and reuse it on baby…although this may seem practical, it is unsanitary. Feel free to rinse the cover in warm water (if only pee has been on it) and allow it to dry between uses.

Dealing with the nasty stuff (Poop): Using a diaper sprayer is not necessary and can sometimes be an added cost to cloth diapering. If you have a diaper sprayer, use that to spray the poop off your diaper. If you do not have one, and your baby is on solid food, you will need to rinse your cloth diaper to remove the poop. Doing this while the toilet is flushing helps to rinse the poop off, just be careful not to accidentally let the diaper slip into the drain! Breastfed poops require no rinsing. Simply place those diapers in your diaper bucket.

Happy Diapering,

Momma Moose

Friday, April 17, 2009

Custom Order Large Changing Pad





I've been working on a custom order for a lady in California...she wanted something which could be wiped down, and had a little padding to it. We worked together to create her perfect item.

The overall dimensions of the changing pad measure 24" by 30" inches. She chose orange antipill fleece with a layer of cotton batting. For the changing surface, I used Chocolate PUL. Then I topstitched it, giving the pad a nice finished edge. Matching orange snaps hold the changing pad together when it is folded. You can see how large it is by looking at my little Angel laying on it.



This changing pad will be multifunctional for her - it will make a great changing pad, but can also do double duty as a small nap blanket, reducing the number of items in the diaper bag, and making Momma's life a little easier!




If you would like a changing pad like this, feel free to contact me through blogger, or my store, or my Etsy shop, or my 1000Markets shop!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Custom Made Large Changing Pad

I am making an Custom Order for a fellow Etsian - she placed an alchemy request for a large changing pad, and she graciously accepted my bid out of all the others...here are some details, and when completed, I'll share pictures.

Overall measurements: 24inches by 30 inches
PUL shiny side out (so she can wipe it down).
One layer of Warm and Natural Batting
One layer of Orange Anti pill Fleece

The is a LARGE changing pad, and I think she'll find it more versatile than she realizes- it will double as a lap pad, as well as a small blanket - just enough to cover her little fella in a stroller or car seat for chilly days!

Blessings,
Hope

Monday, April 6, 2009

Wool Wraps


Little Moose Diapers Recycled Wool Wraps are made from 100% wool items. This cover has two layers, with the inner being a darker shade of green and the outer being Teal. Lastin is sewn into the legs and across the back, fully enclosed so no elastic touches your little one's skin directly. Aplix 800 is used for closure, yielding a more adjustable fit.

Sizes fit -
Newborn 6-10 pounds
Small 8 to 14 Pounds.
Medium 14-20 Pounds
Large 20-30 Pounds
Extra Large 25-35 Pounds


Sunday, April 5, 2009

Burp Cloths and Flannel Wipes



When I first switched over from disposables to cloth, I was most aggravated by using disposable wipes...and then I thought I had a light bulb moment - why not make cloth wipes - little did I know, I was the only one who saw this light bulb as I soon found that most cloth diapering families already use cloth wipes! Needless to say, Little Moose Diapers' Flannel wipes are made of 2 layers of flannel, while the family wipes are made of a layer of flannel and a THICK layer of white terrycloth.

I soon found the need for some large absorbent burp cloths, since my daughter was known to spit up her entire feeding (or so it seemed). The burp cloths I make are made of one layer of microfiber terry surrounded by adorable flannel prints. The edges have been snipped and leave an frayed appearance, which babies enjoy playing with.



You can find these items and more at www.littlemoosediapers.com
www.littlemoosediapers.etsy.com

Happy Diapering!
Hope
Little Moose Diapers

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Cutting fabrics

I have spent the afternoon cutting diapers out of PUL, and flannel. I am in LOVE with these new colors! I have an assortment - a rainbow if you will, of PUL colors to choose from:
Ivy
Seaspray
Red
Grape
Sky Blue
Chocolate
Lt Lavendar
celery
navy
citron
neon green
melon
saturn
sage
white
butter
black


They are so pretty!

Off to cut more....Don't forget to visit my store www.littlemoosediapers.com