Search results for diaper+pattern

14 Oct 2008
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The Show Is Finally Back On The Road

Well hello there!!  After a long and what you would think would be peaceful break, I have happily returned to the blog and to making little things for my Etsy shop!  Now wait a minute, what do I mean the break wasn’t peaceful?

I’m letting the cat out the bag:  I was battling some pretty raging morning sickness over the last few weeks and my body needed my full attention.  Yep, baby number two is on the way!!!  Everyone is happy and healthy so far and we’ll be hearing a tiny pitter patter of the heartbeat on Thursday afternoon.  I’m just stoked that I can finally devote my attention to something besides trying not to vomit all day.

It hasn’t been completely terrible–I have managed to sharpen some skills and add a few new ones to my arsenal of techniques.  Thanks to the dizzying array of classes offered at The Yarn Shop and Fiber Place, I can now knit, weave, and paint with wool.  That place is saving me a fortune on a Fiber Arts degree, let me tell you.

Now if you want to pop on over to my Etsy shop you might notice a little facelift has taken place there.  I have realized that I’ve been so busy trying to make things that I think people will buy that I have completely neglected to make things that I would buy.  Hmm.  Now that seems kind of dumb, doesn’t it?  No more trying to fit in with the crowd–back to being Julie.  Simply, proudly, happily, peacefully.  That is the name of the game after all.

Here’s a little something that I whipped up earlier this week for a special friend of mine:

It’s currently a reserved listing in The Shop but there will be more coming soon.  I have also been a busy little bee with the needle felting and have made a few sweet little ornaments for Solstice, Christmas, hanging in your car, or whatever you like to do with these kinds of things.  I’ll be listing a couple of those tomorrow for the official grand re-opening of my little corner of Etsy so be sure to check in.

Other than that, I owe a big thank you to everyone from Zany Zebra who has been popping in and graciously emailing about my diaper tutorial.  I hope to have some more diaper patterns for you in the shop here shortly and I am working on a PDF format for the measurements of all sizes of diaper for those of you who have been patiently waiting for the drafting information.  And as a matter of fact I am working on the final version of the recycled sweater diaper cover as we speak and hope to have the final version posted here sometime soon.

It’s good to be back!!  Keep your eyes peeled for all the new stuff!!

the peaceful peacock | 15 comments
10 Aug 2008
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Tutorial 3: Making Your Own Cloth Diapers (Sewing)

Here are the actual sewing instructions for the diapers. If you would like to draft a pattern, you will find my tutorial here, and if you would like to see instructions for cutting the fabric then check here. You can easily make these diapers using a serger or a standard sewing machine, instructions for both are included in this tutorial.

A little tip: If you are making the diapers for a girl, place the insert toward the center of the diaper…

…and if you are making the diapers for a boy, place the insert toward the front of the diaper. A simple matter of anatomy, folks.

Constructing the Diapers with a Serger

Step One: Sandwich the insert(s) between the two layers of flannel, pin the insert in place, and serge around all edges.

A little tip: Rather than trying to follow the curve, you can just serge off…

…and start a new path where you left off. Remember: your kid is going to poop in these, not graduate college in them. Hopefully. Anyway, they don’t have to be perfect so don’t stress about it.

Step Two: Now move yourself on over to your regular sewing machine. You are going to stay-stitch the inserts in place so that they do not end up in a wadded ball in the corner of the diaper when you wash it. Don’t ask me how I know that.

You will be able to feel it with your finger to guide you. Sew around the entire insert.

All done!

Constructing the Diaper with a Sewing Machine

Step One: Place the insert on the wrong side of one of the pieces of the flannel diaper. Sew in place using a 1/4″ or 1/2″ seam. If you are using two layers of insert, apply one to the wrong side of each flannel piece.

It should look like this.

Step Two: With right sides together, sew the two pieces of flannel together with a 1/4″ seam. It’s easy to gauge a 1/4″ seam because it’s exactly how wide the point to the edge of the foot is on the machine. You can use a larger seam allowance but keep in mind that it will create a smaller diaper.

Be sure to leave a four inch opening so that you can turn the diaper right side out.

Step Three: Turn the diaper right side out and press, folding the open edges under so that the folded edges match up with the seam.

Step Four: Topstitch around the entire diaper using a 1/4″ seam. Make sure that the open edges are secured into place with this stitch.

A little tip: How to sew a curve with a sewing machine:

Topstitch up until 1/4″ inch away from the edge of the curve…

…pick up your presser foot with the needle securely embedded in the fabric and rotate so that everything is heading in the right direction…

…return the presser foot back into position and continue topstitching.

All done!!

To clarify, here are your other options with making these cloth diapers:

Now go make some nappies.

the peaceful peacock | 13 comments | Tags: , , ,
10 Aug 2008
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Tutorial 2: Making Your Own Cloth Diapers (Cutting)

The Boy in his new drawers.

In this post, I’ll be explaining how to cut the diapers. In the interest of saving some confusion, the actual sewing instructions are posted as Part 3. The patterns are now available in The Store for purchase if you are not interested in drafting your own pattern for these diapers.

Here we go!

Cutting the Diapers

This pattern was created with the use of repurposed materials in mind. A full size fitted flannel sheet (which I found at a thrift store for $2) and one or two regular size towels will yield about 10 medium sized diapers.

Step One: Prepare the fabric by prewashing and pressing. Sanitize sheets and towels if necessary by adding a bit of Bac-Out or bleach to the water.

Step Two: If using a fitted sheet, cut off the elastic from the edging and cut the corner seams so that the sheet lies flat. (The sheet is the purple fabric…don’t you love the kooky vintage fabric background? Yard sale.)

Step Three: Fold the fabric in half or in quarters–whichever way works best for you and will give you the most diapers from your sheet.

Step Four: Lay the diaper pattern on top of the fabric and cut around it. Now don’t get all excited and cut the pattern into bits no matter how much fun you think it might be. Each diaper will require two pieces of fabric.

Time Saver: As you cut out a couple of diapers, use the pieces to lay out where your next diapers will be cut. The fabric will just kind of stick there so you will not need to use pins (that’s why the patterns available in The Store are made from fabric rather than paper). This also makes it really easy to visually determine how to get the most diapers out of your fabric.

Step Five: To cut the inserts, lay the insert pattern on top of one of the towels and cut around it. It is up to you to determine how many layers of absorbency you would like. For daytime use for the average wetter, one layer should suffice. For nighttime use or for a heavy wetter, at least two layers should be used. Remember that multiple layers will create bulk.

Well, that wasn’t so bad now was it? To clarify, here are your options with the diapers:

That should cover it. Please feel free to contact me if you run into any trouble or need further clarification!

the peaceful peacock | 15 comments | Tags: , , , ,
06 Aug 2008
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Tutorial 1: Making Your Own Cloth Diapers (Drafting the Pattern)

There is such a learning curve to babies. As the boy grows, I keep discovering all of these tricks and tools that almost make me want to have another baby just so I can use them on the new kid from the get-go. That’s how I feel about these handmade cloth diapers.

These are what our grannies used to make for their babies–a tried and true, simple, inexpensive, ecological way of diapering your tots. Unlike prefolds (which seem to be the norm these days), these diapers are slim and form-fitting while still being absorbent. This tutorial is divided into three parts: Part One consists of the directions for drafting the diapers, Part Two explains the cutting procedure, and Part 3 details the sewing process.

The following pattern is for a medium sized diaper.  These are sized to get a whole lot of use from wee to mammoth so you probably won’t have to make a new batch very often. The mediums appear to fit 15-30 pounds pretty comfortably.  To make size small, subtract two or three inches from the height and eyeball the shape.  To make size large, add two or three inches to the length and widen the bum section of the diaper a bit.

After putting these into use for some time, it is advisable to line the diaper with absorbent material (like hemp fleece, sections cut from an old towel, multiple layers of flannel, or those super-absorbent towels that are available in automotive stores).

Supplies

In addition to your functional sewing machine, scissors, and ironing equipment you will need:

  • a tape measure
  • a straight edge (a rectangular ruler that is used with a rotary mat works best)
  • old flannel sheets
  • an old towel or two
  • a marker
  • a serger is helpful but not necessary
  • one large sheet of paper at least 20″x20″ (a piece of newsprint will work great)
  • one regular sized piece of paper at least 10″x7″


Part One: Drafting the Pattern

Take a deep breath. This will be much less painful than you think.

Step 1: Using the marker and your straight edge, draw a line down the center of your large piece of paper measuring 17 inches. This is the center of your diaper lengthwise.

Step 2: Mark and number each inch along the line. You will use these points as coordinates for the sides of the diaper.

Step 3: Mark both the top/front edge and the bottom/back edge of the diaper. For the top/front edge of the diaper, measure 6 1/2 inches from the center on each side. This line will total 13 inches. For the bottom/back edge, measure 9 1/2 inches from the center on each side. This line will total 19 inches. So far so good!!

Step 4: Ok, this part is tricky to describe. You will be using the marks on the center line to measure out and mark points on one side of the diaper. You may of course do this on both sides, but the plan is to mark the dots, connect the dots, fold the diaper down the center line, and use that to mark the other side. Got it? You guys are smart, hang in there.

Alright, shoulders back, deep breath, now go!

From each point along the center line of the diaper, mark:

  • Point 1–this is already a part of your top/front edge. If you were to mark a point here it would be at 6 1/2″ (where the line ends).
  • Point 2–6 1/2″
  • Point 3–6 1/4″
  • Point 4–4 1/4″
  • Point 5–4″
  • Point 6–4″
  • Point 7–4″
  • Point 8–4 1/4″
  • Point 9–4 1/2″
  • Point 10–4 3/4″
  • Point 11–5 1/4″
  • Point 12–5 3/4″
  • Point 13–7″
  • Point 14–8 3/4″
  • Point 15–9 1/2″
  • Point 16–9 1/2″
  • Point 17–9 1/2″
  • Point 18–This is part of the line for the bottom/back edge of the diaper, measuring 9 1/2″ from the center on one side.

Now connect the dots and remember that you’re making a diaper, not an atom bomb. This does not have to be super precise. The scary precise parts are all finished now. Feel better?

Step Five: Cut along the lines…

Step Six: Fold the diaper in half along the center line. You can trace along the edge of the finished side and then cut, or if you are feeling cocky and brave just go ahead and cut the other side out using the finished curve as your guide.

Well, looky there. You did it. Wooo!

But you’re not quite finished yet, sister. Hold onto your pants a minute.

In order for the diapers to be absorbent, they’re going to need some lining. This part is easy.

Step Seven: Draw a rectangle measuring 10″x7″. Cut it out and round off the corners so that it resembles the above picture. Easy peasy.

I didn’t want to overwhelm you by including the directions for cutting and sewing the diaper with these instructions, so look for that post in a couple of days. And congratulations–you just drafted your very own pattern!

For those of you with cottage industries, you may use this pattern to sell diapers as long as you provide a link to www.thepeacefulpeacock.com.

the peaceful peacock | 20 comments | Tags: , , ,
18 Jul 2008
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Making a Wool Soaker from a Repurposed Sweater: Version One

Here is the first version of a wool diaper cover that I made from an old wool sweater.  You know, I really hate making the first version of things.  I know that it’s going to turn out ok but not great, so it feels like a waste of time.  But honestly there is just no better way to figure something out than to have a live version to work with, so the creation of “Version One” is just a part of the process.  Don’t be afraid to fail–if you’re not failing then you’re not taking risks.

So here is my critique so far:

  • Next time I will cut the bias tape on the bias.  Whoops.
  • A tighter gather in the legs and on the back.
  • Thicker wool.
  • Line the inside (behind the snaps) for greater stability.
  • Better snap placement.
  • Coordinating thread for the stitches on the inside of the soaker.

And the parts that I DO like:

  • The bias tape!  (Also made from a repurposed, lightweight wool shirt.)
  • The rayon thread that I used just because it was in the machine…I’ll probably keep that.
  • The shape and size are perfect for Nico.
  • I finally had an excuse to buy a snap tool.
  • Cost of the diaper cover:  less than five dollars.  (The dude is now ready for his FIFTH set of diaper covers at ten months old.  Time for mama to figure out how to make our own!)

So the major challenge with making a wool soaker is to get a good fit without making the cover look totally ghetto.  Our dude is quite a chunker so we have had some pretty major issues with finding the perfect fit for him.  Most diaper covers end up leaving red welts on his fat little thighs and that just won’t do.  Another challenge is finding all wool materials that are not scratchy…nobody wants scratchy wool against their skin, least of all a little baby with the proverbial soft skin.  Test out the wool on a tender part of your skin (belly, under your arm, even your bum if you are so inclined) to make sure that your tot will approve.  I put some scratchy wooly pants on Nico and he sat there picking at them until he started to cry.  Sorry, little man.

Why 100% wool?  The lanolin in the wool (which needs to be added from time to time) makes the fibers absorbent and apparently keeps the soakers from smelling like pee.  From my research so far, you only need to wash the covers when they get hit with some #2 action.  Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?  We’re going to be doing some serious experimenting around here and I’ll share my observations as we go.

My hope is to have this pattern/process developed within the next month or two.  Then I’ll happily share it with you all for free and even offer a paper version for sale if you don’t feel like drafting a pattern yourself.  The pattern will be geared toward an intermediate level sewer.

I’m also working on the pattern for the Slim and Trim Diapers that I make out of repurposed flannel sheets (which we love!).  This pattern is easy as pie so it will be appropriate for a beginner level sewer.  I should have those available within a couple of weeks if all goes well.  Again, I’ll give it to you for free here on the blog but if you don’t feel like drafting a pattern a paper version will be available for sale.

They do make a nice pair though, don’t they?

the peaceful peacock | One comment | Tags: , , ,
13 Jul 2008
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From the Studio: Plans for the Next Two Weeks

The flowers from AnnieDesign are all here!  Cute little buggers, aren’t they?  Finishing this project is at the top of the list for this week.

Since there is no Farmers Market this week (the fair is coming, silly) I am taking this opportunity to catch up on a few ideas and further develop some products in the works already.  Here’s is what you can expect over the next couple of weeks:

  • Some information on babywearing as well as a tutorial for how to use an onbuhimo.
  • Further development of another aspect of The Peaceful Peacock:  recipes.
  • I am diligently working to de-mystify the process of gluten-free cooking for our 10 month old (we have a history of allergies, asthma, and eczema in the family so we are taking all the possible precautions).  This week I’m researching flour substitutes.
  • A tutorial on how to make a simple apron from a repurposed skirt.
  • Hooking up with SuperJennyLove to get some ideas in motion for The B Team…your Bozeman Etsy Street Team.
  • And of course further development on some products:  a pattern for the Slim and Trim Cloth Diapers, the hand-dyed baby wraps, cute and funky aprons, and sweet little clothespin bags.  I’m not promising that all of these things will make it to the next market, but I will certainly try.

In addition, I’d like to say thank you to all of the wonderful folks who stopped by to chat this weekend in the booth–it’s great to connect with so many of you in the community!  Feel free to drop me a line with any questions about the baby carriers, the rick rack tutorial, or whatever else might be on your mind.  For now my family and I are heading out to the hills for a couple of days for some much needed rest and relaxation.

the peaceful peacock | 12 comments | Tags: , , ,