tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4229551529211700232024-02-20T06:30:02.761-08:00Gracefully CreatedA journey into my crafty endeavors. A place to show off, vent, and review products and patterns.Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-15579728812021174722012-09-24T17:58:00.001-07:002012-09-24T17:58:46.392-07:00Cloth Diapering 101- Washing Basics<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Cloth
Diapering 101 </span></span>
</h1>
<h3 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cloth
Diapering 101- My take on modern cloth diapers</span></span></h3>
<h3 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">Washing Cloth Diapers- Basics</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Many people are instantly turned off to the idea of cloth diapering for one major reason-- the thought of washing poopy diapers seems like so much more work than just tossing them in the trash. I could get on my environmental soapbox here, but I'll save that for another post. If you can't get over the poop factor, cloth diapering is probably not for you. But for the brave....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">I do about 3 extra loads of laundry a week. Not too bad in my opinion. Our water bill increased about $4 per month. No significant change in our electric. We have a basic model toploading washer. First I will share our personal routine.</span></span><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Before the Wash- </b>Remove as much solid waste from the diaper as you can. This is as far as I go- I do not dunk and swish the diaper in the toilet. If your child is exclusively breastfed, you can just toss the diaper into the pail. Their poo is water soluble!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cold Rinse {highest water level}- </b>This is a crucial step in our wash routine. The cold rinse cycle removes the yuckies without setting in stains that a hot rinse might. It also swishes the #1 and #2 deposits out of the diapers. Without an initial rinse, you would be washing your diapers in soapy poop water. Yuck!<b> </b>If we are blessed with an especially poopy load I will run a full cold wash/cold rinse cycle.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hot Wash {highest water level}- </b>Most machines can do a hot wash (If yours can't, don't stress! Cold water washing works well for many cloth diapering parents.) I put our machine on the longest cycle available- aka the superwash. I use powdered Tide detergent. I use an appropriate amount of soap for the size diaper load. If after this load, I can still smell stinkies, I will repeat this step with about 1/4 amount of the initial detergent and 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Oil.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Quick </b><b>Wash {highest water level}- </b>Finally, I run the shortest wash possible. I find the temperature here doesn't matter. This is just to remove any soap residue.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Drying- </b>I tumble dry on low temperature. It usually takes two runs in the dryer for us. I hang dry any diaper covers with PUL only. This extends the life of the covers. If the weather is nice, I will hang my diapers on a drying rack outside to dry, then fluff in the dryer.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some tips and tricks:</span></span></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><h3>
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wash all new diapers before use. This removes any manufacturing residue. Diapers made with natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp take up to 10 washes to reach maximum absorbency</span></span></span> </h3>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><h3>
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Avoid the use of traditional diaper rash creams, as these get into the fibers of the diaper and can cause the diaper to repel urine and cause leaks. Our favorite treatment for the occasional rash is Unrefined Coconut Oil.</span></span></span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><h3>
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">DO NOT use the sanitize cycle on your HE machine to wash diapers. The temperatures can delaminate PUL.</span></span></span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><h3>
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Many people add baking soda or vinegar depending on their water type. </span></span></span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><h3>
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">If you have diapers with embroidery, wash and dry them inside out to protect the embellishment from snags, especially on diapers made with hook and loop (aka velcro).</span></span></span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
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<br />
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<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Do
you have any further questions or comments about washing your cloth? Please feel free to comment here or email me at gracefullycreated@gmail.com</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">STAY TUNED FOR MORE POSTS ON WASHING YOUR CLOTH!</span></span></span></div>
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Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-13793331115485893822012-08-15T17:54:00.000-07:002012-08-15T17:54:00.921-07:00Cloth Diapering 101- Prefolds and Flats
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<h1 class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Cloth
Diapering 101 </span></span>
</h1>
<h3 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cloth
Diapering 101- My take on modern cloth diapers</span></span></h3>
<h3 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">Diaper
Types- Flats and Prefolds</span></span></h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flats
and prefolds are old school. If your parents (or you!) were cloth diapered, you
grandmother most likely used one of these with vinyl underwear style
pants. I will touch briefly on flats, but the focus here will be on
prefolds, as they are more commonly used in the cloth diapering
world.</span></span></h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">With
my oldest daughter, I was honestly afraid prefolds would be too much
hassle. So I didn't own any (aside from the Gerber brand we used for
burp cloths). I wanted to start cloth from birth with my son and all
of my research said prefolds were the way to go with newborns. </span></span>
</h3>
<h3 align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
speaking of prefolds, of course I get the usual battery of questions:
What is a prefold? You mean a burp cloth, why would you use that?!?
Which type is best? How do you put them on? How do you get them to
stay on? Don't they leak? So here it is, everything you ever wanted
to know about flats, prefolds and more!</span></span></h3>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is a
flat? </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A
flat cloth diaper is just that- a single layer flat cotton diaper.
These are usually made with 100% cotton birdseye. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is an original cloth diaper still used today in many countries. They
are a one size fits all diaper that requires folding to properly fit
your baby. In the United States, these diapers are more often used
as comfort blankets, dish towels, burp cloths, cleaning cloths,
cloth napkins, and facial cloths. They are very easy to clean
(especially if you have to hand wash) and also dry very quickly.
This is really the most economic way to cloth diaper, as you can get
a dozen for around $20. </span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is a
prefold? </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">A basic prefold is
pretty similar to a flat diaper, but it is already folded for you--
hence “pre” fold. Most commercially made prefolds are made of
birdseye cotton or twill and are either bleached (stark white
cotton) or unbleached (the tan natural color of cotton) and made
organically or non-organiclly. They generally come in three
sizes—preemie (4-8lbs), infant (7-15lbs), regular or
premium(15-30lbs). Prefolds are available in different ply. These
are usually listed cryptically, for example: 4x6x4 or 4x8x4. This
means that looking at the prefold like this photo below (comparing
an unprepped bleached prefold to a prepped prefold) Left side is 4
layers, center is 6 layers, and right side is 4 layers, hence 4x6x4.
You can find quality prefolds from about $1-5 apiece depending on
size. They are very heavy to ship, so don't be surprised if you see
high shipping costs if purchasing online.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="306" name="graphics1" src="http://www.thestorkwearhouse.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/diaper-rite-prefolds-washed-unwashed-300.jpg" width="350" />
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Which
type is best</b>? <span style="font-weight: normal;">There are 2
types of commercially made diaper service quality (DSQ) prefolds
available: Chinese or Indian style. DSQ prefolds are made to
withstand industrial washing such as the sanitary washing required
by a diaper service or hospital. </span></span></span>
</div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Chinese</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
Chinese prefolds are overall heavier duty. The stitching is tougher
and they hold up well through more washings. The major drawback are
that they tend to pill easily, are less soft than Indian prefolds,
and the unbleached versions need 8-10 hot wash/dry cycles before
they are ready to use.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Indian</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">:
Are softer and in the unbleached form are ready to use after 3
washes, but the fabric and stitching is lighter weight.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
personally chose Indian prefolds just for the softness factor, but
ask around- everyone has an opinion on what is best!</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How do
you put them on? </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">There are so
many ways to answer this question. The methods for putting a prefold
on a baby are called “folds.” This is not my area of expertise.
I am still a novice folder, but I found this website to be
particularly helpful: <a href="http://diaperpages.com/pf_folds.php">http://diaperpages.com/pf_folds.php</a>
The most popular folds are the jelly roll (most popular for
newborns), the newspaper, the bikini twist, and the angel wing fold.
When baby gets bigger and starts having more solid poo, the quickest
and easiest method is to “trifold” the prefold, aka fold it into
thirds guided by the stitching and simply lay it inside of a
waterproof diaper cover. </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How do
they stay on?</b> There are three basic methods for keeping a fancy
folded prefold in place. Old school diaper pins, a Snappi brand
fasterner, or a Boingo Baby brand fastener. Here is a photo of my
little doll modeling all three, and comparing an old style (yellow)
Boingo fastener to the new style (green Boingo fastener). He is
sporting a bamboo prefold with fabric embellishment that I made for
him. The top left is the Boingo fastener, top right is diaper pins,
and bottom left is the Snappi. As you can see- by the time I put the
snappi on he was SERIOUSLY unhappy with mommy! Find more info on
the <a href="http://snappibaby.com/products/snappidiaperfastener.html">Snappi</a>
and <a href="http://boingobaby.com/index.htm">Boingo</a> fasteners
here. If you're a visual learner, search YouTube. There are hundreds
of videos right at your fingertips!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmGTEzBhvBEKElSGGrYoWaFldJWb1eYgvE2Fryg0wgwqfLATnIyBZQt52bj0PYoXLplB3Ceah8TFT0iO6xCCj1QjAUUdWxN1pQvevTnDhohOZygtyuE_N7T8eHX5LV_F-MrulnFIYtKMk/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmGTEzBhvBEKElSGGrYoWaFldJWb1eYgvE2Fryg0wgwqfLATnIyBZQt52bj0PYoXLplB3Ceah8TFT0iO6xCCj1QjAUUdWxN1pQvevTnDhohOZygtyuE_N7T8eHX5LV_F-MrulnFIYtKMk/s400/picstitch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Don't they
leak?</b> Simply put—yes. Prefolds are made of all absorbent
materials, so they need a cover if you want them to be waterproof.
Some days, a baby's bum needs a little more air (for example, we're
currently combating a teething rash), so it is fine to leave a
prefold coverless. Just know you'll be changing very frequently, and
if your baby is mobile, you'll want to watch to make sure they're
not playing with the sharp parts of the fasteners. Waterproof covers
are generally made of a polyester laminate (PUL), polyester fleece,
or wool. We'll go more in depth on covers in a later issue.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Is there
a luxury version?</b> As with any cloth diaper, you can find a
luxury version! Many commercial companies and work at home moms
(WAHMs) make their own versions. I make mine of a bamboo knit
terry (like the picture of my rockin' Zach above). The little loops on the terrycloth make the diaper fasteners
hold tightly and securely. If you look hard enough, you can find
some really awesome high quality handmade prefolds, but expect to
pay more! (And yes, they're worth it!)</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What
should I avoid? </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">While some
people swear by them, many cloth diapering moms will say to avoid
using the Gerber brand prefold diapers you can buy at Target or
Wal-Mart. They just don't absorb as well and aren't as high of a
quality as DSQ prefolds for around the same cost. If they're all you
can get, they're better than nothing! I personally think they make
better burp rags than diapers.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Are there
special washing instructions? </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Once
you get beyond the intitial prepping, DSQ prefolds are the easiest
to wash and keep clean. They wash well in cold water washes and can
withstand high temperature washes as well. They can be tumble dried
at any heat, you can bleach them if necessary, and can put them in
the sun to dry and take advantage of the sun's natural stain
fighting power.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Do
you have any further questions or comments about prefolds? I would
love to hear what you have to say! Comment away!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-31863012532596724722012-08-12T16:08:00.000-07:002012-08-12T16:08:36.296-07:00Grand Opening Giveaway Extravaganza!It's time for our first big giveaway to celebrate our grand opening at <a href="http://www.gracefully-created.com/" target="_blank">gracefully-created.com</a>! This week's giveaway prize will be a large sized reusable snack bag from Bumkins!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylkZuxyDYGHXiypCmCEwcJXNg51jHwr5CSv3IjSpD4fYQcf9WUjY-Dp-3nmnp5f56WQy-qxNZdfoHp7hJCxKOLI6Lc6KSpPKfr6d75S2Yli0FF0Vux2k3GPzZHkQccH7wlmCuStlWDlUd/s1600/L+snack+bag+yellow+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylkZuxyDYGHXiypCmCEwcJXNg51jHwr5CSv3IjSpD4fYQcf9WUjY-Dp-3nmnp5f56WQy-qxNZdfoHp7hJCxKOLI6Lc6KSpPKfr6d75S2Yli0FF0Vux2k3GPzZHkQccH7wlmCuStlWDlUd/s320/L+snack+bag+yellow+fish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Bumkins reusable snack bags are the eco-friendly alternative to
single-use plastic baggies. Made from the same easy-wipe waterproof
fabric as our bibs. Machine washable and dishwasher-safe. Great for many
uses: picnics, hiking, camping, cycling, fishing, dog treats, road
trips and so much more! Also available in a smaller <a href="http://www.bumkins.com/reusable-snack-bags-small-2-pack.html">2 pack</a> option.
<ul>
<li>Zipper closure</li>
<li>Measures 7"W x 7"H</li>
<li>Lead free, PVC free, BPA free, Phthalates free, and Vinyl free</li>
</ul>
<br /><br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/r0fk6u24p/" id="rc-r0fk6u24p" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-64470936030138969302012-08-09T11:16:00.001-07:002012-08-09T11:16:47.148-07:00New Retailer for Knickernappies!!!I am so excited that I'll be able to offer a whole line of products from Knickernappies! Especially their SuperDo heavy wetter inserts. Zach is a crazy night time wetter, and these are awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIRISLOaQWQww_4SsgXEPdoai2SH5d-7vcVFCj46RQY4jV2dFb98zCt1MWWU_16dcxKAjmv5ys0QwK6lGbsXA1eFekKcRnrwSar0qNv7zOC6TStauVuK3bPaqVTdDgJOUJoiPzwu0FTrD/s640/blogger-image--1451236887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIRISLOaQWQww_4SsgXEPdoai2SH5d-7vcVFCj46RQY4jV2dFb98zCt1MWWU_16dcxKAjmv5ys0QwK6lGbsXA1eFekKcRnrwSar0qNv7zOC6TStauVuK3bPaqVTdDgJOUJoiPzwu0FTrD/s640/blogger-image--1451236887.jpg" /></a></div>Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-74457073297286086832012-08-08T15:56:00.001-07:002012-08-08T15:56:11.833-07:00Cloth Diapering 101- The Gross Factor<h1 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cloth
Diapering 101 </span></span>
</h1>
<h3 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Cloth
Diapering 101- My take on modern cloth diapers</span></span></h3>
<h3 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">The
Gross Factor, cloth vs. sposies</span></span></h3>
<div align="CENTER">
<br /><br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cloth diapers are
gross! Yeah, I get that a lot too. Well, I am a nurse, so my version
of gross is slightly skewed. Yes, cloth diapering can be gross. But—
part of being a parent is dealing with the gross factor. Babies pee,
poo, spit up, and projectile vomit (and just wait until they're
toddlers). We tend to overlook how gross they are when they giggle
and coo. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't find
cloth diapering any more “gross” than using disposable diapers
(aka sposies). I've done both. Before I had my daughter Grace (3
years old) I was a foster parent. We used sposies with our foster
daughter because I really didn't even think cloth was an option
anymore. I am now cloth diapering a second time with our biological
child, Zacharias (5 months). Let's get down to the nitty gritty:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The
Stink:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Let
me tell you- no matter what we did- our fancy disposable diaper pail
(it was a Diaper Genie, I think) reeked. Her whole room smelled like
poo. No air freshener could hide the smell of plastic filled with
chemicals and bodily fluids. We currently use a dry-pail method of
storing our dirty cloth diapers. It's a basic plastic trash can with
a reusable waterproof pail liner. For some reason- the diaper pail
barely has an odor. And when it does, a sprinkle of <a href="http://www.gracefully-created.com/Diaper-Pail-Deodorizer_p_37.html">diaper
pail deodorizing powder</a> neutralizes it. I think the lack of
chemicals and use of natural fibers causes this phenomenon, but I'm
a mom not a chemist. </span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<b><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Poo:
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Despite
your choice of diapering method, you have to deal with poo. Did you
know that all sposie brands used to sport instructions to flush the
poo? Really, who wants poo rotting in a landfill for 500 years—what
a legacy! So this should even the score between the two, but most
people ignore this directive. Now let's move on to cloth. Many
parents who choose cloth also choose to breastfeed. Did you know
that the poo from an exclusively breastfed baby is water soluble?
This means all you have to do is throw the diaper in the pail. When
the child moves to solids, in most cases the poo just rolls right
off the diaper and into the toilet. And when it doesn't, a diaper
sprayer easily takes care of the mess. </span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<b><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Washing:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
The big difference between cloth and sposies. Sposies go from the
diaper pail to the trash (and stink up your outside in the summer
sun!). Cloth diapers go right from the pail into the washing
machine. Using a reusable diaper pail liner means the diapers go
into the washing machine without requiring you to touch them.
Everyone eventually develops a wash cycle that gets the diapers
clean. I'll share mine here. I use a basic toploading washing
machine without any bells and whistles.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cold
rinse with the maximum allowed water setting. </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hot
wash with a cloth diaper safe detergent (I use powdered Tide). </span></span></span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Extra
rinse to get any residual soap out</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So
that's it—the straight poo. Verdict: Diapers are gross. At least
cloth is cute!</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.gracefully-created.com/">Visit Gracefully Created's new online shop!! </a></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER">
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</div>
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</div>Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-19247946004165357692012-08-08T14:18:00.001-07:002012-08-08T14:38:04.064-07:00Cloth Diapering 101- My take on modern cloth diapers<h1 align="CENTER" class="western">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print; font-size: x-large;">Cloth
Diapering 101 </span>
</h1>
<div dir="LTR" id="leftcolumn">
<div dir="LTR" id="articlecontentwrap">
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Cloth diapers? Seriously? Yeah, I get
that a lot. What comes to mind when you think about cloth
diapers-- safety pins, plastic pants, and raggy cloths that you
have to scrub by hand over a rock in a stream? Cloth diapers have
come a long way in the last decade. They're, well, modern! They are
eco friendly in that they are reusable and reduce landfill waste.
They're better for baby's skin than plastic filled with a chemical
stew. They are cute. And best of all- they are so simple!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Why did I choose cloth diapers?
Honestly? When I first Googled cloth diaper services after talking
to a new mother who was considering that path, I pictured what you
did. But 10 minutes of research had me giggling with glee! Picture
this: </span>
<br />
<img align="middle" alt="" border="0px" src="http://gracefully-created.3dcartstores.com/assets/images/buy%20all%20the%20diapers.png" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Yes- Modern cloth diapers are <span style="font-weight: bold;">that</span>
awesome! </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">So... let's get down to it... my
reasons for choosing cloth (in no particular order):</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Money saving</span><br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Cute factor</span><br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Eco friendly</span><br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Segoe Print;">Customizable to my baby's needs</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Be sure to visit our new shop! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.gracefully-created.com%20/">www.gracefully-created.com </a></span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-37268374723698258482010-11-22T07:09:00.000-08:002010-11-22T07:29:14.693-08:00How to Make a Doll Diaper (for a 14" doll)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PIvwoxOcpIFz2qXw1n-wTfND6U6jdwrJCx0kPdY7wdFbqd7gqVx6pxlo0kzr7RaA0NYSs7XtaSRBKwtce727nSGiRy6O-So11zuE30nZOIyBI_a8GG1_Gt-OJkIawe-Pw_WCoe6ZrP1q/s1600/DSCN3513.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PIvwoxOcpIFz2qXw1n-wTfND6U6jdwrJCx0kPdY7wdFbqd7gqVx6pxlo0kzr7RaA0NYSs7XtaSRBKwtce727nSGiRy6O-So11zuE30nZOIyBI_a8GG1_Gt-OJkIawe-Pw_WCoe6ZrP1q/s320/DSCN3513.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542396453003575922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlM1mDi0wwZ5fqNEAU1383JuB1Yieepx0Whgys32LG2kRPk4k8i5Yqw1U-iiVCMR5C4ouBoZfWn4hm5jysGGzh-_tQ-36WxNvWh6pH-2kgTZunTdfaXwfxordctUmxgR_457eITa25rVh/s1600/DSCN3511.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlM1mDi0wwZ5fqNEAU1383JuB1Yieepx0Whgys32LG2kRPk4k8i5Yqw1U-iiVCMR5C4ouBoZfWn4hm5jysGGzh-_tQ-36WxNvWh6pH-2kgTZunTdfaXwfxordctUmxgR_457eITa25rVh/s320/DSCN3511.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542396146847784258" /></a><br />How to Make a 14" Doll Diaper<br /><br />As promised, here is my 14" doll diaper pattern! Make sure to print without page scaling. This pattern can easily be scaled up for larger dolls. Just print the pattern at larger than 100% scaling, or measure your doll, and trace around the printed pattern to get it to the size you need.<br /><br />You will need:<div><ul><li>scrap fabric</li><li>hook and loop tape (velcro brand is fine for doll diapers) or plastic snaps</li><li>sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand sewing)</li><li>1/4 braided elastic</li></ul><br />This is a great way to use up your adorable scrap fabric! Place pattern on the fold of your scraps (or print twice and tape together to make a whole pattern). Cut out 2 full pieces per diaper. </div><div><br /></div><div>Place diaper pieces right sides together and pin. Mark for elastic placement. With a 1/4 inch seam, sew around the edge of the diaper pieces leaving a 2" opening to turn the diaper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Using a 3 step zig zag stitch: Tack the first end of the elastic down. Firmly stretch the elastic as you sew it in place. If you've never sewn elastic this way, sew slowly! Sew elastic down until you reach the spot you marked previously. Repeat on other side. </div><div><br /></div><div>Turn the diaper right side out. Topstitch around the edges of the diaper (make sure to stretch the elastic as you sew). </div><div><br /></div><div>Add your hook and loop tape or snap closures as you prefer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Place on the doll, and admire!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a title="View Doll Diaper PDF on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/43630039/Doll-Diaper-PDF" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Doll Diaper PDF</a> <object id="doc_990099000402944" name="doc_990099000402944" height="600" width="100%" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline:none;"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=43630039&access_key=key-1xc5edprya6tau7gqyqx&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_990099000402944" name="doc_990099000402944" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=43630039&access_key=key-1xc5edprya6tau7gqyqx&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object></div>Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422955152921170023.post-19643891465278709142010-02-16T09:51:00.000-08:002010-02-16T09:55:57.052-08:00My Dream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc-zdhLPxkkddB4o65zb8-F5ynlL0yCSF1kqplKHMvPnGXRL5FA5fbVKkjxe9nVK7NcVplRLpJGuOQelhW78JiDJCWFev8-W8bBbC0ByvKZ8TdQrL-RQmKpd3k4534GRtRbSppqQkDtpE/s1600-h/DSCN2230.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc-zdhLPxkkddB4o65zb8-F5ynlL0yCSF1kqplKHMvPnGXRL5FA5fbVKkjxe9nVK7NcVplRLpJGuOQelhW78JiDJCWFev8-W8bBbC0ByvKZ8TdQrL-RQmKpd3k4534GRtRbSppqQkDtpE/s320/DSCN2230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438901387606540578" /></a><br />There is a definition of grace that I particularly admire. "The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another." This definition inspired me to name my sweet daughter Grace, who in turn inspired me to follow a dream. I want my daughter to follow her dreams- so I will lead by example.<br /><br />I am a registered nurse by profession, but have a love for all things girly and crafty. I've always wanted my own place to show off, and Gracefully Created was born from that dream.<br /><br />I recently set up shop on hyenacart.com, but am focusing on creating products in the <a href="http://hyenacart.com/cuties/">Cuties With Cloth Booties Cong</a>o. A Congo is a conglomeration of sellers with a common interest, selling their unique and handmade items.Gracefully Createdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17597611844446151451noreply@blogger.com0