Meet the Team - Laila of TipuTap

Today we're chatting with Laila from TipuTap, so settle down in your favorite chair with something yummy to drink and join us!


What's your name and where do you live?

My name is Laila and I live in Latvia, it is the small but very nice country in the Northern Europe. There are only about 2 millions people in my country.   I live in Riga, it is capital of my country. It is nice and very old city. In my country people live very touches with nature. I know many countries it is lost now, but in my country many peoples goes pick up Christmas tree in  the forest not in the shop :). In autumn we goes pick up berries and mushrooms  by self ( I like this process, it is real meditation), many of us have gardens. And in the same time we have computers, moderns flats and all things what is in other countries.

Where did you get the name for your shop?

In my language people says Tipu Tap  when baby start to go and do their first steps.  This words is easy pronounced for little children in my language. 

How long have you been in business?

My business I started one year ago, when my little doughtier was 4 months. In additional I have also older doughtier, she is 10 years old. My etsy shop I opened in this year April. 1 . I hope this date helps me :) but it is only toss-up. 

How did you get the idea for your products/business?

I left many hours to my computer and find, read and see so much models if to understand what is better for me.  Usually this is USA sites, where I found many information. There is some sites : www.Zany-Zebra.com, www.diaperjungle.com . Very nice site : http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/. In Europe we have a  more little information about cloth diapers. Europe is old and conservative :) and she do not love changes so fast  :) . Also I delve many diapers of industrial producers. My favorites is Gro Via and Flip by Cottonbabies system, from organic producers  I like Disana tie diapers. 

Please share what is unique about your products.

My product is different from others similar products as I do not use kam snaps. Reason is very simple, I do not have snap press only snap pliers. My one size diapers have size adjustment system with buttonhole elastic and small buttons ( It is like Funzz Bunz diapers system, but my is a little better :) I think). Also  all my inserts have stay dray layer and I recommend to use them not only in pocket but also as all in two system. Also I offer personalized diapers where customer can order diapers with their babies name or other text.   And I have much ideas for future. I hope I will have enough time for realize them.  And yet I offer preemies size all in one diapers and  mini uni size diaper - it means newborn diaper with buttonhole adjustment system for the best fit.
Also I offer potty training pants with changeable inserts, this system is very economical and easy to use. It is vary important in my country, where after economical crises life level decrease. 

What are your most popular products, and why are they so appealing?

At the moment I can not says what is the most popular product, because my business is in start. Peoples very like my diapers with hidden PUL, where I hide PUL under cotton fabric in the nice prints. This cotton fabrics are made in Latvia and is unique so as you do not find them in another places. 

What have you found most challenging about running your own business?

You can be the master himself, you can to response fully by self and you need not to deducted to any , Oh, maybe sometimes you need deducted to tax inspection:). And it is very interesting, I make nice things, I meet so much and so different peoples. 

Has anything been easier than you expected? More difficult?
I would like if the process in all grows faster, but it is real hard to join full time job ( I have), family and this business. I would like to spend more time with my daughters, but now I can not to be with them as I want. I hope my business grows  up and I can left my full time job.

More difficult? I do not know, maybe to write in English, after I start my business my English is more better and it is not so difficult as I think before. 

Why do you like selling on Etsy?

First I like to meet many peoples from many countries around of the world,  now I know the world is  so small. There is the place where I can sell my products outside my country and I can find more customers as  in my country ( only 2 millions as you see before). 

How long have you been sewing? Do you knit or crochet also?

In my country each women learned to crafts very early, about 7-8 years. All women can knit and crocheting, sewing is a little bit less, because there is needed sewing machine. My mother teaches me about in 8 years. I start with crocheting and sewing, after I learned to knit. I real like to knit but I have not time for this.  I like to feel natural yarns in my arms. I always use natural yarns, my favorite is Latvian sheep wool, it is no so soft but it is real warm and very suitable for our cold climate. 

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment?

I sew cloth diapers :), is all my free time. 

Why is cloth diapering important to you?

First I like the process, I like to use them in my daughter, I tried so much designs.  I like wash them, exeperments with laundry detergents, with stripping.   I like sew them. My motto is  - cloth diapers it is art, it is real art , I like make this art and give them to others. In additional it is important for each of us - left waste after self so little as it is possible. 

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home?

Now I use potty training pants with PUL outer and changeable inserts. But before I start with fitted diapers and PUL cover, after I use the similar all in two systems, one was with simple PUL covers, one was with PUL cover with microfleece lining, also I have large amount of pocket diapers and I tries also fully natural system from wool cover and cotton inserts. All my diaper was made by me, and before I offer them to my customers I tried them to my daughter. My favorite system stays all in two system with simple PUL cover, like Flip diapers. 

What is your favorite cloth diapering memory?
I made two full completes from 20 pieces fitted diapers for peoples by charity. In our popular social site this people ask for help with other goods, I also offer to make them cloth diapers and save their money (before they use disposable diapers) and they was very glad and start cloth diapering. 

Who or what is your inspiration?

My mind :) and my customers. 

Do you have anything new coming up, such as new products or promotions?

I hope I can start new line - prefold diapers and wool soakers, longgies and covers from upcycled materials. It is very good idea what I got on etsy  - to give new life for old and used things. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Happy cloth diapering! 

Where can we find your products?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TipuTap

More February Rock Star Collections from our Etsy Cloth Diaper Team!

'Red Rocks for Valentines' by BrightRoseCreations

Wouldn't these look lovely on a little rocker's bum for Valentine's day? Have fun!

Red White Dots One Size Clot... honeybunscloth... $25.00	Large Cloth Diaper Longies o... bananabottoms $16.00
Cloth Diaper Cover - Medium ... SwaddleinCloth $12.50	Bright Red Wool Diaper Cover... rebourne $28.60
Waterproof Diaper Cover Mad ... MadKatDiapers $12.50	Red Cloth Diaper Swim Suit D... Kellylulu $20.00
Small wool soaker, ready to ... SpottyDogCroch... $18.00	Red One Size Pocket Diaper -... TheCraftEGalDi... $17.00
Organic One Size Pocket Diap... Rumpeez $24.95	Sock Monkey shorties - prici... JillyBeanJar $32.50
Aboriginal red, blue and bla... dickandjanedia... $30.00	cloth diaper cover - crochet... GotEmCovered $25.00
One Size AIO ( all in one ) ... TigerTooshies $25.00	MEDIUM Wool Shorties-- Red a... ClothDiaperClu... $25.00
Upcycled Wool Longies Soake... Myecobaby $25.00	Fleece Training Pants: Elmo ... makingallthing... $16.49

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

February theme, rodents!

Okay, this was a tough one, but surely someone could come up with a fuzzy little rodent to help us celebrate the month of February...and here it is! (Okay, we are stretching it) To clarify, a hedgehog is NOT a rodent, but we had to come up with something :)

CLEARANCE at 3d ~ deebleDdo

I am going to take a break from diaper making for awhile, and with that in mind, would like to get rid of all my remaining instock items. EVERYTHING at my Etsy is CLEARANCED.

I have embroidered Minkee and specialty covers for $13, embroidered PUL pockets for $12, embroidered PUL and fleece covers for $10 and $12, pillowcase dress sets with pocket diapers for $20 and embellished UBIPFs for $1.50.

Some of the items are Christmas themed and I can get them out in time for you to have them for the holiday.

Etsy Buy Handmade deebleDdo

Prefold Trainers - size 1T-3T

Recently I won an interesting bid on Alchemy - to convert prefolds into trainers. After a few convos, the Momma and I had a plan for what we needed. I had not heard of making trainers using prefolds prior to this, but gosh, what a great idea! (It has since been brought to my attention that another Etsy seller, Simply Sanity Creations, has been making these as well.)




Little Moose Diapers' Prefold Trainers are made using prefolds which measure at least 17x12 (Preshrunk). If you Don't have any Prefolds on hand, I have some prepped and waiting to be converted. Are yours embellished - they will work just fine! You can have some pretty embellished Prefold Trainers.


I use FOE to bind while creating a snug fit on your little one. With side closing snaps, these Trainers make changing the poop accidents super easy. No more struggling to carefully pull a regular trainer down your little one's legs in the hopes of not making a mess.



There are two ADORABLE models shown - an infant and a toddler. Photos were taken prior to the Trainers being washed, so you can be assured the fit will be better on your child, since the FOE shrinks slighty with the first washing.

Infant shown weighs 20 pounds, with the following measurements:

Waist - 16.25 inches
Thigh - 10.5 inches

Toddler weighs 32 pounds, with the following measurements:
Waist 20 inches
Thigh 12 inches

The Trainer itself has a rise that measures 17 inches. three rows of snaps make this Trainer fit throughout your little one's potty learning stages - no need to purchase additional sizes as they grow, saving you money in the end.

Custom Made Wool Wraps

Recently, I was contacted by a customer who wanted me to make some more wool wraps for her. She had purchased one from me, and loved it. I forwarded her some photos, and she chose the wool to be used. I am very pleased with the finished product, as was she. It is amazing how you can take an older item and turn it into a new creation!

Little Moose Diapers Recycled Wool Wraps are made from 100% wool items. Two layers of felted, recycled wool is used to make this diaper cover bullet proof. 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 an adjustable fit.

Why wool? Wool can absorb up to 30% of it's weight in moisture. Once lanolin has been added, the wool becomes even more 'waterproof'. Lanolin also helps soften the feel of the wool. I have been amazed at the softened feel wool takes on. Contrary to what some people will tell you, wool is very breathable, allowing air to circulate in and out of the diaper and cover, providing a healthier environment for your baby's bum.

Godzilla diaper cover...who would have thought?

I had a customer order a Godzilla diaper cover and at first I must admit I thought "are you serious?" This is what I came up with and after I sold it I posted it in my shop just to see what kind of views it would get. Much to my surprise I sold another 3 of them within a couple days. Many thanks to creative customers with a vision for integrating monsters into cloth diapering.

1 Year Anniversary Sale!

Baby Belle's Favorites has been open for 1 year! To show my appreciation and to celebrate this past year, I'm having a sale on KCK One Size Pocket Diapers. Buy any 2 diapers and get a 3rd diaper of equal or lesser value for half price! I've got lots of colors and prints to choose from and love to do customs!

Click here to visit my shop: Baby Belle's Favorites

If you've never used a KCK One, this is the perfect opportunity to try it out at a great price. If you already use it and love it, it's a great time to stock up on more!

The KCK One™ is a unique pocket style diaper that fits babies between 8 pounds and 40 pounds. The KCK One is easy to use and easily adjusts to babies of different sizes making it the go to diaper for more and more families. As an added bonus, when you take the insert out of the KCK One™, it can be used as a diaper cover over prefolds and fitted diapers. Use it without the insert for the perfect swim diaper!

To receive your discount, simply purchase any 3 diapers of your choice and I'll promptly send a refund in the amount of the discount. You may also leave me a note during checkout if you'd rather I send you a revised invoice with an updated price.

Maine Made Diapers

Little Moose Diapers is a Maine based business with a focus on providing high quality cloth diaper items to families primarily located within Maine, but throughout the United States as well.

Currently on hand, Little Moose Diapers offers custom order Malden Mills diaper covers and trainers, instock All In One diapers and Organic Bamboo Inserts.

Future items offered will include: Fitted Diapers, PUL covers, Malden Mills Windpro Covers, Wool Interlock Longies, and Microfiber Inserts.

Custom Orders are always welcome. A particular custom order I offer is Overnight pants for older/ special needs children. These can be made as an all in one, or with side snapping/aplix 800 closures.

Little Moose Diapers' Organic Bamboo inserts are made of an Organic Cotton/Bamboo/Poly Blend (70/28/2). Comprising of three layers and measuring either 12 x 12 inches or 9x12 inches, they work great in pocket diapers, trainers, laid under baby with a cover, or as boosters for overnight.



Blessings,
Hope Cooley

Girls Day Out

I had a great little mini-vacation and am now back to work! I have had some fun these past few weeks sewing things just for little girls. I stocked some cute fitted cloth diapers, a pul/fleece diaper cover, and a swingback dress and diaper set on both my Etsy and my HyenaCart.

Etsy Buy Handmade deebleDdo

Most of these diapers can also have a dress or appliqued tee, or an embroidered cover made to match the diaper fabric...just ask because I am having a good time digitizing designs for embroidery. :)

3d is open again for custom orders for embroidery and cloth diapering items, and as always, I am happy to have you send your own diapers or garments to me to be embroidered. You can visit the 3d~DeebleDdo blog to view the design gallery and get a peek at what I've done recently.

Thanks for your patronage of our Etsy Cloth Diapering Team!

Now Accepting Custom Prefold Orders!

I am proud to announce that Laina's Laundry will now be taking orders for Custom Embellished Prefolds!!! You can choose from any of my available fabrics. I am excited to offer this service and hope that you love browsing my fabrics and choosing something you love. More info can be found in my Etsy listing.

Bones & Roses & Pirate Booty!

I am excited about our upcoming promotion and decided to add a few new cloth diapers to my Etsy for the occasion! Skulls and Pirates seem to be a hot item these days and I just fell in love with these four prints. I was able to do some fun embroidered covers for them as well and the sets turned out great!

For the Etsy Cloth Diaper Street Team Promotion, I will be offering a free matching cloth wipes container with the purchase of one of these 4 diapers. The zippered fabric container will have a matching fabric outer and an inner of polyurethane laminate (PUL) to keep your moist wipes ready for use. :)

A Rare Custom Request

I finally have time to post! This is a lesson in - never be afraid to ask!

On my custom slots I am pretty flexible. After all that's what makes it custom right? Awhile back I had a request for side alpix closures. I haven't done those in ages! I wondered for a day or so if I could remember how I used to do it and make it work, especially with those much needed laundry tabs. I started playing with my pattern for placement and it all came back to me.

I liked this so much I might just start making them for instock. :)

Designer Diapers? You Betcha!

First a brief intro:
I'm the Mama Bee behind LilBees. I had been sewing professionally for several years (costuming and then bridal) when I got pregnant and started thinking about cloth diapers. I borrowed a diaper from a friend and traced it, then spent the next several months refining the pattern and sewing process... What I make now is a simple touchtape-closure AIO with PUL outer and microfleece inner. It's quite trim and I LOVE them!
Here's a sample: I also sew wetbags, cloth menstrual pads, and an assortment of baby stuff (burp cloths, bibs, tabbie blankets, and really cool snuggle blankets!)

Recently though I've jumped into something else: designer fitteds!

One day Hubby said "hey, do you think you could make a diaper that looked like the Norwegian flag?" (he lived there for a couple of years, and our baby has a Norwegian name).
Hmm, like this?
Well that went over well, so then I had to try something with some t-shirt fabric I had:

I was not happy with how it worked with a hidden PUL layer (I got wicking and wear on the corners), so I decided to go with fitteds. (click on the picture to go to the listing!)

Why spend the time to make a designer diaper in a fitted that's just going to have a cover over it? Well, my baby spends a lot of time around the house going coverless!

• If he gets a rash--no covers
• For doing Elimination Communication/Infant Potty Training--no covers
• For EC or IPT part time--no covers at home
• For early potty learning--no covers
• For any kid who is rash-prone--no cover at home means it's easier to tell as soon as he/she is wet, and get them changed sooner.
• They're great for taking pictures (professional or snapshots)

And even if you are the only one who ever sees this darling diaper, it's still a great diaper! With a stay-dry, stain-resistent, easy-clean microfleece panel on the inside, and 8 layers of absorbant cotton, it's a great diaper even if it weren't so cute!

Have a dream design of your own? Let me know, I'm willing to take on anything!

The Diaper of Liberty

Hi, I'm Elissa at New York Diaper Co. I'm proud to be a member of the Etsy Cloth Diaper Street Team. And psyched to have a place like this to blog about cloth diapering! I've been working my way up to posting here and now I have a good reason--I am now offering a fun new way to do custom fitted diapers.

You've heard of the Statue of Liberty, right? But have you heard of the Diapermaker of Liberty? She stands a few miles from the Hudson River, holding a fabric marker and a paper pattern that reads:

"Give me your sweet, your shower gifted,
Your rumpled baby blanket yearning to be needed,
The once-loved swaddler from the newborn days.
Send these, the rarely used, closet-tossed to me,
I lift my rotary cutter and at least two diapers will be yours!"

Ok, let me explain. How many baby blankets did you get at your baby shower? I got about 10 of them. Some of them are those cute two-ply knit blankets made by Carters. They're really soft and cuddly, with prints and embroidery. But as much as you love them, you can only really use so many baby blankets, especially once your baby is past the swaddling age. So let me re-purpose them for you! I found a few of mine getting cold and lonely on a basement shelf, and I bet you will, too. You send me your blanket, and I send back at least two fitted diapers depending on the sizes you need. I'm offering a nice selection of fabric choices and soaker styles, plus the option for custom sizes. And if your blanket has embroidery, I'll even use it as an applique on at least one of your diapers. You will LOVE that baby blanket again!

Sally is modeling an early version of the Diaper of Liberty, made from a Carters blanket featuring the Hungry Little Caterpillar. I made this diaper a while ago, before I started using poly-resin snaps. But it's cute just the same. Visit my Etsy store to see the updated New York Diaper Co. fitted diaper design. :) Elissa B.