Meet Carissa of Barrel and a Heap

Carissa from Barrel and a Heap is a newer member of the Etsy Cloth Diaper Team and I have enjoyed getting to know her.  After reading about Carissa and her shop please enter to win a diaper cover of your choice from her shop Barrel and a Heap.

How did you get started selling on Etsy?
I got started selling on Etsy because my sister was having a baby.  She was planning on cloth diapering and couldn't seem to find any adorable diaper covers.  She enlisted me to make some for here and, after a few really bad prototypes, I made her some super cute covers.  I loved making them and decided to start selling them on Etsy!  Since then, I've added toys, bibs, onesies, blankets, and pillows to my inventory (and don't plan on stopping anytime soon!)

What are you really enjoying making right now?

I'm passionate about making pretty things that are functional.  I have a full time job, sell on Etsy, write a blog (carissacarissa.typepad.com), and am trying to open a brick and mortar store in the next year or so... So when I have time to make things, I like them to look amazing but also do something!  I'm a firm believer that you don't have to sacrifice style for function.

What is most popular in your Etsy Shop?

My most popular item is definitely my diaper covers.  It's what I carry the most of and what I sell the most of!   I just added bow tie onesies and I think they're the cutest things in the world!  I love it when little kids dress like adults.

What song best describes your shop or your work ethic?

The song that best describes my work ethic is "She's Got the Look" by Roxette.  Weird, I know.  When I was younger, that was my favorite song.  I was sure there would never be a song that I loved more than that one.  When I was younger I also dreamed of becoming a singer/ actress/ dancer/ business owner/ dolphin trainer/ a member of the Holograms (preferably Jem).  It's not the lyrics that inspire me so much (although, you try dancing and singing to that in front of your mirror.  I dare you to say you don't end the song with more confidence than when you started.)  Basically, that song always reminds me of being young and believing that anything is possible.  Not worrying about the consequences, just letting my mind roam free, and thinking about what I would love to do next

Carissa is giving away a diaper of your choice to one lucky reader.  Enter to win below.

Entry-Form

Meet the Team - Karolyn of LayBebeLay

Good morning, and welcome to another Meet the Team interview. Today we'll spend some time with Karolyn of LayBebeLay. I've got my coffee and am ready for a nice chat; how about you? 

What's your name and where do you live?  

Karolyn Sahoo, central Pennsylvania

Where did you get the name for your shop? 

I am a big fan of Bob Dylan and my shop name is a play off of his song, "Lay Lady Lay"

How long have you been in business?  

I opened my Etsy shop in 2010 and have been actively selling since Fall of 2011.  

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

I made cloth diapers for my own kids in order to save money and customize according to my preferences.  My friends requested I make them diapers, too and suggested I go into business.  

Please share what is unique about your products.  

Due to the nature of my work, each item is unique and no two items are same.  This also means I can customize each product according to your needs.

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

My upcycled wool longies are my best sellers.  The pants are cute and versatile as well as useful!

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

Finding the time to balance parenting, home ownership, marriage and life on top of sewing and running a business has been difficult.  Some days go better than others, but it's a fun and exciting experience. 

Has anything been easier than you expected? More difficult?  

To be honest, sales have gone better than I expected!  I am still excited and surprised when an item sells.  Each sale still feels like my first one. 

Why do you like selling on Etsy?  

I prefer Etsy because it's easier than maintaining my own website and the customer base is already there.  I don't have to work too hard at marketing and advertising because Etsy does a lot of it for me.

How long have you been sewing?  

I learned to sew as a teenager.  My mother and grandmother taught me.

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment?  

All of my wool items are fun to make.  The process of deconstructing a sweater and making it into something new is a great creative challenge and inspiration to me.  I have perfected this process over the last year.

Why is cloth diapering important to you?  

The environmental benefits of cloth diapering was the main reason I chose to use cloth.  I was cloth diapered as a baby because of numerous skin sensitivities, so concern for my own children's skin played a large factor as well.  Cloth diapering prevents emergency trips to the store when diapers run out and savings has been wonderful!

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

I am transitioning my youngest into training pants, but my favorite diapers are fitteds with wool covers.  I do use a lot of prefolds as well.  Prefolds are great because they are so versatile.  I have recently converted most of my toddler sized prefolds into training pants to extend their life.

What is your favorite cloth diapering memory?  

The first time I put a cloth diaper on my daughter is a moment that stands out to me after all of these years (and diapers!)  She had such a proud look on her face and the diaper was so much cuter than the disposables we had been using.

Who or what is your inspiration?  

My children and my husband inspire me every day.  My mother has been a strong and inspirational force in my life.  My sisters and all other mothers lift me up and give me the strength I need.

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

All of last year's longies are on clearance for 30% off.  Further information is available in my shop.

Where can we find your products?

www.laybebelay.etsy.com

Meet the Team - Kristen from Banana Bottoms

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kristen, the creative force behind Banana Bottoms Cloth Diapers. Be sure to stop by her Etsy store - www.etsy.com/shop/bananabottoms - to check out her adorable cloth diapers, diaper covers, training pants, shorts, longies, and skirts!

Where did you get the name for your shop?

I love monkeys and wanted to find a name with monkeys in it but there were quite a few diaper shops that were already using monkey in their shop names. I decided to use Bananas as part of the name b/c monkeys eat bananas.

Is it big business or a hobby?

It’s a business. I haven’t had a lot of time to devote to my shop over the past year as I’ve returned to school full time and am also taking my yoga teacher training.

Why do you like selling on Etsy?

I love Etsy. It is very user friendly and has a lot of resources for sellers. I also love the teams feature as it allows you to gain support and advice from other like-minded sellers. I love the Etsy Cloth Diaper team!

How long have you been sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc.?

My mom taught me to sew as a kid and I’ve been sewing ever since.

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment? What are you passionate about?

I love making newborn cloth diapers. They are so tiny and cute!

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment? Why?

I love the fleece skirties. When my girls were born, I loved how cute and functional these were and they wore them even after they were out of diapers.

Who/What is your inspiration?

My kids. They were my testers for all my items when I was designing my patterns.

Why is cloth diapering important to you?

I love cloth diapering. Although it is an initial investment, it is much more economical in the long run. I also like that my kids have natural fabrics next to their bodies and not paper and chemicals. The fact that we aren’t clogging up the landfills is another plus.

What factors are the most important to you when choosing a cloth diaper?

Ease of use and absorbency.

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home? On the go? For travel? For budget?

I started out with flats and prefolds but love fitteds. I don’t have any little ones in diapers anymore  but I used fitteds exclusively. We used them at home, travelling, on the go, etc. Cloth diapering is very adaptable 

Favorite CD shop on Etsy?

I don’t have a particular store... but I love browsing shops that have wool longies/skirties etc. I have knit a few for my kids and am in awe at the creations these other moms come up with.

What is your favorite or least favorite cloth diapering memory?

My least favourite memory involves a prefold and a baby that was just introduced to bananas. We were on a day trip and the diaper was filled just as we were parking our car to take the train into the big city. It was a hot summer day and the diaper was in the trunk for the duration. I think you can guess how this story ends 

Facebook/web Address?

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bananabottoms

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bananabottoms

Blog : http://bananabottoms.blogspot.com/

Meet the Team-- Jessica from Living Green Baby

Today we meet Jessica from the Etsy shop Living Green Baby. After learning more about her, check out her shop where you will find a great variety of fleece longies and soakers, bamboo baby wipes, and nursing pads.

Where did you get the name for your shop?
When we were trying to think of a name for our shop we sat down with a good old yellow note pad and started to compile words that made us think of living a greener life and Cloth Diapering. A couple scribble scrabbles later we had a simple name that defined who we were and what we believed in.

Is it big business or a hobby?
A couple Years ago I opened a little shop on Etsy (www.bullfrogboutique.etsy.com) where I made and sold little hair bows and such. Then I learned about cloth diapers and thought "I could make those!" Then I decided to list a couple and quickly found my calling. When My husband saw what was happeining he decided to step in and that was when Living Green Baby came to life. With his Business know how and My love of cloth diapering we make a pretty good Team!

Why do you like selling on Etsy?
Etsy is a wonderful site. It supports small business and Hand Made items, 2 things we love! Who wouldn't want to be a part of something like that? Etsy also gives us alot of tools and resources to help us along the way. Starting a new business can be intimidating but Etsy makes it very simple!

How long have you been sewing?
I grew up in a home where my Mother was sewing all the time, and for as long as I can remember I've been a crafty person. I really got into sewing after my husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas 3 years ago, I used it so much I actually wore it out and had to replace it!

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment? What are you passionate about?
Right now my favorite thing to make is diapers... diapers of any kind! We're really Passionate about Cloth diapering, Breastfeeding, baby wearing and anything else that involves giving our kids (and others!) the best that we can!

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment? Why?Our current favorite item is our Natural Luxury Bamboo Cloth Wipes. They are sooo soft, they clean any mess that you could imagine easily, they're very gentle on any skin type, and best of all they're all natural! We have a 2 month old Son who is a very heavy wetter and we fold one in half and stick inside all of his diapers (even his prefolds!) They are so multi-functional, even People who don't cloth diaper can make use of them.


Who/What is your inspiration?
Our Primary inspiration is our 4 children. My husband works retail and has long hours so he's away from home alot. We decided to open our own small business with the hopes that someday he won't have to be away from home so much. Our other big inspiration is our love of cloth diapering and how good it is for our planet and for our children’s health. We want to spread the word and make affordable quality products so that anyone in any financial situation and enjoy the benefits.

Why is cloth diapering important to you?
We decided to give cloth diapering a try with our 3rd child. Unfortunately the thought had never even crossed our minds before then. My husband was skeptical at first, he didn't think it would work for us because I have an issue with laundry (it’s my least favorite part of being a stay-at-home mom and I can never seem to get it under control) he thought there would be no way that I would want to (or be willing to) wash dirty diapers of all things. I was hooked the very first time I snapped her pretty little pink diaper on her! My husband claimed he "didn't know how to do it" and got out of diaper changing for quite a while but was fully supportive of cloth diapering because we were no longer spending money every week on disposables and he knew the health benefits. Now he's a full on cloth diapering Dad, using Snappi's and stuffing pockets! He even helps make the diapers.

What factors are the most important to you when choosing a cloth diaper?
To us the most important factors in choosing a cloth diaper are price, function, and style. (Ok so maybe the style only really matters to me, my husband is more concerned about how much it's going to cost him and how well it’s going to work.) We've tried to incorporate all of that into our products. We try to offer a little of everything so that anyone can buy in any price range.

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home? On the go? For travel? For budget?
At home our 2 little ones live in fitteds and fleece soakers or longies most of the time. On the go we like to use our One-size PUL covers and Bamboo inserts because its less to put in the bag, they fit both our 2 year old and 2 month old so there's no worry about bringing enough of the right sizes for each of them. For Budget we Love Prefolds and covers. Our Grandmas used them for a reason, they're easy, they work, and they're inexpensive!

What is your favorite cloth diapering memory?
My favorite cloth diaper memory was the first time we put our newborn son in one of our cloth diapers and fleece longies. He was 2 days old and we were still in the hospital, he looked so cute in them!

www.livinggreenbaby.com
www.facebook.com/onthegreenside
www.livinggreenbaby.blogspot.com

Meet the Team--Michelle from LagamorphLounge

Today we meet Michelle from LagamorphLounge. After you've read all about her, check out her Etsy store to see all the great products she carries, including: flannel fitteds, hand-knit and repurposed woolies, nursing pads, fleece covers, and cloth wipes!

Where did you get the name for your shop? Well, I have a serious love of rabbits. I ran a rabbit rescue in Alaska for a few years until a change in my personal life put an end to that. Lagamorph is the scientific name for rabbit so it only made sense to go with it. I currently have 2 pet rabbits, Emmit & Raindrop.

Is it a business or a hobby? It was strictly a hobby for a number of years, then kind of slowly progressed into a hobby/business hybrid. I think I'm still a long way off from being a full on business, but who knows where 2012 will lead me.

How long have you been sewing? I have been really sewing since I was 18, when I got my first sewing machine. It just took off from there. I'm now 27 and am the proud owner of 7 sewing machines, including that very first one which I now use to teach 3 of my 4 kids how to sew. Baby #4 will be learning too once he's a little older. I learned to knit when I was still pregnant with him and that was the summer of 2010. It's become one of my favorite things to do.

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment? Why? I love my Maple Leaf Wool soaker so much. It was hard to list it. It's entirely too small for any of my kids so keeping it for myself would have been kind of silly. I love the rich warm fall colors and the way it reminds me what my homestate looks like in fall. I'm from New York but have lived in Alaska for the past 6 years and there is virtually no fall here. We go from a short summer, to a sadly short fall and then into a really long winter.

Why is cloth diapering important to you? It's important for so many reasons. We are a family of 6 living on my husband's ever changing commission based income so knowing that I never have to run out and buy diapers with money we really don't have takes a huge stress off my shoulders. Knowing that what I am putting on my little one's bums is safe and for them and the environment is so important. I know exactly what is touching their skin, no mystery there.

What kind of diaper do you like best at home? On the go? For travel? For budget? It's the same answer across the board....a fitted with wool longies, shorties, or a soaker on top. You can't go wrong with that combo! I have tried so many types and always seem to come back to these! I do really like fleece covers too, but can't handle pockets. I know some families love them to pieces, but I've found they just aren't for me.

Favorite CD shop on Etsy? I love Bundlesofjoy. She's a fellow
Alaskan and has such beautiful items! Now that the holidays are over I'll be
making a purchase or two :)

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LagamorphLounge

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lagamorph-Lounge-Handmade-Fabric-Goods-Custom-Sewing/296047370412584

Meet the Team-- Theressa from Tiger Tooshies

Today we meet Theressa from Tiger Tooshies! After reading all about her own cloth diapering experience and her business, take a moment to check out her Etsy shop and let her know which of her many great products you love!

Where did you get the name for your shop?
My shop Name came from a Nick name, I got as a Child, Tiger so it was only
natural to use it and add Tooshies at the end.

Is it big business or a hobby? Right now it is a Hobby that I hope to turn to a business one day.

Why do you like selling on Etsy? I like selling on Etsy because of the ease of setting up and listing your homemade goods and it a worldwide site where your diapers could be sold anywhere in the world.

How long have you been sewing? I started to sew in high school but gave it up for years. When my Girls were young they went into dance and skating that is when I decided to start to sew again. I loved designing and creating their dance and skating outfits for competitions, I have been sewing again for about 12 years.

What are you passionate about? Right now I am passionate about making diapers from a new pattern made from almost all natural fabrics, cottons, hemp and bamboo.

What is your favorite item in your shop? My most Favorite thing in my shop right now is my Oh, Chickens diaper ...I like chickens ... it is fun and bright and just a happy Chicken and egg diaper.

What is your inspiration? I have a few things that inspire me, One I love seeing the handmade stuff I create and I also love that something I created is a benefit my daughter and the environment.

Why is cloth diapering important to you? In the small rural community I live in we have to look after getting our own garbage to the dump, after seeing the garbage that was leaving our house from just diapers and seeing the dumpsters at the dump and all the diapers in the dumpsters. You can not help but think what are we doing! and how long it will take for those diapers to disappear ?

What factors are the most important to you when choosing a cloth diaper? I think the most important thing is my baby and what is close to her skin and is she comfortable? I look for a trim diaper that is absorbent, soft and made with natural fibers.

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home? At home I usually use the ones I make all thought I have a few BG and Sweet Peas that I like. On the go? When I go out I usually take my Sweet Peas and the new AIOs I make as they hold better .. Once the new AIO lasted a 5-hour shopping trip ... For travel? And when we travel (red face) we use disposables.

Favorite CD shop on Etsy? Annie Matheson - Allen, Dick and Jane diapers, I have one of hers and love it!

What is your least favorite cloth diapering memory? ... Well just when things get real yucky ... that is all I want to remember (or perhaps forget?--author's note) about that ! :)

Facebook : www.facebook.com/pages/Tiger-Tooshies/213208772096039?sk=wall
etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/TigerTooshies?ref=si_shop

My Cute Genes Review and Giveaway!

And the winner is...karen from Cloth Diaper Club! Congratulations!


True Random Number Generator
Min: Max: Result:65 

I would like to introduce you to Stacy and My Cute Genes Green Genes diaper and cover.  A completely waterproof digital camo cover with personalized name tape.  This is My Cute GenesMCG'S most popular design and customers love to get personalized name tapes so that baby can "represent!" Camo covers look cute on girls and boys! You don’t have to be in the army to dress up your cutie like the cutest soldier on the block! These covers are made from brand new ACU fabric, paired with gray PUL, and outfitted with matching loop fabric that can be adorned with a “U.S. Army” or last name tape. I love how she pairs the camo with bright colored shoes and hair accessories for the little girl camo look.  

One of the most compelling aspects of MCG’s diapering system is the wipe-clean cover. During a diaper change, the only part of the diaper which needs to be changed is the soaker pad. Unless the cover has been soiled. So one cover can last through many diaper changes. Also, an extra layer of PUL is sewn to the outer fashion layer (a cotton print, denim, corduroy, etc.) at the leg holes to make MCG’s cover waterproof inside and out!"

Another fantastic feature of MCG’s covers AND soaker pads is that they are one-size. On the cover, 2 rows of sockets and 1 row of studs create an adjustable or snap-down rise. the smallest setting fits babies 5-14lbs. The middle setting fits babies 12-24lbs, and the largest setting fits babies 20-32lbs. 

In this way, a baby can be diapered from birth to potty training with only 3 or 4 covers!

 Stacy told me a little bit about how she got started making diapers, "When I decided to cloth diaper, I got some commercial diapers for Christmas, but I wasn’t satisfied with their function and quality. I wanted to design the most ideal diaper for me and my baby, with all the features I was looking for and top quality. I started experimenting with sewing cloth diapers while on maternity leave waiting for my daughter to be born.

I loved the idea of hybrids, so I modeled my design after flips. A wipe-clean cover that does not have to be changed, with lay-in inserts. Flaps at the front and back hold in an insert that can be shaken out into a diaper pail at each change, no need to touch! I made covers with solid colors and prints, played with snap color combinations, and adjusted snap placement for sizing through trial and error. 6 months later, I had perfected my design and opened my Etsy shop on Mothers Day 2011."

"I started My Cute Genes because I love cloth diapers. I wanted to promote and advocate for cloth diapers. MCG diapers are an easy, convenient, economical, and super cute cloth diapering system option that I felt was not yet available on the market. The best part of My Cute Genes is that you can choose a special fabric or appliqued logo/flag/embellishment that lets your baby “represent” what is most important to you – what’s in YOUR cute genes!"

          Stacy has generously agreed to giveaway a cover and insert, so the lucky winner will receive both parts of the system to make a complete diaper!  You do not have to choose the camo Green Genes cover, you may choose any non custom cover from her shop if you win.  Follow the entry directions below for your chances to win our LAST GIVEAWAY of 2011!

2 Required entries:

-Follow this blog, etsyclothdiapers.blogspot.com, via Google friend connect. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment saying you already follow. Otherwise, leave a comment saying you are a new follower.
 

-Visit My Cute Genes shop; come back here and leave a comment about your favorite item.

Additional optional entries (leave a separate comment for EACH of the following that apply)(be sure that you are signed in or leave a way to contact you in each comment):

- Like the Etsy Cloth Diaper team on Facebook
- Follow the Etsy Cloth Diaper team on Twitter

- Tweet about the giveaway (limit one per day) - be sure to use @etsyclothdiaper in your tweet

-Post about the giveaway on your own blog.

-Like My Cute Genes on facebook https://www.facebook.com/mycutegenes

-Follow @mycutegenes on twitter

-Follow mycutegenes on youtube

Giveaway closes at 11:59pm EST on December 28th.

Winner will be announced on this blog on Thursday, Dec. 29th.

A random blog comment number will be selected using random.org. You MUST comment on this blog post to be entered, and have contact info in your profile. Each entry entry must be its own comment. If you combine entries into one comment, it will only count as one entry. Winning entries will be validated, and you MUST do the required entry to have any additional entries be valid. Thank you for entering! 

Fleece Longies from Kissing Bunnies Cloth

I recently talked with Michelle of Kissing Bunnies Cloth.  I was really interested to know about using fleece for diaper covers, etc.  She makes some really cute fleece longies as well as diapers and other items in her Etsy shop.  She first started using fleece as she has a wool/lanolin allergy.  It works and is waterproof because it is made from polyester, the weave is so tight that it is both waterproof and breathable. The pattern she uses  is from  Christine Stevens, another etsy mom.  Michelle says, "  I really like her longie pattern because it is slim on the legs and still allows the child to wear a cloth diaper or none at all."  After trying many types of diapers and doing some embroidery (so much that her machine died!), Michelle discovered fleece longies, she says they make fantastic all day pants, or overnight pants.  

Michelle has been sewing for a long time, and started sewing diapers when her little man was about 4 months old.  A back injury has kept her from doing many things that she used to, so sewing has become her way of keeping busy while staying at home with her children.  I like how she puts it, "I sew almost everyday, it is kinda like my zen. Keeps me calm and rational with my back issue and my lack of movement.  My body may be much quieter than it once was but my heart will just not let me stop. Got to keep busy somehow! This is my solution."

Michelle now sells exclusively on Etsy and at craft fairs. I asked her what she loves about selling her creations,

she replied, "I love that people buy my items. I really love that people sometimes find me and come back to see what else I have made. I love being able to stay home with my little man and keep him out of daycare, and still supplement my fabric stash. " 

 Please check out her fleece longies, wrap diapers and all her different creations in her Etsy shop Kissing Bunnies.   

Meet the Team

Meet the Team--Kathryn from Mad Kat Creations!

Today we meet Kathryn who stocks her shop with only the most unique diaper designs ever! After you read all about her, check out her shop and buy something truly distinctive for that cloth diapering friend on your Christmas list--and don't forget to get yourself a little something too!

Where did you get the name for your shop?
Mad Kat got its name from the fact that I (Kat) tend to do projects or have methods that are unexpected or considered off beat. Currently I am quilting a 4'X6' piece of nylon with a scene from the movie Road Warrior printed on it.

Is it big business or a hobby?
I'm still really new to the Etsy scene so for now this is still a really fun hobby.

Why do you like selling on Etsy?
I'm a SAHM and Etsy offers great flexibility and is inexpensive to use, so by day I am Kat Mom to Charlotte by night Mad Kat Etsy Crafter.

How long have you been sewing?

I've been sewing for about 3 years. My Aunts who are very skilled quilters gave me my first sewing machine as a wedding present and I've been sewing ever since.

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment?
I love making diapers. They are generally quick to make and the design possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment?
My favorite thing in my store is the Strawberry diaper. It was inspired by my friend who is in love with Strawberries. She just had a baby this summer and had been dropping hints all over the place that she wanted another strawberry diaper I had made previously for her as a baby shower gift, but I couldn't find the fabric anymore. So I came up with this one instead she was thrilled and its been my number one seller.

What is your inspiration?
Challenge is my inspiration. I like it when people bring me fabric and ask me to make it into something or have an idea and ask me to make it a reality.

Why is cloth diapering important to you?
As a SAHM mom living on an enlisted military man's salary, saving money is important. Plus I have a strong belief that the best way to spread the gospel of living a greener lifestyle is through showing people how much money it can save them in the long run. Cloth Diapering saves money and the environment so I am addicted to it.

What factors are the most important to you when choosing a cloth diaper?
I like pockets for their dry layer and have converted a couple people because they are so amazed on they could never tell if Charlotte was wet till her diaper leaked. But above all else a diaper has to fit and keep the messes in.

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home? On the go?
Pockets work great at home, on the go, and are very daycare friendly. For travel? For budget?Traveling and on a budget the cover and prefold are the way to go. They don't take up a lot of room in a diaper bag and you can get a good stash going for not that much.

Do you have a favorite cloth diaper shop on Etsy?
I really like CutesyTushies. The embroidered diapers are really cool, the Grinch diaper has me green with envy.

Tell us one of your most memorable cloth diapering memories?
The most memorable cloth diapering was Charlotte's distance pooping. As a new mom with a 2 week old I was new to the whole diapering thing. I was changing her diaper and was fumbling around with a prefold trying to get it into the cover right when everything went so wrong. All my husband heard was a shriek and a "No no no nooooo!" My husband runs in to see me frozen mid-change, when he asked me what's wrong I pointed to the wall. He took one look and said, "let me get my tape measure." Charlotte had projectile pooped all over the wall, measuring a distance of 3 feet 2 inches. Definitely one for the baby book…

Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/MadKatDiapers

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-Kats-Creations/193319967387255

Meet the Team--Emilie from GotEmCovered

After reading what Emilie has to say about her shop and cloth diapering visit her Etsy shop to see her quality hand-crocheted wool diaper covers.

Where did you get the name for your shop?

I mostly make and sell cloth diaper covers and based on the idea that whatever your need, whether it is diaper covers, feminine cloth, or any other handmade items that I have it covered.

Is it big business or a hobby?

My craft started as a hobby to make one of a kind, custom fit diaper covers and items for my children and family, I found myself enjoying it so much that I wanted to continue crafting and sharing with others. Although it is a source of income, it is still a hobby for me. I put the same care and attention to every piece in my store as I would a gift for a family member.

Why do you like selling on Etsy?

I enjoy selling on Etsy because it is a community of craftspeople creating and sharing handcrafted goods.

How long have you been sewing and crocheting?

I learned the basics of both sewing and crocheting at an early age from my grandmother. But it was not until I later had my first son (5 years ago) that I really started doing both on a regular basis. Since then I have honed my skills and learned many new techniques. I really enjoy creating new sewing and crochet patterns to meet the needs of my family and clients.

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment?

I have currently learned a new technique to add designs onto my wool covers and I am really enjoying creating different themes and trying new ideas.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about self/personal expression. I feel that everyone should feel the freedom of self through art, craft, music, personal belief or appearance. I believe everyone has a creative outlet and should feel open to the ability to share it with others

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment?

My favorite items in my shop currently is the one size wool snapping tester covers. They are made with the tunisian/afghan crochet stitch which mimics the look of a knit item, but has the density of a crochet item. this stitch has sometimes been referred to as 'bullet-proof" when it comes to wool diaper covers. I originally learned this technique specifically as a solution for my own sons night-time diapering. Since then I have been working and testing numerous designs to make a great fitting covers for a wide range of babies and toddlers. The current design is the result of years of work. It is a 2 part system that allows the rise to be adjusted, snaps along the waist for adjustment, and a contoured backside and thigh for a better fit. I still have these at a reduced price and offer a refund incentive for feedback given in the form an online survey. Although this design has proven to have a great fit and performance, I still appreciate more feedback to ensure that it is the best for my clients. I know that wool covers are an investment and I wanted to find way to make sure that it would be usable for the long term and for every unique child.

Who is your inspiration?

My grandmother is my inspiration. I remember as a child I was sure that she could make that my heart desired or fix anything that may have broken. She was a loving, caring, and generous woman to anyone she met.

Why is cloth diapering important to you?

Cloth diapering is important to me because of so many reasons, but name just a few: it is healthy and comfortable for your baby (any woman who uses disposable feminine pads may be able understand the discomfort a disposable could potentially bring), it is good for the environment, and it is good for the budget - I could not imagine having to pay the large and ongoing expense of disposable diapers especially in the tough time many are facing . I have learned inexpensive ways of cloth diapering and even took the flats hand washing challenge to support the idea of inexpensive cloth diapering. I am more than happy to help anyone get started or just answer questions in a pressure free, non judgemental environment. please feel free to contact me!

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/GotEmCovered?ref=pr_shop_more

Facebook/web Address: www.facebook.com/GotEmCovered

Meet the Team--Meet Johanne from Mamajodiapersandpads

Today we hear what Johanne shares about cloth diapering and her experience as a cloth diapering and work-at-home-mom. Her Etsy shop, Mamajodiapersandpads, is filled with all kinds of great products made from North American milled fabrics including: pocket diapers, fitteds, inserts, wipes, menstrual pads, and nursing pads. Don't forget to check out her shop after reading this!

Where did you get the name for your shop?
I came up with my name because close friends and family have always called me Jo (JoJo en francais). I wanted something that represented me and my momminess!

Is it big business or a hobby?
Although I am on mat leave currently, and will be returning to work full time (sniff sniff) I would say it is a business. I dont want to give it up when I go back. But I am so passionate about it, and enjoy it so much, it feels like more of a hobby to me.

Why do you like selling on Etsy?
The MaMas. I have "met" the most wonderful group of ladies here, like nowhere else. I feel very blessed to work for them.

How long have you been sewing?
I have always been crafty and making things, but I have been sewing dipes for two years now.

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment?
I love making everything that is my shop so that is a hard hard question. Although my dipes take a long time to make, I get great satisfaction in making each and every one. I always wonder what little bum will be in there. Lately, I am also really loving making breast pads for Mamas- because they deserve some goodies too!

What are you passionate about?
Cloth diapering and North American milled fabrics and products (buying local).

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment?
My new Jean diaper. I love it love it love it- is is sooo cool. Also my flames diaper, which for some reason, nobody buys???

Who is your inspiration?
My children. They were both cloth diapered and being frustrated with what was on the market , I developed my own. And my Dad. He was forced out of business due to manufacturing of fabrics in China and as you will see in my profile, that is the foundation of my business.

Why is cloth diapering important to you?
For the planet- absolutely. We are a very green family and wish more people were. And for baby's health: In 1955, 100% of American babies wore COTTON DIAPERS, 0% wore DISPOSABLES, and 7.1% experienced DIAPER RASH. In 1991, 10% of American babies wore COTTON DIAPERS, 90% wore DISPOSABLES, and 78% experienced DIAPER RASH.
SOURCES:
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 1959, Vol 54 pp. 793-800 “Relationship of Peri-Anal Dermititis to Fecel pH” by Drs. Tamio, Steiner, Benjamin
CLINICAL PEDRIATRICS May 1991, Vol 30 Department of Internal Medicine & Pedriatrics, Loyola University Medical Ctr. “Newborn Chemical Exposure from over-the-counter Skin-Care Products” by Drs. Cetta, Lambert, & Ross

What factors are the most important to you when choosing a cloth diaper?
For me it is about choosing the very very best fabrics out there for baby and- ALL made in North America. Even my thread is made here. The only thing in my diaper that is not manufactured here are the snaps (the best are from overseas unfortunately) and my elastics- but I may have found a North American elastic that will work for us.

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home?
My own MaMaJo one size PUL diaper. But now that I am potty training Rafi, I like to take two pair of absorbent underwear, one bigger, one smaller, put them one inside the other, and he can wear those around the house. They are super comfy and semi absorbent. I am working hard to try to make a lightweight absorbent and soft trainer-no success yet;.
On the go? For travel? - any good cloth diaper will do!
For budget? For budget, many people like flats or prefolds- they were not my first choice by any means but still a good option.

Do you have a favorite CD shop on Etsy?
Someday Sara - for her gorgeous wool longies. Both my children (and husband ) are allergic to wool so we had to forego my favourite combo of bamboo fitted dipes and wool longies- sniff sniff.

What is your favorite or least favorite cloth diapering memory?
Oh my Gosh. The first time I used an eco soap, I did not realise how harsh they are and used a regular amount on Maiya's diapers. When I took her diaper off, it was like a severe sunburn all over. I was just mortified. My favourite: making my very first cloth diaper for Rafi - I still have it and will always keep it. It is pretty lopsided- but gorgeous because it sent me on this wonderful wonderful journey of being a WAHM on etsy.

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaJodiapersandpads?ref=seller_info

Meet Boulevard Designs!

Today we meet Sarah from Boulevard Designs. Her shop contains a wonderful mix of creatively dyed diapering and other products, unique cloth diaper & clothing sets, repurposed wool and t-shirt diapers and covers, fleece covers, and fabulous baby and adult accessories. Read what Sarah has to say about her experience with cloth diapers and selling on Etsy, and then check out her shop for something great!





Where did you get the name for your shop? I live on a Boulevard, and I thought Boulevard Designs just had a nice ring to it.

Is it big business or a hobby? Boulevard Designs is more of a hobby, but it's a branch of my main business, Wallypop, which provides a substantial portion of our household income.

Why do you like selling on Etsy? It is a way to reach additional customers, and to make/sell items that don't easily fit into my main store. Etsy shoppers by and large seem to be pretty fun and easygoing, as well. Additionally, I like to shop on Etsy, and I love being part of the Etsy community.

How long have you been sewing? I have been sewing literally since I was tall enough to reach the pedal from the chair, and I was helping my mom sew long before that. I started knitting in high school (um, gosh, nearly 20 years ago). I've learned soap making, screenprinting, and tie dye as an adult.

What is your favorite thing to make at the moment? What are you passionate about? At the moment, I'm loving making the baby shoes. They're so cute and tiny and ridiculously unnecessary. I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for with the passionate about question, but I am passionate about helping families who are cloth diapering or babywearing, or who are considering cloth diapering or babywearing.

One of Sarah's gorgeous designs!


What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment?
www.etsy.com/listing/80679816/elvis-print-reclaimed-fabric-soft-baby The Elvis baby shoes. I mean, really. Elvis Baby Shoes. I keep considering taking this pair down to putting them in the dresser for the baby we're expecting in december.

Who/What is your inspiration? I am in business solely to enable me to stay home with my kids and still eat. My main business, Wallypop, is named after a nickname we gave my oldest when he was a baby.

Why is cloth diapering important to you? It's part of my counter-culture agenda, lol. While I'm only kidding there, I really hate that there's such an anti-child bias in our society, and part of that bias is the (mistaken) belief that kids are just so expensive. Kids CAN BE expensive, but mainly they are expensive because our society pushes so many products that just aren't needed, such as disposable diapers. So many mamas want to stay home with their babies after they're born, but don't feel they can afford to do so - cloth diapers are a big part of helping those moms be able to afford to do what their hearts are telling them. They can also take some of the financial stress off of working parents. Not to mention all the other benefits of cloth diapers, such as fewer chemicals in our babies' environments, fewer instances of diaper rash, fewer blowouts, and adorable softness.

What factors are the most important to you when choosing a cloth diaper? I look for diapers that are made in the USA, preferably by a person and not a machine. I prefer sized diapers over one-size diapers. I look for quality fabrics and materials, a diaper construction that makes sense, and a business/seller that seems to know what they're talking about and what they're doing.

What is the kind of diaper you like the best at home? On the go? For travel? For budget? Fitteds with wool covers. In all scenarios, lol. Prefolds and wool covers are my second favorite. I've never really understood the idea of using any particular type of diaper specifically for travel, unless the travel will involve hand washing, in which case I'd recommend flats. (And, yes, we had to hand wash on a trip with DH's family once.)

What is your favorite or least favorite cloth diapering memory? LOL, the same memory is both my favorite and least favorite. When I was pregnant with my oldest (8 years ago, long before modern cloth diapering was anywhere near as acceptable as it is now), the subject of diapers came up at my baby shower, which was held by one sister in law and attended by, among others, my other sister in law and my mother in law. One of the other attendees mentioned that she thought it was interesting that we were planning to use cloth diapers. One of my sisters in law remarked, very loudly, "oh, yeah, well, we'll see how long THAT lasts!" It's fairly typical of the attitude I get from all of my in-laws about many of our parenting choices, but is still one of my favorite memories because, gosh, it's 8 years later and I'm still using cloth diapers AND have built up a very successful, international business around modern cloth diapers.

Blvd Designs Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Boulevard-Designs/12637776170
Wallypop Facebook: www.facebook.com/wallypopIA
Web: www.wallypop.net