I'm going to be gone..

I'm going to have to leave the shop closed for now. We just have too much happening here for me to be able to sew for my family much less anyone else. I'm sorry if you have been waiting for me to re-open.
If you are in need of diapers please search Etsy Cloth Diaper Team. There are many wonderful and talented seamstresses who are more than willing to help out. Several of them do larger sizes as custom orders so if you see someone you are interested in just ask them.
Thank you for allowing me to work with you and help out your special family. :)

Too much going on....

Well our trip dates are Nov 2-8. Both kids have the flu (thank God for Tamiflu!) and I don't know if I'm even going to be able to re-open the shop. Boo's health is stable but he's requiring so much more care now that he's getting bigger. I do have help for 2 hours 3 afternoon's a week but Gracie is in several very challenging classes that take up that "extra" time I hoped to have. I suppose I'm just going to wait it out and see. Have a great week everyone!

"Chicken Spots"

Guess what....the varicella vaccine has a rather rare side effect. One can actually get the chicken pox...now there is only a 1-in 100 (or something like that) chance though many kids get 5-10 spots. Well Boo was required to get the vaccine to start kindergarten so I took him and HE GOT THE CHICKEN POX! So he got to attend for 2 days then stay home for a week. He's going back today though he still doesn't feel all that great. He's in the life skill class so they can let him sleep if he gets too grumpy.
Now I'm behind again so we've had to push back the re-opening again. We will also be taking a break later for about 2 weeks because Boo has been granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish foundation!! We're taking him to Disney World. Hopefully this trip will go better than last time we went to Florida...long story short...that's when Boo had his first seizure-at the airport as we are getting on the plane. Mom & Dad continued to Florida and Boo, Gracie and I went to St. Vincent Hospital. We did get there a day & a half later but we missed doing some of Gracie's birthday stuff since the trip was cut short. Still it was nice to get away...that was 4 years ago. Now he's old enough to enjoy it so we're going back. I'll post the trip dates when I know. Have a great day everyone!

It's August already!

Boo is doing a bit better post surgery. He should get to start school on the 12th with everyone else. Gracie is also ready to get back to school though her nerves are getting to her. I personally can't wait for school to start so I can get a bit of sewing done.
I'm still hoping for a mid-August reopening. We have several post-op follow-up appointments to go to before I can make it "official" but it looks promising. :)
Due to the CPSIA legislation I will be doing a lot of reworking things in my shop. I'm still working on being able to make things for those 12 and under. I think I've got the rules figured out so I just need to figure out how to make them workable in my situation. I also know that I will be doing very few custom orders for now. They just take a lot of time I don't have right now. Like I said before though, if you need something PLEASE let me know and I'll see if I can help you out.
I am also going to start selling off my extra supplies-the colors of PUL I know I can't use at home. If you can use diaper making supplies then keep checking back once I get re-opened. They will be at my cost (or very close) plus shipping. I just want someone to be able to use them. Thanks for your patience & understanding everyone!

Going to be gone longer...

Well, Boo is having surgery on Wednesday so my goal of re-opening on August 1 is a bust. I've moved the tentative date to mid-August. Sorry everyone but my family has to come first. I know there are some who are waiting for me to do some custom items and I will do my best to get things moving again soon. I will, however, be cutting my line back a bit more and rarely doing custom orders. That said if there is something you need or just want please let me know when I re-open. I will see what I can do. Thanks so much everyone!

Temporary Closing...

I'm trying to keep this blog related to the shop and my personal "stuff" on my personal blog. However, at this point in time they are overlapping. I know there are some people who read both and others who just keep track of 1 so I'm going to keep in short n sweet on this one and go into more detail on My Quirky Family.
I have closed the shop until approximately August 1. Boo's having some neurologic issues and I really need to focus on him for now. Thanks so much for being so understanding-it is appreciated so much more than you all will ever know.

Patriotic Pocket Dipes

I've listed the first of several patriotic themed pocket diapers last night. It's an XL so it will fit from 30-45 pounds roughly. The Etsy Cloth Diaper Team theme this month is "patriotic" so we can cover US and Canada and any other country we want to represent. I've to 2 more cut out and waiting to be sewn hopefully today and tomorrow. I plan to make the others in preschool sizes though I may cut out a few mediums since they sell pretty well for me too. I can't wait to see all these little bums in red, white, & blue!
If you've purchased any of my dipes please feel free to send me a picture of your munchkin running around in it and I'll post them on this blog so everyone can see how cute your little one is in cloth!
Have a great week!

New things coming...

I've been so busy with the sick kids that I've gotten nothing listed in ages! They are still not better but not getting worse so I should be able to finish all the "almost finished" things and get them listed. There should be a few more diapers and some g-tube pads for boys and girls.
I really need the "break" sewing gives me (and a few sales wouldn't hurt either...goodness the economy is crummy!). I also have a few more fabrics to list that I know I honestly will not use so I'm listing them too. Check things out later this weekend to see what I get listed! Hope everyone had a great week! :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day! I just wanted to wish all the mom's and mom's to be a happy and relaxing Mother's Day. Enjoy your day and relax....you've earned it. :-)

Here we go again...

OK, I've got the shop open again but I just can't do any custom orders right now. I have 2 sick kiddos and just can't get the time to sew. I'm adding ready to ship things so that's all I'm going to have for a while. I hope it won't be too long before I can do custom orders again since I know I've got at least 3 people waiting on me to open the slots. I promise I'll open them as soon as I can but with the sick kids it's keeping me tired and burned out so I'm waiting. I don't have time to sew and I refuse to accept an order knowing I have no idea how long it could take me. That's not fair to the buyer or my family. Thanks to everyone who is being so patient with us. I really appreciate it!

April Is...

April is Autism Awareness month! Please take a few minutes to learn about the many different forms of Autism.
Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), and other forms of autism are occurring at alarming rates in our young people. Approximately 1 out of every 150 children will be diagnosed with some form of Austism.
My daughter was misdiagnosed as ADHD and later was correctly diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Unfortunately, due to the slow diagnosing, she is no longer eligible for some of the programs that would have helped her tremendously in school and life.
Most people who meet my daughter have no idea she is living her life with Asperger's Syndrome. I'm sure there are a lot of people who think she's just a brat or needs more discipline. She's very "black or white", the "gray area" just isn't there. Thankfully she is on the milder end of the spectrum and doesn't have as many problems as those who are more severe. Daily I wish her educators would learn more about Autism spectrum disorders-I give every teacher who has her some information from the Mayo Clinic. It's a great place to start. Unfortunately most just set it aside and we have many unnecessary problems throughout the entire year because they "didn't know this is part of how an Aspergers child behaves or thinks" or "Aspergers is just an excuse-she should know better" (that one really irritates me-she would know if YOU'D TEACH HER!).
I'm asking everyone to take a moment to look at any one of the following sites and spend a few minutes reading about this rapidly growing issue. Our kids don't need "fixed". They need to be taught using different methods. They are square pegs people are trying to fit into round holes.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers-syndrome/DS00551
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm
Thank you from my family and all the other families you will soon understand better.

Some changes for my shop

I love my custom requests and I love my family.....not always the best mix though. Since there is only one of me, I have decided to no longer post listings for custom orders. However, I just can't stop taking them so I've decided to continue to do them but only when someone contacts me. I've got so many youth and adult undies waiting to be sewn that I'm going to start working on them and only do customs if requested.
I also am going to rephrase how my custom times are figured. I want to be sure that everone understands that 2 weeks is 2 business weeks so they don't count the weekends since I don't work on Saturday and Sunday. I just need to be able to spend more quality time with my family and can't if I'm working on custom orders and sewing for my shop. Summer break is coming up so quickly and I will have both kids home plus all the summer therapy sessions will keep me out more.
Streamlining my shop will allow me to keep making quality products and since they will already be done when they're listed they will go out to you faster. My custom orders will flow better too since I will be able to keep control of what come in and when it will be ready to ship. My plan is that this will make a better situation for all of us and keep the product quality too.

New soaker fabric

I've just received my shipment of Zorb. I am really pretty happy with this stuff. I've used it in several of Boo's diapers and training pants. It is a hidden layer directly beneath the layer that goes against the skin. It's like that super absorbant ShamW** stuff but made for diapers. It does hold alot and is really trim. This means that 1 layer of that is like about 4 layers of flannel or 2 layers of hemp/cotton or microfiber. I've had pretty good luck using 1 layer of Zorb with 2-3 layers of either hemp/cotton or microfiber. This lets the undies be really trim but still really absorbant. My understanding is that it is best to use no more than 2 layers of Zorb though because you lose any extra help after that. I think 1 sewn in layer and 1 in the insert works great. It does need to have another fabric though because it has a "squish" factor. When it's compressed (sitting or laying on the layer) it doesn't hold as well. If you have another absorbant fabric that may not absorb as quickly it helps. Together they have tons of holding power! I can't wait to get a few things up that are ready to ship with this stuff in them. Have a great weekend everyone!
p.s. We're on spring break for this week so I'm not going to be on the computer nearly as much for the next 10 days. It's time for my kids to be my focus for a few days. :D

All better now!

Thankfully we are all better now. This crazy cough is still hanging around be everyone is better and I'm even finally getting the sewing room rearranged so it's more effecient and usable.
Custom orders didn't even need to go on hold so the 2 I'm working on should go out in next week's mail. Thank for all the patience everyone-I really appreciate it.

Pneumonia!

OK, the kids have both had pneumonia for the last 3 weeks. I've been fighting it off but last week it finally won. I've been down and out for the last 7-8 days but with the help of Augmentin 875 I'm finally starting to feel better.
I'm slowly working on the last 3 of the custom orders that came in during the previous 2 weeks. I will be sewing some this weekend so I can get them out during the first part of the week.
I think I will be putting a hold on custom orders next week to give me time to finish up everything. If you hit the shop and want a custom order, please be patient. I'm starting them up again on March 16, 2009.
I'm so sorry to all who have been waiting so patiently. I am working to get everything out asap. Thanks!

Custom Orders

I've decided that I don't post regularly enough so here's the plan. I'm going to set up posts for 1 or 2 times each week and I'll post pictures of things I've done during the week. Some times it will be a custom order other times just something I've decided to add to the shop. This will keep me busy (like I really need that ;D ) and everyone can see what's new in the shop.


This week I finished a custom order for 2 newborn and 6 large infant diapers. I'm not posting names for privacy sake (I'm big on HIPPA-even when it's not medically related).





I really like the way they came out and I hope the mamma who ordered them does too. She requested girl prints for the newest baby and boy for the the larges. I tried to get prints for the larges that are boy but still neutral enough for the girl later if needed. After all, one of the reasons we use cloth is to be able to diaper more than 1 child with them.

OK, now I've got to get the listing for the Etsy Cloth Diaper promo up so stay tuned for pics of that next....

KCK One Training Pants

I just completed the licensee paperwork and should be good to go in the next few days. If you've been to the shop don't worry...Boo's sick but we're home now so as soon as I get the last 2 custom orders out (in the next few days) I'm adding a few of these in different sizes. I'll be re-opening the shop tomorrow sometime.

Here's a few pictures so you can see what a SOPO (snap on pull off) looks like. They're really trim and I like the pocket in the back so an insert can be added if needed. I'm making these ready to go and custom so just let me know what your favorite combination is and we can get your order ready!

I used a cute dinosaur flannel inner on this one and PUL on the outside. Many thanks to ClothosSpindle on Etsy for the donated PUL-it's super cute with the dinosaurs!

My new family blog!

I've decided to separate my work and family related posts so I'm starting another blog. It's been on my "to do" list for awhile but there never seems to be time. Today I just DID IT. :)
Now those of you who come here to see things relating to my Etsy shop no longer have to read about "what the kids did over the weekend" or "Gracie's latest Aspie issue". Seriously though I really want to let this be about what I can supply to help families like mine and keep our family stuff separate. Now let's just hope I can find the time to keep with both. For those who are interested in both I'm posting a link on the side bar for "My Quirky Family".

Pull On Styles are coming!

I've had soooo many people want to know if I have pull on style "absorbent undies" that I've decided to get licensed for the new KCK One patterns. I'm ordering them this weekend and hope to put up a few ready mades as well as the custom slots in the next 2 weeks. They have snaps or hook & loop on the side seams for easy removal but still pull on & off if desired. I also just got some more PUL in pale yellow, light green and baby blue so I'm thinking they will make wonderful ready made waterproof undies. These also have an inner welt pocket so you can add more inserts for more absorbency if you'd like. They are really nice. I made a few for my son to use at school and I'm waiting to see if they like them better than the diaper shaped ones.

Another thought-I've decided that I really don't care for calling my larger sized undergarments "diapers". Regardless of whether or not they are shaped like them-it implies "baby" to most and disable people aren't babies. They are simply differently-abled. With this in mind you will see that I am in the process of rewording my listings to state something like "absorbent undies" instead of diapers. Even those with challenged minds still wish to be treated with respect. Bladder/bowel control issues should not be demeaning. :)
Now if life will continue to cooperate I can finish my custom orders and put up a few ready-made KCK's!
Have a great week everyone!
PS
The binder is really working for me, just google "home management binder" and set up something like it for yourself. It really keeps you on track. ;)

Back to the binder

OK, I have once again become the most disorganized person! Everything is a mess and I can't take it. It hasn't helped that DH has been laid off for 2 months and DD & DS are out of school due to snow for the last week.
I've decided to go back to using a homemanagement binder. I started using one early last year and once I got started it was WONDERFUL! Things got done and I wasn't overwhelmed every day. Well, too many trips to the hospital and laziness on my part (yes, I admit it-I got lazy!) and now it's all a mess again. I need a simple system that anyone can fall into my shoes can follow. I found an e-book for under $9 that got me started. I tweeked it for me & life was much simpler. I've seen it put into a card file instead of a large binder and that was really cool too but it would be lost in our house-guaranteed.
I spent last night with the old binder out going thru all of what I had and deciding what will & what won't still work. It wasn't as hard as I thought. Most things just needed updates for our current needs. I don't use all of the sections in the e-book since some don't apply but they are a reaaly nice staring point. I have also begun researching other types of checklists for cleaning. I need something to keep me on the right track and there are so many great ideas out there.
I find my creativity goes out the window when I get stressed. A messy house is STRESS. Now it's probably gonna take me a few weeks to fix this mess but I've learned to not try to do it all in a day or two. It didn't happen that way & I can't fix it that fast. Don't think I haven't tried-it never happens and I get too frazzled.
I got my e-book from http://myblessedhome.blogspot.com/
It's a great starting point and she's got a lot of information about making this "yours". I have the previous version but it's been updated now and I'm thinking about getting the newer version because it's that good.
Simplemom.net also have some great checklists and ideas to incorporate into this. Just remember it will never be "finished". It should evolve as you do, parts will come and go as needed or not used. My challenge was to tweek it for a special needs family-try one of these if you find yourself feeling scattered. It doesn't have to be a binder, the card box is one of several options that take up very little space. I like the idea of having a 31 daybox and just rotating out the day as needed. Pretty nice way to keep track of things, huh. Good luck and God bless!

CPSIA is delayed!

CPSIA legislation is delayed until 2010. Thankfully we have been given a reprieve. I know all the WAHP (work at home people) want our kids safe-which is why we do this. We are compliant with no lead containing fabrics and such. Now they are going to take the time to clarify what has to be tested and what is exempt. I am all for legislation like this if it is implemented PROPERLY and THOUGHTFULLY. It looks like now Congress will take the time to really look at what they need to accomplish and how to best do that without putting thousands of people out of work in the process. Thanks you Lord!

Frustration is setting in....

OK, this is totally off the shop subject but this blog is about the kiddies too so here goes.
Nikolas is really not doing as well as he could on the commercial formulas (too much vomiting). We've tried almost all of them. Frankly I'm over it. I asked about putting him on a homemade blenderized formula-I mean asked like 4 different doc's of his. All of them are fine with it. (We started this back at the end of summer but then he had unexpected brain surgery a week in & we stopped.)
Now I start looking for recipes that a good quality blender can handle ('cause there is no way on earth I can afford a Vitamix). We are planning to continue to use Pediasure for the "milk/dairy" portion but that way he only gets 2 cans instead of 5. Plus when he ate more pureed foods and less formula he didn't get sick nearly as often. Like his pediatrician said-"we really aren't meant to survive on commercial formulas anyway".
All the doctors recommend using a nutritionist to be sure I'm not missing anything but also agree that if I'm still adding 2 cans of Pediasure we should be fine. The nutritionists at St. Vincent are waiting for me to give them the recipes but I'm just having a frustrating time finding any and my mind is not giving any great ideas either.
Since he's decided he likes to eat some orally I'm back to pureeing carrots, peas, green beans, asparagus (-which surprisingly he LOVES!), peaches, pears, apricots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mixed frozen berries and frozen strawberries. I give him whatever he'll eat orally then throw the rest into the blender and away we go. We also use V8 veggie juice and V8 fruit/veggie juices instead of just water to thin for the tube.
I've been told to try the Food Pyramid Gov't site for help but they can only tell me how many of each group to get. I already have that info.
There is a book called "Homemade Blended Formula Handbook" that I want to see. I'm more than willing to buy it but I want to see it first to be sure it's what I need. It's impossible to find that book USED! I've looked everywhere and got nothing. I can't find other recipes either. I know that I can use anything if I get a Vitamix but who can afford them really! They're over $450 each-it's a BLENDER for cryin' out loud.
I don't mind taking the time to do this but good grief they don't make it even close to easy to do.
(Can you tell I'm getting frustrated!?!) I used to blend food for both kids as babies but when they get older and need more meat it's difficult to get that fine enough, and I can't have an enormous volume to feed either. I suppose I'm back to the govt website to see what else besides peanut butter and tofu I can substitute for the needed nutrients. Grains are giving me fits too. Any Vegetarians-PLEASE help me out here!