Vendor of the Month: Designs by Cace

For our very first vendor of the month we have Sara of Designs by Cace. She makes adorable diapers, slings, Bite Me dinos, and more!

Sara has her own HyenaCart store and she also stocks on the CWCB Congo every month and the Boytique Congo which is having it's grand opening on Aug 23rd.

How did you become a WAHM?

Sara- I have always done my own small business ideas. My husband and I used to work together to rebuild and paint motorcycles and cars to resell before I got pregnant. A few months before I got pregnant with my son Cace we had opened a dog bakery in Florida and sold to local dog friendly stores. I was laid off at 9 months pregnant and my idle thinking about cloth diapering turned into a need because my husband had been laid off months before as well. Since I already new how to sew I started making my own. Six months later I started doing testing and in March of 2010 I opened my Hyena Cart store Designs by Cace!

How long have you been sewing/creating?

Sara- For as long as I can remember. My mother and her friends used to do a weekly craft get-together and she brought me along. They also attended craft shows every year. They taught me sewing, quilting, basket weaving (I can whip up a mean basket in no time, lol) decorative painting and stenciling. All sorts of stuff.

What motivates you to sew?

Sara- My mother passed away when I was 13 and I don't have very many other memories of her. I do it because I enjoy it and it makes me feel close to her and that she is proud of me.

Are there days when you just want to throw your hands up and forget about being a WAHM?

Sara- Sometimes, but we could use the extra money it brings in. With my son Cace being sick at random times every month with his fever disorder and all of his appointments a "real" job would never work out. I need the flexibility being a WAHM offers even if it means I will never again remember what sleep is.

In an average week, how many hours do you devote to your work?

Sara- I try to do 3 hours a day, but it only happens maybe 5 days a week. So I'd say an average of 15 hours, 20 if the stars align, everyone takes good long naps and my husband helps out so I can tie up loose ends before a stocking.

What would you say is the most challenging thing about being a WAHM?

Sara- Trying to not say "just a second" 8 times in a row and ignore what my son wants. Sometimes his train tracks will sit in pieces a little longer then they should because I am determined to finish something. I'm trying to break the habit, but some days I just can't. Trying to find that perfect balance of work and family time is hard.

What is your favorite thing to make?

Sara- I think my favorite thing to make currently is the Bite Me Dino from Booger Bear Creations. They are so cute and I love all the different fabric/ribbon combos I can create.

Do you have a favorite fabric print?

Sara- My cotton Red Sox print. Super hard to come by and an awesome yard sale score!

Have you ever made something to sell and then decided you couldn't part with it?
c
Sara- Pretty much anything New England sports related has a very hard time leaving my house. I usually have to make two

And last but most importantly, which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Sara- the egg, the chicken wasn't here yet when I got the itch to CD, and he was 5 years in the future when my husband and I first started being in business for ourselves :P

Check out some of the cute stuff she makes:






And now for the giveaway, Sara would like to offer the winner their choice of a custom diaper or a custom Bite Me dino!

There are three ways to enter. Make sure you include an email address so that we have some way to get in touch with you!!

1. Comment here. Easy, right?

2. Go to our Facebook page and "like" us. Come back here and comment that you did.

3. Share the link to this blog somewhere out there in cyberspace. On your facebook page, on a forum, on your blog, wherever! Then, come back here and share the link to where you posted.

Good luck! The giveaway will end on 8/10 and I will draw a winner using random.org!

Handwashing Diapers

So this is basically it. These pics were taken about two years ago. I did this every day for a few months. Don't mind the gross tiles. It's not mildew, just really old and peely grouting that is in desperate need of redoing:

-Prerinse with Tea Tree Oil and Baking Soda

-Swish swish swish. Notice my ghetto swishing stick. It's a baseboard. I don't even know how I came into possession of that. Moving on....

-Drain. Then fill tub again but this time add detergent and OxyClean. Oh, and at this point, you might need a glass of wine. Then swish swish swish again for a while and leave them there for at least ten minutes. Drain.

-Squeeze out excess water with your (CLEAN) feet. In this pic are a lot of mama made diapers plus a few Happy Heiny's, a Mac a Doodle, Roo Bug, and a few prefolds.

-Fill tub again. Rinse (by way of swishing.) Then using your sink, rinse and wring each diaper individually.

-Place on rack to dry. Have another glass of wine.

How to wash wool *pic tutorial*

There are many different stores that offer wool wash, I like ones that have the lanolin in them. I decided to start taking pictures after I had started washing which is why the water is cloudy in the first pic. And I was taking pics myself so I couldn't really show action shots LOL.

Fill your sink with room temp water and submerge the wool. I always turn my wool inside out so that I am cleaning the inside. You will have to push it under to get the air out and get it fully wet.

Use your wool wash bar to scrub the wool all over. I usually start with the legs. I rub the bar to get soap on the wool then rub it in with my hands.

This picture shows the lather I have worked up on the leg.

When you have washed it all focusing on the "wet zone" then let it set in the water for about 10-15 minutes.

Now you drain the water and rinse the wool with room temp water again.

Then I squish water out of it. You do not want to squeeze or wring the wool.

Then lay it flat on a towel and roll it up like a burrito.

Step on the rolled up towel to squeeze excess water out of the wool.

This is where some people just lay the wool to dry but I have recently started putting mine on the spin cycle of the washing machine and letting it spin out as well.

Then lay flat to dry. I usually turn mine over every 8 hours so that it dries evenly.

Types of cloth diapers

Flat: A single layered fabric (typically cotton) that can be folded where absorbency is needed most, or simply folded into a square and used like a prefold. Cotton weaves include birdseye, muslin. Economical and one sized (can be doubled when baby is older). Receiving blankets can be used (but need to be pinned). You need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof.

Prefold: A flat, layered, rectangular diaper with extra layers for absorbency in the center. Commonly used with a fastener and waterproof cover. Economical to buy and can be re-purposed as burp/cleaning cloths or inserts/doublers. Great for the newborn stage. You need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof.

Pre-Fitted: A fitted diaper made from a prefold. Goes on like a disposable. May have snaps or aplix (a.k.a. velcro, hook and loop, touchtape) closure, or require pins or a Snappi. You need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof. Easy DIY prefitted tutorial

Fitted: A shaped diaper that includes elasticized legs. Most commonly has an aplix or snap closure. You need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof. Why choose fitteds?

Contour: Shaped, like a fitted diaper, but without elastic and usually without attached closures. Commonly used with pins or a Snappi. You need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof.

Pocket: A 2 layered diaper that requires the addition of an absorbent insert. The outer layer is most commonly made of PUL, with the inner (the part that sits against baby's skin) usually being a "stay-dry" fabric (microfleece, suedecloth, etc.) that allows moisture to seep through to the insert, keeping baby's skin dry. Use a fresh, clean insert and pocket at each change. You do NOT need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof.

All In One (AIO): The closest option to disposable diapers. Outside is made of a waterproof layer, and the absorbency is sewn in. You do NOT need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof.

All In Two (AI2): Similar to an AIO, but with a removable absorbent layer for easier washing and faster drying. Absorbent layer is usually snapped in place inside the diaper, sitting directly against baby's skin. You do NOT need a cover to make this type of diaper waterproof.

Hybrid Diapers: These diapers feature a waterproof shell and different types of lay-in inserts that allow you to just replace the insert and continue using the shell. The different inserts may include disposable inserts, microfiber inserts, and some people even reuse trifolded prefolds as inserts.

Covers

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL): The waterproof fabric commonly used for making diapers and diaper covers. PUL covers can be air dried and reused in a day's rotation unless soiled with poo. 3-6 covers are usually adequate for a full diapering stash.

Nylon: Not as commonly used as PUL, but a popular economical alternative. Usually found in a pull-on style cover

Wool (Soakers, Shorties, Longies, Skirties): Wool yarn can be used to knit or crochet diaper covers that, once treated with lanolin, are quite waterproof. Wool covers also offer breathability that PUL covers do not, as well as certain antimicrobial properties. How to wash wool

Interlock (Soakers, Shorties, Longies, Skirties): Wool or acrylic yarn that has been tightly woven into more of a fabric than knitting or crocheting produces.

Acrylic (Soakers, Shorties, Longies, Skirties): Like wool, but made with acrylic yarn. Can be washed more often and washed/dried with your normal laundry.

Fleece (Soakers, Shorties, Longies, Skirties): A synthetic alternative to wool, fleece can be used as a diaper cover.

Soaker: A term for a diaper cover made of wool, acrylic, or fleece, most commonly in the form of a pull-on (rather than wrap w/ aplix or snap closure).

Accessories

Pins: Special safety pins used to fasten certain types of diapers.

Snappi: An alternative to pins. 2-3 is usually adequate for a full diapering stash.

Aplix, Touchtape: Velcro

Liners: Piece of fabric or paper that is laid into a diaper to protect the diaper from creams, make removal of poo easier, or provide a "stay-dry" feeling on baby's skin. Most of the paper liners on the market are flushable. Fleece liners are easily and cheaply made by cutting synthetic fabric store microfleece into rectangles.

Inserts: Separate absorbent layers for use inside pocket diapers.

Doublers: Extra (usually smaller) inserts for use in combination with primary inserts.

Soaker: Another term for the absorbent layer of any diaper.

Pails and Storage

Wet Pail: A dirty diaper storage pail that employs water and/or additives in which dirty diapers soak until wash day. Wet pails are not recommended as they pose a drowning hazard.

Dry Pail: A dirty diaper storage pail that does not use liquids to soak diapers. Dirty diapers are sprayed, scraped, or wiped of solids, and then simply tossed in the dry pail until wash day.

Combating Pail Stink: Though some moms use commercially marketed diaper pails with success, the most common solutions seem to be simple lidded plastic trash cans, buckets, or tall laundry hampers. Most seem to agree that the more air that can circulate around the diapers, the less stink they have (and their home still smells normal as well!) Cleaning the inside of the pail on wash day goes a long way toward getting rid of any smell, as does a few drops of essential oil (like Tea Tree Oil) on a small piece of cloth tossed into the pail (some pail liners even come with a piece sewn in for this purpose).

Washing and Drying

Detergent: You cannot use just any detergent on your cloth diapers. Those with whiteners and softeners may cause your diapers to repel (instead of absorb) moisture. Common advice is to use a small amount of detergent to wash diapers, in order to help prevent buildup and skin irritation. A good link on different detergents here

Pre-Rinsing: Most cloth diaper users do a cold pre-rinse with no detergent in their washing machine before doing the actual wash cycle to rinse away urine and any leftover solids.

Washing: Wash routines may vary according to your detergent, washing machine, type of water, etc.

Extra Rinses: Some cloth diaper users do extra rinse cycles at the end of their wash in order to ensure that all of the detergent has been washed away.

Drying Methods: Some diapers and covers require line drying, and some can be machine dried. Line drying diapers with aplix closures and/or PUL may help extend the life of those components.

Laundry Additives: Depending on the type of water you have (soft or hard), softening additives may be necessary to get diapers clean in the wash. Essential oils may also be added to the wash water to add scent. Though fabric softener is never recommended for cloth diapers, white vinegar is commonly used in it's place, as well as in a pre-wash rinse cycle to help combat ammonia buildup.

Stripping: The act of removing detergent buildup or other contaminants (ammonia, yeast, etc.) from diapers, usually involving multiple hot wash cycles, multiple extra rinses, boiling, blue Dawn dish detergent, and less commonly a dishwasher. How to strip

Sunning: The act of removing stains from diapers by drying in bright sunlight. Lemon juice may also be used when sunning stains for extra whitening.

Washing by hand: http://www.cafemom.com/group/34752/forums/read/13775783/Handwashing_Dipes_pic_obese

Breakdown in Costs - Disposables vs. Cloth Diapering

Breakdown of Costs:

I am going to base the cost on a toddler potty training at 3 years of age not including training pants.

I am also going to make a broad assumption and say 1 wipe per diaper change. I realize that some people do not wipe for wet diapers so use your imagination and pretend those extras are from really messy dirty diapers. :)

Disposable Diaper Costs

For ease of calculating I will buy the largest package available and calculate my costs by either
a) if amount of diapers needed for that stage is less than the box size, I will post the total box cost or
b) if the amount of diapers for that stage is more than the box size, I will post the total box cost + individual diaper cost for the overage.or
c) if the amount of diapers for that stage is close to double (triple, etc) the box size, I will post the box count closest to equal the amount of diapers needed.

I realize you would not be able to do this in real life but it will make my job a lot easier than finding packages to equal the exact amount necessary for the stage.

Pampers Diapers & Wipes

Pampers Swaddlers (NB) - NB-2wks Available here
$22.39 for 108 diapers cost per diaper is .20 - 7 a day for 2 weeks is 98 diapers
Total cost - $22.39 (1 box)

Pampers Swaddlers (1-2) - 2wks-2mo Available here
$43.99 for 252 diapers cost per diaper is .17 - 7 a day is 294 diapers
Total cost - $51.13 (1 box + 42 individual diapers)

Pampers Swaddlers (2) - 2mo-4mo Available here
$43.99 for 204 diapers cost per diaper is .22 - 7 a day is 392 diapers
Total cost - $87.98 (2 boxes)

Pampers Cruisers (3) - 4mo-10mo Available here
$44.99 for 186 diapers cost per diaper is .24 - 7 a day is 1176 diapers
Total cost - $286.74 (6 boxes + 70 individual diapers)

Pampers Cruisers (4) - 10mo-2yrs Available here
$44.99 for 160 diapers cost per diaper is .28 - 7 a day is 2744 diapers
Total cost - $771.55 (17 boxes + 24 individual diapers)

Pampers Cruisers (5) - 2yrs-3yrs Available here
$44.99 for 140 diapers cost per diaper is .32 - 7 a day is 2352 diapers
Total cost - $764.83 (17 boxes)

Pampers Soft Care Wipes - Available here
$20.99 for 720 wipes cost per wipe is .029 - 7056 wipes in 3 years
Total cost - $209.90 (10 boxes)

Total amount spent: $2194.52

Parent's Choice Diapers & Wipes

Parent's Choice (NB) - 2 weeks Available here
$40 for 252 diapers cost per diaper is .15 - 7 a day for 2 weeks is 98 diapers
Total cost - $40 (1 pack)

Parent's Choice (1) - 2 weeks-2mo Available here
$26.60 for 200 diapers cost per diaper is .13 - 7 a day is 294 diapers
Total cost - $38.82 (1 pack + 94 individual diapers)

Parent's Choice (2) - 2mo-4mo Available here
$13.97 for 96 diapers cost per diaper is .14 - 7 a day is 392 diapers
Total cost - $57.00 (4 boxes + 8 individual diapers)

Parent's Choice (3) - 4mo-10mo Available here
$13.97 for 96 diapers cost per diaper is .14 - 7 a day is 1176 diapers
Total cost - $171.00 (12 boxes + 24 individual diapers)

Parent's Choice (4) - 10mo-2yo Available here
$13.97 for 82 diapers cost per diaper is .17 - 7 a day is 2744 diapers
Total cost - $467.47 (33 boxes + 38 individual diapers)

Parent's Choice (5) - 2yo-3yo Available here
$13.97 for 70 diapers cost per diaper is .20 - 7 a day is 2352 diapers
Total cost $469.41 (33 boxes + 42 individual diapers)

Parent's Choice Wipes - Available here
$10.97 for 700 wipes cost per wipe is .016 - 7056 wipes in 3 years
Total cost - $110.60 (10 boxes + 56 individual wipes)

Total amount spent: $1354.30

Optional Costs

These are items that are not necessary for diapering.

Diaper Genie 2 - Available here
$22.23 - each liner holds approximately 270 diapers, contains one liner
Total cost - $22.23

Diaper Genie Refills - Available here
$18.00 - contains 3 refill liners or 810 diapers cost per liner is $6
Total cost - $150 (8 refill boxes + 1 individual refill)

Total amount spent - $172.23

Cloth Diapers

Since so many people said something about it, I am going to add a resale value of half the new price for the cloth diapers to the bottom of each category. No resale on the wipes (use them as washcloths!)

Prefolds

Since prefolds are thinner, I am going to go with 10 diapers a day compared to the 7 a day I was using with disposables. I am also going with a stash of diapers large enough to wash every other day (24 prefolds)

Osocozy Indian Prefolds (Infant) - NB-2mo Available here
$34.99 for 12 diapers cost per diaper is $2.91 - 10 a day is 560 diaper changes
Total cost - $69.98 (24 diapers)

Osocozy Indian Prefolds (premium) - 2mo-2yo Available here
$45.99 for 12 diapers cost per diaper is $3.83 - 10 a day is 6160 diaper changes
Total cost - $91.98 (24 diapers)

Osocozy Indian Prefolds (toddler) - 2yo-3yo Available
here

$48.99 for 12 diapers cost per diaper is $4.08 - 10 a day is 3360 diaper changes
Total cost - $97.98 (24 diapers)

Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover (1) - NB-4mo Available here
$12.99 for 1 cover - 2 covers for use (one to wear and one drying)
Total cost - $25.98 (2 covers)

Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover (2) - 4mo-3yo Available here
$12.99 for 1 cover - 2 covers for use (one to wear and one drying)
Total cost - $25.98 (2 covers)

Bumgenius Flannel Wipes - Available here
$11.99 for 12 wipes cost per wipe is $1.00 - 10,080 wipes in 3 years
Total cost - $23.98 (24 wipes)

Total amount spent: $335.88

Resale amount: $155.95

Amount spent after resale: $179.93

One-Size Pocket Diaper

I chose a one-sized diaper that I know from personal experience fits newborns well. I am going to stay with my original amount of 24 diapers for a stash large enough to wash every other day.

Rumparoos One-Size Pocket Diaper - NB-3yo Available here
$23.50 for 1 diaper
Total cost - $564.00 (24 diapers)

Bumgenius Flannel Wipes - Available here
$11.99 for 12 wipes cost per wipe is $1.00 - 10,080 wipes in 3 years
Total cost - $23.98 (24 wipes)

Total amount spent: $587.98

Resale amount: $282.00

Amount spent after resale: $293.99

Sized Fitted Diapers

To give a fair estimate of what buying sized diapers would cost, I am sticking with 24 diapers for each size.

Kissaluvs Fitted (0) - NB-2mo Available here
$14.95 for 1 diaper
Total cost - $358.80 (24 diapers)

Kissaluvs Fitted (1) - 2mo-2yo Available here
$14.95 for 1 diaper
Total cost - $358.80 (24 diapers)

Kissaluvs Fitted (2) - 2yo-3yo Available here
$14.95 for 1 diaper
Total cost - $358.80 (24 diapers)

Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover (1) - NB-4mo Available here
$12.99 for 1 cover - 2 covers for use (one to wear and one drying)
Total cost - $25.98 (2 covers)

Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover (2) - 4mo-3yo Available here
$12.99 for 1 cover - 2 covers for use (one to wear and one drying)
Total cost - $25.98 (2 covers)

Bumgenius Flannel Wipes - Available here
$11.99 for 12 wipes cost per wipe is $1.00 - 10,080 wipes in 3 years
Total cost - $23.98 (24 wipes)

Total cost: $1152.34

Resale amount: $564.18

Total amount spent after resale: $588.16

Detergent

Rockin' Green Detergent - Available here
$13.95 for 1 bag - 45 loads per bag cost per load is .31 - 548 loads done in 3 years
Total cost - $181.35 (13 bags)

Tide 2x Original Detergent (liquid)- Available here
$17.97 - 96 loads cost per load is .18 - 548 loads done in 3 years
Total cost - $107.82 (6 bottles)

Optional Costs

13.3 gallon trash can with lid - Available here
$13.00 for 1 trash can
Total cost - $13.00

Wahmies Pail Liner - Available here
$16.50 for 1 pail liner
Total cost - $16.50

Wahmies Regular Wetbag - Available here
$15.50 for 1 wet bag
Total cost - $15.50

Total amount spent - $45.00