Vendor of the Month: Tantrums

Our vendor of the month this month is Lexi of Tantrums. You can find her on Facebook here. And of course, on the Cuties Congo.

How did you become a WAHM?

I adore creating. It seemed that friends were always asking me to make them everything from diapers to flower girl dresses.

I started selling my items, as a way to feed my love of sewing.

How long have you been sewing/creating?

My mother was an extremely craft woman, she was always working on something or other. I was lucky enough to have her often involve me.

I would say that I really threw myself into sewing once I had my first daughter, 4 years ago.

What motivates you to sew?

My daughters. They are my muses. My 4 year old often presents me with creative challenges. "Mom, will you make me butterfly wings?" "Mom, will you make me a bat costume?"

Of course I will!

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

Yup, especially when sales are few and far between. If that happens, I just change things up. Start working on a new product, or just take a break from WAHM sewing and focus on mom sewing.

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

Every night I work from the girls' bedtime to midnight, also every naptime. That is about 5-6 hours a day. So I work about 35 to 42 hours each week.

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

Trying to figure out what on earth to make. More often than not, I find myself just starting at my piles of fabric trying to decided which one to pick.

What is your favorite thing to make?

As a WAHM - diapers. I love making diapers.

As a mommy - clothes for my girls.

Do you have a favorite fabric print?

It changes all the time. I fall in love with different fabrics every time I hit up a craft store.

Have you ever made something to sell and then decided you couldn't part with it?

In a way. I've made items that I loved so much that I just had to make another one to keep.

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

The chicken yo.

Lexi is giving away a custom pocket diaper. To enter, you may do any of the following and each counts as an entry.

1. Comment on this blog with a valid email address.

2. Like the FB page and comment here that you did.

3. Like Tantrum's FB page and comment here that you did.

4. Share the news of the giveaway on your personal FB page and comment here with a link.

5. Follow this blog by clicking the follow link in the righthand column.

I will close the contest at some point on 4/10 and will announce the winner on the Congo's FB page!

Vendor of the Month: Nikki's Little House

Our vendor of the month this month is Nikki of Nikki's Little House and Coco Bear Cloth. You can find her on Facebook here. And of course, on the Cuties Congo.

How did you become a WAHM?

My mom and I had a craft shop when I was in highschool called "Nikki's Little House". We closed it after a few years because I was busy with marriage and all things young adults do. I continued to sew projects for people, and do yearly craft shows. In 2007 I went ahead and became "official" so I could venture out and begin to sell commercial diapers and other retail things. People started recommending me for different projects, and before I knew it, businesses were calling me for embroidery.

How long have you been sewing/creating?

I still have a project from when I was 7 years old with my mom! It was a turtle pin cushion. So I'd say probably a year or two before then. My mom has always been a crafter, even as a little girl she made her own barbie clothes and furniture, so it's like second nature to me.

What motivates you to sew?

I am always getting new ideas and inspiration from lots of different places. If I could, I would sew full time! Mainly, my motivation comes from others who ask me to do things for them. We start working on something, dreaming it up, and then I get excited to make it as close to what they are wanting, if not better.


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

I am sure many people have those days. When I found out I was pregnant with #3 I considered it. I already have such limited time with homeschooling and the other two kids. But I just can't give it up, I love it too much.


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

It has definitely decreased lately, but still probably 15-25 hours a week.

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

Just finding the time. And I always feel bad because I rarely make things for my own family.

What is your favorite thing to make?

Stroller blankets are my favorite thing to make. I love them because I like to combine fabrics, choose coordinating ribbons, and make them unique. I think it makes me happy because I created the pattern out of my own head, and I still love it and find new uses for them.

Do you have a favorite fabric print?

Not one specifically, I just love fabric in general. I like modern prints for adult items, and for my girls I like nature inspired fabrics. Owls, trees, elephants, birds. My Nikki's Little House logo is very "me".


Have you ever made something to sell and then decided you couldn't part with it?

A cupcake boppy cover. I was making it for a congo, then decided it was perfect for Chelsey when I was nursing her. And we still had the old one that came with the boppy from when I was nursing her sister 4 years prior! So, I decided that was for her.


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

The chicken, of course. Who would have laid the egg? ;)

Check out some of the cool stuff she has made:

Nikki is offering a cute owl keychain as a giveaway. To enter, you may do any of the following and each counts as an entry.

1. Comment on this blog.

2. Like the FB page and comment here that you did.

3. Like Nikki's Little House FB page and comment here that you did.

4. Share the news of the giveaway on your personal FB page and comment here with a link.

I will close the contest at some point on 2/22 and will announce the winner on the Congo's FB page!

Vendor of the Month: Kim's Cloth

This month we are talking to Kim of Kim's Cloth. She makes gorgeous minky diapers with embroidered designs or minky applique. These are awesome diapers with an innovative adjustable elastic sizing.

She can be found monthly at the congo and she also has her own personal website for buying, here is her facebook page and she also stocks the Diaperpalooza congo.

How did you become a WAHM?

Kim- My MIL had an embroidery machine that she rarely used because it too complex for her. I started playing around with it when we were hanging out at her house. I started getting all sorts of ideas about things I could make, and thought maybe I could make some extra money while being creative. So, she ended up selling it to me and the rest is history! How long have you been sewing/creating? Kim- I had never sewed anything more than hemming a pair of pants before I started experimenting with my MIL's embroidery machine. That was the summer of 2007.

What motivates you to sew?

Kim- It gives me purpose. I love being a wife and mother first and foremost...but having a creative outlet that is "mine" and that I can share with other people has really given me fulfilment. It's something that is just "Kim"...not mommy, not "Kim & Joe".

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

Kim- Yes. When my bathroom is filthy (I do have 2 boys and a husband!), when the fish tanks are gross and need cleaned, or when I'm just plain tired and want to lay on the couch an do nothing. But at the end of the day, I enjoy what I do and I believe in honoring the commitments I've made to people.

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

Kim- It's so hard to figure out, because I'm always bouncing back and forth between sewing and taking care of my family and house. If I had to guesstimate, I would say about 30 hours a week.

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

Kim- The balancing act. Making a schedule for myself of what needs to be done when, and making it work while still taking care of my family's needs and taking care of myself.

What is your favorite thing to make?

Kim- Embroidered diapers, hands down. I love designing the diapers and working out how I want the finished diaper to look...and then executing it. They are my most popular product, too, and I love watching people get so excited about something that I've created!

Do you have a favorite fabric print?

Kim- I don't really have a favorite print...I don't really work with a lot of printed fabrics. I do love minky, though. I use it for all my embroidered diapers, and I would make everything out of it if I could!

Have you ever made something to sell and then decided you couldn't part with it?

Kim- I haven't, only because the majority of things I make are custom orders. Embroidered diapers are the only thing that I pre-make to sell, and no matter how much I love a design, my son potty trained a while ago.

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

Kim- Why the chicken of course!

Check out some of these gorgeous creations:

Kim is offering a free custom diaper as a giveaway. To enter, you may do any of the following and each counts as an entry.

1. Comment on this blog.

2. Like the FB page and comment here that you did.

3. Like Kim's Cloth FB page and comment here that you did.

4. Share the news of the giveaway on your personal FB page and comment here with a link.

I will close the contest at some point on 9/10 and will announce the winner on the Congo's FB page!

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?
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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