Recycled t-shirt diaper

Hello and welcome! After looking at the entry and exit pages for my blog I found this page is the one that most people view. I decided to update this entry with a new tutorial for making a recycled t-shirt diaper that reflects how I make the little guys diapers now. For a turned and stitched version of this diaper see my post on the red velvet recycled diaper. Instructions on how to make a turned and stitched diaper are in the newborn ai2 diaper tutorial post. The original post is included below also so feel free to scroll down and check it out. The little guy is now a toddler and I have made a lot of diapers for him since I wrote the original post. Hemp fabric is still my favorite choice for making diapers, but I also love using thrift store t-shirts. The following diaper was made entirely out of a t-shirt with the exception that I added a layer of synthetic micro fleece to line the diaper. This is entirely optional and the whole diaper can be made from the t-shirt. The diaper style is front opening pocket with a separate insert. I started making pocket diapers for my little one a while back because I found like many others that they dry quickly and are very practical since you can add extra layers. So on to the new tutorial.

Instructions for pocket t-shirt diaper

Diaper pattern can be downloaded in three pdf files.
nvpockdiap1
nvpockdiap2
nvpockdiap3
The diaper can be made using a regular machine or serger. I used a regular machine and did a zig zag on the edges. It can also be turned and top stitched. The size of the diaper is medium to large and is a bit larger if you use a zig zag edge.

Materials: XL 100% cotton t-shirt and optional small piece of micro fleece for the liner. I also use hook and loop for the fasteners. Elastic for the legs and back.

1. With the pattern cut out the diaper back and front along with the insert using the t-shirt. Cut off the neckline and cut two pieces eight inch long for the front pocket opening. Cut a front insert using the sleeves and half of the insert pattern (four layers). Optional only, but you can add an applique to the back using scrap t-shirt fabric. Cut out the micro fleece liner using the pattern without the wings. This again is optional. You will also need elastic and hook and loop tape. I use 1.5 inch wide hook and loop and 3/8 inch elastic. The long loop piece is 8 inches and the smaller loop pieces are 1 inch. The hook pieces are 2 inches.



2. Sew the wings to the diaper outside. Sew the neckline facing to the front edge of the diaper. I use a three stitch zig zag. Sew the eight inch loop tape one inch down from the front edge.


3. Sew the wings to the diaper inside. Layer the diaper inside with the micro fleece fabric on top. If you decide not to use micro fleece then sew the wings to the diaper inside only. Sew the two inch hook tabs on on the wings. Sew the one inch laundry loop tabs near the hook tabs. Sew the other eight inch neckline facing to the front of the diaper inside.



4. Sew the elastic to the wrong side of the inside diaper piece at the leg openings and the back of the diaper. Use the guide on the pattern for placement of the elastic. I use a three stitch zig zag, but a regular zig zag will work also. Just make sure to pull the elastic very tightly as you sew.


5. Pin and Sew the inside and outside diaper fabric together with the rights sides facing outward. Zig zag around the entire diaper leaving the front pocket open for the insert. I use a three stitch zig zag, but regular is fine also. Sew the inside and outside diaper together along the elastic lines using a three stitch or regular zig zag. This creates a nice ruffle along the elastic on the outside of the diaper. You can also add a optional two inch piece of loop to the right front wing so the diaper wings can cross and give you wider size range.


6. Sew the four pieces of the long and short insert together and zig zag the edge. Place the short insert on top of the long insert in the desired location. I put it towards the front for my little guy. The insert will have four layers in the back and eight layers in the front. You can also add a layer or two of hemp fleece to increase the absorbency, but the cotton knit works pretty well also since you have ten layers total in the front wet zone. Stuff the insert in the diaper, add a cover and ready for use.






Below is the original t-shirt diaper post.




T-shirts are great for making diapers. It is a really inexpensive way to make a very fun diaper. I used a XL t-shirt from Chris that he got from a WNRN community radio fundraiser. I was able to get two diapers cut from one t-shirt. I added a layer of organic cotton fleece and a synthetic micro fleece liner, but other than that I used only t-shirt fabric. I made the diaper the same way as shown in the diaper tutorial and used the free pattern from Studio Tuumat. I did add extra circles of t-shirt fabric in front of the diaper to make a boy diaper. I figured it was a good use of the scrap fabric. I also extended the fleece portion throughout the inside of the diaper.

Instructions for t-shirt diaper

Materials: XL t-shirt for main body of the diaper. Organic cotton fleece for the soaker and synthetic fleece for the liner. I also use Velcro for the fasteners.


1. With the pattern cut out the diaper back and front using the t-shirt. Cut out one liner piece from the t-shirt and from organic cotton fleece. I round the edges for the liner. Cut out the shaped piece of fleece fabric for the inside. Cut out 4 inch circles from scrap pieces of the t-shirt. I used six layers total. You will also need elastic and Velcro. I use one inch wide Velcro and quarter inch elastic. The long loop piece is 8 inches and the smaller loop pieces are 1 inch. The hook pieces are 2 inches.


2. Pin the two layers of the liner to the wrong side of the inside fabric for the diaper. Sew and zig zag the liner to the inside fabric. Pin the six circle layers to the front. Sew and zig the circles to the inside fabric.



3. Turn over to the right side of the inside fabric and pin the fleece liner in place. Sew and zig zag the fleece liner to the inside fabric.

4. Sew the elastic to the wrong side of the inside diaper piece at the leg openings and the back of the diaper. Use the guide on the pattern for placement of the elastic. I use a three stitch zig zag, but a regular zig zag will work also. Just make sure to pull the elastic very tightly as you sew.

5. Pin and Sew the inside and outside diaper fabric together with the rights sides facing outward. Zig zag around the entire diaper. Sew the inside and outside diaper together along the elastic lines using a three stitch or regular zig zag. This creates a nice ruffle along the elastic on the outside of the diaper.


6. Sew the loop Velcro on the front of the diaper and the loop and hook Velcro on the wings. All done and ready for use.

Pink knitted headband

Yay! I am finally getting a chance to post a knitting pattern. The first project is a knitted headband. I am a big fan of headbands and if I didn't think they were essential prior to having my little one, I definitely think they are now. I find taking a shower these days is quite the luxury, so headbands are definitely a bonus. I made a few simple knitted headbands by knitting a ribbed tube. However, I wanted something a bit cuter and thought short rows for the top. Here is what I came up with after a few tries. I really like the shape of the headband and how it is wider at the top and fits nicely around the back. The pattern is quick and fairly easy to make. The only part that is a little tricky is the short rows, but not too bad with a little practice. Hope you enjoy the pattern and if you don't get a chance to make one, then I will be selling these through my business soon. Happy knitting!

Pink knitted headband

size: headband is very stretchy. It is 16 in. unstretched but will stretch to about 22 in., so should fit a variety of sizes.

materials: about 50 yards of cotton worsted weight yarn.

gauge: 4.5 sts = 1 in.

needle: US size 6 - 16 in. circular needle or size to get gauge

notes: w&t - Slip the next stitch purlwise with the yarn in front. Turn work and wrap yarn around to the back of the stitch. Slip the stitch purlwise with the yarn in front. I just found a great blog that explains wrap and turn very well with photos, so check out The Knitting Friend if you need more help. Very cool info about how to make the w&t disappear. I will have to try that next time.

Main Body
Cast on 80 sts and join in the round being careful not to twist stitches. Place a marker for the begining of the round.
Knit 6 rounds in knit two, purl two rib.

Begin Short Rows
Knit 20 sts in knit two, purl two rib. Knit 24 sts, w&t.
Purl 8 sts, w&t.
Knit 11 sts, w&t.
Purl 14 sts, w&t.
Knit 17 sts, w&t.
Purl 20 sts, w&t.
Knit 23 sts, w&t.
Purl 26 sts, w&t.
Knit 29 sts, w&t.
Purl 32 sts, w&t.
Knit 35 sts, w&t.
Purl 38 sts, w&t.
Knit 39 sts. Knit two, purl two to the end of the round.

Knit 5 rounds in knit two, purl two rib.
Bind off the stitches loosely and weave in the threads.

Lavender face and body cream

Lavender is one my favorite herbs. I have grown English lavender in the garden for many years. The little bushes are just starting to come back and I am eagerly anticipating the first blooms of spring. Lavender is such a treat to the senses. The smell is wonderful and the little purple blooms are a treat to the eyes. Here is my ode to spring and a recipe for a light and creamy lavender face and body lotion. I have also included a quick recipe for a lavender floral water. I use this all the time as a little pick me up during the day. It is very refreshing and relaxing at the same time. See my lemon post for places to buy the cosmetic supplies. Enjoy!

Lavender face and body cream

5 tablespoons almond oil
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons shea butter
2 tablespoon emulsifying wax
1/2 cup distilled water
1/2 teaspoon borax
20 drops of lavender essential oil

In a double boiler, melt the wax, almond oil, avocado oil and shea butter. Warm the distilled water and borax in another pan. Remove both from the heat and add together in a bowl using a whisk to blend. Add the lavender essential oil once the mixture cools a bit. Transfer to a container. I store the cream at room temperature, but I use it within a few weeks. If you are keeping it longer then it may need to be refrigerated.

Lavender floral water

1 cup distilled water
20 drops of lavender essential oil

Combine all the ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Shake to mix before each use.

Creamy potato and white bean soup

I decided to make soup tonight using some leftover pureed potatoes and white beans. Below is the recipe for the soup. It turned out really tasty.

Creamy potato and white bean soup

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium size carrots
3 stalks of celery
1 inch cube of fresh ginger
2 cloves of garlic
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups of vegetable broth or 2 cups water plus two vegetable cubes
2 cups pureed potatoes
2 cups pureed white beans
1/2 cup cooked whole white beans
fresh chives

Slice the carrots and celery and add to a soup pot with the olive oil. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are a bit soft. Add the flour and cook for a few more minutes until the roux is a little golden. Mince the ginger and garlic and add to the pot. Cook for a minute more. Add the vegetable broth. Add the potatoes and white beans. Stir and cook for a few minutes longer over medium to low heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh chives. Enjoy.

Shortie Baby Bib

Here is a pattern for a collar bib. I made a few this week and they are pretty simple and quick. The pattern is modeled after a bib I have, but it is wider and has a round shape. It fits over it his shoulders nicely and looks like a cute little collar.

Here is the pattern and below are the instructions. Enjoy!

Instructions for shortie baby bib

Materials: I made the following bib out of hemp/organic cotton knit fabric and a cotton print. I used 1 inch aplix velcro for the tabs.

1. Print the pattern and cut out. Cut out of the inside and outside fabric pieces for the bib using the pattern and placing on a fold. Zig zag the edges of the cotton print fabric or any fabric that frays.

2. Cut a 1.5 inch piece of hook and loop velcro. Sew the velcro pieces on the bib tabs. Either fabric is fine since the bib is reversible.


3. Place the wrong sides of the fabric together and sew leaving about a 2 inch gap for turning.


4. Turn the bib right side out and stitch the opening closed. Top stitch around the bib. All done.

Making bread - cottage loaves

I really like bread and basically any other carbohydrate. I am a huge pasta fan also which happens to be what we are having for dinner tonight. Over the weekend I made a few cottage loaves. The recipe for the cottage loaf is really simple. I used organic flour and added ground flax. I also added a little wheat gluten since I didn't have any bread flour. I made two small loaves from the recipe. They exploded in the oven because I didn't make the slits big enough, but other than that they turned out great.

Cottage loaf with flax

6 cups organic unbleached white flour
1 tablespoon wheat gluten
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons ground flax
1/4 ounce envelope dried yeast
1 3/4 cups warm water

Add the yeast to the warm water and wait for a few bubbles to appear. Add the salt, ground flax, flour and wheat gluten to a bowl. Make a well in the center and add in the water and yeast. Mix to form a dough. Knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise in a warm place for an hour or two until it doubles in size. I usually spread a little olive oil on the top of the dough and cover it with a cotton cloth. After the first rise, knead the dough for a few minutes and then shape it into one or two round loaves. Place the loaves on bakers peel with a bit of cornmeal on the bottom so it won't stick. You can also place the loaves on a baking sheet with a bit of cornmeal. Cover with a cotton cloth and let the loaves rise for about a half an hour.

Turn on the oven to 425 F and put the loaves on a baking stone from the peel or place the baking sheet with the loaves in the oven. Bake for 30 -40 minutes or until the loaves are golden and have reached an internal temperature of at least 200 F. The bread works great for french toast also.

How to make a hemp fitted diaper

 
I am really amazed how nice cloth diapers are these days. My favorite are fitted diapers since they are a breeze to put on, keep everything contained and are just so cute. I did a lot of research on cloth diapers and how I could make them myself. There are numerous sites available online with free patterns and how to instructions. A great online resource is Sew Your Own Diapers. For this tutorial I used my own diaper pattern (download at nvdiaper01 and nvdiaper02). The diapers require a waterproof cover. I use pul diaper covers and my favorite is the Bummi super whisper wrap diaper cover.

I make the diapers out of hemp/organic cotton knit fabric from Pick Hemp. I use hemp knit for the main fabric and organic cotton fleece for the soaker pad. I also add a small oval of synthetic fleece fabric, but the diapers work fine without it too. I use the fleece because it keeps him dry, doesn't stain and makes it easier to shake off the fun stuff. I like using hemp fabric because it is super absorbent and also anti-microbial which is a good thing for diapers as you can imagine. The hemp knit is also very soft and stretches a bit so the diaper will fit for awhile.

Instructions for Diaper

Materials: Hemp/organic cotton for the main body of the diaper. Organic cotton fleece for the soaker and synthetic fleece for the liner. I also use Velcro for the fasteners.

1. With the pattern cut out the diaper back and front using the hemp knit. Cut out two liner pieces using organic cotton fleece. I round the edges for the liner. Cut out the oval piece of fleece fabric for the inside. You will also need elastic and Velcro. I use one inch wide Velcro and quarter inch elastic. The long loop piece is 8 inches and the smaller loop pieces are 1 inch. The hook pieces are 2 inches.


2. Pin the two layers of the liner to the wrong side of the inside fabric for the diaper. Sew and zig zag the liner to the inside fabric.


3. Turn over to the right side of the inside fabric and pin the fleece liner in place. Sew and zig zag the fleece liner to the inside fabric.



4. Sew the elastic to the wrong side of the inside diaper piece at the leg openings and the back of the diaper. The pattern has the elastic points marked, but you can wing it also and just add enough to get a nice gather along the diaper. I use a three stitch zig zag, but a regular zig zag will work also. Just make sure to pull the elastic very tightly as you sew.


5. Pin and Sew the inside and outside diaper fabric together with the rights sides facing outward. Zig zag around the entire diaper. Sew the inside and outside diaper together along the elastic lines using a three stitch or regular zig zag. This creates a nice ruffle along the elastic on the outside of the diaper.



6. Sew the loop Velcro on the front of the diaper and the loop and hook Velcro on the wings. All done and ready for use. Stand back and admire your handiwork.

I love baby carriers

I have a little bit of an obsession with baby carriers. I am fascinated by all the different types and I have tried a variety of carriers over the past 11 months. I also love the history associated with baby wearing. I think it is really interesting that we are still using carriers that are similar to ones used by mamas a long time ago. Very fascinating.


I have used and also made a variety of carriers. My favorite is probably the wrap style carrier like the Moby wrap. It is such a simple design, but so versatile. It is basically a long piece of fabric that you can wrap many different ways and you can comfortably hold your baby for a few hours. I got a Moby wrap at my baby shower, but I also found instructions for making one at Jan Andrea at home on the web. I made a few slings that are great for quick trips where I am not holding Jonas for too long. I used patterns at Jan Andrea at home on the web for the ring slings. I made a single layer sling out of dyed red hemp when Jonas was only a few months old. I gave that one to a friend down the street so of course I had to make another one. I made a double layer sling out of dyed aqua and avocado hemp. I also made fitted pocket sling using McCall's m5578 pattern. I made it out of stretch twill and it was the quickest carrier I have made to date. It also works great for carrying around a kitten.


The prettiest carriers are the mei tai pouches. I love the shape of the carriers. They are the perfect canvas for beautiful fabric. I made a hot pink mei tai out of bottom weight fabric. I used the pattern at Jan Andrea at home on the web again and extended the top to make a hood. I passed the hot pink number on to my lovely sister and her beautiful daughter Madilyn. I just made another mei tai using McCall's m5578 again, but added wide knit straps made of hemp. It is a cross between a wrap and mei tai and works pretty well.


The "little guy" is getting a bit too big for the Moby wrap. So I did a bit of research on back pack style carriers and bought a Patapum toddler carrier. The reviews are great and it goes up to 60 lbs. Yikes... I haven't received the carrier yet so I will have to keep you posted. The color is khaki so I will need to spruce it up a bit color-wise. Maybe some quilted strap pads for him to chew on?

Lemon Facial Cleanser & Toner

Making your own herbal skin care products is surprisingly easy and very economical. It is such a nice treat for yourself. I started making my own herbal products around the time I started Natural Violet. I love that I have control over the ingredients and I can make my products natural. Also, I don't have to deal with excess packing. I can wash containers and reuse which such a bonus. Two of my favorite recipes are a lemon facial cleanser and a toner. You can find a lot of the ingredients at a natural foods grocery store like Whole Foods. There are also great places online where you can get ingredients including Mountain Rose Herbal and Organic Creations. Well, on to the fun part. Here are the recipes.

Lemon Cleanser
This is a cold creme type cleanser that does not need water. I massage it on my face and remove it with a washcloth and toner.

1/4 cup almond oil
1 tablespoon emulsifying wax
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon borax
12 drops of lemon essential oil

In a double boiler, melt the wax and almond oil together. Warm the lemon juice and borax in another pan. Remove both from the heat and add together in a bowl using a whisk to blend. Add the lemon essential oil once the mixture cools a bit. Transfer to a container. I store the cleanser at room temperature, but I use it within a few weeks. If you are keeping it longer then it may need to be refrigerated.

Lemon Toner

1/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel
1/4 cup lemon juice

Combine all the ingredients and store in your favorite container. Shake to mix before each use.