Just say "no" to Huggies

Cloth diapering. Yes, I've succumbed. 

Do you see that box of Huggies in the background? That's $42 dollars and it doesn't even last a month. Awhile ago I bought 7 Fuzzy Bunz (the off-brand version) and then was given 2 more of a similar style. I used them occasionally with both Mandy and Rem, but never exclusively. To be fair, I used cloth diapers in emergencies when I didn't want to make a trip to the Bi-Mart for disposables.


Now I've come to my senses I can think of 652 better ways to spend $42 a month/$500+ a year, so.....


We are going exclusive. I think we are at that stage in our relationship.


I need a few more cloth diapers to make this solution practical. Fuzzy Bunz or their equivalent cost $18 and up. Being the Frugal Fanny that I am, I decided to sew them myself. Here is my first attempt at making a cloth diaper:

I bought:

3/8 yard flannel (should have bought a whole yard)

3/8 yard white fleece (should have bought 1/2 yard)

3/8 yard PUL waterproof fabric

elastic

2" wide velcro

______________

Total $11 (enough for 2 diapers... almost)

First let me say that I am not a "follow the rules" kind of sewer. I looked up a few patterns online and then I charged forth and did my own thing. I usually regret charging ahead and doing my own thing. This was no exception. Using one of the Fuzzy Bunz diapers I own, I made up a pattern.

My course of action:

1. my supplies.
2. make pattern and think perhaps investing in one isn't such a bad idea.
3. cut out one of each flannel, PUL, and fleece.
4. sew PUL and flannel together (the outside flannel layer is not necessary, but I thought it would look nicer). Add elastic to the back and legs.
5. sew elastic at the end, then fold the fabric and elastic over and make a casing (careful not to see the sides of the elastic.
6. add velcro, crispy side to the front of the diaper and soft side to white fleece.
7. sew flannel/PUL layer right sides together with fleece. Make channel for leg elastic. Finish opening at back. I used an insert I had from my other diapers, other wise I would need to sew one of those too (the insert comes out for washing). 

Remington is thinking of becoming an underwear model.

On my next attempt, I will:

• invest in a pattern

• buy a bit more fabric so I don't have to make extra seams. 

• make the elastic a bit tighter in the legs.

Currently, I have one baby in diapers full-time (about 6 clothe diapers a day) and one toddler in diapers at night. To make my life a bit more copacetic, and so I don't have to be religious about my morning, noon, and night diaper washing, I would like to have a total of 15 diapers. 

I have a bit more sewing to do.

This is my journey..... 

Just say "no" to Huggies.