Monday 7 September 2015

I wish I'd thought of that!

One of the greatest things about the Internet is that no matter what you're interested in, somewhere in cyberspace there will be a group of likeminded people to chat to and share ideas with.  There is a Facebook group especially for people who love to make their own cloth pads, and I really enjoy being a part of it.  Whether troubleshooting misbehaving sewing machines or discussing the pros and cons of different fabrics, this group of friendly, creative women help each other to create fabulous cloth pads.

Apparently, a lot has happened in the cloth pad world since I took a break from it for a few years.  Here are some things I have learned:

- Reusable menstrual products are now widely known as RUMPs.  How did it take so many years for someone to think of this?!
- People are making their own underwear using a pattern called "Scrundies", and they look amazing.
- Penis pads are a Thing.  Menstrual pads.  In the shape of penises.
- Also vulvas, teddies, sharks, owls, Batman.  Pads are no longer just pad shaped!
- You can now buy snaps in the shape of hearts and stars.
- HOW many different types of menstrual cup?!

Sometimes people post pictures of pads they have made using the Luna Wolf patterns, and seeing those makes my heart do a little happy flip.

A couple of people have done some really clever, creative things with the patterns, and I am sharing them here with their permission (thanks, ladies!).

Ranela De Guzman came up with a way of cutting out the pattern so that she can trace the cutting line, sewing line, AND core stitching line, all within the same template:



I just love how clever this is.  Everything is already perfectly aligned, centered, and ready to draw around.  I have seen templates cut out on both the cutting and sewing lines, but they always looked flimsy, and I wondered how they would keep their shape.  Including the core stitching guide in the template anchors and stabilises it, totally solving this issue, while having the guide ensures the core stitching is always in the perfect place in relation to the edges of the pad. This is one of those gamechanging ideas that I wish I had thought of, and I can't wait to try it myself!  (Picture by Ranela De Guzman.)

Siena Snedeker adapted the 9" pattern to create a "pocket and insert" style pad, cutting the top and bottom off the template to form the pockets:



She repurposed an old swaddle blanket for the foldable inserts.  You could also make a couple of serged cores to use as inserts, and vary the number used to increase/decrease absorbency.  I can see this working really well for a heavy flow if you used PUL backing, and instead of changing the whole pad, you could just change or refold the insert.  I want to make a couple of these to wear to work on my heavy days so I don't have to fit a whole load of AIOs in my bag, just a few inserts.  I'm really looking forward to trying this!  (Picture by Siena Snedeker.)

Thank you so much ladies for letting me use your images and share these cool ideas!

8 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing. I'm newish to sewing, and don't really get how to use the first example you show that looks like she cut it out of cardboard. How do you lay this on fabric and use it?

    Also, I'm new to cloth pads. I have bought 1 party in my pants sample and like it, and bought a few from someone on etsy yesterday that I will wait for, but meanwhile found your patterns (THANK YOU!) and all the rave reviews from others speaking of it, and have decided to buy some fabrics and materials and make my own too!

    Can you offer some thoughts as I try to source some materials? I know you do not speak to organic, but for my own, I would personally like to go this route. Do you happen to know of any online shops or places where I might find some organic fabrics that don't cost an arm and a leg? Shipping usually kills it for me, but I'm willing to invest if I have to.

    If you don't have thoughts on the organic, my other question is about snaps. Do you have a preference or know how to select between plastic and nickel-free metal snaps? I'm not sure which is more durable, and which might require less tools to apply. I would like to do snaps over buttons or sewing other things I think, as that seems more standard if I end up making extra to sell on the side. And do you have any places to recommend where to buy a snap tool that you like?

    Also, what's your thoughts on a strong sturdy thread if going for longevity (pads lasting years/decades)? :)

    Hope you don't mind. Wasn't sure where to ask the questions and didn't see a place to email, so hence, this comment.

    Wei

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for sharing. I'm newish to sewing, and don't really get how to use the first example you show that looks like she cut it out of cardboard. How do you lay this on fabric and use it?

    Also, I'm new to cloth pads. I have bought 1 party in my pants sample and like it, and bought a few from someone on etsy yesterday that I will wait for, but meanwhile found your patterns (THANK YOU!) and all the rave reviews from others speaking of it, and have decided to buy some fabrics and materials and make my own too!

    Can you offer some thoughts as I try to source some materials? I know you do not speak to organic, but for my own, I would personally like to go this route. Do you happen to know of any online shops or places where I might find some organic fabrics that don't cost an arm and a leg? Shipping usually kills it for me, but I'm willing to invest if I have to.

    If you don't have thoughts on the organic, my other question is about snaps. Do you have a preference or know how to select between plastic and nickel-free metal snaps? I'm not sure which is more durable, and which might require less tools to apply. I would like to do snaps over buttons or sewing other things I think, as that seems more standard if I end up making extra to sell on the side. And do you have any places to recommend where to buy a snap tool that you like?

    Also, what's your thoughts on a strong sturdy thread if going for longevity (pads lasting years/decades)? :)

    Hope you don't mind. Wasn't sure where to ask the questions and didn't see a place to email, so hence, this comment.

    Wei

    ReplyDelete
  3. I saw your story about an etsy seller using your pattern. I'm a member of a facebook group that might be able to help you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1712016512343336/

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've just stumbled upon your site. Thank-you so much for sharing this free tutorial. I go to Africa frequently for work, where girls often miss school because of lack of access to hygiene products. I have just learned to sew and plan to spend the winter nights sewing hundreds of these, along with little bags, so that I can provide hygiene kits to girls that I see in the slums. What a blessing to have access to this tutorial. Grateful for your generosity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Angel

      I'd like to help you with your idea to make and donate reusable pads. I'm from Africa, South Africa to be specific. I'm not sure if you'll get my message but if you do, please email me at p3rfectsmil3@gmail.com

      Regards,
      Wardah

      Delete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. Thank you for this free pattern. I am sorry that someone who knows how to sew would steal your pattern and have the nerve to sell it as their own. I used to attribute honesty to people who could sew but now know that sewing skills do not necessarily lead to honesty, I once worked in a USA store called Fabricland where a "customer" walked out of the store with an entire bolt of microsuede. She had not paid for it. Please enjoy my 5 English pound donation on some bulk organic tea or for whatever else suits your fancy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great pattern and instructions! The way they are put together is much easier than other ones I've tried. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete