sposies vs cloth diapers.

It's a dramatic war. . . each side generally feels strongly about what side they are on, and to be honest, (with the risk of offending), a lot of false information is holding people steadfast to the side they choose. I would like to clear that up :D First, lets look at the CONS.

*disposables*

1. A disposable diaper takes 550 years to break down.(oh yeah, & that plastic bag you use to contain the stinkies? 20-1000 years...)
2. Sposies contain sodium polyacrylate, the clear gel-like substance that oozes out of an exploding diaper. Its super super absorbant, and is why your diaper lasts 4 hours. It was banned from tampons in 1985 because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome.
3. TBT or Tributylin  has even been found in sposies... TBT is a biocide and is used in killing or preventing the growth of bacteria, and also is ranked as one of the most toxic substances in use in consumer products in the world today.
4. New scientific studies have linked disposable diapers with asthma in studies with mice.

Even if you can get past all that, how's about this:

5. "Rinse or shake diaper contents into the toilet.  Wrap diaper securely inside it's back sheet before discarding into waste receptacle."

(thanks for the image knicker nappies)

6. Average cost of disposable diapers: $1600 if they are in them two years.

*cloth diapers*

1. Initial investment - around $300 .
2. You have to wash them every 3 days or so. This means 2-3 loads more of laundry a week.
3. It takes a bit of trial and error to learn what routine fits your family best. 
4. Sometimes, you need to sun them ro remove stains.
5. You have to dump solids in the toilet.

PROS

*disposables*

1. No learning curve, slap em on and go.
2. Very trim.

*cloth*

1. 1/10th the cost of disposables.
2. One investment & can be used for every baby you have.
3. No harsh chemicals harming your baby.
4. Really really super cute.
5. Your helping save the earth :)

So, you tell me, what makes more sense? 

We are giving away a handmade by me wool cover!

It will be made in the sized the winner needs.

To enter, leave a comment for each method you choose to enter, up to 4 times.

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Thanks so much!

bandanna dress, anyone?

Last week i was asked to donate something to a little girl  who was taking from her parents custody, and placed with another family. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing, & they had absolutely nothing for her. I decided i would make her a few bows, and a bandanna dress or two.
As i was getting it together, i realized what a great tutorial it could be! I love this dress because its versatile, fitting from 18 mos- 5-6 years, super duper cheap ($3-4), and easy to do!  You could even up cycle some bandanna's to make it greener! 
here are a list of your supplies that will be needed:

1. 2 bandannas
2. 1 roll of ribbon
3. sewing machine
4. safety pin

now, for the instructions:

1. pick two bandannas. they dont have to be the same, as long as they are the same size.

2. Take one edge of each one, and fold it over, about an inch, inch and a half. pin, and sew alll the way across. This should make a tube, make sure you dont sew the tube shut. Most bandanna's have a label of some sort on them, i try to use that side to fold over :).
3. After you have done this to both bandanna's, lay them on top of each other, wrong side out. Measure your kiddo... top of the shoulder, to the underarm. now add 2 inches for room to move :) i however, just went ahead and made my hole 7 inches, so it would fit her a long long time. 
4. take your measurment and your bandanna's.  With a straight pin, mark down from the top of the bandanas on both sides. make sure they are even, you dont want it crooked :) 
5. Leave yourself a 1/2 inch seam, and sew the two sides together.  Trim your strings, and turn right side out. 
6. For a toddler, take about 4 ft of ribbon, and cut it in half.   Take a large safety pin, and attatch it to one side of the ribbon.  Work it through the tube you sewed in step 2. Do the same on the other side.  If you are makin this for a larger girlie, make your ribbon longer.  
7. Now, you just slap it on your kiddo, and tie a big ole' bow with the ribbon on each side of the dress.
   
   Gather the top by pulling the ribbon tighter.

Ignore my horrible pictures. Its too windy outside to take any pretty ones!

This will be a dress on a wee little one, and a shirt on the older gals :) as they outgrow the ribbon, simply add new! I recommend handwashing this, or atleast doing it on delicate cycle. Air dry.

Introductions are for....

formalists... if that is even a word :D  However, we will do one, just for giggles. 
I am the crunchy mama of my household, and work from home, keeping my online store in check :) The man of the family has the "Real Job" and is just as into the funky earth friendly stuff as i am :) I officially detest all capital letters,(even though they randomly appear as i type),  am passionate about Heirloom gardening, and fully dedicated to the handmade pledge. i believe sustainability is super duper important, and my family strives to attain our goal of being fully self sustaining.  it is a journey, one we are finding quite fun, and i hope to share it here along the way :)
With this blog i hope to show you random fun projects that are easily handmade by you, be a voice for those unheard, and point out the flaws our convenient lifestyles have. I want to point out easier, better alternatives, disprove the myths that hold us back, & of course, have oodles and oodles of fun :D

so.. will you join me?