Hand-dyed, newborn fitted nappies now available!

  Newborn nappies are a project I started on, then put aside for um, six years. Recently I had the urge to pull my old patterns out and finish it all off-maybe it’s due to the fact that friends seem to be having babies and announcing pregnancies left, right, and centre. Now, I have a gorgeous selection of low-water immersion dyed bamboo fitteds available on Etsy.

 

  From start to finish these were handmade with the utmost care-from pattern design and fabric choices, through to sewing and dyeing, making them eminently suitable to use on your precious new addition.

  The nappy is made from heavyweight bamboo fleece (80% bamboo/20% organic cotton) to give a silky soft feel with high absorbency. The outer fitted is double-layered, with a triple-layered contoured lay-in booster. The hip snap design leaves no bulk over their belly-button while being easy to change on a wriggly, frog-like baby. Leg ruffles and a high back give extra security against leaks. More absorbency can be added to the nappy if you're lucky enough to have a baby who sleeps long enough to need it!

  After sewing is complete, each nappy is hand-dyed in fibre-reactive dyes, meaning every nappy is unique. As a bonus, after their thorough washing they're ready to wear straightaway, with no prewashing or other preparation needed.

  As the nappy is entirely absorbent, it will require a cover or more regular changing. My OSFM pocket nappies and covers in my Etsy shop can be used successfully over these fitted nappies, and I also stock pure wool, handknit longies that I sell at a bricks 'n' mortar store, as well as raw silk liners-if you're interested in these, please contact me for details.

Measurements

Waist-24-40cms

Narrowest Crotch Width (excluding ruffles)-9cm

Rise-26-30cm

  

  A note about umbilical cord scoops-The omission of an umbilical cord scoop was, like every other aspect of my designs, carefully considered. The majority of users I asked found cord scoops to be awkward, bulky, and generally superfluous-keeping the nappy looser around the waist until the cord fell off was seen to be just as effective. As always, I have decided to keep things as simple and streamlined as possible, and so have not included a scoop.

  You can see all of the colourways currently available on my Etsy store, and there will be more direct-dyed nappies listed in the next few weeks. Enjoy!

Making raw silk liners

  Raw silk liners are fantastic for helping to prevent and heal nappy rash. It’s ‘raw’ because it hasn’t been stripped of its natural oils (just like raw wool still has lanolin on it). The waxy substance, called sericin, that the silkworms leave behind is reputed to be soothing and healing. And if you like to use natural fibres, these are the only wicking liners suitable for you.

  First off, you need raw silk. I bought mine from Nappies Covered, and like everything i’ve bought from there, it hasn’t disappointed me.


The rougher, bumpier weave of raw silk-not exactly what you picture when you think ‘silky’! Nevertheless, it’s very soft and pliable. It does smell strangely, but not very strongly (and with its intended use, it really doesn’t matter!)



First up, draw your outlines onto the fabric. Mine are 28 x 8cm with nicely rounded edges. I don’t leave any seam allowance for overlocking, as I find it much easier and neater to overlock onto a cut edge when working with steep curves. You may prefer to shear 1cm or so off as you go-remember to allow for it.

Cut out to size.

Now for the edging. I’ve got it set to three-thread wide, with a short stitch length. Note the edge at precisely where the looper threads meet. I also drop the knife, so I don’t accidently chop something. If you want to stay all-natural, use silk or cotton thread.


As you come up to the corners, you need to have the edge of the fabric at the right width from the needle. This is why I cut to size and drop the knife-the knife is too far from the needle for tighter corners.
      
  Overlap the stitching 1cm when you reach the beginning, lift the foot and needle and carefully lift the stitches from the machine. You can trim the thread ends left from the beginning of the stitching, and I knot the ones from the end and thread them through the loops.



  Done! A nice neat edge that will prevent fraying for the life of the liner.

  Care: To preserve the sericin and prevent shrinking, these must be handled carefully. Handwash gently in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent, and hang in the shade to dry. With proper care, they will last you many changes. If you accidently machine wash them, they will still act as a wicking liner-however, the amount of sericin will be greatly reduced, and so will the healing capabilities.

  Don’t want to make them yourself? I usually have them in stock-please check my Etsy store, or contact me.

DIY Procion Dye Kits

  If you’ve ever imagined yourself turning all of your boring plain clothing and linen into bright and happy rainbows, this is the perfect starter pack for you!

Procion Starter Dye Kit

  All the dye to you need to create dozens of unique items! Procion fibre-reactive dyes can be used for tie-dye and other direct dyeing as well as tub dyeing. It is most suited for use on cellulose fabrics (eg cotton, bamboo) but can also be used on wool, silk, and even wood. It can be thickened and used to print or paint-you’re only limited by your imagination.

Contains 10g of each of eight colours-yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, green and brown. 80g of dye is enough to dye approximately 4kg of fabric- a child’s t-shirt is approximately 50g. You will need to purchase your own salt and soda ash (easily and cheaply available from the supermarket). You will also receive a PDF via email containing comprehensive instructions for use in tub and direct dyeing on cellulose-based fabrics.

 Example of colours

$35.00, including postage within Australia. Contact me if you’d like one. Then upload some pictures of what you’ve done with it-I do like to see a bit of showing off.

Silk Liners

 

Raw silk is a wonderful, natural way to keep your baby’s skin healthy. The natural wax left by the silkworms, sericin, aids in the healing of nappy rash without lotions or ointments. They can be used as a treatment or full-time as a preventative measure, and are especially useful for babies suffering skin conditions such as eczema. Simply lay into your baby’s nappy, ensuring contact with any sore skin.

  To care for your raw silk liners, handwash or pop into a lingerie bag on a gentle machine cycle, and air dry.

  Pepper raw silk liners measure 30x8 cms, with overlocked edges, and are $3.00 each.

Pepper Covers

Pepper Covers are a one-size nappy cover. 10 pairs of snaps across the waist give you maximum adjustability, and the three-level rise enables you to set the perfect length and leg fit for your child. The top row of snaps is close to the top, enabling it to sit snugly against your child’s skin, preventing leaks. The crotch is wide enough to fit  over a traditional terry flat nappy, but the fabrics are trim enough to give a slim fit over even the smallest modern cloth nappy. The leg elastic is internally cased, to allow for a soft, snug fit without red lines and irritation.

 Measurements

Waist-32-62cm

Rise 32-37-42cm

Crotch width-13cm

OSFM, Approximately 3.5-17kgs

Outers are predominantly polyester PUL (no wicking there) or a hidden layer of PUL with an outer of a polyester fabric such as minky, fleece or faux fur. Inners are suedecloth, for its trimness and stay-dry feel. Snaps are hidden and reinforced, for comfort and strength.

As always, only the best quality fabrics and notions have been used. Your PUL will remain waterproof, the threads won't fray and snap, your suedecloth won't pill. The leg elastic is enclosed in an internal casing for a neat look which is also long lasting. After all, the last thing you want is a nappy that was intended to last years wear out after months.

As with all Pepper products they are handmade in Queensland.

Want to order some, or find out more? Contact me here.