Obsessive project

Well folks...I bet you have wondered what I have been up to! (at least I like to think that maybe you are that curious about me)

I got caught up in quite a project this week. I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned my basement. It sadly is still not done, but I got about half done, and enough that I could set up a sewing area. This was a large part of my motivation to do it. (It also was just stinky and dirty...needed to be done.)

So I set up my table, Miss Mayflower painted a yucky book shelf that was down there...I hung up unfinished projects...to inspire me. Some of them just need to wait until I have finances to finish...some just need my time.

So...my first project...I have a friend, who gave a gentle suggestion to try out cloth pads...as I have mentioned before. I was highly skeptical, but willing to give it a go. So as you know my first round was OK...super comfortable, but not so effective. I can't really afford to shop around...cause those buggers are expensive! But, I wanted to give it a fair chance...cause they were so soft and comfortable. And BTW...this is worth it to me, cause I can't stand tampons...so uncomfortable.

So in a crazy moment of lack of self control...I bought some lovely fabric, that can have many uses...but that I may use to make my own! That way I can experiment for far less. Last night I began. (and could not stop till it was finished, at nearly 2 a.m.! Oh I am crazy!) I actually did not start off my using my new fabric, but some stuff that I had around. BTW...it is blueberry fabric that I got to make my Grandmother Mary Lou a pretty bandage to go around her cancer site on her leg. She wanted something pretty to cover up the ugly bandaging.

So here is the process... First I studied the ones I received as a gift...I liked the one on the right cause it is so neat and tidy...So I started there.
But, I wanted something bigger, so I made some paper patterns, first just on white paper, till I got it the way I wanted it, then I made them from heavier paper, so I could trace around and reuse them if I wished.



So then I cut the pieces...one of the items that I think is needed for success is PUL...a waterproof material. I went to the re-store, hoping to find some. I think I may have, but I am not sure. My little Who girl has some diapers that are lovely, soft, pliable and very waterproof. The stuff I got was not so soft and pliable...so I know already that I am not going to use it again...the appeal of a cloth pad was its softness and comfort. I might have to indulge and actually buy some, but it is pricey.

The green stuff is the waterproof material. And I guess you can see that I used a regular pad to help guide my process as well.
So then I made a little insert...cause I am really worried about leaking. It is just made of a bit of an old towel...although I also added two layers of flannel as well..just in case.

I have to show my faithful companion...Wally.

And finally the finished and oh so pretty product. The prettiness is so appealing...I find the idea of having pretty things to look forward to in the midst of a generally unpleasant experience..quite nice!

So there it is...Ideally I will get some snaps...but for now I used a bit of Velcro...it won't stay though. I read online, as I looked at how others have done this...to use little channels..just like "real" pads. We will see how it works!

Oh...and look how cute it looks, all folded up and ready for service! (please ignore the yucky bathroom wall.. so much work to be done)