Cloth Pads

I understand this post isn't for everyone.  This is not a new idea people...

Women have used these since the beginning of time. (Thanks Eve.)

I just want to make you aware that there are alternatives out there and give you something to ponder.

So, here it goes...
*Cotton is more natural than sodium polyacrylate and dioxin, common ingredients found in disposable pads.
*Most of us own a washing machine.
*Cloth pads are super cute, customizable to person, needs, color, size, shape, thickness, length, material, flow, etc...
*It is your body, take charge of it.

If any of the above statements and/or links didn't convince you to switch or, at least, keep an open mind, read this article. The problem for me is that there isn't enough concrete research on this to "prove" how potentially harmful disposable pads are in order for me to say with certainty that they should not be used.  As a nurse practitioner, I want research studies, evidenced based practice to back up my beliefs, patients who report their stories in a medical journal.  I just can't find any.

Think about this. (Just playing the Devil's advocate here.) Studies are often driven by money, correct?  Well, if millions of women are paying big money for "necessary items," why study something that will hurt that income?  I do hope it makes you think.

However, I did find many, many blogs by women who are so obsessed with cloth pads and the benefits of them, they blog about it! Some rave of comfort and some rave of cuteness.  Some want to save money. Some write about it changing their life; less cramps, less pain, less flow, shorter menses duration. Others just want to put less garbage in the landfill while watering their gardens with the wash waste water (not for me), but whatever blows your dress.

Personally, I think the more natural something is, the better.  If you are having any of the above mentioned problems, research or not, what does it hurt to try?  Do your own experimenting.

I probably should mention that these are also really great for occasional bladder leakage.  I have made some for an older family member who is on a tight budget and she loves them.

If you are worried about dye in the cute patterns, use organic, natural material that has not been dyed. Again, customizable. :)

From researching this topic (reading many, many bogs), here's what I have learned about constructing a cloth pad. You decide what your needs are.

You can use used material such as shirts, wash cloths, blankets, etc. Wash it thoroughly first!
Thorough descriptions of some materials linked here.

There are a lot of styles out there.  Whether you are purchasing or making our own, explore different styles to see what you like and what will best suit your needs. Here's a few from other sites:

(I have no affiliation with these sites.  I'm just trying to put all the info I find into one place for you. There are probably hundreds of sellers out there as well as people who post their own patterns to buy or for free. I have linked these images to their sources as a courtesy to the stores for using their images.  Feel free to post your own links too!)

These, from Luna Pads, have exchangeable pads made separate from the wings held in place with rickrack. You just change out the pad during the day and keep the wings in place. Some designs like this allow you to stack multiple pads on the wings so you can adjust your flow. I have seen this design in square pads also.

Glad Rags have wings that double as pockets and stacking multiple pads inside the wings can adjust the absorbency.

Etsy, as well as eBay, are also a great places to order from individuals and to get ideas to create your own.  A quick search will quickly give you lots of ideas.

The thing to remember is you can customize.  Don't make a hundred pads before you try out the style.

When creating your own, here's the materials that are recommended.  Of course, you can mix and match the materials.  When I made them, I used flannel for the entire wing, top and bottom, with a lining of PUL so the urine would not leak through the pad and/or wings onto her garments.  I was afraid the PUL would be too sticky or hot if touching her skin, so I put it between the flannel. 

Top Layer Materials
Think absorbancy/wicking and softness because this layer is next to your skin
Minky - soft, short pile that wicks to inner layer
Cotton 100%
Jersey
Fleece - wicks through it to absorb it into middle layer (helps keep top dry next to skin)
Flannel
Velour (try for 80% cotton or bamboo in this polyester blend) - wicks and feels dryer than flat fabrics
Rayon
Organics such as bamboo, hemp, linen, ramie
Felt - not as popular, but wicks through and resists stains

Middle Layer Materials
Think absorbancy while attempting to keep it thin, but you can use as many layers as you need
This layer can be removable for quick drying. You can put several middle layers into one set of wings (bottom layer) depending on the style of the pad so you can adjust your absorbancy as needed. 
I suggest trying several styles out and even mixing and matching your materials
Cotton quilt batting - stitch it down to prevent bunching
Cotton  - those holey husband's t-shirts need a new use
Terry cloth - those stained, used wash cloths/towels you don't want your guests to see work well
Sherpa
Flannel - great for liner but may need more for heavy flow pad
Double napped flannel
Microfiber - very absorbent, but may need to be changed often

Top Wing Material
This layer will touch your thighs. Waterproofing this layer adds extra undie protection.
Cotton
PUL (polyurethane laminate) - with cotton or polyester side on top (next to skin) and film between top and bottom wing

Moisture Barrier/Waterproofing (optional)
Added between layers of wings OR behind absorbent padding
PUL
Waterproof Polyester
Naprap
Synthetic fleece or wool - not waterproof, but helps while remaining breathable
Ripstop nylon - harder to sew
Felted wool - not recommended for the dryer
Fleece - high quality (Polarfleece or Windbloc)
Procare - less flexible PUL

Bottom Wing Material
Helps keep pad in place
Corduroy - especially if going "wingless"
Cotton
Flannel - helps keep in place due to "stickiness"
Felt - helps "stick" to undies

Fasteners
Snaps (I am a fan of KAM snaps, but use whatever works for you)
Buttons
Velcro
Tabbed wings - wide tab on one wing that slips into a loop on the opposite wing

Helpful tips:
Wash all material before cutting and sewing
Do NOT use fabric softener, it will make fabric less absorbent
I think the best idea for cleaning I have seen is to take a gallon pitcher or decorative pot with lid filled with cool water and a splash of vinegar, if desired, to toss them in until wash day.

When sewing a pad, the easier the better. I basically took an overnight disposable, traced it, modified it, and cut out a pattern.

I hope this post has given you some ideas. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Here are some pattern links to get you started.

Continuous Flow-Through Worm Composter DIY Tutorial

I have had composting worms for many years.  I have evolved in my methods, changing systems as our needs change and to figure out what works best for me and my family. If you go way back to my childhood, I raised worms in a gallon pickle jar for fishing bait and had no idea then that in the future, they would eat my garbage and fertilize my plants.  I have learned so much over the years and thank all the people out there for posting excellent information! 

I have successfully used The Worm Factory for many years.  In fact, I liked it so much, I have two.  Today, I am using one and have moved all the contents of the other one to my re-purposed, never used as a worm bin before, old as the hills, very sturdy, garbage can composter.  I made it myself :) *imagine me smiling really big*

It was so easy!  I scanned the internet looking for ideas. There are some smart and crafty people out there.  I'll post some links at the end of this tutorial in order to give them credit, so be sure to stop by their blogs/channels and show some love.

I have had this garbage can for 20 years.  That is when everything, and I mean everything, was either country blue or mauve.   When the colors finally went out of style, I moved the can into my laundry room, where it has resided.... until now.

The first thing I did was start drilling holes.  I used 1/2" thin wall PVC pipe so I marked my hole centers about 2" apart and used a 7/8" spade blade to drill the holes.  I left enough room at the bottom of the can to allow me to scoop up castings when it is time to harvest them. 

I put the pipe in the holes and used a PVC cutter to cut them to length.  I left about an inch on each end in order to attach a cap to prevent the pipe from sliding back into the can.

I eyeballed it :)  I just had a long piece of pipe, stuck it in so there was about an inch hanging out the back and marked about an inch on the front.  You can see in the picture below, I also marked a door.  There were plastic supports in the bottom of the can so I just went above them and marked it.  I drilled holes in the corners so I could cut it out.

I have no idea how long the PVC "floor" pipes were  I marked them as I went because the can had some curve in it.  I then used a (very dull) PVC cutter to cut the pipe off and capped it to keep it in place.  I haven't glued it at this point because I was not quite sure if I would need to take it apart for any reason.

I needed a scraper to assist with harvesting the castings and I liked this idea.  The scraper pipe will move up and down, as well as back and forth, which I think will help if the compost is arching (not touching the PVC floor). 

I made the scraper handle stick out the front and capped it too. I did glue all the pieces of the scraper together with clear PVC glue.  I didn't want it to eventually fall apart under all that compost.  The scraper handle is above all the "floor" pipes.

I am not sure if the scraper is going to work as well as I had hoped.  Plan B is to ignore that it is in there and use it in cases of the castings arching.  If it doesn't work, I will harvest from the bottom, using a small garden hand rake to gather castings from between the tines.  I don't think I want to use my hands.  I have an irrational fear of spiders, and you know, there could be a spider in that dark place. Yikes!

Another idea I had for the scraper is to put it under the PVC floor and attach screws to the top of the "T" portion, essentially making an attached rake that will go between the pipes, however, that may be too much candy for a dime. :)  I'd love to know your thoughts as well. 

I used cutters to cut out the door.  I think I could have done a better job if I had a fine toothed saw.  I have seen some posts that just cut three sides and leave one short end attached to make a closing door.  I chose to leave mine completely open.

Ta da!  This is what it looks like finished.  There's a nosy cat checking it out.  I don't know if I will need extra ventilation in the top.  I can certainly go back at this point and put plenty of extra holes in the lid, but as you can see, the lid swings and has a large gap so maybe I won't need any extra ones.

To start your composter, you have to add newspaper to the PVC floor to keep everything from falling through.  Once the contents settle, it will hold itself up.  I wasn't sure if I needed to put the newspaper under the scraper or over it.  I opted for under it.  The newspaper will decompose, allowing harvesting to begin. 

I put the newspaper up the sides a little, just to make sure everything stayed in place.  I took the contents from my Worm Factory and started adding it to the can on top of the PVC floor and newspaper.  The scraper is pushed all the way in at this point. 

This is a picture from inside the harvesting chamber.  It shows the underside of the newspaper on top of the PVC floor.  This will decompose.  I put about 3 double layers. (6 pages total).

I kept adding the contents.  Look at all those worms!  The green stuff that looks like plastic is actually compostable bags.

After I filled it up, I put a few sheets of wet newspaper and printer paper on top.  This will also become worm food, which will turn into castings, which will enrich our garden!

The system I use to gather scraps are BioBags along with the Fresh Air Kitchen Compost Collector by Full Circle.  I usually purchase the bags through Amazon by the 4 pack.

I tried using a washable can, but the convenience of just "taking out the garbage" in a bag is easier for our busy family.  The bags I use are 3 gallon and fit nicely in the the Fresh Air Compost Collector. 

Great links for ideas and education...
In no particular order and links open in new tabs:
How Does a Flow Through Bin Work video

Easy Flow Through Worm Bin for Vermi-Composting in the Garden video

Cool idea, but haven't seen it in action: Hungry Bin

Worm Castings Research Study Links 

What Do You Feed Worms

I hope you found this post helpful.  I love to read your comments!

UPDATE:
Although I love the design that keeps my worms working, it will not harvest as expected.  The handle will not push/pull due to the weight on top of it.  I also would like a bigger system to handle all of my organic waste, instead of having multiple systems.  I found a Toter flow through compost system that I really want to try with my worms. It isn't marketed for worms, but I don't know why it would not work. 

DIY Dress Form

If I were the crime committing type, now would be the time to do it.  I say that because I have no fingerprints left on my fingers.  In fact, I don't think I have much skin left either!

This all started when I purchased my mom an online class from Craftsy.   Hopefully, I'll get a broomstick lace cardigan out of it ;)

It was proving difficult for her to get her measurements correct so I suggested making her own dress form.  I had seen them on other websites.  They range from simple tape mannequins to paper mache masterpieces.

In order to complete the duct tape mannequin I had dreamed up, mom had to run some errands on her own since I was working.  She came across this nice hat/coat rack at a thrift store and snagged it... perfect for the stand.

The next thing was making a tube for the middle of the form.  Since we didn't have a mailing tube, or even a wrapping paper tube, we made our own out of two potato chip cans and a creamer container.

Plenty of duct tape (the good brand) keeps it together.

Next, we dressed mom in garbage bag attire to keep the tape off her clothes and skin.  She was wearing a tank top and leggings to keep the form from being too bulky.

Then, the taping begins.  We crossed her heart (bra style) and kept going and going and going.  Not quite like the energizer bunny (did I mention that I worked last night and I am running on fumes with no sleep).

More taping.  We made sure the shoulders were sturdy.

We taped her neck last since she said she was a little tight in there.  Didn't need an emergency...

 This may just be a new fashion statement.

Now we get to cut it off

 I carefully cut up the back.  She acted like she trusted me.  I tried to be careful not to cut her clothes.  I cut through the plastic bag as well as the tape.  I did have a new skin stapler that I could have tried if I had cut her!

 At this point, she could slide it off her shoulders, but you can cut across the top of the back to get it off if the arms are too tight.

We put the tube inside the form.  The top potato chip can metal end was left in place and a hole was punched in it to attach it to the stand.  We used newspaper and phone books to stuff in the form at this point.

 We tried to keep the tube in the middle of the form as we stuffed, and stuffed, and stuffed.  Did I mention that all the ink was rubbing off on our hands.  Yuck!

 The back seam was lined up and more tape was used to mend it back together.

When we stuffed as much as we could, we cut a piece of cardboard for the bottom and, you guessed it, taped some more.  Now you know why I don't have fingerprints anymore!  Duct tape is sticky!

This is what we have so far... So, it seems as if our mannequin has developed a belly button and it won't go away.

 We had plenty of help... A little too much at times.

 Using this spray foam insulation, we filled any gaps or soft spots we had.

 I had to do this outside.  I just took a box blade and made a slit, put the tube in and filled it up.  I did this in several places.

 You may want to wear gloves for this step.

The spray foam will come out the holes.  Don't touch it!  It will stick to you faster than it will stick to anything else.  Just let it dry on the duct tape and then just pull it off.

 We have one of the pieces of the stand off.  It really will not be this short.

Chloe tries to look cute while we work.

We are getting closer.  We have pulled off the foam that leaked out and now we will tape up the holes made to put the foam in.

 The form is complete, now we just need to make it pretty.

Mom wanted a red dress form.  It almost looks orange in the picture, but it is bright red.  We simply just covered up the ugly duct tape with the red.  The pretty duct tapes don't seem as strong so get a good silver one to do the main form, then you can add the pretty stuff.

It needed a little more dressing up, so we added some pizazz to the bottom with zebra striped duct tape.  Yes, my OCD required me to tape a little inside the potato chip can.  It kind of looks like a magic eye picture.

 This step wasn't absolutely necessary; I just couldn't help myself.

Ideally, the form should be your height so you will be able to gauge how long to make skirts, etc.  Mom will be crocheting and using her form to measure tops while she is sitting, so she wanted it shorter.  That's what makes these so neat.  They fit your needs.

 Tada!  Here it is, naked and cute as can be.  We couldn't cut the top of the coat rack off, but she plans on using the top of it to finish off the top of the neck.

 Here's another picture.  It really looks like it has a belly button.  I don't know how to fix that.

 The form spins freely on the stand.