Spring Show Lineup 2016

Happy Spring everyone! Yay we made it. It was a crazy stormy, wet winter in San Diego. But we needed every drop of that rain! Looking forward to a few more rainy days but then it will be Hot Hot HOT.
A couple of things have changed from my previous post regarding my Spring Show lineup.
First of all, the Makers Arcade show that was scheduled for April 29th has been CANCELLED. I'm super bummed about that because the show is amazing. I can't wait for fall - I'll definitely be ready to party on the water! Broadway pier is by far my most favorite venue!

And an update... I was accepted into the Queen Bee Market on May 12th and 13th, and also the Hello Sunrise Market on May 20th. If I decide to do any shows in between these, you can find my updated schedule on the Events page on my website!
So here is my schedule in order:

Made Market, San Diego, April 22nd 2017

The Mom Made Market, Del Mar Fairgrounds, May 6th

Queen Bee Market, Del Mar Fairgrounds, May 12th and 13th

Hello Sunrise Market, Temecula, May 20th

I have linked to all of their websites, find out more about Early Entries, Swag Bags and Giveaways on social media etc. As always, if you are local and want to go to one of these shows, get in touch with me for free tickets!!

Meanwhile, I'll be very busy gearing up for the fun. Catch me on Instagram!

See you at the shows <3 kim="" p="">

Spring Shows and Locations!

I love this time of year, gearing up for the spring shows is fun and exciting!
I started applying for spring shows at the end of 2016. You really have to be on the ball to attend these events!!!
My favorite part of it all is connecting with my customers in person. I love meeting you, talking with you and providing all the lovely baby things you need and want. It is why I do what I do. I make baby stuff because it keeps me connected with the memories of my own babies AND I get to celebrate all the new babies that come earthside every year. I love being a part of that!

So, as I wait on my acceptance emails from a couple other shows for the Spring 2017 season....
Here are the ones I am already accepted into. Keep your eye on my Events Page on my website www.PatsycakeBaby.com to see where I'll be all year long! Hope to see you all there!

Here's my set up so you can look for me ;)

A Very Happy New Year!

If you want to know what's happening around here at PatsycakeBaby you are in the right place!
Happy New Year to you all. I know that 2016 was wild and crazy for most, but I have to admit it was one of my best years. Not necessarily the best business year but within my family and my own little circle it was amazing. I think when you are all holding on together you can create your little sphere of happiness even when there's a storm-a-brewin'!

In terms of business - I did twice as many big events that I have in the past. I met TONS of people face to face and it was extraordinary. It was so fun and I loved sharing what I have to offer. You guys really care about what I make and that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Now, I'm addicted to the events and I guess you'll see more of me this year so keep an eye on my events page! :)  I made hundreds of diaper covers and bibs - those are your favorites! I added doll diapers this holiday season and sold out of them faster than I could catch up! I had lots of return customers this year, and that was incredible. I got to re-connect with moms that were updating their diaper stash for baby #2 and I'm so honored to share the time with you all and to make the things that clothe your precious baby bums!  Best of all, because of you all, I was able to afford gymnastics for both my kids, arts and craft activities in the summer and buy my daughter some of her new school clothes (and fabric to make some).  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting my home business.

This year holds a lot of exciting adventures - I can just feel it! I am beginning the sign up process for the spring shows. My Spring and Summer line up of fabrics is AMAZING and I look forward to making all the things.  I will be making lots more wetbags since they are the hit right now. Not just for moms but for the whole family so you can look forward to that!

Spring is a big time for baby showers so I'm hoping to add a custom listing for a gift box. you will be able to customize a set for your favorite Mom and Dad to be with bibs, diapers, powder, balm, blanket, anything in my shop and I will package it all up in a neat little box with a bow.  This is still in the planning stages so if you have any ideas just shoot me over an email with your thoughts!

I will still be taking custom orders for diapers and other items but I will have lots more Ready To Ship items. When I'm doing shows it really is easier to make things in big batches to save time and cost. I promise to try and keep shipping as low as possible, it's difficult to manage the cost of shipping but I try.

Finally, I am only planning on two closures this year, one in the Spring for a few days when I go visit my sister for her first baby shower and maybe the baby's arrival (I'll be in Chicago if anyone there would like to meet up!) and one during the summer. My baby will be entering kinder in the fall... I'll be making his little kid wardrobe and I might be a little distraught LOL.  But I'm usually available by email and I try to get to those messages quickly even if it's to say I'll get back to you later ;)

If you're still reading, congratulations you get in on some fun info:

Tomorrow, January 4th I will be celebrating my 40th birthday (I know I'm older than you - I'll get over it LOL) and guess what - I'm going to be the one giving gifts!

I will start a giveaway tomorrow mid morning and randomly selecting winners on Instagram!
If you aren't following me yet - Please please go follow now- this is going to be great! I will be giving away diapers, bibs, blankets - whatever I have left in stock ready to ship and maybe even some shop credits.

One last thing, actually a request: my Etsy shop was closed over the holidays. It was a great break as we went away on vacation for the first time in forever. But, it really affects my exposure and I'm not getting any views since opening. I just need a little love over there if you have a moment, please go over and favorite my shop or heart one of my items! I will be forever grateful.

I hope you all have a wonderful 2017 filled with love and positive energy. Remember to surround yourself with people you love so you can hang on tight when it gets bumpy!!  Keep spreading the word about cloth diapering - IT'S WORKING!!!

All my best,
KIM

Lined Diaper Covers Now In Stock!

Hello Cloth Diaperers!!! 

Touching base here to let you in on a new item I am stocking in my Etsy shop!

  I recently had a custom order of Cloth Diapers that went out to a Mama all the way across the country. We worked together to make a diaper to her exact specifications. As it turns out - I loved the the custom order so much I decided to use it as an option in my shop! Here are the details so you can decide if they are a good fit for your little ones.

Soft Clouds Lined Diaper Cover

Here are the specs:

*This cover is the same pattern I've been using all year. This pattern is my own creation with One row of belly snaps for fast snapping, 3 sets of rise snaps that go from Small to Large. Fits about 10-35ish pounds depending on your baby, two snaps on the inside to hold in the inserts. Elastic at the legs and back for adjustable fit and a nice balance between a trim cover but big enough to contain some of those gorgeous fitteds when necessary. 

Fleece lined for additional comfort

 * A few reasons why my customers love lined covers:
1. The belly and rise snaps are hidden on the inside.
2. The micro fleece is super soft and comfy
3. The micro fleece is "stay dry" and keeps the PUL from touching the skin directly.
4. They make GREAT AI2 (all-in-two) diapers - just snap in the liners and you can keep them snapped in through washes - no stuffing, no folding!

With snap in liners

 In all fairness I like to show both sides of the coin. The reason I like to offer options for custom diapers. So with that, here are just a couple reasons why you might like unlined covers more! *microfleece can pill over time especially when you wash them with natural fiber cloth. *They might be slightly bulkier since the microfleece is a little thicker and *You probably can't wipe them clean if poopy gets on the fleece... and those are the only things I can think of!

Standard diaper cover for comparison

I hope this was helpful for anyone looking to have some custom diapers made by me - if you have any other ideas I'm happy to hear them and get your custom order started!

Kim

BOO!! Halloween, on the bum!

Hello everyone!
Are you all as ready for the fall season as I am. I'm in San Diego, CA and we aren't know for a change in seasons. BUT fall is definitely my favorite time of the year. Weather, food, holidays and family - It's an exciting time.
And today - the first day of fall, I'm announcing my limited edition of Halloween themed diapers!

Check them out here (click on photo to take you directly to the listing)

Errol the Owl

Happy Halloween Pumpkins

Monster Mash

Spooky Spiders

Happy Halloween Ghosts

There are only a few available and I'm making them special: Diaper cover or AI2 option.  Just choose from the drop down menu. Diaper Covers are lined with microfleece with two snaps in the back.  When you add the organic soakers you have an AI2 diaper.  Sound good?

But you have to hurry because they are limited and won't last long. I will also be adding some cotton over PUL style covers in the next few days!

Hope you enjoy this new season and a new set of diapers from PatsycakeBaby!

All-In-One Diapers - easy as disposables!

PatsycakeBaby All-in-One Cloth Diapers are as easy as disposables... but better!!

Check out why...

What are they? They are a cloth diaper with some of the conveniences of disposables. The All-in-one design means that all the parts and pieces are together in one diaper: no stuffing soakers and no separate covers. Just add baby...and the baby adds the rest!

The barrier fabric is the same Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) that is in the diaper covers, but it is hidden under the soaking layers in the diaper to keep the wetness for coming through. The snake style soaker is sewn into the diaper at the back with the front unattached. This is so that you can fold the soaker under to adjust for size, and for quick cleaning - you can just spray the soaker instead of the whole diaper, and it also helps the diaper to dry faster after washing.  There is also a built in soaker for extra soaking power! PLUS all of the soaking layers that touch your baby's sensitive parts are made from organic cotton and hemp fabrics!

The PUL leg gussets help keep wetness from wicking The outside cotton design is set away from the wet zone so it doesn't pull it to the outside of the diaper. The PUL gusset extends around the elastic to the inside so the inside layers don't soak the outside. 

If you custom order the AIO diapers with velcro - it's even simpler!  You can also choose your outside fabric print! Check out the listing Here.

What makes them better than disposable? Aside from all the above AND from saving trash from the landfill, AIO's are one-size from about 10-30+ pounds and can be used over and over again!

So if you thought you were done with the cloth - take another look at the easiest all in one cloth diaper option around. 

Some adorable AIO's: 

To wash an AIO, spray off any solids, and store until wash day (recommended every 1-2 days). Do a cold rinse with no soap. Do a hot wash/cool rinse with your favorite diaper detergent, rinse until no soap remains. You can tumble dry on low or hang dry, I recommend hanging to dry in the sun and finishing off the drying process in a low heat dryer to regain the softness!

Enjoy! KIM

www.patsycakebaby.etsy.com

Cloth is Cool Giveaway Hop

PatsycakeBaby is proud to be a sponsor in the Cloth is Cool giveaway hop hosted by Zephyr Hill Blog and Cloth Diaper Addicts! Thank you to our hosts for also supporting small WAHM companies like PatsycakeBaby and making it possible to share our creations! 

To celebrate a new Diaper Cover Design PatsycakeBaby will be giving away a two pack of custom Diaper Covers in your choice of prints! FIRST, enter to win the Grand Prize from our hosts (see Below) and then scroll all the way down to the Rafflecopter form for your chance to win the PatsycakeBaby Prize (also open to US and Canada). 

Welcome to the first annual Cloth is Cool giveaway hop! Cloth is growing in popularity because of money savings, environmental benefits and just plain enjoyment (it's fun to pick from all the styles, prints and colors).

Check out the list below for all the cloth diaper giveaways you can enter during this hop. Your hosts, the Zephyr Hill Blog and Cloth Diaper Addicts, and all the participating bloggers and retailers, wish you a successful and enjoyable year of cloth diapering in 2015!

The grand prize giveaway, open to both US and Canadian residents, features a package containing several different styles to try out: One lucky winner will receive:

• Best Bottoms "Flurry" Cover and 3 Inserts (choose your size)
• bumGenius Limited Edition Elemental AIO Diaper
• Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag
• Imagine One-Size Diaper Cover
• Imagine SmartFit Prefolds, 6-Pack (choose your size)
• Imagine Indigo Pocket Diaper

The Cloth is Cool giveaway hop runs from January 16th to January 26th. Good luck!

Don't forget to enter to win your PatsycakeBaby 2 pack of diaper covers here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The PatsycakeBaby Cloth Diaper System

Looking for a simple way to cloth diaper? Economical, Earth-friendly, AND cute? PatsycakeBaby has a unique diapering system that has been TESTED and LOVED by many a baby's bottom (including my own son! ;) )

It's Easy as Pie....
First, Choose a diaper cover. They are available by custom order in my shop. You choose the outer fabrics! They start at $14.95 each but I offer bundle discounts which make the diapers about $12 or less! The outside is 100% cotton, the inside is PUL - it's the waterproof fabric used as a barrier to keep wetness inside the diaper. Pair with a really good soaker (see below) and you will only need rotate the cover between changes so it can dry before putting it back on.  This reduces washing, water, detergent, time....

The Second part of the system is the 4Leaf Clover Diaper, designed to fit right inside of a PatsycakeBaby cover! It's all organic and has fold-in soaker wings.  This One-Piece soaker system is amazing at holding in wetness and solids and keeping it off of the cover. Keep in mind - a really good soaking system will prevent leaks, hold in messes and be really comfy against your baby's skin.  Organic fabrics used in the 4Leaf Clover are free from harmful chemicals, are all natural and dye free. Features SnapLESS design that lays inside the cover without additional snapping or pinning (you're welcome!), super soaking fabrics, rainbow cute trim, one size fold down rise, fold in soakers for one piece design, trim and breathable.  This is your lucky diaper! These are only 12.50 in my shop and I also offer discount pricing for bundle orders! 

 The best part is, this system is a birth to potty system. Fits newborn (about 7 1/2 or 8lbs) all the way to potty.  I know this because my son still wears them at 2!

In the cloth diapering world, your options are almost endless and definitely confusing! Hope that all cloth diapering families new and old can find some peace in the simple side of cloth diapering!

PatsycakeBaby Virtual Craft Fair!

PatsycakeBaby Virtual Craft Fair

I'm holding my own virtual craft fair on my Facebook Page .  I only intended to keep it up for one day, but I ended up having lots of fun stuff left over from my craft fair this past weekend.  So, everything is up in the album on my Facebook Page - first comment claims the item- send me your PP address and I'll send an invoice! Cute items up for grabs like you see here in the photos below!  Hurry over and claim your handmade item at our Virtual Craft Fair! Some of the items are Craft Fair exclusives and won't be sold in my shop. Everything is at reduced prices! And yes, I will combine shipping!
Here's your link to the Album :) See you There!

Post by Patsycake Baby.

Cloth Diapers: How to Fudge-Fit a Sherpa Fitted

I have had the dilemma before.
What do you do when your sized fitted diaper is just a tad bit too big?
How can you stretch your dollar just a little bit further while buying the best organic fabric diaper?
What do you do if your kid falls in between sizes on the sized fitted diaper?

I have a solution that I call Fudge-fitting.  Cute huh?  With all those yucky connotations and all.

It's not perfect, but it will do and it works in three easy steps.

1. Turn diaper "wrong" side out.
2. Fold down the rise to expose the snaps
3. Fold or twist the wings to snap the diaper closed.

This method will shorten up the rise and take up the legs to approximately the next smallest size.  Then you can use them the "correct" way when your kiddo gains a few lb's.  Another helpful tip - to prevent staining on the "outside" of the diaper if you plan on wearing them coverless in the future, you can lay down a liner or insert inside the diaper.

Happy Diapering!
Kim

Cloth Diapers: How To Lanolinize Your Wool

Two questions people always ask me about wool.
#1 Isn't it itchy???
#2 Is it too hot for summer???
The answer to BOTH of those questions is NO.
Then the 3rd most common question:
#3 Isn't  it a pain to care for?
and the answer to that one is a little more complicated I suppose.

First of all, I live in Southern California. San Diego to be exact, which in case you didn't know is the capital of 72 degrees and sunny.  It's really hard to find wool to upcycle here. Most people all around the USA can go to their local thrift store and pick up a bargain bin load of sweaters for $5. Not the case here. Most thrift stores know what they have and auction in off to the highest bidder - usually at about $7 PER SWEATER. I feel like I get a score when I find a men's XL at that price ;).  I use upcycled sweater wool for my wool wraps, but I also have to supplement with some crocheted wool soakers.  I use upcycled wool sweaters because they are usually soft and use long hair wool so the surface of the wool isn't as scratchy as you would think.  Of course, every one of them gets the "rub-against-my-cheek Softness test" and if it passes I buy it because i never know when I'll find another.  The other part of that scratchy wool issue is care.  When you use the wool for diapers, they are usually lanolinized first.  In simple terms, Lanolin is the oil that is found on sheep to make their wool water resistant.  During processing of wool and turning into fabric and yarn all of that lanolin is washed away.  But lucky you - you can add it right back in through the process of Lanolinizing.  I don't think I made that word up - all of us wooly mamas use it!

These are the diapers I have in my shop:

Wool Wrap from upcycled sweater wool.

Hand Crocheted wool soakers.

I use wool year-round here in SoCal, in the summer it's the only thing my kid wears, and in the winter he wears it under his jammies or clothes.  He doesn't seem to be any hotter than when he has on a plastic coated non-breathable diaper! Wool is a natural fiber, breathable and non toxic.  The only issue may be an allergy to it since it is an animal hair. In that case, wool is not better for you. Aside from that- it is the best. When you coat the diaper with a small amount of lanolin, the soft fibers are able to resist wetness from the fitted soaking layers of the diaper. Any urine that comes in contact with the lanolin goes through some magic process that turns it into salt water....Seriously magic - you will have to google the deatils on it - it's completely true.
Wool needs to be hand washed BUT not very often. So when your babe wets his diaper, you take the wool off, turn it inside out and hang it to dry. You can rotate it back onto your babe at the next change.  After about a week or so depending on your rotation of diapers - you can hand wash in warm water with gentle soap.  I'll explain that in a minute. After a few of those washes - I would say about once a month, it's about time to put more lanolin on your diaper.

How do you know when it time to dun-Dun-DUN relanolinize? Your diaper may smell like urine or it may start to leak through frequently.
It's an easy process and here it is for you in pictures:

Wash your wool. Add your diaper to a basin of warm water, a drop of soap. Swish. Rinse until clear.

Lanolinize your wool. Squeeze out a pea size bit of lanolin.

In a small jar add 1/2tsp of gentle soap and the pea sized drop of lanolin.

Fill halfway with warm water and swish until lanolin is melted.

Pour onto the wet wool diaper.

Fill bowl with warm water.

Swish around to coat the diaper with the lanolin. Then, let it soak for a few minutes.

Squeeze the diaper (like this). Do not wring it out or it might warp it's shape.

Lay it flat on a dry towel.

Tightly roll the diaper up in the towel.

Then, Un-roll the diaper

Hang to dry!

And, there you have it. As always - if you need help, please feel free to ask, or send me a message!
Enjoy!
Kim