Decisions, additions, opinions
My diaper article is mostly finished, the pattern is nearly perfected, and the samples are coming along great.
Right now I’m at the point where I have to decide how to present the pattern. I’ve designed it so that it will enlarge proportionately on a photo copier. Currently I have a half pattern at newborn size, so readers could trace it as is, then enlarge it for larger sizes. I’ve also toyed with the idea of printing a full pattern in a much reduced size. It would be sized for a dolly. A full, multi-size pull out is not an option, however if I spread the pattern over three pages, I’d be able to offer the multi-size half pattern. Readers would then have to trace and tape together. If you were the reader, what would you prefer?
Also, if you were totally new to cloth diapering, what would you want to know? Or perhaps a better question, if you’ve been CDing for a while, what do you think newbies would find helpful?
Here are some of the things I’ve already covered:
Styles of cloth diapers, including flat folds, prefolds, contour, fitted, all-in-one.
Number of diapers to start with.
Fabric descriptions.
Washing diapers, including a basic routine, what to do when you have laundry problems, and a bit on detergents.
Sewing a basic fitted diaper, using the included pattern, plus variations to make a contour and all-in-one.
Diaper doubler, waterproof diaper covers, and washable wipes.
Plus a side bar for a few great online diaper fabric stores.
If you have a favorite source for diaper making supplies, or any other questions or suggestions about the article, please let me know in the comments!
The pattern set up is a good one. I think a multi-size that you could enlarge on a copier would be nice. It comes down to whatever is easiest for you to print in a magazine. And you pretty much covered all the need to know things. The only thing I can think of you might want to mention is about the diaper pail (or whatever is being used)… What works best for keeping the smell in check and best way place to store it.
I am sure the finished article will be set up just right. Look how nice you have things posted on your blog and all your experience already in publishing.
This may be obvious once one has a baby to dress and examine, but how about sizing info to start with? Obviously one needs different sizes for a newborn at 8lb vs. a newborn at 10lb or 6lb…
How about an article on how to properly dye cloth for diapers, and also tye-dying? Possibly include some sites of where to buy the dyes, the easiest way to dye cloth. and so on.