tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84704846082281905042023-11-16T07:21:18.037-05:00Pixie FluffDixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-89935647044641568582013-10-08T10:14:00.000-04:002013-10-08T23:27:37.389-04:00Bonnet patternI was challenged, recently, to make a bonnet. My sister-in-law handed me a bonnet that her daughter had worn as a baby, and told me I needed to try to make them too, because they're wonderful and hard to find. I thought, this sounds like a bit of a challenge, because I'm not used to making patterns, and I'm not even much of a bonnet person- but I tried anyway. What I came up with was a bit different than the original, but I think with a couple of tweaks, it could be pretty much the same. Anyway, here is how I did it, after tugging and stretching and pondering a while.<br />
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The bonnet I made, is the rainbow one: the other is the one I used for inspiration and a guide. I don't know what the sizing is on these: all I know is that they JUST BARELY fit my 3 1/2 year old, who wasn't extremely happy to have them on her head. So maybe they'll fit as little as a 1-year-old? I really haven't the foggiest.<br />
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I started with a circle. Well, half a circle. Anyway, the thing has a diameter of about 12", except for a little bit on one edge, where I wanted to make the hem at the back of the neck. I think that it's not necessary, to add the bit that juts out from the circle, but I added it anyway. The bit that juts out, is about 1/2" to 3/4" deep. I cut out ONE of this pattern piece, after folding the fabric in half where you see the arrows saying Cut on Fold.<br />
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Next, I made the brim. Or maybe I started with the brim and then did the hat part. But that's not important. The brim is easy. You'll have sort of a long half oval when you cut this out. I cut two pieces of fabric (again, folded in half where it's noted), and two of interfacing. I think if you used thick interfacing you could use just one layer, but I had fairly lightweight stuff.<br />
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Next, I added interfacing to the backside of each of the fabric pieces, for the brim, and sewed them together (fronts of fabric facing each other) except for a little gap that I used for turning it right side out. <b>I used a 1/4" seam allowance.</b> And then, of course, I turned it right side out and topstitched the whole thing. Oh and I clipped the corners and made little notches along the curves, before I turned it right side out.<br />
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After that, I created the back hem of the bonnet. I used the part of the back that juts out from the circle, and turned it on itself twice so I had a nice clean hem with no raw edges, and sewed. I had to go slowly, because well, it's rounded, and it's hard to hem rounded things! The whole thing looked more like Just A Circle, when I was done.<br />
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Then, the part I was dreading: gathering the part of the bonnet that attaches to the brim, and attaching it. I set my sewing machine to it's longest straight-stitch setting, and sewed around the raw edge of my circle piece, leaving longish thread tails on both ends. I sewed this line about 1/4" in from the edge of the fabric.<b> (No backstitching!!)</b> I pinned some places on both the bill AND the circle, so I would know I was gathering correctly. This is just like making a ruffle (a total pain in the rear, I say, but quick work because it's a small item, so I got over it). I pinned the middle, and then in quarters, so that there were three evenly spaced pins on the brim and the circle. Then I pulled one string on one end, til the circle was gathered to the right length on one side, and repeated it on the other side, distributing the gathers as needed, so it looked even and not patchy and weird. I did it sort of like <a href="http://pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com/2011/07/sewing-101-with-jenny-ruffles.html" target="_blank">this</a>, but didn't think of doing more than one row of stitching... might have to try that next time!<br />
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Lay the ruffled edge on the straight edge of the brim, and <b>PIN, PIN, PIN. </b>Make sure when you turn it right side out, that the whole shebang looks right. <b>Turn it right side out to make sure,</b> before you sew. I had to unpin and redo, and can only imagine how mad I would have been if I had SEWN it wrong and had to do that whole step again. Now sew it together. I actually sewed two lines- one about 3/8" in, and one a little closer to the edge.<br />
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Add your ties. I made mine with the fabric I was using for the rest of the bonnet, but you could use wide ribbons too, if you wanted. I cut 3" wide strips of fabric and turned each edge to the middle, then folded them in half, so I ended up with ties that were 3/4" wide or so. (I can't remember how long they were, but probably 18" long or so- you can make them however long you like). These I sewed on to the inside of the bonnet where the brim and the neck hem met. I did a couple of lines of stitching to make sure it was secure.<br />
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Last: elastic. I used 3/8" wide braided elastic. It goes all the way across the neck opening, on the inside of the bonnet of course, right above the hem. I held it where it needed to go, and stretched it hard, while I did a straight-stitch along one edge of the elastic. Then I did the same thing on the other edge of the elastic. That makes it pretty, but you could probably also do a 3-step-zigzag stitch all the way down the elastic too, instead, if you wanted.<br />
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DONE!<br />
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I don't mind if you make a million of these and sell them, by the way.</div>
<br />Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-8861756598716351992012-07-20T16:51:00.001-04:002012-07-20T17:02:49.577-04:001,000 fan giveaway!I'm posting this a little late I guess, but here you go! I was having trouble navigating blogger for a bit, but I'm on track now. Anyway, I've reached OVER 1,000 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PixieFluff" target="_blank">Facebook</a> fans and am doing a big giveaway. Here's what's up for grabs:<br />
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1 <a href="http://hyenacart.com/stores/PixieFluff/index.php?c=36" target="_blank">nursing cover</a>: let me know which one you like! Enter <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1acfce1/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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1 <a href="http://hyenacart.com/stores/PixieFluff/index.php?c=25" target="_blank">OS pocket diaper</a>: again, let me know which one you like! Enter <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1acfce2/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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1 Medium Wetbag from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NettiesHands" target="_blank">Nettie's Hands</a>! Enter <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1acfce4/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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1 Small Wetbag- choose red or green. These are not in stock, so don't get confused if you can't find them in my store. :) Enter <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1acfce7/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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1 <a href="http://hyenacart.com/PixieFluff/mt/3072/35872/Tree-of-Life-Calendula-Diaper-Balm" target="_blank">full-size diaper balm</a> from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TreeofLifeHerbals" target="_blank">Tree of Life</a>! Enter <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rafflecopter.com%2Frafl%2Fdisplay%2F1acfce5%2F&h=dAQFpzEgxAQG3oIJooYw4Fy4YYMTiMbsRGyEtBp2hov3gpA&enc=AZNmLW8AjZW8Bpl3XQQWA5SGqQtePaiyLQ6_FvwqVUoA83XVWqO2pATT-1Gz3I1Bqh1PcJsA6ijcnANpxazFMhPiLRlRZNyBaWs3EGg9Pq4ibQ" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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1 full-size pack of <a href="http://hyenacart.com/PixieFluff/mt/3072/42240/Pixie-Pieces-Wipes-Bits" target="_blank">Pixie Pieces</a> wipes bits from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TreeofLifeHerbals" target="_blank">Tree of Life</a>! Enter <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rafflecopter.com%2Frafl%2Fdisplay%2F1acfce6%2F&h=rAQHsHb4SAQEiw51KL-gOyxp_Pcpe8AehpXzrnhz0gdF-dg&enc=AZNhPd7gAVSC-3NAU1D_45x4eEmy8GdS7ywk88BK2rg5vq5zd8gR9qYsUqV9snHavSYqtaiD3QYgMCozxaBzPBZ-FXgi4QJV8lPP0KgAh-3w3w" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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Leave all your comments here, unless you've already left a comment on my Facebook page.<br />
Thanks for being a fan, and thanks for stopping by!<br />
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I have decided, in honor of the giveaway, to also have a discount code for my online store! Here it is, for 10% off: 1000FAN You can use the code til Monday, July 23rd, at midnight eastern, so if you don't win, you still...Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-64445404207864564912012-07-09T15:17:00.000-04:002012-07-09T15:17:19.116-04:00Photo Shoot!<br />
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I am planning a photo shoot for my new website. If you have a child (or children) in diapers, would you like for him/her/them to be a diaper model on www.pixiefluff.com? Do you nurse your child? I also make nursing covers, and need models for those. <br />
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I want models of all diapered ages- Newborn (or close) to 3 years old or so, and nursing mothers of different body types, of children the same ages.<br />
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You do NOT have to currently own a Pixie Fluff product, or currently use cloth diapers. I will provide Pixie Fluff diapers to those who don't already own them. If you are borrowing a diaper, it will be put on over a disposable if that's what you use. You will then have the option to buy the diaper you have used, at a discounted price, or give it right back to me.<br />
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This is free for you to participate in. That's right, no charge for this photo session. I will also provide all models with a copy of any pictures they are in.<br />
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Date is to be determined, but I am hoping for a Saturday or a Sunday, while the weather is still warm. The photo shoot will be somewhere in Ashe County, NC.<br />
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I will update you more as I know more about the availability of the photographer.<br />
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Please comment below if you are interested in being involved with the photo shoot, so I can keep track of everyone. :)Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-11557924851151472372012-03-03T09:12:00.000-05:002012-03-03T09:12:55.041-05:00Healthy pancake/waffle recipeSo, this is way off topic, but I had to share this recipe I came up with!<br />
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Combine in a large bowl:<br />
1/2 c all purpose flour<br />
1/2 c whole wheat flour<br />
1/2 c quick oats<br />
1 3/4 tsp baking powder<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 Tbsp brewers yeast<br />
2 Tbsp flax seed meal<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
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then melt:<br />
3 Tbsp butter or margarine<br />
and add to that,<br />
3 Tbsp honey.<br />
pour the butter and honey into:<br />
1 1/2 c milk<br />
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix well.<br />
Let it sit for 5 minutes, it will thicken a little.<br />
Then cook your pancakes or waffles as usual!<br />
These are especially tasty with a little butter or margarine, and some fruit spread on top!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-39161390631559141272011-11-02T13:13:00.000-04:002011-11-02T13:13:44.636-04:001000 fan giveaway!I know I am thinking ahead, I only have 849 fans... but in case anyone is still looking at this blog, here is what I would LIKE to give away when I hit 1000. It may change before then though...<br />
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One Pixie Fluff OS pocket diaper with an insert (probably a hemp/bamboo trifold insert)<br />
One pack of Pixie Pieces wipes bits from Tree of Life Herbals<br />
One container of Diaper Balm from Tree of Life Herbals<br />
A wetbag (not sure yet of size or maker)<br />
Maybe a dryer ball or 4<br />
Maybe some detergent<br />
A nursing cover and nursing pads<br />
<br />
Now... to decide if one lucky winner gets it all or if it should be divided among several!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-50045176203334767532011-09-29T00:57:00.002-04:002011-09-29T00:57:14.973-04:00DetergentWhat is your favorite cloth diaper detergent? Right now I really love Clean B but it can be hard to come by. I've been trying grocery store brands but none really seem to work all that well. I have made my own, too. Mix equal parts of Washing Soda, Borax, and Oxyclean to get your detergent. I use 1/4 cup in each load, since I have a top loading non-HE machine. Oh and the off brand of Oxyclean works just as well as the big brand. That's all for now but if you have a detergent you LOVE, please mention it in the comments below!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-41759986471441879402011-09-23T20:15:00.001-04:002011-09-23T20:15:45.390-04:00Off topic! Apple Pie!Dixie's Apple Pie<br />
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Preheat oven to 425 F<br />
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Make filling:<br />
-stir together:<br />
4 cups chopped apples<br />
1/4 cup white sugar<br />
1/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup flour<br />
-sprinkle with cinnamon<br />
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Make Dough<br />
(I loosely followed Joy of Cooking's recipe for this, here is what I did):<br />
-chill:<br />
3/4 cup shortening<br />
-stir together:<br />
2 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt<br />
-cut in:<br />
1/2 of the shortening,<br />
-crumble it up with your fingers until it is a little coarser than cornmeal<br />
-cut in:<br />
the rest of the shortening<br />
3 Tbsp Country Crock (or other butter or spread)<br />
-slice through it with two knives until there are no pieces of shortening any bigger than large peas<br />
-add:<br />
6 Tbsp ice water<br />
-knead it until it comes together.<br />
If you have to, add a tiny bit more water (if it is too crumbly) or flour (if it is too wet).<br />
<br />
Tear dough into two equal pieces.<br />
<br />
Roll first ball of dough out to about a 1/8" thick circle.<br />
Put it into a greased pie pan.<br />
Pierce the dough in several places with a fork.<br />
<br />
Put the filling into the pan.<br />
Break up 1/4 cup of butter or spread and scatter it over the apples.<br />
<br />
Roll out the other half of the dough into about a 1/8" thick circle.<br />
Place this dough on top of the apples, and trim the excess.<br />
Pinch the edges to seal in the filling.<br />
Cut slits and/or use a cookie cutter to make airholes in the top of the pie.<br />
Butter the top of the pie, then lighly sprinkle it with sugar and cinnamon.<br />
<br />
Place pie in oven at 425 F for 15 minutes.<br />
Then turn down the heat to 375 F and bake for another 30-45 minutes or until golden.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-68491253241238963312011-09-02T12:03:00.002-04:002011-09-02T12:03:55.810-04:00Festival time againI'll be setting up a booth at the Greater Lansing Area Festival in Lansing, NC on Saturday if anybody is local and wants to come visit. Hope to see some of you there!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-47227709383834431402011-08-17T02:22:00.000-04:002011-08-17T02:22:34.052-04:00I AM still here. :)I should be asleep right now but this is more fun. Just popping in to say I am still here and still sewing. I am waiting on my tags to arrive, but until then I am cutting out diapers and putting some of the snaps on them. I have 12-13 OS diapers ready for tags right now. I can't go much further on them until I get tags though. Did I mention how impatient I am?<br />
Anyway, I am thrilled, because I have been sending out lots of packages lately!<br />
Hopefully I can sell at the Farmers Market sometime soon... maybe once more this month, and then I'll be at a local festival next month one day... I've got my online stores open all the time though, except when I am selling at a festival or the Farmers Market: then my stores are on vacation so I don't sell things I only have one of, twice. If you are local email me for a free shipping coupon code on my Hyenacart store, good til the end of this month. pixiefluffbiz @ gmail.com without the spaces.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-28393778418924827482011-08-02T15:22:00.001-04:002011-08-02T15:23:03.501-04:00NW NC Diaper HelpI just wanted to share this charity with you all. Go check out <a href="http://www.nwncdiaperhelp.weebly.com/">www.nwncdiaperhelp.weebly.com</a> if you live in Ashe, Watauga, or Wilkes counties in NC or Johnson County in TN.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-20145959722439349632011-07-28T15:13:00.002-04:002011-07-28T15:13:50.271-04:00SALE!I am having an "I need funds for more supplies" sale on Etsy. If you go to www.pixiefluffstuff.etsy.com and use code FACE20 you can get 20% off the things I have listed there. Hurry, it only lasts until Saturday. I have a couple of sized fitted diapers on there, and I'm not making them anymore, so if you want one, now's the time.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-28603833062300047852011-07-26T10:18:00.000-04:002011-07-26T10:18:32.712-04:00What's newSo Christmas in July is over, and so is the Natural Birth and Parenting Expo. I'm working on some custom orders, and just started cranking out lady/mama cloth. There is a weeklong consignment sale coming up in a couple weeks, and I think I'll try and be a vendor there. Then there is the Greater L.A. festival in September, which I will be selling at. Trying to spread the local love for cloth diapering and help the local breastfeeding moms keep modest. (I live in an area where 90% of breastfeeding moms want to be covered for modesty and to keep the men from making drool puddles.) So... I'm busy!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-24930618545896744352011-07-19T02:10:00.000-04:002011-07-19T02:10:59.478-04:00Back at it!I'm working on two custom orders, and trying to get things made for my own children and niece and nephew as well. A friend and I are having a natural parenting expo on Saturday and hopefully I will get more orders to fulfil then! I need to get more snaps and thread, and I also need to upgrade to woven labels and get CSPIA labels so that I'm kosher when those laws kick in. I just got a new sewing machine and it is awesome! That makes me want to sew more often. :) I have made loads of nursing covers lately, and I always have about a 4" by 10" piece of fabric leftover, so maybe one day I'll make a quilt from all those scraps. It would be so neat to see all the fabrics together like that.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-91964521875650678762011-07-03T09:30:00.000-04:002011-07-03T09:30:11.755-04:00Taking a breather!I have been sewing like mad for over a month now, getting ready for Christmas in July. Well, Christmas in July is over and I am going to take about a week off of sewing. I need it! I am really tired and housework is begging to be caught up on. Oh and my sewing machine needs a tuneup because it has been worked so hard. I may even get a second machine. :) Well, third if you count my serger too! I will be stocking all my leftovers in one of my online stores, so you will still be able to get Fluff from me. I have a lot of nursing covers left too, so you will finally be able to buy some of those from me.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-55837305609028719962011-06-29T09:10:00.000-04:002011-06-29T09:10:55.528-04:00The winners are...Shannon Alexander gets the nursing cover!<br />
Laura and Sarah G. each get a CD!<br />
and Anonymous (jhpage) gets the OS diaper and the wipes bits!<br />
Congratulations everyone!<br />
I sent out emails to the winners already, so check your inboxes and get back to me within 48 hours with your mailing info. I will send out prizes within one week of getting your information. If you didn't get my email (sometimes they get lost) there is a contact button on the side of this blog, if I'm not mistaken. Use it, please! :)Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-23848355352190527852011-06-29T00:19:00.000-04:002011-06-29T00:19:36.236-04:00I have picked the winners! I'll tell you in the morning, when I send out the emails. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prizes. Good luck!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-91017890274133397932011-06-21T21:49:00.001-04:002011-06-28T15:38:43.292-04:00Pixie Fluff has over 750 fans! Here's the giveaway scoop:One winner will get a free one-size diaper of THEIR choice (specify now), with one insert.<br />
One winner will get a free nursing cover of MY choice (entrants should specify now: boy, girl, or gender neutral color).<br />
And, since I used to be a musician in my spare time (as a teen), and have lots of leftover CD's, I will pick two winners who will each get a CD! I know, not fluff, but still fun! The music is sort of reminiscent of Jewel, Anna Nalick, and Joan Baez.... or so I've been told.<br />
The rules:<br />
Comment below (with your email address included in your comment), telling me which thing you would like to win. Only enter to win one of the things listed- I will not give multiple prizes to any one person. Sorry!<br />
I will pick the winners in one week, and will contact each of them. The winner will have 48 hours from the time I email them, to contact me with their address, and if they don't, I will have to pick another winner.<br />
Sound OK?<br />
GO!<br />
<br />
Edited to add, by one-size diaper, I meant a waterproof one, not a fitted. Sorry for the omission! But the winner of the OS diaper does get a pack of wipes bits from <a href="http://www.hyenacart.com/thegreenpanda">The Green Panda</a>. :)Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-7119237401562290282011-06-14T20:07:00.000-04:002011-06-14T20:07:29.100-04:00Very close to 750!When my Facebook page reaches 750 fans I will have a really cool giveaway. But I'm not telling what the prize is until I get to 750! So send people over, and keep tuned. The giveaway will take place either here or on Hyenacart as a drawing, since Facebook has a lot of rules about giveaways that I don't want to have to dodge around.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-70926713609639085602011-05-30T09:00:00.000-04:002011-05-30T09:00:04.421-04:00Flats and Handwashing Challenge- day 7Well, I've learned a few things. It's not so hard to handwash. It's not hard to use flats only. But if I did flats only, all the time, I would get a few hemp or bamboo flats big enough to handle my 3 year old's nights. Another thing- there are differences in detergents. Obviously. But handwashing makes it obvious, which detergents work best. So if I ever want to test a detergent, I will handwash for a couple of days. This was an interesting experiment, and I'm glad I participated!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-10201615114204575952011-05-29T01:11:00.000-04:002011-05-29T01:11:34.631-04:00Flats and Handwashing Challenge- days 5-6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been neglecting the blog. :( Anyway... I don't mind using flats. But if I did it full time I would have more of them, and maybe some that were made of hemp or bamboo. I would also use my washing machine and probably my dryer. The challenge has been good- now I know I can cloth diaper even if my washer breaks down or I have to go away for a few days and don't know if I will have a washer. Rain is bothersome... The other day I had to lay diapers all over our furniture to dry it! They were most of the way dry and then it started to rain. I'm just glad I noticed when I did or they would have been soaked. So anyway, I will finally share some pictures! I don't know why they're so randomly spaced. As you can probably tell, I'm not a very experienced blogger. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEhd0LaoLgINq0KoSyI5wL6AYSk-xcbEj5WBAwmpfNMYMMrdvwSDeICVdmQwWh1SUNC3B0FPWS0WVcsoSnwJB61fmVwjW8ks0VevlpQ8lmdAytFsEBHpFGgFF5c8Rv9OBs3fVQVb_QaY/s1600/P5250152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEhd0LaoLgINq0KoSyI5wL6AYSk-xcbEj5WBAwmpfNMYMMrdvwSDeICVdmQwWh1SUNC3B0FPWS0WVcsoSnwJB61fmVwjW8ks0VevlpQ8lmdAytFsEBHpFGgFF5c8Rv9OBs3fVQVb_QaY/s320/P5250152.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The diapers, before washing. I've been keeping dirties in a bucket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW0Oy7DUgdQA2O7Q3SIOkxPfWxCkcZN6v6_5YywRGCv6yy7GfX5vUJFGMrju6qzgKNl1sChcFq4-_uNS3aHTIpVOt31bufXtLcfeIUc5RSLd_HFNvdXZCJFFn5J9lv3E6dhyphenhyphenspZBR8-4/s1600/P5250153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW0Oy7DUgdQA2O7Q3SIOkxPfWxCkcZN6v6_5YywRGCv6yy7GfX5vUJFGMrju6qzgKNl1sChcFq4-_uNS3aHTIpVOt31bufXtLcfeIUc5RSLd_HFNvdXZCJFFn5J9lv3E6dhyphenhyphenspZBR8-4/s320/P5250153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I use to wash them. A great big bucket and a mobile washer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriuUIMNinihef0ocvDlHCSzR_zQ0ach2J0xdXZqGoj0npJV5l3FqOVxR7TqrNIcceTotGicqfXwlzgpgAskZgnnawkj0GMU2iyZeVDR5HooJDTdsAWjSVHbjzOuinUrzGTq8XjyKnMo8/s1600/P5260160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriuUIMNinihef0ocvDlHCSzR_zQ0ach2J0xdXZqGoj0npJV5l3FqOVxR7TqrNIcceTotGicqfXwlzgpgAskZgnnawkj0GMU2iyZeVDR5HooJDTdsAWjSVHbjzOuinUrzGTq8XjyKnMo8/s320/P5260160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now they're clean (the bucket got washed too), and ready to hang.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjKi1BcFx7C_-E-h3_p4Qj-e4U89GvFqK1S6PIRCdTw2VqUTfPhnh9LHhgjsDcEKiri7QHf9_HX4myROkfh-dVH4i4xDXCbu5p7nzUO6j8k6uTVeak9AUdFGRbY9GfQ1STqMllP1YHEk/s1600/P5240151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjKi1BcFx7C_-E-h3_p4Qj-e4U89GvFqK1S6PIRCdTw2VqUTfPhnh9LHhgjsDcEKiri7QHf9_HX4myROkfh-dVH4i4xDXCbu5p7nzUO6j8k6uTVeak9AUdFGRbY9GfQ1STqMllP1YHEk/s320/P5240151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they are hanging. I have since added another line so I can hang more at a time.<br />
I have to double- and triple-hang them because I don't have a very big clothesline.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-10958338361267809972011-05-27T14:34:00.000-04:002011-05-27T14:34:34.807-04:00Flats and Handwashing Challenge- days 3-4Finally had to wash some poopy diapers. I dunk-swished and rung them out. (Yuck.) I really think the diapers are getting VERY clean being handwashed. Probably because I am seeing if the water is running clear or not and if it's not I do another "cycle" to get them super clean. I wish I had more room outside to hang them up though! I am having to hang 2-3 diapers up together just so I don't run out of space. They have been getting dry in plenty of time though, so I can't complain. Today it's cloudy out, so I hope they still dry fast enough.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-10935434029888396222011-05-25T10:22:00.000-04:002011-05-25T10:22:08.620-04:00Flats and Handwashing Challenge- day 2I know my wash routine now.<br />
I rinse all the diapers in a big bucket with 4 gallons of cold water and a mobile washer.<br />
Then I wash them all with a little over a tsp of Clean B in 4 gallons of hot water. Then I do that step one more time, because the first time around seems like it brings out most of the funk (I can smell it) and I want to really wash that out.<br />
Then I rinse in 4 gallons of cold water. And I repeat THAT step.<br />
Then I wring everything out really well and hang it up.<br />
Done.Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-6098764054645454562011-05-24T08:33:00.001-04:002011-05-24T08:33:19.643-04:00Flats and Handwashing Challenge- day 1Day One went well. Even the first night, nobody was soaked in the morning. (I have two in diapers most of the time.) I'll have to wash the diapers really soon, this morning. Guess I better go gather my supplies!Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-80281727108872400992011-05-14T13:09:00.002-04:002011-05-14T13:09:26.543-04:00Practicing handwashingI washed a few flats and covers the other day with my mobile washer and they seemed to come out very clean and dry pretty quickly. I just wish they weren't so crispy after they dry... LOLDixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8470484608228190504.post-45392302541584401302011-05-10T14:50:00.000-04:002011-05-10T14:50:20.376-04:00I got a plunger washer!I got a <a href="http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_MC%20W050_A_name_E_Mobile%20Washer%20(Hand%20Operated%20Washing%20Machine)">mobile washer</a> (hand operated washing machine) in the mail today. I'm going to use it to wash diapers for the <a href="http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/flats-and-handwashing-challenge-why-are-you-joining/">Flats and Handwashing Challenge</a>! I also ordered a few different of kinds of flats from <a href="http://www.thanksmama.com/Prefolds_s/90.htm">Thanks Mama</a> and <a href="http://www.momsmilkboutique.com/Prefolds_and_Flats_41_cat.html">Mom's Milk Boutique</a>. <div>Thanks Mama sells individual flats, along with the relatively hard to find Imse Vimse muslin flats.<br />
<div>If you buy a dozen flats from Mom's Milk Boutique and use coupon code COVER12 you get a free one size cover, for a limited time! I can't wait to see what I get.</div></div><div>I have some small hemp flats I can use as doublers, and will probably make myself a flat or two from bamboo... don't know yet. I may make myself a new diaper cover, too, if the urge strikes when I've got time.</div><div>The rules are (and this is not a complete list of rules, you can find those <a href="http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/take-the-flats-and-handwashing-challenge-may-23-30/">HERE</a>) that you must use flats only, and you're only allowed to use (up to) 5 covers. Nighttime, you should try to make flats work, but if you can't, it's ok. You can use flushable liners but not a diaper sprayer.</div><div>When the challenge is over, feel free to come shop for some pocket diapers at my <a href="http://www.hyenacart.com/pixiefluff">Hyena Cart store</a>! They can be stuffed with the flats you just got done using, or the inserts that come with them. If you would rather get just the pocket shell and use your own insert or flat, <a href="mailto:pixiefluffbiz@gmail.com">email me</a> and I will get you a custom listing up. </div><div>Happy diapering!</div>Dixie @ Pixie Fluffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00536309586142516915noreply@blogger.com0