Diaper Swappers

MommyLyssa · 01-03-2013, 11:55 AM

Totally ok

Maybe you could post in the craft chat too? About what people like best? Might be be able to get away with that as well..maybe green living? (ok, maybe not green living....)

I wonder if I would get in trouble for posting for you. If not, I will totally do it!

bigmamakelsey · 01-06-2013, 05:56 PM

Hungry Caterpillar · 01-07-2013, 12:06 AM

I like minky bc it doesn't stain. My favorite pads are Pianissimo because they are gorgeously made thus very comfy. I do not like serged. I do not care as much about colors and prints if they work well! I tend to use my favorites for comfort And then go to the pretties.

No worries about exposed fleece. Shape wise I like an hourglass and a generous one for night and pp.

BubBubsMom · 01-07-2013, 03:51 AM

Favorite top layer: Bamboo velour!

Favorite absorbent layer : bamboo, but anything that didn't bulk up the pad but was still absorbent

Favorite backing: fleece (but I haven't tried others)

Favorite length for liners : 7 inches

Favorite length for day pads : 9 inches

Favorite length for overnight/postpartum : overnight I like the 11 inches but my AF isn't that heavy right now so it might differ

Do you like different options (lots of different fabrics, styles, different absorbecy in all sizes, ect.) or simplicity? (light liners, moderate regular length, heavy long length, all minky or all bamboo, ect.) : I love that minky has so many fabric choices and that it's so soft, but compared to bamboo velour it seems too thick for me and then bunches up. I think different absorbency is all sizes would be nice. I notice sometimes when I'm using a liner that is 7 inches, I might need something longer because it is not giving me enough coverage for the how little is there.

Exposed fleece (on the wings, like pampered mama, go with the flo, ect.) or all fabric tops including wings (like tree hugger) : exposed

What is most important to you assuming they both function well - cuteness, or price?: cuteness. I have not bought a pad that I didn't think was cute. There are ones I have passed up because the look was not flattering to me.

What attracts you more - low flat rate shipping, or more add on shipping the more you buy (ie, less shipping for a smaller order vs. flat rate) : add on shipping. Flat rate would work well for big orders but more than likely you're going to have a customer only wanting to order a pad or two at a time and that would be the most economical

Anything else you can add would be SUPER helpful! I'm excited to get started I'm just feeling wishy washy with what I'd like to do: trim is a plus! Good luck mama!

MothyrGrimm · 01-08-2013, 11:55 AM

Favorite top layer : daytime - OBV or low pile minky nighttime - minky

Favorite absorbent layer : not too picky here, but not a fan of zorb for daytime pads because it gets bulky. 2 layers of zorb for nighttime/heavy is okay for me though.

Favorite backing: fleece all the way! I hate pul!

Favorite length for liners : 7 inches

Favorite length for day pads : 9 inches

Favorite length for overnight/postpartum : 11 inches

Do you like different options (lots of different fabrics, styles, different absorbecy in all sizes, ect.) or simplicity? (light liners, moderate regular length, heavy long length, all minky or all bamboo, ect.) : I usually don't vary too much from above when it comes to absorbency and length, but I think it's important to have the different options. I know I can't go out with a 11 inch heavy pad without the world seeing it on my butt. lol So it's good to have the option for something more discreet. As for fabrics I like three options, cotton, obv, and minky. I don't like flannel because it can start to look ugly unless you buy REALLY good quality flannel. I love obv for everyday use at home, minky for nights, and cotton when I'm busy or out and about because it's oh so trim and awesome. As for styles - I don't like it at all when one company has several shapes of pads. I like one pattern with variations for different accommodations. When a company offers rounded, contoured, squared, square wings, triangle wings, tab wings... etc. I feel like they don't have a specific pattern or uniqueness that's there to set them apart. I know in my stash if it's not a specific identifiable look I'll forget who makes them, and be less likely to use it. I also hate exact copies of other pad makers, I know there can only be so many shapes, but even some swirly stitching to set them apart would be better. Can you tell I'm picky?

Exposed fleece (on the wings, like pampered mama, go with the flo, ect.) or all fabric tops including wings (like tree hugger) : I will buy pads with either as long as the exposed fleece wings are reinforced, like Pampered Mama and Domino Pads have. Otherwise it's easy to rip the snaps out if you're not careful.

What is most important to you assuming they both function well - cuteness, or price?: Cuteness within reason. I will gladly pay more for a pretty pad, unless it's super expensive. *cough*PIMP's*cough*

What attracts you more - low flat rate shipping, or more add on shipping the more you buy (ie, less shipping for a smaller order vs. flat rate) : Low flat rate shipping, I like to buy a few at a time because I want to try them out, and want to do reviews on YT so I don't think I'd ever buy a ton at once.

Anything else you can add would be SUPER helpful! I'm excited to get started I'm just feeling wishy washy with what I'd like to do.

Any shop names are also welcomed!! I had one in mind, but nothing is set in stone. I'll be selling mama cloth mainly, maybe nursing pads, wetbags and family cloth as well.

Extra tip: Be careful when you market your pads as "mama cloth". It's the most searched word so you should include the term somewhere in your shop of course, but I wouldn't label them as strictly "mama cloth". There's a lot of ladies I know that are uncomfortable with the term since they're not mothers, especially young women 15-20 who often don't even want to THINK of motherhood. I've also heard of ladies thinking "mama cloth" meant they were strictly postpartum pads. So just something to keep in mind. I think phrasing it like: "Our cloth menstrual pads (also known to some as "mama cloth") are made from...." would be a good alternative since some are pretty sensitive over it, and it's a shame so many young ladies miss out. Hope that helps!! Can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

P.S. - Also make sure to start a Facebook once you get up and going! I know me and several others use FB specifically for following other enthusiasts and companies. I love chatting with cloth pad ladies and it's a fun way to get known and develop relationships outside of Diaperswappers. Especially for ladies without kids, very few would venture to Diaperswappers whereas FB is familiar.

bigmamakelsey · 01-08-2013, 11:59 AM

Thank you!! I had never enough considered it inappropriate to use the term "mama" cloth, but that definitely makes sense! Great tip, thank you

Changing my title to this

MothyrGrimm · 01-08-2013, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigmamakelsey

Thank you!! I had never enough considered it inappropriate to use the term "mama" cloth, but that definitely makes sense! Great tip, thank you

Changing my title to this

I wouldn't have thought of it either until I started watching YT videos and got my SIL started on cloth pads. I realized I sounded weird and didn't want to call them "mama cloth" when referring to her pads or when we talk about them. She's 15 so it just sounded all sorts of wrong. LOL

amb2j · 01-08-2013, 02:13 PM

I like fleece backed pads (I actually prefer exposed fleece with the absorbent layers on top...makes it less bulky), hour glass shaped with bamboo velour top layers. As for lengths, I like the lengths of the domino pads. I dont have a preference for materials for absorbent layers. I really like the design of the domino pads...they only stitch the sides down to the fleece (top and back not stitched) and that helps the pads be more breathable and quick-dry :-). And, generally, I like simplicity more than TONS of options.

newtocloth2 · 01-09-2013, 12:58 PM

I like cotton or bamboo velour topped, fleece backed, hourglass-shaped pads. I like the length my gem cloth comes in. I like to be able to choose between several colors/prints, but price is a definite factor for me.

debcita429 · 01-09-2013, 10:35 PM

Hi Bigmamakelsey

I answered your survey elsewhere. I just wanted to alert you to an idea I saw amy's rag bag using (I haven't tried her pads; they are not the right sizes or design for me). She has pads with a tencel top. She says that the tencel has similar properties to bamboo velour even though it is a weave and not a velour. I used to have some tencel clothing items that I just loved--they were breathable and felt like silk but sturdier and had a pleasant sheen to them--and I'm fascinated by tencel as a pad fabric possibility. Some really high end underwear is made of tencel.

Just thought I'd mention it in case it interests you,
Deb

01-03-2013, 11:55 AM	#11
MommyLyssa Registered Users Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mass Posts: 1,600 Ratings: 45 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: MAMA CLOTH - what do you like best? Totally ok Maybe you could post in the craft chat too? About what people like best? Might be be able to get away with that as well..maybe green living? (ok, maybe not green living....) I wonder if I would get in trouble for posting for you. If not, I will totally do it! __________________ Alyssa. Wife and Helpmeet to my best friend and warrior poet, C (), and SAH home schooling mama to R1 (7/05) R2 (11/07) and R3 (7/09)

01-06-2013, 05:56 PM	#12
bigmamakelsey Registered Users Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Montana Posts: 9,564 Ratings: 160 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: MAMA CLOTH - what do you like best? __________________ K&K My little firecracker Lennon 10.09, crying before he fully emerged and My little sweetheart Indi 6.12, born smiling

01-07-2013, 12:06 AM	#13
Hungry Caterpillar Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,868 Ratings: 2 Feedback: 100%	I like minky bc it doesn't stain. My favorite pads are Pianissimo because they are gorgeously made thus very comfy. I do not like serged. I do not care as much about colors and prints if they work well! I tend to use my favorites for comfort And then go to the pretties. No worries about exposed fleece. Shape wise I like an hourglass and a generous one for night and pp. __________________ Andrea Wife of E, Mom of B (10/11) Enjoying the smile that wakes me up every morning.

01-07-2013, 03:51 AM	#14
BubBubsMom Registered Users Formerly: TaReeses Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Alaska Posts: 1,110 Ratings: 35 Feedback: 100%	Favorite top layer: Bamboo velour! Favorite absorbent layer : bamboo, but anything that didn't bulk up the pad but was still absorbent Favorite backing: fleece (but I haven't tried others) Favorite length for liners : 7 inches Favorite length for day pads : 9 inches Favorite length for overnight/postpartum : overnight I like the 11 inches but my AF isn't that heavy right now so it might differ Do you like different options (lots of different fabrics, styles, different absorbecy in all sizes, ect.) or simplicity? (light liners, moderate regular length, heavy long length, all minky or all bamboo, ect.) : I love that minky has so many fabric choices and that it's so soft, but compared to bamboo velour it seems too thick for me and then bunches up. I think different absorbency is all sizes would be nice. I notice sometimes when I'm using a liner that is 7 inches, I might need something longer because it is not giving me enough coverage for the how little is there. Exposed fleece (on the wings, like pampered mama, go with the flo, ect.) or all fabric tops including wings (like tree hugger) : exposed What is most important to you assuming they both function well - cuteness, or price?: cuteness. I have not bought a pad that I didn't think was cute. There are ones I have passed up because the look was not flattering to me. What attracts you more - low flat rate shipping, or more add on shipping the more you buy (ie, less shipping for a smaller order vs. flat rate) : add on shipping. Flat rate would work well for big orders but more than likely you're going to have a customer only wanting to order a pad or two at a time and that would be the most economical Anything else you can add would be SUPER helpful! I'm excited to get started I'm just feeling wishy washy with what I'd like to do: trim is a plus! Good luck mama! Last edited by BubBubsMom; 01-07-2013 at 03:55 AM.

01-08-2013, 11:55 AM	#15
MothyrGrimm Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 2,323 Ratings: 57 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: MAMA CLOTH - what do you like best? Favorite top layer : daytime - OBV or low pile minky nighttime - minky Favorite absorbent layer : not too picky here, but not a fan of zorb for daytime pads because it gets bulky. 2 layers of zorb for nighttime/heavy is okay for me though. Favorite backing: fleece all the way! I hate pul! Favorite length for liners : 7 inches Favorite length for day pads : 9 inches Favorite length for overnight/postpartum : 11 inches Do you like different options (lots of different fabrics, styles, different absorbecy in all sizes, ect.) or simplicity? (light liners, moderate regular length, heavy long length, all minky or all bamboo, ect.) : I usually don't vary too much from above when it comes to absorbency and length, but I think it's important to have the different options. I know I can't go out with a 11 inch heavy pad without the world seeing it on my butt. lol So it's good to have the option for something more discreet. As for fabrics I like three options, cotton, obv, and minky. I don't like flannel because it can start to look ugly unless you buy REALLY good quality flannel. I love obv for everyday use at home, minky for nights, and cotton when I'm busy or out and about because it's oh so trim and awesome. As for styles - I don't like it at all when one company has several shapes of pads. I like one pattern with variations for different accommodations. When a company offers rounded, contoured, squared, square wings, triangle wings, tab wings... etc. I feel like they don't have a specific pattern or uniqueness that's there to set them apart. I know in my stash if it's not a specific identifiable look I'll forget who makes them, and be less likely to use it. I also hate exact copies of other pad makers, I know there can only be so many shapes, but even some swirly stitching to set them apart would be better. Can you tell I'm picky? Exposed fleece (on the wings, like pampered mama, go with the flo, ect.) or all fabric tops including wings (like tree hugger) : I will buy pads with either as long as the exposed fleece wings are reinforced, like Pampered Mama and Domino Pads have. Otherwise it's easy to rip the snaps out if you're not careful. What is most important to you assuming they both function well - cuteness, or price?: Cuteness within reason. I will gladly pay more for a pretty pad, unless it's super expensive. coughPIMP'scough What attracts you more - low flat rate shipping, or more add on shipping the more you buy (ie, less shipping for a smaller order vs. flat rate) : Low flat rate shipping, I like to buy a few at a time because I want to try them out, and want to do reviews on YT so I don't think I'd ever buy a ton at once. Anything else you can add would be SUPER helpful! I'm excited to get started I'm just feeling wishy washy with what I'd like to do. Any shop names are also welcomed!! I had one in mind, but nothing is set in stone. I'll be selling mama cloth mainly, maybe nursing pads, wetbags and family cloth as well. Extra tip: Be careful when you market your pads as "mama cloth". It's the most searched word so you should include the term somewhere in your shop of course, but I wouldn't label them as strictly "mama cloth". There's a lot of ladies I know that are uncomfortable with the term since they're not mothers, especially young women 15-20 who often don't even want to THINK of motherhood. I've also heard of ladies thinking "mama cloth" meant they were strictly postpartum pads. So just something to keep in mind. I think phrasing it like: "Our cloth menstrual pads (also known to some as "mama cloth") are made from...." would be a good alternative since some are pretty sensitive over it, and it's a shame so many young ladies miss out. Hope that helps!! Can't wait to see what you come up with!!! P.S. - Also make sure to start a Facebook once you get up and going! I know me and several others use FB specifically for following other enthusiasts and companies. I love chatting with cloth pad ladies and it's a fun way to get known and develop relationships outside of Diaperswappers. Especially for ladies without kids, very few would venture to Diaperswappers whereas FB is familiar. __________________ Loving, country-fied, sewing, alpaca loving, kinda crunchy, farm-dreaming wifey to my goofy DH and mama to our little pumpkin Hunter (10/09/11) Last edited by MothyrGrimm; 01-08-2013 at 12:00 PM.