Frugal, sustainable and earth friendly - every month...

Thanks to all who have visited my blog coming over from Down to Earth. It's been lovely having you stop by, and thanks to all who have taken the time to leave a comment.  
                       
I will get back to the gluten-free issue but I did a little sewing that I thought some of you may be interested in as it is frugal, sustainable and earth friendly.  It's also in an area that's usually a bit taboo to discuss, so I hope you can approach this post with an open mind :)

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When I started looking at ways to save money and also reduce waste, packaging and resources it wasn't long before I could see the need to find a more sustainable solution than using disposable menstrual hygiene products.  I found loads of websites about re-usable cloth menstrual pads and was convinced to give it a go.  I first bought one to try out, then unpicked it to see how it was sewn together and set about sewing my own. 

That first lot that I sewed have lasted an impressive 3 and a half years but I thought it was time to make some new ones.  I still had all the materials I bought originally so this lot will cost me nothing but my time.  It's a fairly simple sewing project, so it's achievable even for beginner sewers.

First, get a disposable pad that you like using and trace around it to make a pattern.  It will need to have "wings" that are wide enough to wrap around the underside of your underwear and clip together.  Add an even amount all around the pattern for seam allowance- say 1 or 1.5cm.

Fold the pattern in half lengthways and then cut it on the fold of the fabric to make sure both sides are symmetrical.  If that's too tricky, just cut it out sitting flat on the fabric.

You will need to cut one from the top fabric, one from the bottom fabric and one of a waterproof layer (optional).

Lots of women make pads from scraps of fabric and op-shop sourced fabric, but I decided to go for new, mostly organic fabric.  For the top fabric, you'll need something soft and absorbant.  I used organic bamboo velour which I bought here.

The bottom fabric is just a woven, cotton fabric which I bought from Spotlight.

The waterproof layer (PUL fabric) is optional, if you have very light flow you may not need it.  I use it in all my pads and you can find it from suppliers of fabric for cloth baby nappies like this one.  PUL has a shiny side which is the waterproof side and it must face inwards (towards you).

Next, draw a long oval shape that fits inside finished size (ie without seam allowance) of the winged outer pattern. This will be the pattern for the middle, absorbant layers.  You do not need to add seam allowance to this part.  Cut 3 of these (this can vary-more or less depending on your needs).  The fabric for these layers needs to be very absorbant- so something like towelling, jersey or fleece.  I used a hemp and cotton blend like this one as hemp adds absorbancy without bulk. 

Place the velour top fabric right side down and stack the middle layers on top. Pin in place.  Sew around the edge of the oval middle layers through all middle layers and the top layer using a zig-zag stitch.  Also sew a straight line in a straight stitch up the centre of the middle layers but not all the way to the edge (this will act like a channel to direct flow).

Place the PUL shiny side down and then place the bottom fabric on top, right side up. Place the top/middle layer piece on with its right side facing down.  Pin together and stitch using a straight stitch. Be careful not to go through the middle absorbant layers with this stitching.  Leave a section unstitched so you can turn it through the right way.  Trim the edges.

Turn it right side out and topstitch all around, stitching the opening closed.

Add a press snap to the wings.  You can buy some like these, but I used some cheaper ones from Spotlight that use a hammer to attach and they have been fine.

You can fold the pads around themselves and snap them shut to keep them compact for storing.

After use, soak the pad in water. I have an enameled laundry tin that I use to soak them.  It's best to change the water daily until you wash them, and I prefer to wash them within 24 hours of use (not a problem in a family of five, I'm washing all the time).  Just rinse them until the water runs clear, then put them in with a normal wash in the machine.  Line drying is preferable but they can also be tumble dried if necessary.  The water from the soaking bucket can be put on the garden, although I don't use it on edible plants just ornamentals.

By the way, cloth pads are far more comfortable and pleasant than the disposable variety. In fact, I put off trying cloth because I disliked using disposable ones, but cloth ones are much better.  Personally, I'm willing to take the extra time to wash cloth pads knowing I'm adding a little less to landfill each month, as well as keeping some more chemicals away from my body.

I'm quite interested in your feedback about this post.  Are cloth pads something you use or would consider using? Are you horrified at the thought of it?