Sneak Peek - Sock Monkey

I just put the last finishing touches on these Sock Monkey Longies...I made the stripes in the leg a little different than the last so that each monkey will be a unique creation!

These were so fun to make!! I am thankful for all my customers! I love to knit and create unique, yet practical wool covers!

Fattycakes!!

I am proud to announce that I am now an approved Fattycakes seamstress!! I have been busy with custom knitting, but I managed to sew up a couple diapers to list (we won`t talk about the first 2 I made...since it was my first time using all knits in my diaper construction).

LOBSTERS



CASTLES

These are both listed on my Hyenacart. There will be more coming once I find some free time...(we all know how that is)!

Sneak Peeks!

I haven`t blogged in quite some time. I have been busy with so many jobs! but anyway, here are some sneak peeks for my customers and fellow woolie lovers :)

Listed on my Hyenacart, handpainted by me using food grade dye, Skirted Bloomies :)



A Ribbie for testing in royal blue and black...



and another in royal and sky blues!



And lastly, a Skull and Crossbones Longies Custom :) These were so much fun to make!



Coming soon, Sock Monkey Longies and a Newborn Hugs and Kisses set!!

Want your own custom La Petite Krott Creation?? I still have a few spots on Etsy available, you will be added to my list, which is full now until April/May!!

The Purest of Intentions - An Etsy Treasury

I'm featured in a treasury! Well, my Pink and White soaker is :)

You can view the treasury here.

Petite Krott Sizing and Pricing Information

UPDATED!!!! Please see HERE for updated pricing!

SIZING

• Newborn
• Small (Hips 14-16, Rise 14)
• Medium (Hips 16-18, Rise 16)
• Large (Hips 18-20, Rise 18)
• X-Large (Hips 20-22, Rise 20)
• Toddler (Hips 22-25, Rise 22)
• Everlasting One Sized Ribbie (ribbed for stretch) (Hips 13-28, Rise 20)

I add 1" leg cuffs to soakers

Shorties have inseams of 2", 2", 2.5", 3", 3.5", 4" respective of size.

Capris have inseams of 3", 4.5", 6", 7.5", 9", 10" respective of size.

Longies have inseams of 7", 8", 10", 11", 12", 13"

Long Ribbies have inseam of 12"

PRICING ***Prices updated as of March 21st...if you placed your custom order with me prior to this date, you will be charged prices listed below...if after March 21st, please see here for updated pricing!

Basic Wool ~ I offer three choices for my base pricing wool: Cascade 220, Paton's, or Brigg's and Little Softspun.

~BASE PRICE ~

(nb/small/medium/large/x-large/toddler)

• Soaker: $15/$20/$25/$30/$35/$40
• Shorties: $20/$25/$35/$40/$45/$50
• Capris: $25/$30/$35/$40/$45/$50
• Skirty (with soaker): $25/$30/$35/$40/$47/$53
• Skirty (with bloomers): $30/$35/$40/$45/$52/$58
• Longies: $30/$35/$40/$47/$55/$64
• Skirted Longies: $40/$45/$50/$62/$72/$82
• The Short Ribbie: $40
• The Long Ribbie: $65

Extras:

• Duplicate stitch or other design ~ $10 or more depending on design and size
• Stripes ~ $10 (add only $5 for soakers or shorties)
• Single Ruffles ~$5
• Double Ruffles ~ $10
• Cables (regular or X's and O's) ~ $10
• Upgrade to Purewool ~ $5 (want a different wool? l can purchase other wool)
• Additional Inseam (per 2" increase) ~ $5
• Cargo pockets ~ $3 per pocket
• Elastic or internal drawstring waist ~ $3
• Legwarmers ~ $15
• Hat ~ $10
• Mittens ~ $10-15
• Headband ~ $5
• Socks ~ $15
  

NO charge for the following additions: drawstring, crocheted flowers on drawstring, item pre-washed and lanolized

YYMN Pricing

Prices as above less 20%.

Prices do not include shipping. I charge as close as possible to actual shipping costs. I require a $10 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot on my list (for YYMN, your wool is your deposit). This will then be deducted from the total owed. I invoice through paypal once item is complete for the balance plus shipping.

Please feel free to contact me at petitekrottcreations@yahoo.com with any questions or to be added to my customs list! You can also leave a comment to request to be added to my list :)

Scrappy-ish Longies

I had lots of Paton's merino wool scraps, so I put together this pair of longies...I wasn't sure about them at first with the blue waist and dark brown body, but when I started the legs, the variegated wool seemed to pull it all together! These will be listed today on my Hyenacart and Etsy. They are a size medium.

Since we are having yet another snow storm...[we have been snowed in for two days now]..and I probably won't be leaving the house again tomorrow, I am trying to knit up one more pair of longies before I head back to work/school Monday. They will be a girly purewool pair in a size medium...

Also, just a reminder....my CUSTOMS list is now open again after the holidays. To add your name to my list, please send me and email at petitekrottcreations@yahoo.com with your requests. I will soon be posting a price list, both for my customers and for me...so I can keep track of what I am charging :)

Happy New Year to all!

Funky Stripes Holiday Longies

I've had this idea in my head for a while now, and I finally had the time to knit them up. I wish I had a little one to put these on, they are so sweet!

These are now listed in my etsy shop and they are ready to go in size small. If you would like a pair in another size, just let me know.









I only finished them tonight and couldn't wait to get them online...so the picture is quite dark. I will for sure take some better pictures when the sun decides to come out....unless they sell out before then.

Sneak Peeks!

Here are some orders I have been working on. First up, two newborn gift sets, which include a newborn size flannel fitted diaper, a newborn size wool soaker, wool socks, and a wool hat. Here are two sets, one in white merino,

and the other in lavender peruvian highland wool.

Next, here is a Ribbie knit with my very own colorway in shades of green, orange, and purple. I really love how it turned out!

Knitting Sneak Peeks

Child size socks in grassy green and a redish-orange for a little man. These will go in the mail tomorrow.

Long Ribbie finished

These are finally finished. I always forget how long they take to knit compared to other longies. They are ribbed throughout to make them usable for a long time. They will go in the mail Monday as soon as they are dry.

Snappy Nappy Giveaway at Audrey's Country Crafts

Would you like to win a FREE Snappy Nappy Flannel Diaper?? You can enter at Audrey's Country Crafts Blog until November 2 at 10pm Central time.

Here's some more information on my Snappy Nappies:

These are a One Size fits all diaper with snap closure. These professionally attached polyacetal-resin snaps are sure to last the life of your diaper! These are meant to fit from newborn up to toddler. Snappy Nappies feature: - elastic at legs and back to hold in leaks - 100% natural Cotton flannel (many patterns available) - polyacetal resin snaps (hook and loop available at waist upon request) - Includes a soaker layer that is separate from the body of the diaper, which consists of 4 layers of flannel and one layer of terry cloth when folded - Separate soaker layer allows a thorough wash and a shorter dry time - adjustable from newborn to toddler (approx 8-35lbs)

The winner will be able to choose from my many patterns available here.

Good luck to all who enter!

Conversion of bumGenius Diapers

I have converted many bumGenius diapers to snaps lately. I remove the worn out velcro and replace it with snaps using my professional KAM snap press. This just justifies my choice in using snaps on my diapers rather than velcro. I remember, whenever I took my diapers out of the dryer, that annoying diaper chain I would always get. There is none of that with snaps! And I swear these snaps will outlast your diaper. It is a huge chore to remove a mis-placed snap, believe me!

So I hope they work out better for you, Katie!

If you would like me to convert your worn out bumGenius velcro to snaps, send me an email at suzanned@ns.sympatico.ca.

I was Featured!

My Wool Booties and Mittens Set was featured on the front page of My Handmade Registry! Yay!! Thank you to Steven and Joanna!

Chocolate and Strawberry Longies Off my Needles

These took me a little while in between custom orders, but they are finally finished and I love how they turned out. These are made a little different than I usually knit my longies, and I think I like them better. They look more like traditional pants than my other longies, which are more like a soaker with longer legs.

These are now listed on my Etsy shop, and are ready to ship. If you would like a custom pair please send me an email or etsy conversation with your ideas.

Anniversary SALE!!

Wednesday, September 23rd is my 1 year Etsy anniversary!! It went by so fast and has been so much fun. I made a lot of friends, and I love knowing that I am helping other mommies cloth diaper naturally.

As a special thank you to customers, I am putting everything in my etsy shop on sale for 25% off!! You can pick anything at all...even from my sold items! I can recreate almost anything I have sold, so if you see anything you like, send me an email or etsy conversation to let me know! I will change the price before you buy, so you get 25% off the prices listed. This even includes customs!! Now is your chance to stock up before the cooler weather gets here, and before I get too busy !

Caring for Your Wool Diaper Covers

You just received your new wool covers or perhaps you made your own, now what? Wool covers need different care compared to other covers. Don't worry! It's easy and you will develop your own routine.

Almost all wool covers need to be hand washed. If your wool is felted or pre-shrunk (as is the case with some recycled sweater covers) then it can be machine washed, however, it will last longer if you do hand wash it. I always recommend hand washing wool covers for best results.

You should always handwash your wool in room temperature water. Don't make the common mistake of thinking you need to wash it in cold water. The water should be the same temperature as your wool. Any extreme temperature changes, as well as agitation can cause your wool to shrink. So, never wash your wool with your diapers! Gentle handwashing in room temperature water is best.

You can wash your woolies in a lanolin rich soap, or simply add solid or liquid lanolin to your soapy water. The lanolin helps the wool retain its water-repellant nature. Lanolin is a wax like substance found naturally in wool. Lanolin naturally wicks moisture away from the baby's diaper, and makes the wool almost water-proof.

STEPS FOR WASHING YOUR WOOL COVERS:

What you will need:

• Gentle soap (baby soap, baby shampoo, or olive oil soap work well)
• A large bowl or a sink that can be plugged for soaking
• Lanolin (there are many different kinds out there...you can use the breastfeeding lanolin Lansinoh or PureLan, or you may be able to find it at the pharmacy)
• Jar with a tight fitting lid
• Clean, dry towel

Step 1:

First, you need to melt your lanolin. Take your jar, put some hot (doesn't need to be boiling) water from the tap (if it gets hot enough) and add a pea-sized amount of lanolin. You will need more lanolin if you will be lanolizing more than one item.

Add 1-2 drops of baby shampoo or soap to the jar. Put the cover on tightly and shake. The water should melt the lanolin, and mix the soap into it. The water should look somewhat cloudy and there should not be any oily drops floating on the surface. If there are, it is the lanolin that has not melted properly. All you need to do is add more hot water, or heat it a few seconds in the microwave (without the cover).

Step 2:

Add this soapy mixture to your bowl or sink. Then you need to adjust the water temperature so you don't shock your wool. Add some room temperature or colder water to bring the mixture to almost room temperature. Turn your covers inside out and place in the water. You can gently squeeze the covers in the water to help the water soak in. Be gentle with your wool. Allow to soak at least 20 minutes or more (no more than 24 hours).

Step 3:

Once your woolies are finished soaking, gently squeeze out as much water as you can. Do NOT wring! Lay your towel down on a flat surface, and roll up your wool covers with the towel. You can place the rolled towel on the floor and step on it to get as much water out.

Step 4:

Lay your woolies flat to dry. You can occasionally turn them right side out/inside out to help them dry faster. Do not put them in direct sunlight, as this can heat them up and may cause shrinking. Drying time can take up to 2 days. If the only cover you are using is wool, it may take a bit of planning, so that you have some clean ones to use when the others are being washed.

When do wool covers need to be washed?

One nice thing about wool is that you don't have to wash it after every use! This is because the natural lanolin in the wool, which reacts with the urine to produce a natural "soap", which will help to clean the wool and keep bacteria from growing. This means your cover will never smell like urine once it is dry! Even after being soping wet, it will still dry and smell just like wool....unless your cover needs to be lanolized! You will know your wool need a refresher lanolization when it still smells like urine once dry or if it starts to leak.

After each diaper change (when the cover gets wet) all you need to do is air dry your wool. Once dry, you can re-use it. If your wool gets soiled, you can spot wash it with a mild soap, rinse, and then lanolize if needed as above.

Wednesday - What am I Working On?

I thought I would have a weekly blog about what I am currently working on, so you can keep an eye out in my Etsy Shop if you see anything you like here.

First off though, I recently relisted a pair of Longies made from a recycled lambswool sweater. They are grey with an orange stripe. They are super soft, and nice and thick for the upcoming longie season! I reduced the price also to $15 (from $19) so get them while they are hot!

The matching soaker is available here.

With that said, I am currently working on a huge local order. A complete starter pack complete with One Size diapers, wipes, doublers, and a wool soaker. I am working hard to get this order done before I go back to work/school soon.

I will soon be listing some of these wipes on my Etsy. They are super cute and will come in very handy for wiping bums, bathing, or washing pretty much anything. They are made with one layer of flannel (you get to pick the print!) and the other layer is cotton terry cloth.

This is the next item to be listed on La Petite Krott Creations Etsy shop. I am knitting them in a slightly different way than I normally knit my longies. In the past I have knit my longies, basically as soakers with longer legs. I found this allows for the same amount of "roomy-ness" in the back end for those bulky diapers, but with long legs to keep baby warm on those cold nights. I am using a few different free patterns for these, basically combining all the best parts of each pattern.


These will look more like regular pants, but they have short rown knit in the back to add room for the diaper. I am planning on making a nice girly ruffle at the bottom of the legs. More pictures to come once they are finished!

But, first I must finish another custom order as well.








This is the start of a Ribbie, made for a little baby boy on his way to this world. The waist is a orangy-red colour. I added the narrow green stripe, and it turned out great...at least I think so! I will duplicate the green and orange stripe pattern on the leg cuffs. I hope they like it! I may have to make a second one to list on Etsy as well.

Well, that is all for this week's work. Check back again next Wednesday to see What I am Working on :)

P.S. Any colour suggestions for longies are welcome :)

My Petite Krott

Many people ask me "What does Petite Krott actually mean??". Well, it is a french acadian affectionate term we say all the time (Petite crotte), which when directly translated into english means "Little Turd". It really is an affectionate term that could be synonymous with "Little cutie" or "Little sweetheart". My father would always refer to my daughter as "une petite crotte", and so was born La Petite Krott Creations because everything I do is for her!

Wool....The Real Deal

In my neck of the woods, wool is a very new idea in cloth diapering...even though they have been around for decades! Before dsposables were ever available, mothers would use a wool diaper cover called a soaker over cotton flat diapers to keep the baby's clothes dry. These days, wool soakers are becoming popular once again, as people learn the health risks associated with disposables. Modern soakers are not your grand-mother's soakers, however. They are made with the softest wool available and are also available in many colours and styles! Not only are made as soakers (pull-on panty style), but also come in skirties, shorties and longies, which double as skirts, shorts and pants!!

Some Facts about wool:

1. Wool is the only fibre that can absorb 30-40% of its weight in moisture. Even once it has absorbed all this moisture, it won't feel wet or clammy because the wool allows the moisture to evaporate into the air.

2. Wool is an amazing insulator and regulates body temperature. It can be used all year long, in any temperature. When it is hot, wool will keep babies cool, and will keep the heat out. When it is cold in the winter, wool will keep the body warm and cozy.

3. It is breathable, allowing air to circulate and skin to breath. This helps to decrease diaper rash, but also alleviates health concerns about trapped heat within the diaper (which can cause sterility in boys).

4. Wool contains natural lanolin, which acts as a natural waterproof barrier.

5. Wool is stretchy and very comfortable for baby. It will move with your baby...no more red marks around baby's chubby legs.

6. Wool is naturally antibacterial and dirt repellent. It does not have to be washed as often as synthetic covers. Unless is gets soiled, all you have to do is air it out between diaper changes. Even though it gets soaked with urine, once the wool is dry, it will smell like wool! The lanolin reacts with urine to clean itself! Isn't that neat?

No other fibre or material has all these properties! It really is an amazing gift from nature :)

A Note on Allergies to Wool:

According to Rosemary Block, people are not necessarily allergic to the wool fibre, but more likely the processing or the type of wool.