Sunday, September 20, 2009

Busy Little Bee!

If you've read my series of reviews, then you know I have a tempestuous relationship with velcro and aplix. As in, I hate it.

I have several diapers that I love, except that the velcro is nappy and full of lint that I can't get out no matter how long I sit there picking. And somehow, even though the velcro is shot enough that the tabs won't stay closed, it's incredibly still sticky enough to attach itself to e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g else in the washing machine. And so a lot of my diapers look pretty awful from velcro snags from other dipes.

Do you see this??

Look at that velcro! It's so bad...it's just so bad. And this is after just one washing! I pick this junk out of the velcro every single time.

So I decided to do something about it! At first, I thought about replacing all the velcro with aplix. And then I thought about having to do it all again in another year, and quickly scrapped that idea. I really wanted a snap press, but I just couldn't justify the cost. But one day when I was browsing on KAMsnaps, I came across a snap plier set! For just $30 (NO tax, and NO shipping!), I got snap pliers and 200 complete snap sets. The customer service was friendly, and the shipping was really fast.

KAM recommends that you watch their instructional videos online. The first video was about 6 minutes long, and so easy to understand. I sat down at the computer with my pliers and worked through everything as the video showed it. I couldn't believe how easy this was. It truly is as simple as using a hole punch.

So today I sat down with my seam ripper and removed the velcro from one of our diapers in most desperate need of a makeover (DryBees Fleece overnights), and used another diaper with snaps as a template for snap spacing. Total time for diaper makeover was about 30 minutes!

Here's my set up: A tv-tray, a Law & Order:SVU marathon, some diapers, and my new snap pliers and snap sets. Sweetness! You can see the 'before' on the left, and the 'after' on the right. I'm so thrilled with how easy this was, and how great the diaper turned out!

This is a really easy way to rejuvenate older diapers, but if you're not into DIY, there are plenty of snap services available. Mama Momo offers reasonably priced snap services, and on Very Baby, there's a directory of WAHMs who likewise offer snap services.

Let me know if you try this out. I think if you do you'll be very pleased with the results.

7 comments:

ann.e said...

no way, what a great idea! isn't it ridiculous how the velco doesn't work that great unless it's in the wash sticking to EVERything else?? I totally agree and I will be looking for this snap applier thing...

Crazy Comfortable said...

I just wanted to say thank you for the mention in your post about my snap service :)

Monique

Cambria said...

I just got an email from Jillina's Drawers about a diaper called the Flip that doesn't have any velcro!! It doesn't come out until Jan. 2010, but I am excited to see if people like it. I am having a baby in April and have decided to do CD's, these Flips look great, all snaps!! Maybe one will be in your future and you can review it =) hint hint! Thanks for the velcro replacing idea!

Cambria said...

oops- forgot to say it is a Bum Genius.

idnar82 said...

Great job! I agree that the Drybees nighttime fleece has the worst velcro of all time! I am sure I will have to try this snap thing sooner or later :-)

Jessica said...

Can't wait to see all your converted diapers when we visit! I'll definitely be doing cloth while we visit since I know it doesn't ook you out, lol! So I'll have my stash with me and we can be in fluff heaven :)

About Southern Belle said...

Good info. I noticed the same thing happens when I wash my diaper covers too, the velcro/applix sticks to everything except what it is supposed to. Which is why I only plan to purchase covers that come with snaps from this point on.