Possibly TMI, but awesome

[fuyu]

Cloth pad patterns and instructions

For whatever reason, the whole notion of this just tickled me, and I rather dislike the disposable products anyway, so I thought... what the hell? Let's try it. Lucky me I found this JUST as I was starting my cycle, so I could test it immediately. XD

I've just finished the first one I made for trial use, and it's not going to win any awards for craftsmanship, but it's a pad. Hopefully it should hold together.

I probably should have taken a picture before I put it to use, but... oh well. XD After it's been washed, I guess. I wanted to try it out promptly. It actually feels pretty nice, like just another layer of underwear. Less awkward and nasty than a disposable pad. Stays in place pretty well, too; I should probably have made a longer one, but this'll do for a trial. I put two layers of terrycloth in as filling, so it should be absorbent enough at least for a night.

I'm really liking the idea of getting to make pads for myself in whatever patterns I like. It appeals to me for no reason I can explain. XD Plus, hey! Less waste, less cost (irrelevant to me now, but I'm sure I'll appreciate it when I move out and live on my own), more comfort. Pretty cool. Cleanup will naturally take more effort, but the tradeoff of free, comfy pads that will last years is I think worth it.

Comments

[dragovianknight.livejournal.com]

That's incredibly cool. Pity I'm far too lazy to take advantage of that link.

[fuyu]

Meh, so am I, but I hammered one out in like half an hour. It's easy as anything and actually kind of fun.

There's also at least one place that sells cloth pads.

[dev-chieftain.livejournal.com]

....*speechless*


....words....there aren't words....

[fuyu]

XD

Is that a good "no words" or a bad "no words"? XD

[taekwonangel.livejournal.com]

I'm probably too lazy to try this, but I might not be when I move out, so I'm bookmarking the link for future reference. ^^

[fuyu]

Awesome. ^^

Those are really super-easy. I'm a total lazeball, and I got one done in half an hour. I bet given ample time and a pleasing variety of fabric, I could have enough done to keep me fully stocked each month.

[flidgetjerome.livejournal.com]

You are really, really excited about these, aren't you? XD

[fuyu]

YES. XD

[sister-coyote.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking of starting to use something like this. :D I just need to figure out the logistics of discreetly changing/storing/transporting them to and from work, since 8 hours + lunch + commute is time enough that I'd have to change 'em a couple times in the heavy part of the flow. Possibly some kind of opaque seal-able bag.

[fuyu]

Ooooh. Best of luck with that. :D Yeah, opaque bag would be your best bet... Maybe you could sew a little pouch for them that you could stow in a larger bag.

[unicorn]

Wouldn't the stains mess up the pretty patterns, though? I'd have to CURSE MY OVARIES SOME MORE if that happened. D:

[fuyu]

Well, yes.

But then you can wash them and all is well. :D

*sees your cloudypout icon and raises you another*

[unicorn]

Ooh, I might have to look into them then. I really ought to learn to sew sometime or another anyway.

He pouts a lot, doesn't he.

[teslanomaly]

I have heard of these and been intrigued, but never had the ingenuity to settle in and try it myself. I've been dubious about the, erm, "soak factor," as well as cleanup. I'd actually be interested to hear how you like them, and if you think it's worth it; I'm always looking for ways to generate less waste for the landfills, and I can definitely imagine them being more comfortable than the disposable kind.

In other words: TMI factor be damned! Give us a follow-up post. :P

[fuyu]

Well, if you're that interested then I certainly shall. :D I've pretty much finished the trial of my first one, so I've got plenty to follow up with.

(So far, my answer is "yes, they're worth it", but I can elaborate on that.)

[raisedbymoogles.livejournal.com]

This appeals to my inner Captain Planet.

[bassclefsolo.livejournal.com]

That's...actually kind of cool! o___o

[neekabe.livejournal.com]

Hi!
Found this while poking through friends of friendslist. I've been using cloth pads (lunapads) for over a year now. Wonderful things! More people need to know about them ^_^
(the best is when they're just out of the dryer...)

[sarraceniaceae.livejournal.com]

That really is kind of awesome. If I didn't hate wearing pads, I'd probably try making one.