thatpinksack's Profile

Bio

Hi my name is Dalya and I live in the crazy state of Florida. I am originally from New Jersey and my family is Egyptian. I attend college and am seeking a clinical profession. When I am not studying (which I do 99% of time), I relax by sewing mainly cloth menstrual pads. I also enjoy making myself totes and zipper pouches. I sew mainly small items.

I recieved my first period when I was fairly young. I hated that "gift" of the month due to disposable menstrual pads. I find using cloth menstrual pads as a way of making that gift of the month less of an annoyance and incredibly more comfortable. After purchasing my first 2 cloth pads here on etsy, I was addicted to buying more and then further became interested in selling what I had to offer.

I turn and topstitch my pads and I look around for the best fabrics that I can get my hands on. I do not look for cheap fabrics and my pattern is made by *me*. I strongly believe in quality over than quantity.
My pads are handmade so any little error that is barely noticeable adds to the charm of handmade :D

Feel free to leave feedback: http://clothpadreviews.makeforum.org/that-pink-sack-usa-t346.html

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Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads:

Say what? Are you nuts!? Nope! Cloth Menstrual Pads are NOT the rags that Women wore centuries ago. They are know starting to emerge as a new and fun way to express yourself (especially if you are into the "green" thing)! Cloth pads are not dirty or unsanitary, they're just as the same when compared to underwear. You don't throw your undies away when they become stained with your fluid? I hope not! Cloth Menstrual Pads are incredibly comfortable, adorable, and can be just as absorbent as yucky disposables. They are also environmentally friendly = Less packaging, no chemicals, and they are reusable! Disposable menstrual products don't go away just because you threw them away! They stay in landfills. When I cut into a disposable pad..let me just say, it was disgusting and not pretty! Disposable pads are made from wood pulp, adhesive, and an Industrial Absorbent that is used in disposable bed pads (Hospitals). Your "girly bits" if you will, are incredibly sensitive. With reusable cloth menstrual pads, you will know about *everything* that is in your cloth pad, a pad that will sit next to your sensitive lady parts!

I strongly believe that since menstruation is a natural process, it should be dealt with naturally!

Why are they so "expensive?" Because they are made from only quality fabrics! Organic Cotton, Bamboo, and Hemp does not come cheap! The process of making just one cloth pad takes a lot of time and effort. Quality thread and fabrics also affect the cost. Cloth Menstrual Pads should be an investment and will last you about 5-10 years. The more you have in your stash, the better :) My "core" fabrics (fabric inside the pad) is made in either U.S.A or Canada from Wazoodle.com, the quality is superb!

Pads are not your thing? Love internal protection? I highly recommend the reusable Menstrual Cup! It lasts for about 10 years and is made from silicone or rubber. You can use light flow cloth pads as a backup with your Menstrual Cup or Menstrual Sponge. These products save a lot of money in the long run :)

For more information on reusable menstrual products please visit: CLOTHPADS.ORG!

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Fabrics:

I make my pads with Organic Cotton Fleece, Organic Bamboo Fleece, Organic Bamboo Jersey, Cotton Flannel, and sometimes Cotton Sherpa.
These combinations are *incredibly* absorbent so there is not much need for PUL, unless you have an incredibly heavy flow. These fabrics get even MORE absorbent with each wash, so wash away and enjoy!
If you are looking for something other than flannel prints and flat cotton, I have Cotton Interlock and Cotton Sherpa! They have more texture and are so luscious!

Explanation of fabrics:

***Waterproofing/Water-Resistance

PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) - Cotton/Polyester fabric that has been laminated on one side. It's completely water-proof and excellent for women who have "Niagara Falls" as their menstrual flow. PUL can come in a variety of prints as the back of a pad, but it is usually hidden inside of the pad so nothing can poke at it. PUL is pretty flexible, but it's not as breathable as polyester fleece.

Polyester Fleece - Fluffy in texture and is generally the back of the pad. It's water-resistant but not until the pad is heavily saturated. The trick to using polyester fleece is to change more often (every 3-4 hours). Polyester fleece is more breathable than PUL. The negatives of polyester fleece is that it makes a pad more thicker and can hold in heat, which is why it is used in some winter jackets. However, polyester fleece does a good job in keeping away moisture and holds the shape of the pad very well. It is also completely stain resistant since it's made out of synthetic materials - polyester.

Some women strongly dislike PUL and Polyester Fleece as they want completely natural-origin fabrics :)

***Topper fabrics

100% Cotton Flannel - Cotton flannel is available in a variety of prints. It's very fluffy from being brushed and being made from cotton yarn. It's a classic choice for baby blankets and pajamas. It still remains to be the classic choice for cloth pads. The negatives is that flannel can hold more heat, this is why it is used in pajamas and blankets. Overtime after washings, it can get pilled and lose its original appearance (I suggest washing in cold). The soft brushed texture on the top has more texture than standard Quilter's cotton and is more softer.

100% Flat Cotton/Quilter's Cotton - Comes in even more of a variety of prints than cotton flannel. It's mainly used for clothing, handbags, and quilts! This choice of fabric is not recommend for women who have very thick and clotty menstrual flow, as it has a flat surface and not much texture. However, it stays exactly the same after each wash and stays gorgeous! Most of my own cloth pads are topped with flat cotton :) Most designer prints are in quilter's cotton, my favorite designer is Heather Ross as the quality of her fabrics are much softer than most flat cotton fabrics!

100% Cotton Interlock - Much similar to t-shirt material, but far more softer. It has a gorgeous shine and texture to it. It's perfect for women with thick menstrual flows.

100% Cotton Sherpa - This fabric is kind of hard to describe. It reminds me of bath robes but has a super fluffy texture (think sheep!). This fabric does an amazing job with thick menstrual flows.

100% Organic Cotton Fleece or 100% Bamboo Fleece - Both are super soft, fluffy, and luscious! Very absorbent and wonderful for thick menstrual flows. This is a perfect choice for women who are sensitive to printed fabrics.

Organic Bamboo Velour - Much like cotton velour but very silky and super soft. It's wonderful for light flow or as pantyliners.

Raw Soil (Noil) - Somewhat like quilters cotton but has tiny little "nubs" as the texture. It feels more cooler than cotton fabrics. This fabric is amazing for light flow or pantyliners. I recommend washing on cold or warm.

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How many do I need?

This is a difficult question to answer because all women have different menstrual flows.

To simplify this answer. Ask yourself these questions!

1.) How long is my period? (example: 7 days)
2.) How often do I change? (example: 2-3 times a day)

So 7 (days) x 2 (changes) = 14
or
7 (days) x 3 (changes) = 21


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How many of each?

1.) How long does my heavy flow last? (example: 3 days)
2.) Regular flow? (example: 2 days)
3.) Light flow? (example: 2 days)

So if you change 3 times, you'd need 9 heavy flow pads, 6 regular flow pads, and 6 light flow pads :) A total of 21 pads. For light flow pads, you don't need to change as often.

I do not recommend getting all pads from just one seller! Different cloth pad sellers offer different designs and fabrics! So only buy a couple and try each seller based on what catches your eye :) I have many favorite cloth pad sellers! Also, when cloth pads are properly taken care of, they will last 5-10+ years! I recommend washing on cold/warm to keep fabrics at their best!

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What do I do when am out? Like at work, school, etc?

One answer! A "wetbag!" It's usually a zippered pouch that comes in many sizes. The outside is usually flat cotton and the inside is fully lined with PUL (Polyurethane Laminate - Cotton/Polyester Laminated Fabric) or "Procare" (similar to PUL). Just toss your used pad(s) into the wetbag until you are ready to care for your pads at home :) When cycle is over, just toss your wetbag into the wash with your pads! Super easy! You can also use a plastic bag until you get a wetbag! Wetbags are very charming because no one will ever know what may be inside, they are discreet, and come in many prints!


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Care instructions

Caring for cloth menstrual pads is very simple! It just takes a bit of extra time! The first things I should point out is: NO BLEACH! NO FABRIC SOFTENER. Bleach makes fabrics white and it eats at the fabric. And Fabric Softener coats the fibers of fabrics with a waxy-like substance, which is what makes fabrics soft. Using fabric softener on your pads will decrease their ability to absorb, and will cause leaks. To make your pads a bit more softer, add some plain white vinegar into the washing cycle (about 3-4 tablespoons). This softens naturally. I recommend rinsing the pads as soon as possible under cold water so there is minimal staining.

For stains I highly recommend the following products that you can add to your washing routine:
“Ecover” Stain remover. Has an amazing scent and is very powerful on stains, very earth-friendly! This is great after you rinse out your pad!
Baking Soda. A very basic item to have in your home. It gets rid of stains, naturally. I suggest it because it is widely available and very affordable.
“Oxy Clean” A oxygen-based cleaner that is very effective in lifting away stains.

There are MANY ways to wash a cloth menstrual pad. To check them out visit: http://clothpads.org/washing.html

The preferred method I suggest requires the pad to be rinsed as soon as possible, and soaking (optional). Also, washing pads by hand increases their lifespan!

1.)Rinse pad as soon as possible, under cold water. Rinse until water runs clear. Squeeze and wring the pad dry. You can apply your stain remover at this step.
2.)Hang the pad to dry.
3.)Repeat for the next pad and the next.
4.)When cycle is over, take all of the pads and put them in a soaking container (cookie jar, storage container, etc). Only add cold water. You can also add your stain remover at this step. Please change the water once daily, soaking for at least a day or two.
5.)Wash and dry as normal. NO bleach or fabric softener (liquid/sheets no!)

Soaking isn't really necessary if the pad is rinsed right after use. I do not recommend letting the pad dry with menstrual fluid in it, as this can require soaking. Soaking just minimizes stains and leaves the pad extra clean. If you do not like soaking I recommend this method:

1.) Rinse pad as soon as possible, under cold water. Rinse until water runs clear. Squeeze and wring the pad dry. You can apply your stain remover at this step.
2.) Hang the pad to dry.
3.) Repeat for the next pad and the next.
4.) Wash and dry as normal. NO bleach or fabric softener (liquid/sheets no!)

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Why the shop name?

Why the name "thatpinksack!"? I wanted a name that was totally quirky and random. I also wanted something that referred to the humble Uterus. The Uterus is pink and it is a "sack". Some ladies hate theirs and some admire it. I was fascinated with the Uterus after taking Human Anatomy & Physiology courses!

Did you know that the Uterus is made up of 3 different layers? The very outside is the Perimetrium (holds it in place), the second layer is the Myometrium (which helps during birth), and the innermost is the ENDOMETRIUM! (The lining that you shed from your menses) :D

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Thank You for reading! If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an etsy conversation or email me at: dalya [!at] tampabay.rr.com

:)

Female, Born on July 8

Favorite Materials

cotton flannel, hemp fleece, polyester fleece, organic cotton fleece, bamboo fleece, cotton interlock, cotton sherpa, raw silk, polyester thread, quilters cotton, linen