We are excited to announce a new initiative by Mini Matters called ‘Cloth for a Cause’. We want to do our part in giving back to causes that are close to our hearts. Over the next few months we will be adding a few ‘causes’ towards which we will be contributing a portion of our sales to. We have designed … Read More
How the Mini Matters SNAP-DUO all-in-two nappy system works
You have probably heard all about the amazing advantages of all-in-two nappies; space saving, economical, easy to use etc. But how exactly do they work? Here we will tell you all you need to know. A true all-in-two nappy system consists of a wipeable, waterproof shell and inserts that snap into the shell. Unlike pocket style nappies, you only … Read More
How to make a nappy shell/cover
There are many different methods to make a nappy. Here’s a quick guide on how I made a snap-in waterproof shell for my baby. I did not make an insert with it as I have enough in my collection, but you can make a matching snap-in insert using our Cotton Fleece or Bamboo Terry fabric. I also used our easy-stitch … Read More
Help! My cloth baby has a rash!
There are many different baby bum creams on the market, but many are expensive and contain harmful ingredients. When using cloth nappies, we often don’t even need to use bum cream, but if you feel the need to or baby has very sensitive skin, it’s best to keep it natural. Natural ingredients will be safe for your cloth nappies and … Read More
How To Cut Fabric Correctly
Have you ever owned a piece of clothing that pulled to one side, got longer as the day goes on or just didn’t fit quite right? Chances are it was cut incorrectly. Yes, there is a right and wrong way to cut fabric, and it can make a huge difference to your end product! Grain Lines The most important part … Read More
How To Find Your Perfect Menstrual Cup
At Lady Matters we know how daunting it can be to find the perfect menstrual cup to suit your body and lifestyle. The Lady Matters founders have 16 years combined personal experience using menstrual cups of many different brands, including pre and post birth. With our experience and knowledge we would love to help you find your perfect fit! Not … Read More
New to Cloth Nappies? Start Here!
Welcome to the wonderful world of cloth nappies! Want to use cloth nappies on your baby? Here’s a summary of everything you need to know to get started – in ‘easy to understand’ terms! The world of modern cloth diapering is full of complicated terms and nappy types, but we thought of picking out the important stuff for you. Types … Read More
What on earth happened to my cervix?
A post-partum discussion After my second pregnancy 5 years ago, I made the switch from using tampons to using a menstrual cup. I did all the research I thought adequate at the time and found the cup that suited my body and lifestyle the best. I was happy! I managed to insert it properly, it popped open nicely and I … Read More
Menstrual Cup FAQ’s
Menstrual cups are becoming increasingly popular for their health, environmental and economical benefits. Here are the most commonly asked questions and their answers. What is a menstrual cup? A menstrual cup is a soft, flexible cup that is worn internally, collecting menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it like a tampon. It is reusable, safe and comfortable. How do I know … Read More
The Local Debate – South African Textiles
I love fabric. There’s just something about holding a luxurious piece of cloth in your hands, freshly cut – a wealth of potential in its fibers. I am also passionate about the topic of ethical shopping and supporting our local industries as much as possible. Knowing exactly how and where my beautiful fabric came into being is the cherry on … Read More
Cloth Menstrual Pads – The search for the perfect pad
Cloth Menstrual Pads – The reaction you get when mentioning this name varies from intrigue and enthusiasm to skepticism and disgust. But let’s face it, the demand for safer, eco friendly menstrual products is on the rise and the humble cloth rag is making a modern comeback in the form of cloth menstrual pads as we know them today. They … Read More
A Dad’s Guide to the scary world of Cloth Diapering – from one Dad to another
I was horrified when, at the imminent arrival of our second child, my wife announced she had decided to take the plunge and use cloth nappies. I didn’t even know people still used those things. I mean, why mess with the beautifully clean, efficient and modern system of disposable diapers which so magnificently rescued us from the perils of those … Read More
Free Cloth Diaper Patterns and Sewing Guides
Free Cloth Diaper Patterns and Sewing Guides There are many free cloth diaper patterns available for download. These are useful as they will tell you which fabrics you will need and give some instructions on how to sew your diapers. All fabrics recommended under each cloth diaper type can be purchased from our online store minimatters.co.za Fitted diapers We recommend … Read More
Sewing with waterproof PUL and TPU fabrics
Sewing with PUL/TPU waterproof fabrics Let’s face it, some of the specialized fabrics most commonly used in cloth diapers are not the easiest to work with. PUL/TPU is one of them, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily master working with this fabric and create beautiful waterproof works of art. What is PUL/TPU? The PU in … Read More
Feminine Hygiene the Natural Way
Feminine Hygiene the natural way The human body is an amazing thing, and we are often reminded about it when we can compare it to something more tangible; for example, that every thirteen seconds, the body produces more cells than there are people in the US. I have also always found it fascinating that the female body prepares herself every … Read More
Cloth Diaper Fabrics Explained
Cloth Diaper Fabrics Explained With the wonderful world of modern cloth diapers comes a wide selection of technical and speciality fabrics used for specific purposes in cloth diapers. Whether you want to sew your own or just make an informed choice of the best options for you in ready made diapers, this guide will help you understand the fabrics most … Read More
Cloth Diapering Dictionary
Cloth Diapering can be overwhelming at first, especially with all the cloth lingo that gets bandied about. Here is a list of some of the most used terms in cloth diapering: Cloth Diaper Types Cloth Diaper Additions Cloth Diaper Parts Cloth Diaper Accessories Cloth Diaper Fabrics Commonly Used Terms & Abbreviations Cloth Diaper Types All-in-one – a one step type … Read More
How to Fold a Prefold
Prefolds are an economical and versatile way to cloth diaper your baby. They are easy to wash and quick to dry. There are various different folds that you can use and experiment with until you find the one that suits your baby the best. Mini Matters has two prefold styles: Winged Prefolds and Standard Prefolds. The Winged Prefolds have … Read More
Why go cloth?
The case for using cloth diapers The idea of using cloth diapers evokes all sorts of reactions from people – from people who think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread to those who find it downright absurd and backward. There is a whole lot more to it than that though – here are the main reasons for, as we … Read More