Group Custom drawings are coming up! :)

It's almost time for our August 2013 Group Custom drawings!  We will open for entries next Monday, 8/26, and stay open until Friday night at 9pm EST.  Please make sure to read the Group Custom info post, which was just updated today with information about custom fitted/FUSION options! :)

Thanks so much and have a great weekend!

We are re-opening the twinkie tush Wish List today!! :)

It's been a while since we opened the Wish List!  It is one of my favorite things to do and I'm so excited to be opening it today!!  Make sure to read the orignial twinkie tush Wish List post (click here) for all of the details about how to enter!  We will randomly select a winner from the entries, and within 3 months the winner's dream twinkie tush diaper will be delivered, completely free! :)  Make sure you wish for exactly what you most want - anything goes!  Here are some examples of previous Wish List diapers:

Thank you so much for all of your love and support, and for allowing us to give back a little bit in this way!  We can't wait to make the next twinkie tush Wish List diaper!! :)

The official twinkie tush Group Custom info post! :)

Here is the official twinkie tush Group Custom information post!  We will keep this post updated with any changes to the process.  Most recent update is Friday, 9/18/15. :)

*If you are new to twinkie tush, welcome!  Please note that this is not the only way to purchase one of our diapers. :)  Visit our store to see the ready to ship diapers that are in stock right now!

1 – First of all, what are Group Customs?

twinkie tush Group Customs are group orders for 5-15 diapers in the same print, made with outer fabric purchased and sent in by the group (most groups use prints but some use dyed or natural velour).  Each member of the group can purchase as many of the diapers as they’d like, so one person can order an entire “group” of 5+ diapers themselves, but most often we see 1-2 diapers per person in groups.

2 – How do groups form?

Many groups form on our facebook fan discussion page, but they can form anywhere, online or offline, as long as they become organized and can submit a complete group information spreadsheet.  Anyone is welcome to lead a group – it is a relatively straight-forward process.  But the role does require organization and communication.  Please note that once you have taken on the responsibility of leading a group you should be prepared to guide your group through the process as needed, remind them of deadlines, and act as a liaison between twinkie tush and the group as needed.

We are including in this blog post a suggested format for group formation.  However please note that we do not police the forming of groups on our fan pages or elsewhere.  This format is suggested to avoid misunderstandings, but is only a suggestion:

When proposing a group, a leader (the one who suggests the fabric unless other arrangements are made), posts a photo of the fabric and asks for interest.  Since most of the time some replies are contingent on fabric costs, we recommend offering that info up front.  eg “Anyone interested in a large group with this knit fabric?  $4-$7 per person for fabric, including shipping to twinkie tush, depending on eventual number of group members.”  We also recommend offering the following format when posting your fabric photo: “If you are definitely in, please count off here starting with 2” (the group leader would be #1 on the spreadsheet).  That way, comments like “ooh, I like this” won’t be subject to interpretation.  If someone is definitely in, they would say “I like this – I’ll be number 2.” “Me – 3” etc. 

The group leader is then responsible for adding the member’s names to the appropriate lines on the group spreadsheet, unless (s)he elects to have members do it themselves.  We recommend using Google Docs to create your group spreadsheet.  Please note that in excel, your header row will be row 1, so unless you include a column with numbers 1-15 (or whatever size you would like your group to be), member number 1 would be on line 2, member 2 on line 3, and so on.

Once the group leader has added the member names to the spreadsheet based on the members counting off within the thread on facebook (if applicable), members are responsible to fill in their preferences as follows:

1 - Full member name

2 - Member name as it appears in paypal account

3 - Member contact email

4 - Member paypal email

5 - serged or turned preference.

6 – sizing preference (one size, little tush, or teenie tush)

7 - individual choice of cotton velour or organic bamboo velour (more info on this below *and please note that FUSION groups cannot choose OBV.  FUSION groups may elect to remove that column to eliminate confusion, if they desire.)

Here is an example of what that looks like in spreadsheet form:

Again, the notion of counting off is suggested to avoid misunderstandings but is not a required component of Group Customs.

It is very important that a Group Leader also specifies whether the group will be standard cutting, non-specific centered cutting, or specific centered cutting.  There is a price difference (outlined below) for specific (or "fussy") bums and there are different fabric requirements for each kind of cutting.  A group as a whole must either be one or the other - it is not possible for some group members to select specific bums while others do not.  If your bum preference is left blank in a specific bum group you will receive a centered bum of our choice (and, like all other members of your group, you will be invoiced at the specific bum rate).

If your group is a "fussy"/specific bum group the group name MUST include one of those words.  If your group is NOT a specific bum group it is important that you do not use the words specific or fussy in your group name, spreadsheet, or emails.  All groups must also include a single line on their spreadsheets which states whether this is a fitted group or a FUSION group.  Groups now have the option to choose standard fitted (what twinkie tush is famous for!  With premium absorbency this style is what we recommend most for heavy wetters, when paired with a good cover), and FUSION (our now very well-known and well-loved hybrid fitted )

When forming a group a leader should state if he or she has a strong preference for one style (eg "Starting a FUSION group with this print").  Otherwise the group can decide as a whole in whatever way they desire, but there MUST be a line either at the top or bottom of the chart that looks like this:

or this:

If that information is missing from your spreadsheet we cannot move forward with your group.

3 – My group is formed.  What happens next?

Update: September 2015: We are returning to a system of stocking large Group Custom slots on twinkietush.com! We are excited to be able to take on so many more of your groups now!

Simply purchase a large Group Custom slot on twinkietush.com.  After doing so, please send an email to groupcustoms@twinkietush.com. The email subject must include the Group name and all Group members must be cc'ed on this email.

Your Group submission email must contain a link to a google spreadsheet or an attached Excel spreadsheet containing the required information for each Group member that we just discussed above.  The sheet must be C&P-able by us. :)

*Please do not write “TBD” for your sizing, finishing style or cv/obv preference unless you want me to decide for you!  :)

4 – I purchased a Group Custom slot and sent my submission email! Now what?

Within 48 hours of your email, you will receive an email back from us with group payment links.  Your group payment link email will contain a link which allows all group members to purchase their Group Custom diapers.  There will be drop-down menu within the payment link for one size/little tush and teenie tush options where applicable.  It is important that you choose the correct option based on your preference as stated in your Group spreadsheet.  Group members will purchase their own diaper, including shipping, at this time.  These payments are due within 48 hours of receipt of the payment links.  Any diapers not purchased within the 2 day timeframe will not be made and there can be no exceptions to this policy.  Should multiple group members fail to pay, twinkie tush reserves the right to cancel production of the group’s diapers.

After securing the slot, the Group leader will send us (at the Group's cost) adequate yardage of the chosen print (or velour) fabric and all diapers will be cut from that yardage (please see the fabric requirement charts at the end of this blog post).  This fabric can be sent directly from a fabric vendor, or from a group member.  *Please make sure to include a note, or ask your seller to include a note, along with the fabric which references your Group Name.

*Please do NOT send in group fabric until your group has secured a slot.  We cannot store fabric for potential future groups.  Thank you for understanding.  There is no deadline for a group to send in fabric once they have secured a slot, however all group members must be made aware by the group leader of the fabric arrival schedule.

New in December 2013: We require that group leaders (or the other group member who procures and sends the fabric for a group) to provide tracking information for all group members.  This can be done via PM, email, or in the group formation thread on facebook.  We cannot police this, but we ask that you follow this guideline and remember that your group is dependent on you to send in the fabric so that production of their diapers is not delayed! :)

All materials not indicated on the fabric requirement charts below will be provided by twinkie tush.  Again please note that FUSION groups can only be made with cv, as opposed to obv.  For members of fitteds groups choosing obv we will use the natural color as opposed to dyed obv, and for cv I will choose a color that coordinates with your print.  Only one color of cv will be used per Group (in other words please don't designate specific individual colors on your spreadsheet). It is fine for a Group rep to share a Group's velour preference (eg "we'd really love aqua cv if it works" or "we definitely don't want black" or "something light like pale blue as opposed to dark like navy") but please note that final cv decisions will be made by me.  If you express a preference for a color that doesn't work well with the print we will not proceed with it.  However, if you say "we definitely don't want X color" we will honor that.  Please note that descriptions like “pretty” or “bright” can be subjective.  If you have a specific color in mind it is important that you tell us what it is.  We will do our best to accommodate your request if it is made clear, works well with the print, and is something we have available when producing your diapers.  Any requests made by the Group must be shared with us via email BEFORE we receive your fabric.  If you have not made a request by the time we receive your fabric, I will choose the color that I feel works best with your print! :)

*The best way to communicate a cv color request is to write it both in an email to us AND on your group spreadsheet, in a single line above or below your Group type line.

*Please do not ask for specific snap or thread colors as we are not able to accommodate these requests. Also please note that if a print contains pink or purple we reserve the right to use pink or purple snaps and/or thread.  We try our best to take note of “please do not use girly snaps” requests when they are made, but we are NOT able to guarantee that we will accommodate requests like that.  Thank you for your understanding!

*All fabric submitted for Group Customs becomes property of twinkie tush and may be used at our discretion (for stocking, drawings, giveaways, charity events, or anything else we deem appropriate) once the Group order is fulfilled.

     - Please note that we will price diapers made with remaining Group Custom fabric according to the cost of the fabric (based within our current pricing structure).  This is something that has been requested of us by previous Groups and we recognize that it is the most fair way to handle pricing.

*Once we receive your Group’s fabric, assuming all diapers have been purchased and/or the 48 hour purchase period has expired, we will put your diapers into production.  Group Custom diapers will ship 4-6 weeks after fabric is received (again, pending payment).

5 - What else do I need to know?

Here are some other key points regarding Group Customs:

*The price for each custom slot within a group using a knit or woven print will be $38 + shipping per each one size or little tush diaper within a standard OR non-specific centered bum cut group and $30 + shipping per each teenie tush diaper within either of these types of groups.  UPDATED 1/2015: The price for diapers within a Specific Bum Cut or "fussy bum" group will include an additional $5 fee per diaper, making the costs $43 for OS or little tush and $35 for teenie tush.
For Groups pursuing twinkie tush night-nights: the first fabric requirement chart at the end of this post shows how much velour you will need to send in to cover both inner and outer velours.  The cost per person in that case will be $43 plus shipping.  Should you prefer to only send in outer velour fabric and have us supply your inner velour, the cost per member will be $48 for cotton velour and $50 for bamboo velour.  It is important that you specify that preference in your Group spreadsheet so that we can set up payment links accordingly if your Group wins a slot.  night-nights are only available in our one size (OS) pattern.

*For Groups using woven fabrics all diapers will be turned.  Serged is not available as a finishing style for wovens.  If you write "serged" as your finishing style preference for a woven group please note that it will be made in turned rather than serged.

*Please note that serged/turned and sizing preferences must be finalized prior to entering your Groups.  We will make copies of Group spreadsheets via screenshot after group emails are received and all diapers will be made as dictated by the spreadsheet screenshot.  

*Sometimes fabric that is sent in for group orders contains flaws, printing or otherwise.  We always do our best to spot any flaws and cut around them whenever possible.  However, sometimes flaws are missed.  twinkie tush does not take responsibility for fabric flaws on fabric that has been sent in for group custom orders.

*We reserve the right to refuse any group fabric on the basis of our comfortability with the theme of the print.  Potentially polarizing political statements, nudity, or other themes which we deem inappropriate for use in our product lines may be refused.  If you think you may have a print which is questionable we highly recommend emailing groupcustoms@twinkietush.com before submitting your group.  While we would of course refund diaper payments if a group's fabric is refused, we are not responsible for your fabric payments or the shipping of your fabric.

*Should a Group member leave a Group in the time between winning a slot and paying for the slot, you may replace that member at the Group’s discretion.  If a member is swapped after screenshots have been taken, the new member’s diaper will be made according to the original member’s specifications.  Please make sure to alert us to any changes in the member list by sending an email to groupcustoms@twinkietush.com, ccing all accurate (including new) members.

*Please make sure to note that, as indicated on the charts below, special cutting needs mean larger yardage requirements. If you require any sort of special cutting at all (centered bum cuts, a fabric element right side up OTB, more floral OTB, etc.) that constitutes special cutting and will require more than the standard amount of fabric. We do our best to keep the fabric requirements low and reasonable so that you aren't spending extra money on extra fabric that we won't need. But that means that we can only work with what you send in and while we always try for amazing cuts, our focus is on fulfilling your group order with an appropriate buffer. If you are concerned about getting a specific cut of any kind it is important that you follow the SPECIAL CUTTING chart.  That said, please remember that while we will do our absolute best to accommodate special cutting requests when appropriate quantities of fabric are sent, we cannot guarantee that your diaper will look exactly as you may have envisioned it.  We go out of our way to exceed expectations, but we are limited by the constraints of a function-based pattern, and the element of subjectivity.

Below are the aforementioned fabric requirement charts.  I believe that we have now covered everything you need to know in order to get started with twinkie tush Group Customs!  Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and have fun forming your next group!  We can’t wait to make your diapers for you!

For knits that are 55-57" wide, please send in the following amounts for standard cutting:

5 diapers - 2 yards *must be continuous
6 - 2.5 yards *must be continuous
7 - 2.5 yards *must be continuous
8 - 3 yards *must be continuous
9 - 3 yards *must be continuous
10 - 3.5 yards *must be continuous
11 - 3.5 yards *must be continuous
12 - 4 yards *must be continuous
13 - 4 yards *must be continuous
14 - 4.5 yards *must be continuous
15 - 5 yards *must be continuous

Should you require special cutting with a 55-57" wide knit, please follow the knit columns on the special cutting chart, adding 1/2 yard to the total (eg a group of 12 using a 56" wide knit and requesting centered, non-specific bums would need to send in 5 yards).

Our August 2013 Fan of the Month: Bonita Kazmir!

We are so excited to introduce you to our August Fan of the Month, Bonita Kazmir!  Bonita is a long-standing member of the twinkie tush community and an incredibly sweet and generous mama.  Thank you so much, Bonita, for sharing your story with us! <3

Read about Bonita below and read about the Fan of the Month feature here!  We are now open for entries for September!! :)

The beautiful Bonita, Corbin and Piper!

1. What is your full name?

Bonita "no one needs to know my middle name" Kazmir



2. Where are you from? (City/State/Country) Where do you live now?

I grew up in Baytown, Texas (east of Houston), and live there now after a stint in the city and a time in the boonies.



3. How many children do you have and what are their ages?

I have 2 skin kids Corbin, who will be 2 on the 16th and Piper, 10 months and 2 rat terrier children I'm obsessed with, Nibbler (6 years) and Laika (4.5 years).



4. How/when did you find twinkie tush?

When I was pregnant with Corbin in 2011I frequented the Cloth Diaper board on The Bump. Every Wednesday everyone would go crazy trying to stalk TTs. I finally figured out what TTs were and got a used one shortly before Corbin was born. It ended up being perfect for him as he has extremely sensitive skin and was allergic to suede cloth and disposables. We are pretty much 100% TT for both kids.



5. What is your favorite twinkie tush print of all time?

When in Venice, the various colors of scorcher, countess/marchioness/josefine... I could go on. Oh and my name sake, of course. 

(When in) Venice

Countess

Josefine

Marchioness

Scorcher

Bonita

6. Do you have an ultimate ISO print?

OS When in Venice (pictured above)

Oh and Tainia's Hulk custom

7. What is your favorite personal non-parenting related, non-work related hobby?

I read a lot and enjoy crocheting. I am currently learning a new language, and really enjoy it.



8. What makes you feel most inspired or grounded? How do you take care of yourself and your spirit?

I am most inspired and grounded by my closet friends. It might seem cheesy, but every single one of them is an amazing person who has qualities that I strive to have in myself. I try to be very giving. That makes me feel best about myself and my spirit.



9. What is your favorite activity to do with your child(ren)?

There isn't much I don't enjoy doing with my kids. Anything water related is fun for all of us, swimming, the beach, sprinklers haha. We visit aquariums a lot too, they love watching the fish!



10. What is/was your favorite place to visit?

My favorite place to visit is anywhere with a beach! I love everything about the ocean.



11. What is your favorite book? What about your favorite movie?

I don't really have a favorite book. It's usually whatever I'm currently reading haha, which today is the first in the Game of Thrones series. My favorite movie.... Again I don't have one. I love historical fiction/romance Gone With the Wind, Sense and Sensibility... Etc.



12. What is something surprising about you, that people might not guess upon meeting you?

I think, because my children are so close in age, many people are surprised that I struggled with infertility. It changed my ideas of being a woman, my body and what amazing blessings children are.



13. What twinkie tush attribute and/or philosophy do you most appreciate?

I love how giving TT is. Gretchen and crew honestly care about the people buying their products, they take the time to answer questions, no matter how mundane they may seem. When someone needs help, they always try to lend a hand in any way they can.



14. What would you tell someone who has yet to try a twinkie tush diaper?

Just do it already! Besides being an amazing quality, they are adorable and you can't find better customer service.



15. Tell us your funniest cloth-diapering or parenting story!

When Corbin was about 3 months old he was fighting nap like a champ and winning. I took him into our bed so maybe he'd fall asleep next to me. He cried. Next thing I know, my husband walks in, lays on the other side of him, used his fingers to close Corbin's eyes and said "Go to sleep."

Guess who didn't open his eyes back up for 2 hours.



16. Tell us about one of the most meaningful parenting experiences you have had.

I think the most meaningful was when we brought Corbin home from the hospital. We struggled to get pregnant with him, I waited all those long months feeling 97 months pregnant in the Texas summer and he came at 38w exactly. All of the preparation for his arrival. We came come, laid him to sleep in the pack and play, sat down and looked at each other and my husband asked "Now what?" We are still figuring it out as we go. :)

***

Thank you again Bonita!! It has been so wonderful getting to know you and your beautiful family!