Suggested Vendors & Products


WHICH FABRIC:  
Our fabric was primarily donated and in various sizes and patterns. We simply wanted a colorful array of FUN to bring some smiles! Having a fabric drive/collection is a great first step to beginning this project with your group. 

COTTON:
You may choose any patterned 100% cotton for your shields; we prefer colors and patterns to hide stains. 

FLANNEL:
Flannel should be patterned, bright and colorful. It is a single piece from 22-24" in length. Edges should be finished to prevent threading. A single ply assures the fabric to dry thoroughly even in humid climates. Please launder fabric.
MGM / MEDICAL GRADE MATERIAL:
The center piece of each of our shields is a medical grade material that we call MGM.  This product has passed medical testing for such purposes and can be ordered through our website for $4 a yard. 

PUL:
PUL is a type of laminated fabric. PUL stands for Polyurethane Laminate. It can be pronouced either   P-U-L or "pull."   PUL is used for the Mary Bags. Only printed PUL is used for Mary Bags. Plain colored PUL for Mary Bags is not accepted.

LACES/CORDS:

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We currently use craft cord called BONNIE CRAFT CORD for the Mary Bags. This can be purchased at Hobby Lobby for $3.99. Please use the 2mm size. This is an economical way to purchase the cord.  The ends must be burned/tipped to prevent fraying and make threading the beads easier. 
SEE VIDEO ON RIGHT >>   
INFO ON SNAPS AND PLIERS 
This is a video tutorial for the KAM Snap Pliers. 
The woman is very thorough - be patient - 
and it should answer all of your questions.


BEADS:  
Plastic pony beads are best for this project.  They are light-weight which is good for transporting the packets. We ask that you put the beads on in this order: left side: yellow, black, red; right side: white, blue, green. PINCH both cords into one on each end and lace them as one with the beads. Do not use glass beads.

THREADING, LACING & CINCHING MARY BAGS:
 PLEASE use proper threading and cinching for the Mary Bags.  The bags should pull closed when pulling on each side of the cord.
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SNAP PLIERS:
We prefer this style.  
It can be purchased  from Diaper Sewing 
Supplies Company 
KAMSNAPS.COM
or in fabric/hobby stores.
We recommend the Size 20 snaps. You will need 2 caps for each stud and socket -- all of this is explained on their website to assist you in ordering. The caps, studs and sockets are sold separately. If you are making 100 shields, you will need: 
              200 caps; 100 studs; & 100 sockets.
Should you or your mission determine to distribute pads/packets, the project and its design/pattern/system concept 
belongs exclusively to It's Our Mission: Period.