The fabric situation

This is just a post to update and inform everyone, since mamas are wondering when will I ever have some other prints and colors stocked. You are right - there has been a real backlog in new fishnoodles due to fabric supply issues that are out of my control. I've mentioned this before but you might find it interesting to hear a bit more detail.

The main diaper fabric company that supplied most diaper businesses, Fabrite, went out of business last January. They made an excellent quality waterproof outer fabric, known as PUL. Many diaper businesses, mine included, relied on their fabric even though they kept raising prices pretty dramatically, because the quality was so good.

Unfortunately they kept their business situation quiet until March, at which point orders had already been delayed several months. At that point the cloth diapering business community found out that Fabrite was no longer in business - and that our orders had not been processed. A pretty lousy way to treat your loyal customers, to say the least. This is the reason that for months now I've been saying I'm waiting on new fabrics. If I had any idea that orders weren't actually being filled, I would have made other arrangements a long time ago.

We spent several weeks in late March and early April diligently identifying new fabric suppliers, requesting samples, testing samples, and finally placing orders with the best. Naturally, these fabric suppliers have been swamped with new orders in the last few weeks and existing customers are being served first.

We have hundreds of yards of PUL ordered, and waterproof diaper fabric is generally custom-made with a 4-6 week lead time. The first few prints are just now ready to ship, and then there will be time cutting and sewing.

We will be stocking many more solid colors and prints - I just can't say exactly when. I think within the next month the situation will be resolved. This whole thing has been very frustrating to me, and frustrating to you too, I'm sure. I thank you for your patience and for staying on the fishnoodles mailing list. I can't wait to bring you new diaper and cover choices!