Elaine, hello from a fellow cloth diaper lover!    I use flats and the old fashioned metal pins that I bought from Green Mountain Diaper Co, Karen is a wonderful Christian that has great products and great customer service. I also use wool covers, I've had Aristocrats and didn't like them but the Disana covers are really nice and I think the most period appropriate. I believe that diaper bird's eye is not what we're used to today, my fabric swatch book shows something that looks more like pique to me. So, I can't help about the diaper part more than that. I hope my rambling post helps a little. 

Paris

I had one of the original BumGenius' when they first came out!    A nifty diaper but you're right, they aren't exactly period correct.

Sadly, I have no practical 19th century skills, but knitting is on my list of things to learn .  Maybe I'd better get on that since DD has no desire to potty train.

She's 2 1/2, and showing many signs of readiness (knows when she is wet or soiled, dry diaper when she wakes up in the morning, wants to wear panties) she's just not mentally ready and actively does not want to go on the potty.  Sadly, one of the necessary skills is the willingness to sit on the toilet.  Sigh.  I have diaper fatigue.