sight isn’t always necessary

So, I’ve developed a tiny obsession with slings and carriers and wraps… basically anything I can tie Elly in and hook her up to my body to walk around in.  I’ve seen a lot of cool ones at stores; they’re generally expensive and have nice fabric but have such basic patterns.  I usually end up doing crazy research after I see them just to find out if I can make one myself.  So far so good!  I made two pouch slings, and though those are easy to use, Elly just doesn’t look very comfortable in them.  They were very simple – basically just sewing a seam, and then sewing the sides to create finished edges.  Then I decided I wanted something that would use both shoulders because the one shoulder thing was causing some pain.  I found out that a very simple 5 yard section of jersey knit cloth tied in a fancy way could hold Elly up comfortably, and sure enough, it does!  I ironed on a pretty pink embroidery thing on it, and when I wore it at the auto show, you wouldn’t believe how many people asked me about it.  I love this wrap.

Yesterday, Elly had a holy fit when I was reading stories to Connor, and Craig was desperately trying  to get her to relax.  If I were alone, I would have tied her into my wrap to calm her, but Craig wasn’t able to figure it out.  When I came downstairs, I embarked upon another search, this time for a solution easy enough for Craig to use, cool enough for him to wear, and comfortable for Elly at the same time.  Found one!  I just happened to have leftover fabric from making one of my pouch slings, so I went down to the basement this morning to sew this overall mei tai.  Fun!

And, the best part about it… Craig can use it!  And he DID use it today, he felt manly enough to answer the door while wearing it!  We took it to the bowling alley with us and I even bowled while wearing it.  And I got a few strikes!

Connor is a funny bowler.  That’ll be another blog entry.