I've really been enjoying babywearing with Emmett, but one of the challenges that I've encountered lately is the hot weather. It's hot enough outside as is, never mind strapping a 20 lb heater to your chest (and the added heat of the wrap, which is dark brown and sucks up heat from the sun). The Boba is somewhat cooler than the wrap, but it's not something I want to wear at the beach or in the water when it might get wet. And after one trip to the lake and one trip to the splash park, I'm finding that Emmett doesn't really like to be left on dry land while everyone else is in the water (and I don't like just leaving him on a towel or blanket by himself either). So I've been eyeing water wraps online lately (a water wrap is made from a lightweight fabric like mesh that will dry quickly). There are some beautiful ones out there, but the crafty side of me, that pokes its head out every now and then, said "I bet I could make one of those." And I did! (thanks to my mom for the advice and letting me use her sewing machine). The fabric and notions cost about the same price as the wraps I was looking at online (when you add in shipping), but instead of just getting one wrap for my money, I'll actually get 3, so I'm hoping to make the other 2 as baby gifts.
Here's a few pics of my handiwork.
Trying it on after cutting. The micro mesh doesn't have as much stretch to it as my Sleepy Wrap, so it will take a bit of practice to tie it with the right tension (Emmett was getting a bit of a squeeze here). It also may give a bit more when wet.
All finished! It's about 15 feet long, so I didn't try to take a picture of it all stretched out. I turned the edges and zig-zagged them to keep them from fraying. I cut the fabric so it tapered on the ends, so there would be less bulk hanging down after it was tied. I also sewed on a little tag to mark the middle (makes it easier to tie), and I made a matching drawstring bag.
Ready to be thrown into the beach bag!
Close up of my middle marker. No mistaking this beauty for a store-bought version. :) (as if my craftsmanship didn't give it away! I need more sewing practice!!).
I'm very happy with my finished product, and actually quite proud of myself for making it instead of buying it.
2 comments:
Congratulations!! It looks great. I think those wraps are such a great idea. Way to go!
Yeah Pam,
It is gorgeous,there is something immensely satisfying when you make rather than buy. It's awesome, I love the mesh bag too!
I am due for a project and have my eye on something inspiring to try and duplicate!
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