DIY Carrier - Podegai - Black Drill

I made this a week or 2 ago now - a simple black drill podegai using this tutorial...

Wrap Pod

I haven't really used it that much yet but when I have it has been comfortable. I think a different material (with some diagonal give) would be more comfortable on the shoulders.

and an action pic....the wrap straps could of been more spread out under his bum but it was fine like that.

DIY Carrier - Pink Dragonflys

Thanks to NC and BCD members making pretty carriers lately, I was inspired to have another go at making a Mei Tai. - I used the following tutorial....

DIY Conversion Hood to Headrest Mei Tai

I started making it Sunday afternoon, cut out most of the pieces etc, then when the kids went to sleep I got in and finished it.....at about 12:30 this (Monday) morning *Yawn*

I used it this morning for the school drop off and it was comfy :) I made is the right size for Ari to have arms in or out comfortably. The hood is a bit tall for my liking but I will have to have a play with it and see how it goes. Ari has been refusing to go to sleep lately and even baby wearing isn't making a huge difference, he has to have boob.

I think this is going to go live with a friend of mine - it needs a bath now Ari upchucked all over the strap *bleh*.....I really do love the colours...and am tempted to keep it. *blush*

Anyway - some more pics...

Mei Tai - tried, tested now time to design V2.0

Heres some on going action shots of my new favorite baby carrier...my home made mei tai.

I find it conveinient, comfortable and it looks fabulous ;). As you can see from the pictures Ari loves it...sleeps well in it although he likes being on my tummy when really unsettled.

Now for the improvements......

As you can see from the first pic, his head is unsupported so when sleeping it rolls about a bit - I can ease it back into position but when walking around etc it naturally flops, lol. I do have something here to sew on as a hood (and I will do so) but next time I plan on making the body taller with a flip up/fold down head support.

I think the body width is fine for us till Ari is about 18-24mths.

I will also make the straps longer - these are a little short so will maybe add another 20-30cms.

I am also thinking on angled waist straps - I am a little confused as to HOW angled they would need to be???

I have bought some more Drill from spotlight (25% off :)) and have some other fabrics here to use as a panel. I am not sure if I will do another 3 layer one or rather just 2 with the cross over for support.

Home Made Mei Tai

I sewed this last night/this morning - overall I am pretty happy with my first effort. I made it using cotton drill for the inner and straps and quilting cotton for the panels (Marcus Brothers Surf and Sand). I padded the waist strap with a piece of polar fleece. The aesthetics are not perfect but it is structurally sound :) which is most important.

I didn't follow any particular pattern although I have looked at many online....just kinda did what I thought I wanted, lol. I think I will try turning and top stitching next time as this time the panels were ironed and then sewn together iykwim so they are a little askew ;). I just couldnt get my brain to figure it all out.

Dimensions are -

Panel width - 4ocms
Panel Height - 51cms
Panel Height from waist strap - 40cms
Waist Strap Width- 11cms
Waist Strap Length either side - 59cms
Shoulder Strap Width- 14cms
Shoulder Strap Length - 155cms
(all straps could of been a little longer maybe??)

It has 3 body panels - the inner is drill that has the shoulder straps sewn in an X the whole way through....



Here are some shots of it in action - my first goes at using a MT...

First off - Ari (3.5mths - 65cms - 7ish kgs)



Then Nate (2), Beth (almost 4) and Liam (almost 6)..

I have made a hood but am unsure how I should join it - snaps?, sewn?....and then how to attach to straps...

Back Carry - Getting there...

Each time I try to Tibetan back carry it gets a little easier. By positioning Ari higher, spreading the fabric under my arms and across my shoulders a bit wider...I am much more comfortable.

I do get sicked on a fair bit as Ari is a chucker but other then that it is a great position for getting things done and he falls alseep each time :)

Help Please - Tibetan Back Carry and others

I would love some help if anyone out there that can give me some ideas/opinions/assistance on back carries?

Carmen (Kermi) gave me some links to you tube which were great (am on slow dial up so it takes a while, lol) , I made myself a 5 metre x 70 cm wrap from slightly stretchy (one way- up/down) material and have been trying it out. I understand that wovens are best for back carries as they offer more support but as I don't have $90+ to spend (or DH wouldn't let me, lol) I thought I would try this.

I tried the Tibetan back carry today and found that Ari was comfy but I was not....around my underarms it just didn't feel right. So here are some pics so you can see what I did and maybe someone can shine the light on the problem.

I had the twist the parts coming over my shoulder to keep the top rail tight against his neck, so maybe that was the problem.

Oh and he is 8 weeks old, 60cms and 6.15kgs.