Monday, May 19, 2008

Solarweave is here!!

I finally got in my 7 yards of solarweave that I ordered. I am going to make the first sling this week and see how it comes out. If everything goes well, then I will sew the rest and we will have solarweave slings available at the price of $45 each. Sorry no coupon can be used with these slings because I will not be carrying these in-stock. Once they are all gone I won't be making any more for a while, but I should have 5 available for purchase.
If you don't know about solarweave, its great. The fabric itself has 40 spf to protect your babies skin from the sun.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Green and Blue Flower Paisly Sling - $35


Black with White Polka Dots Sling - $35


In Stock Solids - $30


I am now offering in stock colors as follows:
White Dark Brown
Black Light Blue
Navy Lavender
Dk. Purple Bright Yellow
Pale Yellow Pale Green
Hunter Green Bright Green
Light Pink Dark Pink
Turquoise Red

Monday, April 14, 2008

Exciting News!!!

2 New Exciting Things about to Happen!!

1. I am going to start to carrying solid color fabric! So if you would just like a plain sling in a solid color like blue, pink, tan, brown, black, yellow, etc., I will have that available. These slings will be $30 and don't forget that I can sew a pocket on them if you'd like, the pockets come in handy!

2. I will be getting a website! My husband is a web designer, so I will be getting a website of my very own as soon as possible. Once I get the new website up and running, I will link to it from this blog.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Ordering a Sling

At this time, I do not have an online store. If there seems to be a need for one in the up-coming months, I might get one. For now, this is the procedure.

In-Stock Slings:

I keep this site very well updated. The 'In-Stock Slings' section usually displays everything I have in stock. Pick which sling you would like and email me via the 'About Me' section at the right side of the page with the sling you have chosen. I can send an invoice via paypal or you can send a check via mail. Once the invoice is paid or the check has cleared, I will ship your sling to you via USPS.


Custom Order Slings:

Contact me via email through the 'About Me' Section on the right side of the page. From there tell me you are interested in a custom sling. I will tell you what kind and how much fabric I need and where to ship it. You may inclose a check with the fabric or once I recieve the fabric I can email a paypal invoice. Custom slings are $20 plus shipping.


Shipping:

I generally like to offer decent prices on shipping and NEVER overcharge for it, but due to the rising gas prices I am forced to go up on shipping. Shipping will now be based on where you live, with shipping being more expensive if I have to ship cross country. Shipping will never be more than $8.50 to ship any one sling, with most packages having an average price between $6 and $7.

Sizing and the Tail

The tail on the sling makes it adjustable. It makes it possible for a sling to fit a wider range of people. Unlike pouch slings that have many different sizes, my slings have 2 basic sizes, Small and Large. Most of my In-stock slings are size large unless otherwise noted as a small. I have found that the large fits best those women who wear shirt sizes L-XXL, where a small sling will fit XS-M. Size also depends on the length of tail that you want. For example if you are a size Medium and want a longer tail, then a Large sling might be what you're looking for.
A longer tail is not necessary, but it does come in handy! It can be used to cover up during breastfeeding or to cover your child's head in windy or cold conditions outside. And remember if you don't want the tail to show (like at church or some place you would want to have a more put together appearance), you can always tuck it into the pouch beside your baby.

Blue Sling with Blue Flower Accents - $35 SOLD





Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Advice for First Time Baby Wearers

Taken from http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/


Take your time:
If there is only one thing you should remember from this article, it's this: take your time. You didn't learn to care for your baby, change his nappy, or breastfeed in one day. Learning to carry your baby in a sling is a new skill. Some people take to it easily. Others need a bit more time to be comfortable. Be patient, it's worth it.


Read the instructions:
Most slings come with detailed instructions. Read them carefully.
Pay attention to the Safety notes, inspect your baby sling.
Some slings are best washed before you use them, to soften the fabric and make it easier to tie.
CHECK YOUR SLING regularly for wear and tear. If you're unsure about the instructions, check on line to find more ways of using your baby sling. Check out the resources page.
Most parents find it easier to choose the carrying position that appeals the most and practice until you're comfortable with it. However, keep in mind that some children have a preference for ONE POSITION or another. Some babies don't like the hammock carry for example and prefer to be carried upright from birth.


Choose your moment:
To try on your new sling, choose a moment when your baby is relaxed, fed, changed and happy. If they get upset, stop and try again later. They might need some time to get used to this new feeling of being held in a sling.
Practice over a soft surface like a bed, or a sofa until you're comfortable.
Practicing in front of a mirror can also help you see what you're doing (in addition to keeping the little one entertained!)


Go step by step:
Some parents have found it helpful to learn step by step: place the sling and practice with a doll. When you're comfortable enough, place the baby and take your time adjusting it. If you're learning back carries, start by placing the baby on your back without the sling.


Get some help:
You might want to ask another adult to stand by while you try on your new baby sling, help you support the baby, check that the fabric is spread out and not twisted. It's particularly important when you learn back carries when you can't see the baby on your back.


Question the vendor:
Sling vendors and manufacturers are passionate about baby wearing. Don't hesitate to contact them with any question you might have about your baby sling. They have been using their products for years, testing them in all kinds of situations. Most manufacturers have a team of testers of parents of different sizes with children in a wide age range, they should be able to advise you on how to adjust the sling to be most comfortable.


Take pictures:
Once you've placed the baby in the sling and adjusted the fabric, take a few photos (front and back). First, compare them with the photos on the sling manufacturer's site. This can help you answer a few questions: is the baby at the same height? Does it look tight enough? Are the rings at the same height...
You can also send your photos to the vendor. In our experience, it's the best way to get the seller to help find the perfect fit with your sling. We've had very good results in the past.


Keep your baby happy:
Some babies settle immediately in the slings. With others, you just need to take a few steps around the house. But for most babies, the easiest way is to go out as soon as you've placed them in the sling. The pace of your walk reminds them of the movement when they were in the womb.
When you're learning to use your sling as a backpack baby carrier, choose a phrase to repeat every time you wrap, to remind your child to lie still on your back. You will be surprised by the result.

And now get started, enjoy your new sling!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Sling Carrying Positions

Inward Facing:


Cradle Carry:

Kangaroo/Front Facing:
Hip Carry:

Links on Baby Wearing

Please Check out the links below:

Why to Babywear:
http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/laura_simeon.html

Babywearing holds:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T051120.asp

Safe Babywearing:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowTo/SafeBabywearing.htm

Everything about Babywearing:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/t051100.asp

Products and Pricing

In Stock slings: $25-35
Price varies with cost of fabric

Custom slings: $20
Choose and purchase fabric of choice

Padding: $5
Added padding on shoulder of sling

Pocket: $5
Pocket added on tail of sling



Shipping: $5