When I was first pregnant with my daughter, the thought of "babywearing" was so foreign to me that I simply couldn't imagine why anyone would want to do it. I mean, WHY would you want to schlep your little one around ON you? Wouldn't that be uncomfortable? Heavy? Cumbersome?
And, in face, with the store-bought carriers out there (Baby Bjorn, etc.), it was. Trying to get all the straps in the right place, buckled, not twisted, tight enough, etc., was simply no fun. As such, I never used ours and just carried my daughter. And, as a result of THAT, I ended up with an unusual condition called
Clavicular Osteolysis - my clavicle (collarbone) was dissolving, yes DISSOLVING, because of repetitive use. Hurt like a mother & there's no treatment for it. Thankfully, once you stop using your shoulder (yeah....) it will heal itself, and it has, but it was a MISERABLE two years of not being able to lift my arms above shoulder level.
Then, a friend asked me if I'd ever tried a ring sling. Lightweight, easy to use, endlessly adjustable even WITH the baby in it, and much prettier! And, it would SAVE my shoulder! AND they're big enough that my husband can use it, too! Hmmmm... what is this magical sling you're speaking of? :)
So, I asked my mother to make one for me (this was back before I was sewing). ;p
LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT.
When baby #2 came along, I was fully prepared with a 100% silk sling that I'd made myself (like the one in the pic). The silk is such a great medium for slings; SUPER lightweight, breathable (natural fibers), folds up to about a 5" cube for easy transport, and SO stylish & pretty. Silk is also very strong; I can use it to carry my 35 lb., 3.5 year old in it, too! I had Alexander slung almost every time I picked him up; as such, my Clavicular Osteolysis didn't return. Yay!
It's also so great to be able to hold your little ones when they just need some "mama 'nuggle time" and still be able to get stuff done (like cooking, vacuuming, etc.)! :)
Now, I make and sell the slings on my Etsy shoppe. I wish I could give one to every new mama out there so they, too, can understand what a great thing baby wearing is!
I found this great pattern for a fun, "3D" ball for babies; even my toddler likes playing with them! I've made several in bright colours but I've only got one posted on Etsy so far!
When I was first pregnant with my daughter, the thought of "babywearing" was so foreign to me that I simply couldn't imagine why anyone would want to do it. I mean, WHY would you want to schlep your little one around ON you? Wouldn't that be uncomfortable? Heavy? Cumbersome?
It’s been a while since my last feature of a fellow Etsian, but here goes! I’d like to introduce you all to Twisted Tree Studio; Eclectic Art & Exquisite Leather Work. The dynamic duo of Jen & Pat live in the Colorado Mountains near Pike’s Peak, which towers 14,000 feet over their little town. Pat is a mason my trade while Jen, a painter & muralist, has worked in offices and retail over the years. They make beautiful leather bags together and Jen also paints & sells murals and handles the web store.
Pat & Jen have been selling their bags for about 3 years, though Pat’s been into leatherworking since his 20’s and Jen has studied art her entire life. She studied in Holland and has an Art. Ed. Degree from here in the US. Believe it or not, though, she’s never taking a class on painting!
Twisted Tree Studio came to Etsy after much research into online communities. They have high hopes for their shop, planning to turn it into “a strong business, with customers all over the world, while maintaining our special level of unique one of a kind art and incomparable craftsmanship that will give us a way to create art for many years to come”. Given that they feel that great customer service and unique products are paramount, I’m sure their shop will be immensely successful!
