I am resurfacing from baby land and some quality time with my sewing machine.
I have just completed the second most wonderful thing in my life. The first is my children, second is this beautiful baby carrier.
Okay so maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but I'm seriously so proud of it. It took a lot of time and effort and it was worth it!
I bought this pattern and followed her directions to the T and it worked out wonderfully.
I meant to document it but as soon as I started it I got all wrapped up (no pun intended,ha) and forgot. It took me a week or so to finish it, mostly because I have a 2 month old who needs to eat and be loved and a 4 year old who needs his mommy jungle gym. I think in real time it would have taken me a good party of 2 days to complete. Maybe less? I really have no idea.
One: Ordering all of the buckles and materials. I was lucky enough to have all of the fabric and padding I needed on hand but there is a lot more to this project. You will need (or it will make it easier) to have a concealed zipper foot on a good sewing machine with a new needle (and a few back ups, just in case). You'll also need to order the buckles. I strongly recommend following her advice and going with Seattle fabrics for the buckles and other materials. The shipping seems high but they are really good quality buckles and I feel confident they will last with my little one. It took about a week to get everything in-- which seems like a lifetime when you are waiting to get started. for all of the buckle, cording and shipping I paid about 20$. I thought this was pretty awesome since the pattern is only 14$ and I had all the other materials making this really nice ergo only cost me 32$. If you don't have the fabric, buttons and padding on hand, the whole project would probably cost closer to 60$, is my guess. That is half of the price of a Ergo carrier and still less than you can but a used one. I also prefer the one I made because I got to use fabric I like and I made the lining out of old sheets that I LOVED because they were so soft so I know my baby girl is comfortable.
Two: Sewing on the zipper. I just don't like sewing on zippers. I had to redo my zipper twice because I just really don't know how to do it, I guess. I would suggest using youtube as a resource if you don't know how to do it. Mine looks really good somehow though, haha. I couldn't tell you how I did it but it looks professional and works perfectly. Also, you could probably omit the pocket all together, if you didn't want to do the zipper. I like it though because it gets the hood out of the wind (we live on a very windy lake) so it doesn't hit me or my little one while we are out walking.
Everything else was relatively easy. There are some parts where I had to go pretty slow to avoid breaking my needle. I feel like my sweet pea is really safe in it and I know the construction is good. I would feel comfortable putting my massive 4 year old in it too, if I didn't think I would break my back. I also like the inner panel because it curves, making it easy for me to take her out and nurse.
Next I will be making the bag that goes along with it!
I think I might make some teething pads for it too! Ill keep you posted!!
Although I strongly recommend this pattern and instructions, I found this free pattern for a similar, yet slightly simpler carrier. I haven't made it (or really even looked at the instructions), but it looks nice! Maybe I'll let my hubby choose some fabric and make one for him!
There were two "hard" parts to making this carrier.
One: Ordering all of the buckles and materials. I was lucky enough to have all of the fabric and padding I needed on hand but there is a lot more to this project. You will need (or it will make it easier) to have a concealed zipper foot on a good sewing machine with a new needle (and a few back ups, just in case). You'll also need to order the buckles. I strongly recommend following her advice and going with Seattle fabrics for the buckles and other materials. The shipping seems high but they are really good quality buckles and I feel confident they will last with my little one. It took about a week to get everything in-- which seems like a lifetime when you are waiting to get started. for all of the buckle, cording and shipping I paid about 20$. I thought this was pretty awesome since the pattern is only 14$ and I had all the other materials making this really nice ergo only cost me 32$. If you don't have the fabric, buttons and padding on hand, the whole project would probably cost closer to 60$, is my guess. That is half of the price of a Ergo carrier and still less than you can but a used one. I also prefer the one I made because I got to use fabric I like and I made the lining out of old sheets that I LOVED because they were so soft so I know my baby girl is comfortable.
Two: Sewing on the zipper. I just don't like sewing on zippers. I had to redo my zipper twice because I just really don't know how to do it, I guess. I would suggest using youtube as a resource if you don't know how to do it. Mine looks really good somehow though, haha. I couldn't tell you how I did it but it looks professional and works perfectly. Also, you could probably omit the pocket all together, if you didn't want to do the zipper. I like it though because it gets the hood out of the wind (we live on a very windy lake) so it doesn't hit me or my little one while we are out walking.
Everything else was relatively easy. There are some parts where I had to go pretty slow to avoid breaking my needle. I feel like my sweet pea is really safe in it and I know the construction is good. I would feel comfortable putting my massive 4 year old in it too, if I didn't think I would break my back. I also like the inner panel because it curves, making it easy for me to take her out and nurse.
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| She loves it, too! |
Next I will be making the bag that goes along with it!
I think I might make some teething pads for it too! Ill keep you posted!!
Other notes:
If you have a baby that is younger than 6 months, you might want to have a newborn insert as well! You can make one... I like this tutorial, although I haven't made one and don't plan on it either... but that will save you a ton of money and you can make it out of the same material as your lining and it would be beautiful!Although I strongly recommend this pattern and instructions, I found this free pattern for a similar, yet slightly simpler carrier. I haven't made it (or really even looked at the instructions), but it looks nice! Maybe I'll let my hubby choose some fabric and make one for him!
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