Please criticize my podaegis

[MittensKittens]

I have started sewing podaegis to sell, and have officially had my first order! : I'd like some feedback from you, if possible! What do you look for in a podaegi (or other carrier)? These have a padded headrest but unpadded straps. I would love to hear any criticisms or suggestions!

This is a tweed and cotton podaegi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35757616@N05/3367244511/
- and me wearing my son in it - http://www.flickr.com/photos/3575761...n/photostream/

and here is a cotton one
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3575761...n/photostream/

[junipervt]

those are really pretty. here's my crit. I prefer my straps a bit wider. I find that the thinner straps dig a bit now that DD is a little bigger.

[MittensKittens]

Thanks - I will try one with wider straps to see how that works out.

[lifeguard]

Look nice. I've never used one so sorry I have no suggestions.

[MoonStarFalling]

They look nice. I like padded head rests. The straps look thin but it's hard to tell from a photo. I like 4 inch wide unpadded straps.

[MittensKittens]

I will definitely try wider straps. I also thought of moveable shoulder pads. Kind of like the pads a baby gets in a car seat, kwim? That way, the wearer can be sure the straps will never cut into them because they can move them to where they want - or take them off if they prefer.

[MittensKittens]

I'd also appreciate your thoughts on straps lengths. I am very petite myself so I make them shorter for myself then others would need.

[MittensKittens]

I think I have found my finished product - I am very happy at least. The style I make now is reversible, with wider straps. Here I am carrying my DD in one.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35757616@N05/3376943530/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3575761...n/photostream/

What do you think?

[maymorales]

you might also want to get some feedback from the devoted babywearers at TBW.

[AnnR33]

I agree with the others about the wider shoulder straps. I personally would not buy anything with unpadded shoulder straps that were less than 6 inches wide. Most of my mei tai straps are 4 inches but padded. My wrap tais are 6 to 8 inches wide so they can fan the shoulder like a pouch or sling.

The problem with even 4 inch unpadded straps is that they can easily roll in on itself when sitting on your shoulder making them bite into the shoulder and this is very uncomfortable. The only way to keep them flat over the long haul is usually having them cap your shoulder and this works better with a wider shoulder.

I also cannot tell what kind of material the straps are. If they are a lightweight cotton then they will definitely roll in over time IME. They also have a higher chance of pulling threads at the seams. They need to be a medium weight denim, twill, or bottom weight fabric for a sturdy strap.

Good luck

[EdnaMarie]

Very cute, but it's hard to tell because the straps are all black and that is the most crucial part. I wear my babies higher up. My ellaroo pos have padding on the straps to go over the shoulder, so they are padded partway down the strap, not only on the headrest. That is nice! I also agree about the 6" minimum width.

[MittensKittens]

The straps are made of corduroy, and I am planning to make them with jeans fabrics as well. I have corduroy and tweed in a wide range of colors. The bodies are more flexible in terms of material, and depending on the season as well - silk, cotton, tweed, whatever. I'm also thinking about quilt podaegis for winter . The straps are five inches wide now, but I can go one inch wider . My experience is that the straps don't roll into themselves, but I will try a pilot with padded straps. I'll make some better pictures too and post them back. Thanks for your feedback (and your patience ) Oh, and I am a member of TBW and will try for some feedback there too, thanks for the tip.

[MoonStarFalling]

I never had a problem with corduroy straps rolling. I like the thinner straps for a rucksack carry so they don't dig in. Pretty silk panels or tye dye would be delish JMO

[MittensKittens]

Originally Posted by MoonStarFalling

I never had a problem with corduroy straps rolling. I like the thinner straps for a rucksack carry so they don't dig in. Pretty silk panels or tye dye would be delish JMO

Yeah, me too - which is why they were that thin. I guess I could give people the option if thinner or wider straps. Having said that, I think the wider straps are also very comfy now I have tried them. I have some great silks waiting to be used already but don't have the strap material in the right colors yet. I like the reversible thing, makes a carrier more versatile, and probably more sellable.

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by MittensKittens

I think I have found my finished product - I am very happy at least. The style I make now is reversible, with wider straps. Here I am carrying my DD in one.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35757616@N05/3376943530/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3575761...n/photostream/

What do you think?

I like it! And I want one!