Mei Tai S&S

[mehndi mama]

Just wanted to show off what I've been making this week (out of desperation, since Bobby doesn't want to be put down EVER, but I have things to do and can't wear him on my front easily any more) - I started messing around with making Asian-style carriers.
The first one is a Frankencozy made with natural linen and cotton gauze for the straps - this one shows Bobby in it, and I've since started tying the "waist" straps around my ribcage below my breasts - it's a lot more comfortable that way.
Side view, front view, back view
The straps are each 1/3 the width of the fabric - approx. 15" wide

The second one is a Beth's Mei Tai made with cotton patchwork batik and white muslin straps. Davey is modelling this one - yeesh! It has the top straps placed further down on the sides so that a head-support flap is formed, and I did the bottom strap like a huge piece of bias binding in order to secure a couple of pleats along the bottom edge for seat shaping. Again, the shoulder straps are about 15" wide.
Back view, front view, side view.

My next experiment will be to make a 3rd set of straps along the top edge so that I can actually *reach* the head-support flap while it's on my back.

[cinnamonamon]

Those are great!!

[Kari_mom]

I love your fabrics. They look so comfortable, I like the way the second one cups under Davey's bottom. Does Bobby like riding on your back?

[mehndi mama]

I'm liking the shaped seat, myself - I think I'll make that a permanent part of the pattern!
Yes, Bobby really likes being on my back (he's napping there right now, actually!) - he's the kind of kid that is only happy if he's in physical or visual contact with mom (as in, *I* have to look at *him* while he's looking at me), so being on my back keeps him very happy. My muscles are crying in agony at the moment, though - I'm not used to carrying him so much!

[Kari_mom]

Sounds like a new F&F pattern in development! I think there is a need for a commercial pattern for ABCs, actually, so I hope you do market one eventually.

I made an ABC hybrid that I made from the two instructions you posted. I used it for about three months with my littlest, until he didn't want to look at my back or chest anymore. :LOL I found it more comfortable than a sling, but still carrying around the extra weight did tire me. My feet would hurt!

[rubelin]

ooh, those are very cool! I've been adding pleats to my latest carrier creations and really love how they make a little tushie pocket. post some pics when you figure out the headsupport strap, I'm having similar issues with reaching mine

Oh, btw, what is in your water?? How can you have 5 kids and still look like you are 13?? lol!!

[mehndi mama]

Y'know, one of these days, people are going to guess my age and NOT say I look like a teenager! I guess I can blame/thank my mom for that

I just finished up my headstrap version tonight, and I'll get pictures in the morning.