I figured it out! Pics of my ergo-style carrier.

[crbyard]

Well, I spent all of last night pacing between the computer and my sewing machine, but I finally sewed my first ergo-style carrier. I had picked up a waist belt and arm straps at a local REI sale for a total of $16 (whoo-hoo). I dyed some heavy canvas black for the body and dyed some hemp jersey lavender for the lining/hood. All that I have left to do is to put snaps on the hood straps that attach to the arm straps. So far, however, dd hates the hood. Since I have never owned/seen an ergo in real life, does anyone know how the hood is really supposed to work? Is it to hold their heads up or is it just for sun protection?

This was a remarkably easy project. It took me a total of about 6 hours once my fabric was dyed. It was actually easier than the onbuhimo I made. It's great because the straps and the waist band are already made for you.

Here are pics of dd and dh in the carrier.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...y=-1qqhq6&Ux=0

[dvons]

That looks SOOO great! I keep debating on the ergo but the $$ keeps stoping me. How did you know the dimentions to do it? Any tips or directions for us to make our own?

Thanks!!!
Deb

[ashleylesh]

That looks excellent! We have an ergo and we only use the hood when Taso is sleeping to hold his head up. He would give us a reaction similar to your daughters if we tried to use it for sun protection!

Way to go

[mamadodson]

Great job mama!

[crbyard]

Really, for the dimensions, it just looked like the body was 2.5 times the height of the back of the ergo waist band. I measured the height of my waistband (6") and did the math from there. So, the body was 15" plus an inch for seam allowance. I made the width as wide as my lower back. I know, not very precise, but very custom for me and my babe. I made the body attach to the waistband by creating a 6.25" inch "sleeve" that can slip on and off of the waistband for washing. I think that I'll apply some snaps to secure it to the waistband better for wearing, but it really isn't necessary. The sleeve is pretty snug. If you find that you need extra nylon webbing for the hood or for a longer waistband, most hardware or outdoor stores carry inexpensive bulk webbing and adjustable resin rings. I found this out after I went on a household scavenger hunt for excess webbing on other backpacks.
One thing that I am going to add to the finished product is padding around the leg openings. The canvas leaves little red marks that can't feel too good. I'll have to reopen the seam there and sew in three layers of fleece for cushioning. You'll want to consider putting that in when sewing the lining and the canvas together. I also made pleats in the bottom of the body so that they can expand and acommodate baby's bum. It is very important to make this pocket effect or the bottom has nowhere to go and pulls the waistband away from your back creating sag. I wish I had taken photos as I went along to show you the shape of the body pattern. Next time I make up a pattern, I will document it better. Seriously, though, if the money is what has held you back, making a carrier is the way to go. I found a good deal on waist/shoulder straps at REI, but I bet you could find some cheap on ebay, etc. Good luck!

[dvons]

Thank you! Thank you!

I'm off to scour ebay for the straps. Maybe by the time my youngest is strong enough to support her head for long periods I'll have it done.... :

Deb

[rbriansgirl]

WOW! That is really impressive! Great job!

[northcountrymamma]

really really amazing...great job mamma!!!

I have so many times thought of doing these...glad to see it can be done! You are my newest hero!

[ktlady]

Wow - That looks great!

[rubelin]

Where did you find the straps?? Your carrier looks pretty close to the ones I've done but it would have been cool to have a pre-made waist strap. I've found it easiest to baste the leg padding to the lining first before stitching everything together. Also, woven linings are easier to stitch to woven bodys, so you might try that next time.

I haven't been on this week or I could have given you some links that might have made it easier for you, though it looks like you did just fine on your own

Oh, I haven't added a hood to my handmade carriers, but all my friends only use the Ergo hood once the babe has nodded off and that's how I've used the neck support on my SutemiPack.

[dvons]

Care to post or PM me thos links? :
Deb

Originally Posted by rubelin

Where did you find the straps?? Your carrier looks pretty close to the ones I've done but it would have been cool to have a pre-made waist strap. I've found it easiest to baste the leg padding to the lining first before stitching everything together. Also, woven linings are easier to stitch to woven bodys, so you might try that next time.

I haven't been on this week or I could have given you some links that might have made it easier for you, though it looks like you did just fine on your own

Oh, I haven't added a hood to my handmade carriers, but all my friends only use the Ergo hood once the babe has nodded off and that's how I've used the neck support on my SutemiPack.

[rubelin]

Originally Posted by dvons

Care to post or PM me thos links? :
Deb

Hee! I'll try to find them tomorrow

[art4babies]

Wow - very nice!

[crbyard]

[QUOTE=rubelin;6605986]Where did you find the straps?? Your carrier looks pretty close to the ones I've done but it would have been cool to have a pre-made waist strap. I've found it easiest to baste the leg padding to the lining first before stitching everything together. Also, woven linings are easier to stitch to woven bodys, so you might try that next time.

Thanks for the tips. You are correct on both points. I hadn't thought of adding padding until the carrier was completed and she had some red marks on her legs. As for the lining being knit versus woven, I was too impatient to get started! You know how that goes -- scrounging around through fabric scraps for anything that will work. I certainly recommend matching fabric types for others attempting the same project. The straps and waist belt I found at REI, an outdoor adventure store. They are replacement parts for Gregory backpacks, but there are less pricey brands available. I happened to get the straps for $7 and the belt for $9 because they were having a used/returned gear sale.

We have used the carrier now quite a few times. Actually, I should say that Daddy has used it. This is definitely the pack for Dads, IME.

[mamato271828]

What a great sewing job - I am very impressed (and I know how to sew). I have only attempted a sling. I own an Ergo and use it for hours everyday - they are a great style no matter who makes it. My dh also likes to use it once and awhile. Someone may have already said this, but I think the hood in only for sleeping. My dd will only let me put it over her head when she is almost alseep or sleeping. It really helps when they are on the back and their head falls back. Keep up the good work and thanks so much for posting the info. for eveyone.