Can't Beat Hands Free

Seth helped me try out my new Mei Tai.

With caring for three children now, under the age of 3 by the way, I am finding that I wish I had more hands. (In fact, I wonder if God gave mothers only two hands just to keep us humble and completely dependent on Him.) In hopes of having some hand free moments I decided to look into a baby carrier. I remembered that my cousin Emily had made one and decided to take a closer look. Here is her post on all things baby carrier: My Mei Tai.

I took her suggestions and using two patterns: the Man Tai for all sewing directions (great photos) and Basic Mei Tai for directions to cut the fabric, created a great little carrier. I am so pleased with how it turned out and can't wait to try it with baby Claire. It does however work with Seth as a backpack style and will come in handy on those long hikes when he decides his feet are too tired to walk another step!

Here are some photos to give you a better look.

It looks like a giant colorful frog all laid out.

Seth didn't want to be in the picture, can you tell?

Here are some things I recommend if you give it a try:

1. Use 60" fabric and get 2 yrds. (If you want different colors for straps then look at lengths in advance to get exactly what you want.) It will shrink!
2. I used upholstery fabric so it was thick and sturdy, yet my sewing machine could handle the layers.
3. I used 6 oz polyester batting for shoulder straps and the head area.
4. It took over 250 yrds. of heavy duty polyester thread to finish the project.
5. Make sure that your straps are long enough! My are on the short side due to the shrinking of my fabric. (I lucked out being a smaller person but it will not work on a pregnant mother or larger women.)
6. If sewing is not your best ability make sure to pick thread that will not be so obvious on your pattern.
7. I skipped the pocket but you make the call on that one.
8. I highly recommend giving it a try. It was so rewarding to finish a project and have it actually be usable.

Want more info check out the source of idea, Kozy Carrier, and look for more ways to use your carrier too!