Baby Cling-On

Baby Cling-On You may remember that some time ago I was looking for a back carrier for baby. I thought that as Rory grew and became more independent, my need for a purpose-built back carrier would lessen, but it turns out that's not the case. Our little Newbie is quite clingy these days; whether that's due to teething, or a persistent cold, or separation anxiety, or just wanting attention, I'm not sure. But when I'm toute seule with the kids, having a sad Rory on my hands does not help anything or anyone. (The older two especially are very sensitive to his upsets, sometimes getting upset themselves due to the high levels of emotion coursing through our home.) Anyway, this past week I decided to get one of these carriers. I was frustrated and looking online and I was about to order one, but I just couldn't pay $100 plus taxes and shipping and handling and possibly duty for a collection of fabric I knew I could make, given the time and materials. Then it occurred to me: my sewing machine is still in our (cleared out) basement; Rory naps for about 4 hours per day; and I have fabric stashed away somewhere. Voilà: time and materials. All I needed was to borrow an iron (ours is stashed away somewhere in the bowels of our storage unit), and Catherine saved my sanity by coming through on that one. I found a pattern online, some appropriate stash fabric in the basement, and three hours of time, so for the grand total of $5 (which I paid for the fleece lining), I now have a mei-tai style carrier. When I tried it on, I realized that the super-wide (but very comfy) straps made me look a little like a Klingon, and the title for this post, and this craft, became clear. So far I've worn it three times in 24 hours, with Rory in both front and back positions, and I love it. It's comfy, Rory's happy, and I can get stuff done. Totally worth the $5! Pattern: Baby Mei-Tai Style Carrier Fabric: heavy cotton from my stash