I am not a seamstress, but would love to be. My dh does sew, so he can help me.

I'm itching to try a Mei Tai Chinese style carrier and also a wrap sling. Both are supposed to be better for those w/back problems since they distribute the weight over the shoulders evenly. I get major shoulder pain from my pouches/ring slings if I wear them too much.

I can't find any directions on the net for making Mei Tais. Any ideas?

I have found directions for wrap slings. I'm thinking of trying to make one out of muslin (aka affordable). They are insanely expensive in the retail world given the simplicity of their design.

We make a lot of our own stuff around this house, so it just makes sense for me to try to make one of these. ......like I need yet another project. :p

Can anyone offer any pearls of wisdom? Where can I find suitable woven fabric for the wrap style? Diagonal weave is supposedly best, but I don't know where to find that kind? That's why dh suggested muslin for starters.

TIA, mamas.


(((((

The Mei Tai is pretty easy to duplicate. You only need 2 yards of fabric -- and any woven will do. I've used basic quilters cotton and even upholstery fabric.

They are by far my favorite style of carrier of the ones I've tried. I make them for all my friends. :)

:::digging up pictures::::

Let me get back to you with some more info in a few minutes. B just woke up. :)

Fantastic! I'll be waiting..... :)

If you want, you can also email me at:

whimsical@whimsicalearth.com

Thank you!

I was just tossing them up on my website for you. I find pictures are the easiest way to explain things. This is just my method. I'm sure there are 100 methods out there. Maybe someone with more formal knowlege of the Mei Tai will come along to offer more info. :)

http://www.kidcentrix.com/brandon/tiesling.html

If anything is unclear or you want more info, you can use the contact button on my site to e-mail me. :)

Here is something called a MayTie pattern, it's from an OLD LLL handout.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=143636

I really like the look of that! Do you think it would be possible to add buckles in teh front and maybe back to make it a bit easier to put on? Or how hard is it to put on with no help and a squirmy 19mo?? I LOVE carrying dd in my pouch, but at 25lbs it's starting to put too much strain on my back/shoulder, and if I put her on my back I'm finding I'm hunching over to keep from feeling like she's going to fall out. I may have to try that tonight!

You definitely need help with the back carry, but the front carry could not be any easier. Much easier for me than a wrap or pouch for me.

It's hard to explain. I don't even put the baby down. I hold him to my chest. Then I drape the long straps over my shoulders and smooth the fabric across his back where it should go. Then I grab the straps and pull them around. Tie them under his bottom. Then pull the short straps under his thighs and tie them behind my back. It takes just a minute and the best part is that when he falls asleep I can get him out without disturbing him.

I am a Maya failure and this looked complex, but it really is very easy. Some people tie the straps behind their back first, then put the baby in the carrier, but I find that when B wants in his sling, he does NOT want to stop, go down, wait for me to tie straps, then get back up again. I love the way I can just grab it and never have to put him down.

Oh... about the buckles. I've tried and tried to come up with a better option than tying... but I came up blank. The straps are so infinitely adjustable. I even tried making markings on the sling so I could find out exactly where it ties and find some other way.. But in 5 wearings with 5 different types of clothing, the marks were all over and I couldn't figure out the best location. I thought about snaps, but I don't think they would hold.

Also, you use a lot less strap when you do the back carry, so I figured I would need 2 slings -- one for front and one for back.

I have to think more about it, I guess. :)

I was thinking of an adjustable buckle, kinda like on restaraunt high chairs or grocery carts. That way I could buckle it and pull it tight, kwim? I've found with trying to tie slings (over the shoulder) my knot always seems to give a bit, and then I'm carrying baby lowere than I'd like. I though with a buckle even if it got looser, i could easily retighten it without having to undo the whole thing. I'll have to play with it tonight!

Maybe the type of fabric causes that to happen? I haven't had much problem with knots slipping, but I can see that it might if the fabric were slippery.

Do they make those buckles in a size that would accomodate fabric? I don't think webbing could be used because it has to go under the baby's legs and I think that might be a little harsh if it can't be fanned out wide. Ya know?

Maybe the webbing could have some soft of fabric sheath with elastic on both ends so that you could place it where it works best for whatever carry you're doing.

I love this style too, and have plans to make one similar to these: www.kozycarrier.com for our trip to Brazil. I like the fact that it has padding at the shoulders. The one I have does not, and I think that might be nice for wearing it for a long period of time.

I really found it quite easy to put her on my back by myself. And it is far more comfy than my expensive Kelty frame backpack. I like the instructions at www.equanimitybaby.com best.

Oooooh oooooh thanks soooo much everyone! Fantastic! :)

Allison, I found this site for directions to something similar to what you are describing. http://www3.telus.net/public/a6a83106/Sling/sling.html

As for buckles. Our REI down the street has buckles. DH bought one for making a chest dog collar for our daschound. I think those would work.

Let us know how it turns out!!

Originally posted by khogue2002
Here is something called a MayTie pattern, it's from an OLD LLL handout.

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=143636

Thanks so much for taking the time to scan this for me. I can't wait to read through it. I can't quite read it as is, so I'll try to fiddle with it (or call in dh for help). :p

Originally posted by Lydiasmomma
I love this style too, and have plans to make one similar to these: www.kozycarrier.com for our trip to Brazil. I like the fact that it has padding at the shoulders. The one I have does not, and I think that might be nice for wearing it for a long period of time.

I really found it quite easy to put her on my back by myself. And it is far more comfy than my expensive Kelty frame backpack. I like the instructions at www.equanimitybaby.com best.

Yep! Those are the EXACT two that I'm after right now. I'd love to trade for one or both of those, but am not sure anyone's got one right now. So, I may just make one! :)

BTW...we also have a Kelty. Not so comfortable.

Thanks for thes links :) I have been looking for something comfortable to use with dd. She's 21 months and 38 lbs! She's so heavy it's uncomfortable to use a sling or hip hammock for more than 15 minutes. I am going to make one asap. Thanks a bunch!!
Cassie

I think I still have the original handout somewhere. If you can't read it I'll dig it up for you and post the measurement and directions. :) There were several different sling patterns from that same handout....
[

QUOTE]Originally posted by MamaNurse
Thanks so much for taking the time to scan this for me. I can't wait to read through it. I can't quite read it as is, so I'll try to fiddle with it (or call in dh for help). :p [/QUOTE]

I've got a couple mei tai that was passed on to me by my mom, and was made by my grandma. (we're chinese) It was used by my a couple of my aunts, my mom and finally me. All my cousins (who are quite a bit younger than me were always passed out when they were in it, and my son as well. It's pretty comfortable for babies, as it's warm, and close to mommy's chest/back) And easy to do housework in.

The construction is simple, but the wider the straps, the more comfy it is, as it distributes the weight better and doesn't cut into your shoulders. Both of the carriers are woven cotton.

I don't have a digital camera, but getting one to use tonight, so I'll post a picture up once I get it.

carmen

Originally posted by smellyfeet
I've got a couple mei tai that was passed on to me by my mom, and was made by my grandma. (we're chinese) It was used by my a couple of my aunts, my mom and finally me. All my cousins (who are quite a bit younger than me were always passed out when they were in it, and my son as well. It's pretty comfortable for babies, as it's warm, and close to mommy's chest/back) And easy to do housework in.

The construction is simple, but the wider the straps, the more comfy it is, as it distributes the weight better and doesn't cut into your shoulders. Both of the carriers are woven cotton.

I don't have a digital camera, but getting one to use tonight, so I'll post a picture up once I get it.

carmen

What a neat thing to have passed down to you. What a great legacy to have passed down through your family, it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling:heart:.

And please do post pictures, I can't wait to see them:).

Wow! I just found this one by accident (was looking for shoes LOL)

It's Beautiful!!!!

http://www.pearlriver.com/v2/FramesCat.asp?iGroup=100

Anji

The pic of the carrier looks very similar to what I have - design wise. Of course it's prettier if you have the red fabric with the double happiness symbol on it.

The one my grandma made was made from some fabric hanging around in her house, not pretty, but useable. I did find 1 of the carriers, so I'm just still waiting for the camera. :o)

carmen

Ugh...I had a long response typed out yesterday and it got erased....I didn't have time until now to get back.

Thanks, mamas for all the responses!

Smellyfeet: Wow. What a need tradition. I loved reading about your family. I would love to see photos.

Anji: Thanks for the link! Actually, I've been wanting to find a site like that, so it's getting bookmarked. It's got great prices on paper lanterns, handmade paper, kimonos and lots of other fun stuff. The carriers are gorgeous! Wish I could find fabric like that if I make my own.

khogue2002: I'll see if I can enlarge it. I'll LYK if I can't. Thanks! :)

Cassie: LMK how yours turns out! Send a picture. You're so talented, I have no doubt you'll be able to whip one up. I've read/heard that the newer ones have longer, wider straps than the more traditional ones and the shoulder straps are now padded.

(((((

The carriers are gorgeous! Wish I could find fabric like that if I make my own.

If you are really interested in that type of fabric, I am heading to Vogue Fabrics tomorrow and was planning to pick up some Asian prints for myself.

The only problem is that they are quite expensive. They are only 29" wide, so you need about 2 1/2 yards for one carrier if you use the print for the straps, too. At $19.99 a yard, that equals $50 per carrier. Out of my price range.

I plan to make just the body out of the print and the straps out of a solid. I am thinking I can get the body of a carrier out of 2/3 of a yard. That makes it a little more economical.

I would be happy to pick up a little extra if you think you might want some. I completely understand if you aren't interested -- I just thought I would offer since I just happen to be making the trip tomorrow and I don't get down there very often. :)

They are 22% Silk & 78% Rayon. They had maybe 15 or 20 different bolts when I was there last. Lots of reds, blacks, golds, and deep purples. Some had Asian symbols on them, some dragonflies, etc.

Originally posted by AndreaBash
If you are really interested in that type of fabric, I am heading to Vogue Fabrics tomorrow and was planning to pick up some Asian prints for myself.
I would be happy to pick up a little extra if you think you might want some. I completely understand if you aren't interested -- I just thought I would offer since I just happen to be making the trip tomorrow and I don't get down there very often. :)


Awwww, you're so sweet! If it were cheaper, I'd take you up on that offer.
:wah:

Sorry guys, my dh forgot the camera - again. He was too busy at work - evaluation time...
I'll hound him so I can get that pic for you to see, hopefully by this weekend!

Ahhh, finally got a digital camera to borrow - so here it is the inherited mei tai from my mom, and two aunts, made by my grandma (it's over 20 years old)- I have another, which is made of nicer designed fabric, but can't find it, packed up in some box.

http://www.snap-happy.net/images/meitai_small.jpg

The straps are actually thicker than they look, it's just that it's been used a lot and been bunched up. It can be made to look prettier if you've got the right fabric.

carmen