Babywearing: the magazine

KOKOSKAA imagination & innovation

inside the

the

Ergobaby Wrap

tea with

QUEEN HATTER OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

WOVEN BABY STUDIO your guide + to celebrating a

to celebrating a

BABYWEARING HALLOWEEN BABYWEARINGTHEMAG.COM

table of contents

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32 in every issue 2 FROM THE PUBLISHER 4 CARRY ON Wrap carries to expand your repertoire. This issue: Front Wrap Cross Carry 6 UP & ABOUT Babywearing events around the globe.

This issue: Share the Adventure!

8 RETAIL THERAPY Items that make babywearing easier. This issue: Baby it’s Cold Outside 10 INDUSTRY NEWS The latest in BCIA safety regulations. This issue: The New Custom Carriers

22 GIVING BACK Babywearing causes we care about. This issue: Lift Me Up 27 HIP, HIP, HOORAY! Seasonally inspired babywearing items. This issue: Trick-or-Treat 31 CARRIED AWAY Wrapscapes that inspire.

This issue: Falling into Autumn 32 WRAP UP Chat with inspiring industry insiders. This issue: Queen Hatter

16 features 12 WOVEN BABY 16 KOKOSKAA For the Young at Art 20 ERGOBABY WRAP The perfect introduction to wrapping

from the publisher

publisher SARAH ZEENBERG sarah@babywearingthemag.com

adventure?

Photo credit: Three Plu s Ph oto gra phy threeplusphotography.c om

are you ready for an

We start every trip out of the house with, “Are you ready for an adventure?”

Those words are music to my son’s ears. Well this may be the biggest adventure our family has ever gone on. We would like to welcome you to the inaugural issue of Babywearing: the magazine! We are a digital magazine focusing on all things babywearing that will be published bi-monthly. Our goal is to bring you quality content and behind-the-scenes looks into the industry we all love.

Babywearing: the magazine was born out of an unabated enthusiasm for all things babywearing and a background in publishing. My babywearing journey started out of necessity — two big dogs that needed to be walked. At a week old I wrapped up my babe in a Moby and the obsession began. Four months later, an Ergobaby carrier came into play. At five months, I discovered the wonderful world of wovens and it was all over — full blown addiction ensued. I still have my first machine-woven wrap, a Natibaby Alice that is being saved for the next squish.

I am not an expert, just an avid enthusiast hoping to spread the babywearing love.

I was inspired by the amazing group of women and men who love to keep their children close. Babywearing has been a life changer for me and, like many babywearers, I cannot imagine life without it. It makes daily tasks easier and is second to none for soothing a fussy babe, or in my case, toddler. I hope you enjoy the first issue, and I look forward to hearing from you!

XOXO,

Sarah

editor NOVIA CHANG editor@babywearingthemag.com associate editor AMANDA FERGUSON art director SARAH ZEENBERG art@babywearingthemag.com business development DANNY ZEENBERG danny@babywearingthemag.com

All information provided by Babywearing: the magazine, LLC, is intended for entertainment purposes only. Those who are new to babywearing should seek out the help of a local babywearing group or professional babywearing consultant. The publisher, editors, contributors and advertisers are not responsible in the actions or misuse of any individual on the basis of reading information contained in Babywearing: the magazine, LLC. The information contained herein is not a replacement for hands on instruction.

Babywearing: the magazine, LLC assumes no responsibility for the advertisers.

Babywearing: the magazine, LLC is not responsible for typographical or production errors or accuracy of information provided by its advertisers. Babywearing: the magazine, LLC reserves the right to refuse any advertiser.

Unauthorized use or reproduction of editorial content in any way whatsoever without the written consent of Babywearing: the magazine, LLC is strictly prohibited.

on the cover

Novia discovered babywearing seven years ago and used soft structured carriers and pouch carriers with her first two babies. She learned about woven wraps with her third child, who has been worn since birth. Novia is wearing Kokoskaa’s Minteal Royal Quill in a 6. Shot on location at the Young at Art Museum.

Like us on Facebook FACEBOOK.COM/BABYWEARINGTHEMAG

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Follow us on Instagram BWTHEMAG

carry on

Front Wrap Cross Carry FWCC is the first carry that is suggested to new wrappers.

Front wrap cross carry is basic, fairly easy on the difficulty scale, and you can nurse in it. This staple carry is important to perfect early on in the wrapping game.

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE FRONT WRAP CROSS CARRY TUTORIALS: NEWBORNS:

FWCC - NEWBORN TIPS AND TWEAKS

by BWISEPA FRONT WRAP CROSS CARRY FWCC WITH A NEWBORN by BabywearingFaith

INFANTS & TODDLERS:

FRONT WRAP CROSS CARRY (FWCC) WITH A WOVEN WRAP by tooralei FRONT WRAP CROSS CARRY (FWCC)

by WrappingRachel

NURSING IN A FWCC: HOW TO NURSE IN A FWCC

by BWI of North Central IL

*ALWAYS REPOSITION YOUR CHILD WHEN YOU ARE DONE NURSING.

always practice the T.I.C.K.S. of babywearing Tight In View at All Times Close Enough to Kiss Keep Chin off Chest Supported Back

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www.facebook.com/SmilingOctopus

up and about

OCTOBER

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SHOUT IT OUT SUNDAY Shout it all the way to the roof-tops (or Twitter, Instagram or Facebook!): we love babywearing! What role has the internet and social media played in your babywearing experience? What can you do today to be heard (and seen) in your community? Organize a flash mob.

Arrange a volunteer opportunity. Take to the streets (or malls, or zoos!) and show other caregivers what babywearing is all about. Be sure to shout it out on social media! #IntlBabywearingWeek

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MOMENTUM MONDAY Use today to gain some momentum for the week: How does babywearing help you get your week started? What fun ideas can you come up with to get your group excited for the week? How about an original music video? Scavenger hunt?

Babywearing bingo?

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TEACH ME TUESDAY Take time to learn a new technique or carry. Have someone in your life with whom you’ve wanted to share babywearing?

Now is the time; teach them one-on-one or host a “babywearing 101” class.

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WORK-OUT WEDNESDAY Plan a one mile walk. Host babywearing yoga or work-out class. Whatever you choose, get moving and have fun!

International Babywearing Week kicks off Sunday, October 5th, and runs through the following Saturday. This is a great opportunity to meet some new friends and expand your babywearing horizons. Share your experiences, get outside, and learn a new carry or two!

Check with your local babywearing group to see what exciting adventures they have in store for you. Don’t know where your closest babywearing group is? You can find participating groups {HERE} babywearinginternational.org

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THROWBACK THURSDAY Share pictures of your first time wearing, a favorite babywearing memory, or the people who introduced you or who you have introduced to babywearing. #TBT #IntlBabywearingWeek

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FLEXIBLE FRIDAY What adventures have you had that might not be possible without babywearing? Hiked a mountain? Walked the beach? Played with older kids while caring for a newborn? Simply survived the grocery store with multiple kids? Share pictures and your experiences.

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SHARE YOUR CITY SATURDAY What defines your town, city, region or area?

Meet as a group at your city’s earmark to show the rest of the babywearing world the adventures you can share in your community.

facebook.com/IntlBW

She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

— PROVERBS 31:13 — www.heartstringhandwovens.com heartstringhandwovens@gmail.com www.facebook.com/heartstringshandwoven

retail therapy

Baby it’s Cold Outside

DON’T LET THE COLD WEATHER SLOW DOWN YOUR BABYWEARING ADVENTURES. HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS TO KEEP YOU BOTH WARM.

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Liliputi Mama Coat This 2 in 1 coat allows you to wear baby in both front and back carries. Made with SoftShell outer fabric, which allows it to be breathable while still being windproof and resistant to water. Micro-Polar lining inside keeps you warm. You can accessorize with the Pregnancy Insert or Detachable Baby Hood and Neck Warmer.

Approximately $250, liliputibabycarriers.com

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Zoli Trio Babywearing and Maternity Coat Features two zip in panels – one to use during pregnancy and one to use while babywearing for front, hip, or back carries.

The set also includes a detachable fleece hood for mom and the polar cap for baby. Plus they are machine washable! $225, sweetbabywraps.com

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Mamaponcho Soft and beautiful, made of ecologically friendly fine virgin wool, knitted and sewn in Switzerland and Germany, the MamaPoncho is the perfect thing to keep you and your baby warm and dry in the cold wet Spring and Autumn, and even in Winter. $230, wrapyourbaby.com

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Mountain Mama Originals Poncho Versatile for in every chapter of your life, this lightweight poncho can be worn with or without a baby in a front carry. Made out of 100% cotton Herringbone Flannel with antler button detail. There is also the option to add hidden pockets. Contact Mountain Mama Originals to create your own custom. $110, www.facebook.com/Mountain-Mama-Originals or mountainmamaoriginals.com

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Photo credit: Artistic Puppy Creative

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PRECIOUS METAL JEWELRY FOR WEAR WITH BABIES www.facebook.com/LullabyLinks UNIQUE HANDMADE TOYS, BAGS, AND SOFTIES MADE WITH LOVE lullabylinks@gmail.com www.facebook.com/pages/Wrap-Scrap-Creations/233146346732306 • www.etsy.com/shop/wrapscrapcreations

Photo by: www.natalierenaephotography.com

LullabyLinks

industry news

the NEW

custom carriers

Beginning September 2014, new regulations regarding sling safety standards took effect. Here are five things you should know about the latest wrap conversion regulations for full buckles, half buckles and mei tais:

MEI TAI BY ANAIRA CREATIONS facebook.com/AnairaCreations

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You must send new, unopened and unwashed wraps to your converter.

Ask your converter which brands of woven wraps they have tested, as they will only be able to use wraps from those brands for conversions.

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Additionally, each fiber and/or weave per wrap brand must have been tested. For example, a linen blend wrap must be tested separately from an all cotton wrap.

Diamond weave must be tested separately from twill.

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Some converters will let you send a previously loved wrap for a decorative panel. The rest of the conversion must be made out of a new, previously tested material.

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Finally, each type of conversion must be tested separately, so each converter may only be able to offer certain types of conversions. Be sure to ask if they offer full buckles, half-buckles and/or mei tais before proceeding.

Always ask your converter if they have tested to ASTM F2236, and if they are CPSIA compliant. For more information, visit BCIA at babycarrierindustryalliance.org

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Woven Baby

Surrounded by petite key Deer and larger than life iguanas, Kimberly weaves her magic in a literal paradise.

We joined her for an afternoon of peek-a-boo, handspun yarn, and of course, weaving. {BWTM} You have been weaving for many years.

Can you tell us how you first became interested? {WB} My mom has always been a very handicraftoriented person and instilled the love of creating things in me. She acquired a loom from a distant relative’s attic, in pieces, and enlisted me to help her figure out how to assemble it. {BWTM} What was your first loom? First project? {WB} Little did I know, that loom which I had been working on with my mom was for my 14th birthday. It was mostly an old 1924 LeClerc Myra, but it had lost several of the original pieces before it came to me. After my grandfather helped me build a few replacement parts, my very first project was a blue-and-white wool table runner. It looks awful and I learned a lot. I still have it in the studio today! {BWTM} You also spin your own yarn, how did you discover that? {WB} My very first experience being exposed to weaving and spinning was at a reenactment village called Genesee Country Village. My mom would take all of us kids as a field trip every year before school started. The reenactors encouraged hands-on participation and tried to teach me to spin sheep’s wool on a drop spindle. My first attempt wasn’t pretty but it got me hooked. I went on to acquire my own drop spindle and later, a spinning wheel which I shared with my mom. While living on the road with my family, I was unable to take my loom with me, but the spinning wheel kept me company and I’ve spun many miles while traveling!

So far, alpaca is my favorite fiber to spin, but I’ve also dabbled with other wools, silks, bamboo, soy silk, linen, and cotton. I’m still trying to master spinning cotton; it has the upper hand though. I haven’t had much time for spinning since Woven Baby began, but hopefully it will work its way back into the routine. {BWTM} Were you aware of babywearing weavers or was it a serendipitous coincidence? {WB} I was not aware of babywearing weavers at the time! Nearly a year before, my sister-in-law was

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babywearing and asked if I could weave a wrap for her instead of having to try and buy one. Thus began our Woven Baby adventure. Neither of us knew anything about the underground culture of the woven wrap world at the time. {BWTM} How long does a typical warp take, start to finish? {WB} Currently, my typical warp is 18 yards long and takes me between 30-45 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the design. Three color changes and a simple pattern go much more quickly than a warp with 15 colors and a complicated weave structure! {BWTM} What is your least favorite part of weaving? Most favorite? {WB} I dislike beaming (winding all of the warp yarn onto the back of the loom in an orderly fashion) because I am always nervous something bad is going to happen — namely having a tangled disaster. I’ve learned that the more careful I am during the warp measuring process, the less tangled my warp is during beaming. So I’m trying to learn to love it. I love everything else — measuring, threading, and weaving. It’s so exciting to see everything come together as the weft intertwines in pattern over the warp! {BWTM} What is your favorite weave? {WB} I adore shadow weave, although it’s a bit tedious.

It has a unique 3-D effect. I also enjoy lace weaves and overshot. {BWTM} Can you tell us about the overshot technique you are experimenting with? What applications can you see using it for in the future? {WB} Overshot is a weave structure that uses two different wefts and shuttles simultaneously. It has a plain weave ground for stability, and a patterned twill that alternates with the plain weave to create a pattern on top of the plain weave base. Traditionally it was used often on American coverlets, and covered the entire piece of fabric.

I’ve experimented briefly with only placing the pattern weft in specific areas, to highlight a certain motif in the pattern. It was complicated and a bit finicky but I love the possibilities it presents! Imagine a mostly plain weave wrap with cool little motifs that look embroidered but aren’t. How fun! {BWTM} Do you have a favorite wrap? {WB} It’s hard to keep a favorite for long. My current is a piece of Midnight Tide. It has linen weft in a twill weave and it is comfy, cushy, cool, and supportive. {BWTM} Do you have any plans for Woven Baby’s future? {WB} A large 12-shaft loom will be moving into the studio soon, and I’m excited about the more complex patterns we will have the opportunity to play with!

wovenbaby.com facebook.com/WovenBaby october/november 2014

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KOKOSKAA

for the young at art

Born out of a love of art, fabric, and of course , babywearing, Kokoskaa brings imagination and innovation to the scene. We took inspiration to the source with a day of play at the young at art museum. {BWTM} The company is still in its first year, would you mind sharing some of the challenges you have had with launching a new wrap company? {KKs} Breaking into the ever growing babywearing world is always a challenge.

We have come across so many wonderful parents that have helped us make Kokoskaa what it is today. There will always be challenges when it comes to the competition, economics, practicalities and coordination, working with mills and meeting timelines, selecting designs unique with enough appeal, and everything in between. We welcome the challenges as they make us better and keep us evolving.

On a personal level, there’s always a challenge to balance my two babies: the business and my son. It keeps me humble to the challenges we all have and gives me pleasure that we try to make life easier by supporting babywearing. {BWTM} What are some of your favorite moments from the past year? {KKs} There were so many! I love looking at all the pictures of Kokoskaa wraps cradling both small and large babies in all corners of the world, it’s like a piece of me goes along with them all. {BWTM} The new signature/mystery blend is so intriguing and has great reviews. How did that blend come about? {KKs} Textiles, and wraps in particular, are so much more than just how they look.

The search for blends and trying to find something new is an ongoing process.

The perfect combination of support and cushiness is a unicorn that most look for, and babywearers want something suitable for squish to toddler. I think we got quite close with the signature blend but we are

constantly exploring different blends, and there are still more exciting things to come. {BWTM} Did you do extensive testing before deciding on that particular blend? {KKs} All blends are tested and considered at several stages, but not all make the cut to even get to the stage where a prototype wrap is made. For this blend, the prototype was out for over six months before the first wrap was released. Testing mamas had no idea what blend it was, we just asked about allergies or sensitivities. We wanted to see how the wraps would hold up to normal use; some were truly used and abused (in the kindest sense of the word) but stood up remarkably well. Only then we knew we had something special and worth moving forward with. {BWTM} I believe you are the first company to use soybean viscose in a wrap. How did you find that material? {KKs} We wanted something new, innovative and made from waste material as it leaves a smaller footprint and is more environmentally friendly. It took us a couple of months to find the right yarn and spinning house. The inspiration came from soft durable baby pajamas that stood the test of time. {BWTM} Do you visit the mill during weaving? {KKs} We try to visit each mill a couple times a year. We wish we could visit every time during weaving, but that’s just not realistic. Fortunately, we can be hands on without being physically present at all times.

Excellent communication and updates from the mills are important parts of the process and keeps us connected with the product, even when it’s in a crucial stage that is out of our hands.

kokoskaa.com

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{BWTM} How did those fantastic wrap scrap bags come about? {KKs} I love to be connected to the wearers but it was a quick fix, as bags we originally ordered were delayed. Our seamstress made enough for the first release and they were so loved we just kept the idea and added them to all our wraps.

For us, it represents who we are and how we like to work, connected to everyone who comes in contact with our wraps. {BWTM} You have said that your biggest inspiration is art, do you have any favorite artists you draw inspiration from? {KKs} My absolute favorite artists are James Fowler, André Azevedo, Pablo Picasso, Kazimir Malevich, Gustav Klimt, Keith Haring, and Shinro Ohtake. {BWTM} What will be your next release? {KKs} If you follow us on Instagram, there are many sneak peeks. I can reveal that we have four designs in the works right now and two will be released in the near future. We aim to stay innovative while true to our esthetics, so hopefully there will be something that appeals to everyone. {BWTM} Do you have any other exciting plans for the future? {KKs} There are many exciting plans, new lines of products and something more. We will share with everyone soon, but we can’t give too much away now. Make sure you are following in both our Facebook group and on Instagram. {BWTM} Can you give us any hints about what you are planning? {KKs} For starters, there will be new fibers and many amazing colorways fitting the seasons in familiar and unfamiliar designs.

facebook.com/kokoskaa

kokoskaawraps

Ergobaby Wrap

the perfect introduction to wrapping

A hybrid is a great first wrap for new babywearers. With the give of a stretchy wrap and the support of a woven, it combines the best of both worlds. You also get the added benefit of front, hip, and back carries. Unlike stretchy wraps, the Ergobaby Wrap is a hybrid that can be used for back carries as well.

The Ergobaby Wrap is one-size-fits-all, so it eliminates confusion and guessing what size wrap to start with. If it’s too long, you can always wrap around once more, or even cut it down to size — though that voids the warranty. While meters of fabric may be intimidating at first, wrapping gets easier with practice, and multi-layer carries are ideal for newborns and infants. Many expectant moms, including myself, practiced several times before their first was born using a stuffed animal. Practicing helps the wrapper become familiar with the motions, which can make wrapping less intimidating with a new baby.

Prior to your baby being born, the Ergobaby Wrap can also be used as a belly support band (as can any woven wrap). Here is a video demonstrating how to wrap your pregnancy belly: http://youtu.be/qVzl-qemXPk In the babywearing world, you hear a lot a lot about stretch. Stretch is great for getting a good, snug wrap job as it can be a bit more forgiving, but some wraps with too much stretch can become saggy. The Ergobaby Wrap uses 4D stretchTM technology. What is 4D stretchTM? It means what it sounds like — the fabric stretches in all four directions. Well, what does it really mean? It means you get the stretch without the sag. No more re-tightening after a few minutes of wear.

The Ergobaby Wrap is pre-tieable, it allows you to pop your baby in and out of the carry. It is also comfortable. The fabric of the Ergobaby Wrap doesn’t dig into your shoulders and is soft, even brand new.

Stretchy-type wraps have a reputation for being hot, but the Ergobaby Wrap is made of a thinner cotton material and very breathable. It also has different color stitching on the rails to make wrapping easier and a convenient storage pocket.

The Ergobaby Wrap is perfect for newborns and young infants. It is rated up to 31 pounds, but for comfort, it is suggested that you switch to a different type of carrier at six months.

As always, be sure to follow the TICKS for proper babywearing.

ergobaby.com

facebook.com/ergobaby

Want to know how to tie an Ergobaby Wrap? Here are some helpful videos: NEWBORN BASIC TIE: youtu.be/B7Rd1BQVzlY FRONT WRAP CROSS CARRY: youtu.be/z8MSyNqr17Q INFANT BASIC TIE: youtu.be/D9DvGHdzw-0 HIP CARRY: youtu.be/84cin-Ii-e8

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lift me up

changing lives, one carrier at

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{BWTM} Who is behind Lift Me Up? {LMU} Lift Me Up was created by three mamas: Sarah fell in love with the health benefits of babywearing as a pediatric physical therapist, Kristin needed babywearing as a support for survival being a mom to four small children, two of which were immobile at the same time, and Rachel embraced babywearing as a special way to bond with her son and make everyday life with small children less physically challenging. Collectively we have 9 little boys, a passion for babywearing, and love for children with special needs.

pediatric outpatient therapy clinic where I work. She came in with her youngest — weeks old — in a gorgeous Sakura Bloom ring sling. I had been babywearing for a few years at this point and was excited to have this in common. We shared a love for babywearing that went beyond the practicality of ‘hands free’ and into the realm of necessity for health benefits. One day, while working with her 2-year-old on the stairs, we had the conversation that sparked the beginning of Lift Me Up. I still get excited thinking about that moment.

{BWTM} Was there a defining moment that sparked the inception of Lift Me Up? {LMU} Sarah: In 2012, Kristin and I met for the first time at the

Kristin: I mentioned to Sarah about all of the parents I saw struggling to transport their children in and out of therapy. On one occasion, I saw a caregiver place their child on the carpet of the

babywearingthemag.com

giving back

waiting room then walk the few steps back to the parking lot to get another child. It was apparent that the caregiver felt this was the safest option for the child in that moment.

It was a very emotional and pivotal moment for me because I knew, from experience, that simply wearing the child would have helped the child and the caregiver. It was then that I mentioned to Sarah that something needed to be done to help.

Sarah: When Kristin shared this story with me, I knew we were on the same page. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I have always used babywearing as an intervention, when appropriate. In fact, I have a small stash of carriers at work to introduce and demonstrate the benefits of babywearing to families that have children with special needs. I have lent out my personal carriers for families to use. For as long as I have been in pediatric practice, I have dreamed of how to provide carriers to patient families. When Kristin shared her experience from the waiting room, we were instantly bonded in a shared mission. She sent me an email the night of our initial conversation, and we have never looked back. And to bring this story full circle, the family that so desperately needed a carrier in the waiting room that day applied for, and received a carrier from Lift Me Up.

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t a time

{BWTM} Who is eligible to apply for a carrier? {LMU} Any family who has a child with a developmental special need is eligible to apply. We have given carriers away to families who have children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, osteogenesis imperfecta, spina bifida, hearing loss; the list goes on and on! {BWTM} What kinds of carriers do you provide, and what do you keep in stock? {LMU} We provide all kinds of carriers to our qualified families — wraps, soft structured carriers, ring slings, mei tais, any ergonomic carrier that meets safety standards.

As soon as we receive any donations of carriers, we carefully match them with our applicants and ship them out. We have sometimes heard the question “Where do you store all of your carriers?,” which makes us chuckle a bit since storage space has never been an issue! We don’t keep any carriers in stock. We currently have a waiting list of applicants, which is why we do fundraisers and are about to open our online store.

Just like babywearing, the three women behind Lift Me Up: Babywearing to Thrive are nurturing and supportive. They are making families’ lives a little bit easier through the gift of babywearing.

“Samantha has been able to do things that she wasn’t able to in her wheelchair/ stroller! We’ve been to parks and appointments. Her sister has worn her and they both loved it! We went to a feed store and she was able to get close up and reach in and touch the animals. She’s explored her grandparents two acres when last year I was unable to push her stroller through because it got stuck, trails were too narrow, or the incline was too steep. There are so many things and places we have been that weren’t accessible to her in her chair. Things that we’ve done she would normally have to stay behind with someone or none of us would have done them. Our whole family is getting to enjoy more together! Thank you Lift Me Up!” -Priscilla

giving back “Being able to wear my daughter during her visits to the children’s hospital has reduced her stress and added to her comfort and I feel has helped her catch up developmentally. Without Lift Me Up I would never have been able to get an ergonomic carrier for my daughter.” -Shelby

{BWTM} What do you tell someone who wants be a part of your mission? {LMU} There are several ways you can join us and support us in what we’re doing! Since we are three mamas who volunteer our time, we depend on YOU to help us with resources. We work hard to raise funds in order to purchase carriers and pay to ship them to families. It’s always a great help when you share our Facebook page and our website, and especially when you make a donation.

We also accept donations of new-in-package ergonomic carriers. {BWTM} Where exactly do our donations go? {LMU} Since we are a 501c3, not only are all donations tax deductible, but — since we are volunteers — every dollar goes directly to furthering our mission of providing carriers. {BWTM} How many families have you helped? {LMU} We have given away close to 150 carriers in less than five months! This has far surpassed our initial goal of giving away 50 carriers in one year. We are so excited with how well our mission has resonated with others, and we are so grateful for the individual and company donations which have provided us with the means to be able to support these families. It takes a collaborative effort to make this organization work. {BWTM} Do you have a favorite donation story? {LMU} It would be very difficult to pick a favorite story. Any time a child is helped through babywearing or a family is able to gain freedom through babywearing, we are thrilled! One of the first families we received feedback from was the Kiser family. Noah has osteogenesis imperfecta (also known as brittle bone disease).

Receiving a thank-you note with a picture of him in his wheelchair and then seeing him being able to be worn close against his mom was a beautiful way to begin our mission.

liftmeupbabywearing.org

{BWTM} Do you have any fundraisers coming up? {LMU} We do! We are so grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received from companies who want to give back.

We are super excited about myheartcreative and their new line of ring slings, which meet all necessary standards and which we have personally tested. They have generously offered a “Buy One Give One” campaign for the month of October. For each ring sling purchased through their site, they will donate one to Lift Me Up. We are so grateful for this opportunity!

Also, look out for exciting things from Beco, PAXbaby, and Elephant Ears to help support Lift Me Up!

facebook.com/liftmeupbabywearing

instagram.com/liftmeupbaby twitter.com/liftmeupbaby

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hip, hip, hooray!

trick-or-treat

LET THE SPIRIT MOVE YOU WITH THESE GHOULISH BABYWEARING-INSPIRED HALLOWEEN ITEMS!

Wrap Scrap Pumpkin. $12 - 40 depending on size, WRAP SCRAP CREATIONS. etsy.com/shop/ wrapscrapcreations

Download a template to carve your own babywearing pumpkin at babywearingthemag.com/crafts/pumpkin

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hip, hip, hooray!

spooky-and- silly,

these fun wrap scrap goodies will be given away during the month of October! Check our facebook page for a giveaway each week. facebook.com/babywearingthemag

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1. Skellie. $25, WRAP SCRAP CREATIONS. etsy.com/shop/wrapscrapcreations 2. Just Essentials key fob and credit card wallet set. $30, SMILING OCTOPUS. facebook.com/SmilingOctopus 3. Yeti Monster. $23, WRAP SCRAP CREATIONS. etsy.com/shop/wrapscrapcreations 4. Drawstring Bag. $16, SMILING OCTOPUS. facebook.com/SmilingOctopus

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Pollora Grisela wrap. Check your favorite swap page for availability.

hip, hip, hooray!

MELINDA AND HARRY(ET) POTTER

EVELYN AND DRAGON

no tricks,

just treats!

KRISTIE AND PARROT

Babywearing Costumes to inspire your Fall Festivities.

SHANNON FROM GREEN MOMMY DIAPERS AND COOKIE MONSTER

Photo credit: J Schaefer Photography - www.biddleandbop.com

follow us on instagram {BWTHEMAG} and tag your photos with #bwthemag for a chance to be featured in the next issue! october/november 2014

29

UNIQUE HANDMADE TOYS, BAGS, AND SOFTIES MADE WITH LOVE

www.facebook.com/pages/Wrap-Scrap-Creations/233146346732306 • www.etsy.com/shop/wrapscrapcreations

carried away

falling into autumn

the changing of the leaves is the best time of year

Scene created with: Storchenwiege Leo Marine (sky), Pavo Gotham Marble (moon), Ellevill Zara Chocco (tree), Girasol Amitola (background hill), Tekhni Ceres Absinthe (foreground hill), Natibaby Notes and Pavo Gotham Slate (house), Natibaby Tulips and Kangaroos and Didymos Indio Sun (pumpkins). See more amazing wrapscapes at carriedawaybaby.blogspot.com

wrap up

we sit down to tea with

Queen Hatter

OF MAD HATTER

WARPED AND WOVEN

{BWTM} Where do you draw inspiration from? {QH} I really enjoy reading and find inspiration from messages that are embedded in the story lines. I feel like Mad Hatter Warped and Woven has the opportunity to be a medium for inspiring others to live life with passion and purpose. The cloth I weave is an illustration of my life. It is more than just fabric to me. I believe life is a journey with many different seasons of emotions and experiences. I am aware of how beautiful yet challenging parenting can be and feel that the messages behind my baby wraps should spark a sense of empowerment and love to those who come in contact with them. A thought that often crosses my mind is, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

facebook.com/MadHatterWraps

QueenHatter

{BWTM} What is the story behind your pseudonym? {QH} With the vision of Mad Hatter Warped and Woven offering limited fiber arts, we wanted to give each weaver credit for the textile they wove.

With that idea in mind, we chose artist names that go along with our brand. Queen Hatter just came naturally to me.

{BWTM} Did the art of weaving find you or did you seek it out? {QH} When I was younger, I went to a county fair and was truly fascinated by the hand weaving process. I kept looking at the spools of yarn as I watched the artists there weave scarves. I told my mother over and over how I could not believe they were taking “string and making such beautiful fabric!” My mother finally convinced me to move on and look at the other displays but it was a memory that stuck with me. Fast forward to over a decade later, when I got my first hand woven baby wrap. I ran my hands over the fabric and relived the way I felt as I watched the artists weave at that country fair. I felt very connected, in a way that I had not felt before. I soon found myself submerged in weaving books, videos, and seeking out learning opportunities. I had several weavers tell me they were not interested in teaching me as hand weaving is a long process and they had experiences where those they taught quickly lost interest. I kept studying on my own and ended up meeting my mentor when I wasn’t even actively looking anymore. We quickly became friends and one afternoon while we warped her loom, she explained to me how weaving was “part of her, just as it was part of me.”

{BWTM} What significance does the heart weave hold for you? {QH} If you asked a friend to describe me with one word, I believe the first word would be “love” and the second would probably be “weird.” Mad Hatter Warped & Woven was born with that in mind. The drafts we use will reflect our brand and vision to offer a bit of nonsense and fun while inspiring others. We wanted to offer something that had not been done before and hearts met all of our desires. {BWTM} Describe your ideal day. {QH} What would be an ideal day? Wow, what a hard question to answer! There are so many possibilities! I would have to say an ideal day for me would be full of outdoor adventures with my two beautiful girls, probably by a lake or in the mountains, and then would end with a glass of wine and some time with my looms.

etsy.com/shop/MadHatterWarpedWoven

ENHATTER GRAM: QUE A T S IN | S P EDWOVEN RA TERWARTP DHATTERW T A A H /M D M A O .C /M P GMAIL.COM EBOOK Y.COM/SHO DWOVEN@ N WWW.FAC A D E P WWW.ETS R A ERW MADHATT