Making Mei Tei Slings?

[{sarah}]

I know Bx has made one & am hoping she'll pop in.......

I have some linen that I'm unsure of what to do with, so thought a Mei Tei might be the way to go. The questions I have though is, would it be an appropriate fabric to use? I've never seen a Mei Tei IRL so I'm not 100% sure whether it will be ok or not.

[paradise lost]

I used crepe, 2 and 4 layers thick. Linen could probably be perfect. What's your email addy and i'll send you my little How To... The links in the how-to-email-the-mods forums just jams up my explorer trying to open outlook...

Bx

[{sarah}]

Thanks Bec, the one I have looks a bit complicated!!

Email is sarah_h@bellybelly.com.au

[paradise lost]

Okie dokie, i've sent it. Let me know how you go.

Bx

[Lulu]

Lucky Bec came in, I was going to tell you how to make a mean Singapore Sling AND a Mai Tai but you're talking about babies

*slinks back to the kitchen to mix up a Long Island Iced Tea in embarrassment*

[{sarah}]

LOL LuLu, maybe I'll take you up on that offer in a few months

[Beach Mama]

Hey Bec! Mum and I want to make a Mei tei - I have found a pattern online but was wondering if you still have the instructions on the ones you have made??

[suse]

If you are wanting to make a mei tai - some good places to start are:

thebabywearer dot com
(US based babywearers site/forum)

sleepingbaby dot net forward slash jan forward slash Baby
(really good resources from a pro sling maker)

christmasevetwins dot blogspot dot com forward slash 2007 forward slash 10 forward slash make-scandi.html
(the best instructions for making a scandi style MT)

and come and pop into baby carriers downunder:
groups.google dot com dot group forward slash baby-carriers-downunder

HTH

[suse]

Oh, and forgot to add, the most common fabrics to use are:

- cotton drill / brushed twill for the straps and panel centre. You do need a bottom weight fabric for the straps as they will take a lot of beating.
- quilter's cotton for the front panel (or any decorative fabric of choice)
- polar fleece for strap padding
- sometimes dupioni silk or minkee is used for the panel inner (the bit that goes against baby)
- sometimes baby cord is used for straps, but this isn't recommended by some makers due to concerns against integrity when weight bearing
- there is a type of MT called a Ball Baby Overall, there are instructions on the jan andrea site, which uses wrap style straps - this uses decorator weight fabric.

Depending on the weight of the linen it may need reinforcing. A lighter weight fabric is more suited to a wrap style MT which spreads the weight out over a much wider strap area.

If you join baby carriers downunder there are lots of DIYers who would be more than happy to help out!!

[Beach Mama]

Gem!! Hear me - gem!!!! Seriously - thanks heaps Suse! I have checked a few places out but have been totally overwhelmed! Will try a few tonight and see how we go! What does bottom weight fabric mean? Is that like a heavier type canvassy material so it is strong??