Thrifty Thursday: Sewing it Yourself

So sorry that my TT’s have been so random lately.  Most of my computer time goes to checking email and then, I usually get a few words written  here and there, but no real chunks of time to get whole posts completed!   Such is the life with a twelve week old and a nearly three year old! 

This weeks tip: Sewing it Yourself!  I’ve made quite a few things myself, with my handy-dandy sewing machine (next week’s tip – Bumming Sewing Machines off Your Mother ).  I’ve made costumes and a nursing cover and bags to store Henry’s toys.  But my favorite thing of late is my mei tai! 

A mei tai is a baby carrier, inspired by Asian design.  My friend had recently bought one called a Freehand.  After going to a baby wearing class with her (to figure out how to nurse in my Moby), I saw the mei tai demonstrated, and loved the design…  Just not the price tag; $80!!  So I did what I always do, I searched craigslist for a used one.  After a couple weeks of no luck, I googled some sewing instructions (see them here & here), and I made one myself! 

Mine is made from 10.10 oz unbleached cotton canvas with a cotton panel of cool bird fabric that I didn’t get the name/designer of (as always, click the pictures for the best view).  It took me about three hours to complete it, not counting washing and stopping to feed Emmett and eat dinner myself.  Originally, I was going to pad the straps, but after seeing and feeling the width I decided it wasn’t necessary. 

I am so pleased with how it turned out!  I wore it to the farm last week and it was fabulous and much cooler than the Moby, since there was so much less fabric.  I also left one side with out the birds so that it could be reversed for Rick to wear (though the birds aren’t overly girly anyway).  I still love the Moby too, but this is a great alternative, and is frankly a bit more user friendly. 

In total, I spent $20 and three hours.  It would have been a bit less if I hadn’t bought the padding too.  What a savings!