Scandi Mei Tai and a Simply Sweet Twirly Skirt - IMGs

[LoopedyLoop]

My 20 month old, Kate, has been under the weather this week and has wanted to be held constantly. Which I don't mind, BUT... I need my arms to, well... do stuff! I found this great and free tutorial for a Scandi Mei Tai carrier. I found the tutorial link here on craftster. These suckers can retail for $100 - $200!!! Can you believe that? I spent $0! For this Mei Tai, I used my mom's old black jeans for the shoulder and waist straps. I used leftover fabric for the carrier and hood. I wasn't very familiar with mei tai carriers before I made it. Kate loved being held in a Hot Sling and Baby Bjorn when she was little but since she's so tall, she quickly outgrew them both! The Mei Tai can hold a toddler up to 40 pounds. Kate's 28 pounds, so I think I'll have a while. It basically holds her in a piggy-back position on my back. It's surprisingly comfortable to wear (thanks to extra padding in the shoulder and waist straps). I think when my husband and I go to New Mexico next month, we'll bring this instead of a stroller. Kate mostly likes to walk places but when she gets tired, I'll just strap her on my back and go!

Please excuse my girl's pitiful face; she's been sick this week





I made Kate this twirly skirt from some cute poplin fabric I had lying around.

[mom232]

That mei tai is beautiful!!!!  I've been scared to make one b/c I'm afraid the fabric won't hold or something. LOL!
Love the skirt too.

[ingysoup]

OMG!  I love that and wish I'd had one when my son was little.  He hated the stroller -liked to walk or be held.  The only alternative I had was an extremely HOT corduroy thingy I got thrifting, complete with BIG metal bars.  Not too good in FL.  I love the fabric, and the skirt too!  Have fun in NM!!!

[CrochetAdikt]

the carrier turned out great and i love the fabric! poor little bug though my little bug has been sick all week w/ an ear infection i may just have to steal ur idea and make one for my b/f to wear so he can cart our daughter around when we go hiking in the mountains. was it very difficult? ive only made semi difficult clothing before...

[mandodeb]

I think I have to make some for my nieces!  What a fabulously freeing carrier.  You look so happy with it, and you kiddo will love being next to mommy all day long.

[BeagleMommy]

What a great looking carrier! I like the skirt, too. I haven't ventured into making skirts for dd yet.

Don't be intimidated. These are not that difficult to make if you can sew. I have made Beth's Man-Tai with the directions from www.sleepingbaby.ne t, look under do it yourself. It was moderately tough, but it was one of my first sewing projects. Another good place to check out is www.thebabywearer.c om

[LoopedyLoop]

I agree - don't be intimidated! It wasn't too bad and I would consider myself an advanced beginner (sewing wise). The tutorial was SO clear! If you have any ?s about it, I'll be happy to help.

Thanks for the nice comments everyone

[holly1021]

Nice work!  I hope your kiddo starts feeling better soon.  But in the meantime at least she can ride in style and comfort. 

Ooh, using old jeans for the straps--what a great idea. . .it's heavy-duty but pre-softened!  I bought canvas to make my MT and it was SO stiff and uncomfortable at first. . . I'm going to remember the recycled jeans idea for the next one I make, for sure. 

[PixieSkull]

Looks great! I admire moms that think outside the box, and I'm amazed your little gal likes to walk, that's incredible! You can now have a Mei Tai in every color you want, to match all sorts of clothes and accessories. Awesome!

[mountaingrrl]

I love this!!!