Kokoskaa Royal Quill- Grey Tester

Oooh, am I ever glad to be back to write this little review. It was a pleasure to be on the list for this traveling tester from Kokoskaa. This soft, and lovely grey beauty is one of the future colours of the Royal Quill design in the new blend of cotton, soybean viscose, and cashmere.

First off, I have never heard of or wrapped with soybean viscose, so I had no idea what it would be like, or how it might change the feel and quality of the wrap. I have to admit, I would never guess in a million years what the blend on this wrap is, just that it is not 100% cotton, and likely doesn't have wool. Clearly, I am not a textile expert- but I know what I like and I know what I don't like.

And this, well- I like.

I'll compare it first to the Kokoskaa Midnight Royal Quill, which is a blend of cashmere, silk and merino wool. I really loved that wrap and at first touch, glance and wrap, I felt that this one wasn't as amazing. I have changed my tune upon further wrapping and inspection. Greyquills is thinner, lighter, and less spongey. It glides in a sleeker way than Midnight does when wrapping. Both have great stretch and bounce. I actually think these Kokoskaa's have hit the mark dead on for my preferences in that category. The stretch is not sag, and the bounce is not over the top. Where Midnight is super cushy and thicker, Greyquills plays it a little cooler, with less density and a cooler feel in hand.

This tester was a long 6 (maybe a 7?) so it was great for all my favorite carries- which are usually double hammocks with chest belt variations, or semi made up on the spot reinforced rucks tied Tibetan. In general I put ease of wrapping very high on my list when rating a wrap. I don't pride myself on being able to tame the beast of all beasts and I don't have time or patience (neither does my bucking bronco, who is usually crying while being wrapped) to spend tightening every single thread to make sure I have a perfect wrap job. So, I like wraps that can roll with a sloppy wrap job, yet still keep me and the little man comfortable. I need to be able to glide a rebozo pass up and over quickly without feeling like my arms are going to dislocate. Greyquills rocked in this respect.

There have been a lot of comparisons to Pavo's Gotham wraps, and as huge Gotham fan I feel I can make a good judgment call about how they compare. Greyquills is a bit sleeker where Gotham has a bit more texture. The merc Gothams are a touch thinner than this Kokoskaa, but the non-merc are almost exactly the same feel in hand. I find there to be a bit more grit to Gotham, and the quill is a bit more refined (maybe it's the soybean viscose?!?). Both wrap amazingly, both have that tight hug feeling, and both have great stretch and bounce, Gotham eeks ahead in the grip category, it's just so solid. Greyquills is no slouch though, I have been known to tie off in a half knot, and you would never have known. Solid as a rock.

I loved this wrap with a candy cane chest belt. Smooth, not diggy, and the chest passes were just so tight and comfortable. No excess wrap left hanging around that I had to tuck into the passes.

I will admit, the colour is not my favorite. If this blend came in the Midnight colour, well I would be ALL over it. In fact, I keep asking myself why I don't own my own RQ? Something I'll need to fix very soon, I think.

Recommended for: wrappers of any level. It won't intimidate a new wrapper, and it has qualities that a discerning wrapper can appreciate. Soft for a squish, but supportive enough for my 25+ toddler.
For someone who prefers thin, with little texture- try it, but no guarantees.

Kokoskaa Royal Quill Grey tester
56% cotton, 40% soybean viscose, 4% cashmere
Size 6

Stewed Rhubarb Handmade Starlight

Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight...

WOWZA. Starlight definitely goes down as one of the most striking and beautiful handwoven wraps I've ever seen, never mind owned. The beautiful and sexy (yes, sexy) way that Erika chose to place each thread is just unbelievable and indescribable. The colours are bright, yet moody, and at the same time unexpected yet perfectly chosen. I chose a magenta cottolin for my weft and it really made the deep purples and greys pop, while letting the oranges and bluey greens have their spot to shine as well.

The first thing I noticed about this wrap was the difference between it and my Chai by the same weaver. It is noticeably more textured and thicker. Chai is 100% cotton, so the difference is obviously the cottolin, but it is also heavier in hand while maintaining the airy weave. It would compare most to the Uppy Wear Grow I had- similar thread size, similar support and grip, although Starlight is still a bit less soft and smooth because of the cottolin addition.

 This wrap has wonderful grip- one of it's best qualities once you pop your eyes back in and actually wrap with it. Compared to Chai, which I find a little silkier and slippier, Starlight holds really nicely but doesn't have that wrapping with velcro feel that some grippier wraps have, where you feel like it's impossible to slide passes into place or adjust halfway through.

Other words to describe it would be- average stretch, great bounce without being saggy, a nice amount of softness and cush on the shoulders, but I did find that the texture in the weave irritated me somewhat. This wrap is very wide, around 32-33 inches. It's the widest wrap I've ever used, and I would say it's probably too wide for me. I don't have very broad shoulders so I found myself having to really bunch up the wrap to get it to stay and be comfortable. Making a seat and helping get nice wide seat to neck passes is a breeze with an ultra wide wrap though, so there's a plus!

This wrap is a 3.4, which is one of my favorite lengths. I can do all of my favorite base size carries in their shorty version. DH with rings, or shepards, HJBC, a double rebozo, a ruck tied tibetan or with ring finish. There are really SO many things you can do with a short wrap, as long as it's the right short wrap.

I would suggest anyone who likes medium wraps, with a nice grip would enjoy this. You need to be ready to handle the width though, as it is something that could make or break the love affair. I think this would be great in a longer length, and actually even considered converting it into a RS even though I don't use ring slings- I just love the wrap that much. I loved it so much I even got obsessed with the single lone electric blue thread that Erika snuck in. Who has two thumbs and is a total wrap weirdo? This gal.

Oh- I almost ended this without mentioning the awesome tail detail, which just added to the amazingness. 

Seriously though, SRH is awesome. Her eye for colour is the best. She's hilarious, and scoring a wrap from her is better than winning the lottery (I've never won the lottery, hah)

Are you an SRH fan? Have a suggestion for a wrap I should try? Comment below!! 

Tekhni Aplos Blueberry

Aplos is the latest of the budget line from woven wrap maker Tekhni. This brand also makes a regular line of woven wraps that are in the same price range as most others, but the owner Alisa wanted to make something more affordable and accessible and has put out two different wraps so far- Arche and Aplos.

This Blueberry Aplos arrived having traveled to a couple of other people before me, so it wasn't nearly as crunchy as I expected. I've read one other lengthy review of this wrap before it came here, so there were certain things I was expecting. I'd heard it was so rough and crunchy that practically nothing compared to how difficult it would be to break in. I also heard that it had great stretch and bounce but would be perfect for a large toddler. I've seen other reviews for the Arche line, which is geared towards babies under 25lbs, and those included a lot about thread shifting and the wrap being not very supportive. So, I was very curious about what this wrap would be like and had no idea if reality would anywhere near expectations.



No, this wrap is not kitten belly soft, nor will it ever be. It's not sandpaper like either- it is solid, slightly coarse, but I think that also has to do with the weave, which also has a slight burlap sack look to it. Just looking at it makes you think it will be textured and gritty. It actually reminded me a lot of a mix between a couple of Oschas, like a cross between a very thin linen blend and Oki Noir. (You know, like a love child of those two completely different wraps!)
Its best qualities are the very amazing supportiveness and the lovely grip. It held up very well with my 25lber on a long walk to the park. Zero adjusting needed. I prefer my thinner wraps to be grippy and supportive with not much bounce- this fits that description to a T.
There was very little stretch to this wrap and that translated into little bounce or movement when wrapped. I found it slightly hard to get the rails tight in certain carries, no matter what I did (even asking my husband for wrap help!) I found there would be a slight looseness to the rails. It didn't seem to affect how we felt or our comfort, but it might trigger the OCD of a "perfect" wrapper. Even my husband commented on the lack of stretch, but he also commented on the amazing colour- for someone who rarely notices my wraps, I would consider that some important feedback.

 I'll be honest, I am used to wrapping with handwovens and Pavos these days, and there's not really a point to compare apples to starfruit. Aplos is $100. Would I buy this wrap for a $100? Yes!! It would be 100% worth it. It has some great wrapping qualities, the actual workmanship is beautiful, and I think it would be a great wrap for someone on a budget, or looking for a great beach or car wrap.

What do you think of the budget lines coming out in recent months? Enjoying them, or do you prefer to spend the extra money?

Tekhni Aplos Blueberry
Size 7
100% cotton

Pavo Ama Violet Sky

I am officially dubbing this wrap The Crossover to Pavo Wrap. Here's why: When I first received this wrap, it was in loom state. It looked like a lot of other Pavo Form wraps that I've bought brand new (more than I want to admit). I admired the design for a while-a long while- taking in the insanely awesome mermaids design. I know there are some mixed reviews on this design, but I happen to LOVE it. I've admired it since the first sneak peek and it's probably my favorite summer Form release. The mermaids are so much bigger than expected, so when wrapped it isn't just a bunch of tiny mermaids. Instead you get a peak of boobs here, a bit of tail there, some waves here, and flowing hair there. I am in love with these merboobs and the pasties she has. They are so in your face, and over the top. But then, she isn't a Barbie doll mermaid, she's like Frida Kahlo's mermaid cousin- awkward and slightly ugly with her special/disfigured star hands....

After a wash and dry something totally crazy happened. This wrap does not feel like any other Form wrap I've tried. It is much softer, more blankety, smooth, very little texture other than the ribbed scales on her tail and it really floofed up. Unlike other Pavos I've had where the texture is the most amazing thing after a wash, this wrap just puffed up into something kitteny soft.
I think that's what makes this wrap a great first time Pavo owner's wrap, hence "the crossover".It doesn't have that typical super thick, or super textured thing that many Pavos are known for. I find it super cozy, perfect for wrapping a baby after a dip in the ocean or lake, and great for an evening walk to watch the sunset. When we run out of babies to wrap, this would be very cool to have made into a beach blanket. 
One of the drawbacks, that is also one of the highlights, is exactly what makes it the wrap that it is...those damn mermaids! A friend described the design of these mermaids as "a bad combo of juvenile, tacky and ugly. Like a fat, drunk eight year old at a tiki lounge: anti elegance." Meanwhile, when I showed my husband he said "that looks like something out of a James Bond movie." So, there's that. The design may not be what you're looking for OR it may be everything you never knew you wanted in a wrap.One thing I didn't love is the wrong side has so much of the white warp floats that the silky texture reminds me a lot of Jade Giraffe, which was something I didn't love. It gives me a weird feeling while wrapping. Not noticeable when wearing though.
I also found for a summer themed wrap the weave was fairly dense and warm compared to a Fable for example,which is a much airier summer wrap.

 In terms of wrapping qualities, I found this wrap very easy to wrap with. As a said before it struck me as the wrap to start with when trying Pavos. I often hear, "I tried Pavo and I didn't like it", because some of their wraps are so different than other brands. You can't really go from a Girasol to an Etini in a seamless way (in my experience), you'll just be freaked out. This wrap is soft and approachable. It's very comfortable when wrapped and holds a knot, even a single one, very well. I don't find it has the insane stretch that some other Pavos have, making it a bit less bouncy. It is moldable and I found it had great glide. When trying tibetan or with a chest belt for example, I wasn't struggling to pull the wrap through the ruck straps, it was easy and tightened well. I also often have trouble with the horizontal pass on DH, if a wrap is too grippy it takes me a while to get it up and over, I wouldn't say mermaids was my sleekest wrap for this because it's smooth but still dense. Lack of texture makes it easier for those types of passes.
 Compared to other Pavos I find it most similar to Cobalt cheetah in terms of weight, glide, grip and stretch. It's much softer though. Maybe some similarities to an all cotton Natibaby? 

Basically, I lusted after this wrap for AGES, and I'm pretty much loving it. I don't know how relevant it'll be in our -30c Montreal weather in the dead of winter, but it'll certainly keep me feeling tropical and summery And hello- holiday on the beach? I'll be taking the mermaids!

Have you tried any of Pavo's recent Form releases? I'm dying to know how the compare to Ama! Leave a comment and let me know!

Pavo Ama Violet Sky
Size 5
White/purple
100% cotton

Kokoskaa Royal Quill Midnight

There's something about Kokoskaa and the Royal Quill design that is so pleasing to my eyes. When I saw these start popping up in reviews and then for sale, I really wanted to get my hands on one. This proved next to impossible, and then when I finally saw Midnight posted on the Kokoskaa page I knew, "This will be mine!!" Ha. I totally sucked at scoring this, and figured- there goes my chance. I never see Kokoskaas up for sale. That's how I judge how amazing a wrap REALLY is. Sure, people can go on and on about how great a wrap is, how wonderful the qualities are, but if everyone is selling them or using them to trade up for a better wrap I am a little skeptical. It seems like these are being held pretty tightly. But- as is usually the case, a babywearing friend came through and sent this one to me so I could finally try it!

My first impressions: The colour is such a deep navy it almost looks black. Overall, this is such a beautiful wrap. Something you could dress up for a formal event, or just wear with a plain t-shirt, jeans, and a pearl necklace ;)
RQ midnight is a special blend, unlike the other current colours which are 100% cotton. Midnight is a blend of cotton, cashmere, merino and silk. It feels thick, spongey, and fairly dense in hand. I'd compare it to a Pavo Gotham but less airy, or a thicker version of Taj even, but with a sleeker texture and a softer feel.
The stretch in hand translates really well into a nice bounce when wrapped (I might say, it was almost a little too bouncy for me). I found it quite easy to wrap with, and by that I mean, I didn't struggle to get that pass over my son's back like I do with some of the dry, grippy wraps out there nor did I end up with a bunch of sag after thinking I had it all perfectly tightened. I was able to make a nice clean, tight chest pass and my shoulders felt supported and comfortable. Kokoskaa says this wrap is 315 g/sm, which feels fairly accurate. It's medium-thick, with a heavy but not blankety feel. I did find this wrap quite hot in our current summer heat, so I likely wouldn't recommend this to someone who lives in a warm climate year round. It was very cuddly and cozy, I think it would make a perfect fall or spring wrap.

This particular wrap is a size 5, which is one of my new favorite sizes. I like DH with a chest belt or tied at shoulder, I can also eek out a DH tied in front sometimes as well. I think this wrap is great in this size, but I honestly could see it working well with any size. It isn't too thick that a shorty would be too cumbersome, and the knot is of average size with a nice hold, so for tying under bum or at shoulder it works well. I might pass on a long size like a 7 because it would way too much wrap in this particular weight and density for me.
I'd recommend this wrap to the lover of thicker wraps, but not a self-described lover of beasts. Someone who likes thinner, supportive wraps might feel like they are wrapping with a duvet. Personally, if this wrap were a tiny bit thinner it would be perfect for me. It held my little 25lb man perfectly well, and I could see it being great and a luxurious choice for a new little baby also.


I am curious to see how the all cotton RQ compare to this one. I imagine them being slightly thinner, with more of a grippy cotton texture to them. I'm sure it won't be long before one comes to hang out here with me...I do know for sure I am holding onto this Midnight for as long as I can!!


Kokoskaa Royal Quill Midnight
56% cotton, 18 % cashmere, 18% merino, 8% silk
Ecru/Navy
Size 5

Uppy Wear Grow

The review wherein I try to compare UppyWear to UppyMama without ever having tried an UppyMama....

UppyWear is the latest venure of handwoven wrap giant UppyMama. They decided to branch out into machine wovens, in a way to make obtaining an Uppy easier for the general population, and to bring the price point down for those who cannot afford a handwoven Uppy. They did this by releasing the wraps through local stores only, and by selling them at approx 250-325$ each. I'm not sure how accessible or affordable this makes them, but alas, here are some photos of me wearing one, so they've done something right, haven't they??

A lovely friend of mine got this for me and when it arrived I was very surprised to see how much it looked and felt like a handwoven wrap. The weave looked pretty much exactly like any other cotton plain weave I had seen. It was soft, floppy, and thin, just like most of the handwovens I've tried.
Aesthetically, I love the design of this wrap. Based off what I assume is the original sock monkey design, the Grow version has a green stripe instead of red. I actually don't like the original or the chocolate version of this design, so it was surprising that I actually liked this one. It's a perfect neutral and the green isn't too lime or murky, it's a soft grass green with a hint of olive.

From what I've heard about Uppymama cotton, there tends to be some sag. This wrap was similar, but it actually didn't bother me very much. I found this wrap to be so floppy and moldable, there was no issue tightening stiff rails or feeling like you are trying to toss a starched tablecloth over your back.

I prefer medium weight wraps, and I like when wraps are slightly airy with a bit of texture. If a wrap is on the thinner size then I much prefer it to be dense with a flatter weave. This Uppywear definitely fits my description of a great medium weight wrap. There is a lovely grip, the fact that it is all cotton keeps it from sliding around too much, but it remains easy to wrap with.

I got this in a size 5, which is the smallest size they currently sell these in. It's a perfect size for my go-to carry, which is Double Hammock. I can easily tie off into a nice candy cane chest belt and the knot holds well without being too large or cumbersome.

I think Uppy should start selling these in smaller sizes, as I think they would do well as shorties. Obviously, the wrap shines in a longer size, and I think with this type of wrap ( where sagging is a possibility depending on how tightly you wrap) multi-pass carries do well.

On a 20 minute walk with my 24lber I stopped once to readjust and bounce him up higher, but when I arrived at destination I was still comfortable, the wrap job held up well and we looked awesome ( we totally did!). This is a wrap I'd suggest to a new wrapper. It's easy to use, not too thick, not too grippy, and is also a good introduction into what handwovens are like. I did manage to compare this to an Uppy or two that I felt in hand at a wrap get together and I would say they felt quite similar. Uppy wear probably compares more to an older version Uppy, which were a bit thicker than they are now.

I'm excited to see what else comes from the UppyWear line. I do hope they start selling in more locations so they actually become an accessible choice for babywearers.




UppyWear Grow
Size 5
100% Cotton
Grey, white, green

Pavo Fable Lilac

Pavo's Fable Lilac is a diamond in the rough. It's a wrap that I epxected to be "ok" and I bought it on a whim, figuring I would try it out and then send it off to someone who actually wanted it. Surprisingly, or maybe not so considering it's PAVO, it has stayed.

Fable has such a great pattern, but I was actually worried it wouldn't work for me. I tend to wear a lot of stripes, especially in the summer, and I figured stripes and geometrics wouldn't work. Well, truth is, they don't- but there's also nothing wrong with tailoring your wardrobe to match your wraps, right? HAH! The weave is amazing- it is simple and sleek with only a slight texture. It reminds me of Gotham on heavy sedatives. Tamed and smoothed out, yet has that same airy weave and spongey feeling when squished in your hands.

I have been yelling from the rooftops about the wonder that is Fable in all shorty carries. A simple ruck is anything but in this wrap. I manage to get the highest and most supportive rucks with this wrap. It is SO easy to wrap with, I think this is definitely at the top of my list for wraps I would recommend to a newbie wrapper. I don't need to spend time adjusting the rails over my shoulders or trying hard to slide passes over, it...get ready...almost seems to wrap itself!

In hand, there is a wonderful amount of stretch- similar to Taj, which has an insane amount of stretch. It's a thinner Pavo, which has been great for the summer weather, and in a size 3 I've been using it for my quick ups in the usual shorty carries. I've found that it has a nice amount of support and cush for my shoulders. It's not the smooshiest or cushiest wrap, but it definitely does well carrying almost 25lbs of baby around.

This is a wrap I'd recommend to almost anyone. It's not for someone who loves thick wraps, or something really dense or thin either. It's has a light, airy feeling in hand and I think it would work well in any size, with babies from newborns up to about 30lbs. The colour is beautiful, but if you find the purple too girly, then go for Slate or Brick.

Another home run for Pavo. I'm thinking I'll need to challenge myself to try something "old school" Pavo soon, like a Parterre- just to see if 1) I can handle it and 2) if they can woo me with any type of wrap.

Pavo Fable Lilac
Size 3
100% cotton
lilac/white