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

Poe Wovens Harlequin

This will likely go down as the shortest review with the worst photo, but so be it. This was not the wrap for me. I borrowed it for a short time from a friend, to help her break it in. Apparently it was quite the beast brand new. I think I was at least the 4th person to attempt the breaking in process and I barely made a dent. Harlequin is a medium thick wrap, with a fairly dense and coarse weave. There isn't much texture but it is definitely not smooth. It features a black and white pattern that reminds me of a kitchen floor, but also of the comic character it is named after. If you have noticed anything from the wraps I've enjoyed, you'll likely know that a high contrast and beastly, crunchy wrap is not my style.

This was a 3, but I found it wrapped very short. I found the wrap to be quite rough when worn, and it took me so much effort just to pick it up and wrap with it simply because I didn't like the feel or the design.
I did, however, figure out the exact person who would get the most use of this wrap. This wrapper would be experienced and have a large stash. She would like high contrast colours and interesting patterns, and would most likely have quite a few neutrals in her stash. She would be wrapping a larger baby, over 25lbs, and be well versed in many carries so she could make use of this wrap to its full potential.

I was more than happy to give it back to its owner, after making a few doughnuts with it to help soften it up.

Here's our one awful photo because we really barely used it enough to warrant any others.

Poe Wovens Harlequin
Size 3
100% Cotton
Black/White

Artipoppe Made in China Jamin'

I had the chance to try out this stunning Artipoppe wrap courtesy of a wrap fairy (hi wrap fairy!!) At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think about this. The design is way outside of my comfort zone and the colours are very dramatic. Technically, they are probably both exact matches for an autumn like me, but I don't tend to gravitate towards such rich colours. The design, which is reminiscent of an Asian textile that you might see in the home of an avid traveller, is quite beautiful but for me, a tad fancy.

I must admit, I am slightly hesitant about trying APs. First off, I generally can't afford the price tag on most of them, especially this one!, but the fibres used are often too high maintenance for the way I like to enjoy my wraps. This particular blend is cotton, silk, merino and cashmere. I just....don't even know where to start. I barely wanted to wrap with this for fear of getting food on it, or using it outside, or god forbid, any small child doing any small child like things to it. So, that is a serious negative for me.

On a more positive note, it does wrap quite beautifully. I do love blends, and this one didn't disappoint. It is quite thin in hand, with a very tight weave. It reminds me of 2 birds or JKOC- a taut feel, with minimal stretch, but extremely supportive when wrapped. One must be careful when wrapping with these types of wraps, because it's very easy to bunch up the wrap in the wrong spot and be left with diggy shoulders or a tight spot under the baby's legs.

I used this in a few different carries. Although I rarely do FWCC anymore, I put the little guy up and it was quite lovely. Not much cush or snuggliness to it, but we felt very secure, and since he is bordering right on 25lbs, it's definitely a plus to feel zero sag. In a DH, it was the same. We felt very tight and secure, and although you must pay attention to your tightening rail by rail, the passes are easy to glide over the bum and this was an easier wrap to work with. There is no texture to speak of with Jamin, and I would describe it as a thinner wrap.

I'd recommend it to those with the cash and desire to own fancy wraps with lovely blends, who also enjoy supportive, thin wraps.
This is not for those who have messy children, or small budgets, or those who desire lots of cush, bounce or grippy texture.

Artipoppe Made In China Jamin'
Size 6
50% cotton, 30% merino, 15% silk, 5% cashmere

Pavo Gotham Camellia

Yes, another Gotham review. ;)

I'll make this one quick, cause we all know how much I loved Steel and how much I wanted to love Marble, but barely had the chance.  Sweet Miss Camellia has been mine for quite a while now. For some reason, I haven't been wrapping with this wrap this much and I think the reason is the length. I bought a 6 but ended up with a long 7, so it's a whole lot of wrap for me. In the middle of summer, with a very impatient toddler- I really don't need 5 and half meters of fabric. But, it has not been churned and that speaks volumes.

When I picked up Camellia at my parcel place, I opened the box in front of a non-babywearing friend and started shrieking and being giddy and ridiculous. She gave me a look that made me realize how insanely deep I have fallen down the rabbit hole. A trucker in the parking lot was staring at me, but finally gave me a thumbs up after I wrapped the entire wrap around myself. Ahem. Camellia is just THAT beautiful. It's a mercerized Gotham and even now, after washes and being dragged around, it still shines. It suits the pattern perfectly (although nothing will top Onyx). Just look at the picture below: shimmer and shine and that colour. A perfect pink. Not too bright and not too muddy or dusty.

Wrapping wise, it reminds me a lot of Gotham Steel, except thinner. It doesn't have that same spongy feeling, but it is just as airy and supportive. I really feel like Gotham is a great wrap for a newer wrapper because of the forgiveness of this wrap. It pretty much holds up with any old wrap job, no matter how terrible. It's got great bounce without any sag, and it holds well with the great textured grip.

Seriously Pavo. Gotham is THE Form wrap. I truly believe that everyone should own a Gotham. All colours of the rainbow should be released and they should make sure every single person who wants one, gets one. Just not mine, cause I'm not giving it up. Cold, dead hands.

Pavo Gotham Camellia
Size 6
100% cotton

Interstitial Handwovens Slice of Summer

DISCLAIMER: This wrap is my very first custom wrap, so I'll probably be kinda biased and protective of it since I helped create it ;)

Slice of Summer was woven by a local Montreal weaver named Colette Simon, of Interstitial Handwovens. She's been weaving for about 7 years, so when I contacted her about making me a baby wrap she was first shocked this market even existed, and then excited to try something new.
We worked together to design this wrap based on a bunch of extremely random inspiration photos and my True Autumn palette that I sent her. (....don't ask....) I wanted something summery and fresh. Something that would be reminiscent of the grass, the air, and the feeling of summer in the late afternoon. It turned out beautifully. I was able to tweak her colour choices a bit and she was able to tell me what would look awful and she has a great eye for blending colours and making things pop.

The wonderful thing about finding a "new" weaver in the same city as you is that the wrap is ready in the blink of an eye. I got to pick it up in person and it's just so much more personal.

At first glance: this is a 4.3m 100% cotton wrap. It is a thin-medium wrap, with a gsm of 269 (approx). I asked Colette to make it slightly dense, but still light enough for summer. In hand it is soft, moldable and ready to wrap with. The weaving is impeccable. Not a knot or flaw to speak of. My only issue was with the selvedges. She wove them so they would be as moldable as the wrap, and that resulted in some uneven areas. She's hemming the rails so they will aesthetically be perfect, while still keeping a nice floppiness to the wrap. I have seen her latest wrap on the warp and the selvedges look flawless. So, I think it was just the type of thing that comes up when weaving a new item.

The wrapping qualities that I like are the secure and supportive feeling when wrapping. It reminds of a hemp or linen blend because it has that kevlar feeling, like baby is literally attached to my back and we are "one". It has minimal bounce, just enough to be comfortable but not so much that it pulls on my shoulders or starts to sag. It has so far rocked a FWCC as well as all sorts of variations of DH and a simple ruck (with very long tails).

I feel like I haven't found its weaknesses yet, but I'm thinking this: There could be more stretch to this wrap. I feel like I need to take extra care to tighten the chest passes to make sure that nothing is loose. Otherwise, the only things I could think of that might be negatives would be the lack of texture, although that may just be a handwoven thing, and the weight. This wrap may be too thin for some, if you are looking for a super thick cushy wrap, this isn't the one. It's definitely not thin by any means, but it is low profile and the qualities that shine are the support and the grip of the weave, not a marshmallowy, spongey effect.

The colours have such a warming effect- this would be perfect for anyone with a warm complexion like me, and I think they will translate well into the other seasons, despite being called "Slice of Summer".

I am SO excited to see what else comes out of this studio- Colette's talented weaving and her desire to take colour to another level is going to introduce some amazing new stuff to the handwoven world.

Interstitial Handwovens
Size 4.3m
Greens, Blues, Pinks with light Grey weft
100% cotton

Didymos Natural Hemp India (NHIndia)

 Perfect for a newborn or a toddler. Somehow that sentence gets worked into every single wrap review I read these days and I don't get it. Not every wrap can work for every size baby. It just doesn't. But, with NHIndia it DEFINITELY does!

This wrap. Wow. I'm impressed and also slightly embarrassed that it took me so long to try another Didymos. I caught this wrap on a little travel around the country and although visually it was not love at first sight, the wrapping qualities are just awesome.

In hand the wrap is heavy and thick, in a spongy not dense sort of way. This is also a size 7, so picking it up means you are holding a LOT of wrap. It defines marshmallow, in my wrapping dictionary. It is smooshy on the shoulders, feels like a warm hug when wrapped around me, and there is a perfect (read:slight) amount of bounce while still being supportive. I think this may be what some people mean when they describe Pavo's Marble, but to me NHIndia is the epitome of marshmallow.

I took the little guy out for two nice morning walks with this wrap. We literally glided down the street as one, and even though it was halfpasttoofreakingearly in the morning and my wrap job was not the best, I adjusted nothing. My shoulders felt like clouds were placed on them, even if the babe was not even high enough it didn't seem to matter. This is a very forgiving wrap.

Downsides to this wrap: You know I always like to list the negatives, right? Well, as much as I think this wrap is totally squish worthy (I would LOVE to snuggle a new baby in this) it wouldn't be my first choice for a brand new wrapper. Let's say, ideal for a second baby wrapper. ;) It's thicker than many people might like and not the easiest to wrangle, especially in a long size.

Another thing I didn't love is the design. Wait. That's not what I mean. I actually really adore the India design, I've always had a thing for these elephants and peacocks. They remind me of the souvenirs my grandmother would bring back from her travels; a little necklace inside an intricately designed little bag with golds and purples and reds woven in. This natty wrap just does nothing for this amazing design (which was designed by Pavo's Erin Arnason- a little geekery tidbit that pretty much everyone knows, but for some reason makes me more in awe of her). You need to really squint to examine what exactly is woven onto this wrap, otherwise it just looks like a bunch of random squiggles.

Lastly, I wouldn't consider this a great hot weather wrap. Even though it's July, I wrapped with this inside or in the morning and I found it cozy and warm. On a hot day this would be at the bottom of the list for me. It would just be way too much. There are hemp wraps out there that would be as supportive, maybe not as cushy, but definitely lighter weight.

I'd recommend this wrap to almost anyone. I'd say skill level of intermediate to expert, and from 3-50lbs. I'm sad this isn't mine, but I will be on the lookout for a smaller size...and it would make a really great dye blank!!! Bring those animals out to play!

Didymos Natural Hemp India
50% Organic Cotton , %50 Hemp
Natural
Size 7

Oscha Okinami Noir

Let's start with a little imagery, shall we? Picture yourself: you live in urban Montreal. The streets, and therefore sidewalks, are covered 2 feet deep in heavy snow. You find yourself needing to make a trip to the grocery store and there's no way you can dig out the car- so, you wrap baby snugly against you. Both of you are dressed for the elements: sweaters, wool hats, mittens and the works. You pull your heavy winter boots on and head out into the cold, blowing wind. Baby barely flinches because he's already nuzzled his head into your chest, staying warm through the dense layers. Noir is the wrap you choose. It's the only option for a day like this- it acts as a second pair of arms, cuddling and holding your baby, pressing your bodies together so you can make it home warm and content for a quiet winter afternoon....

Except, it's July. So, this above scenario never happened, but it's now a dream of mine. The current weather in this city does not lend itself to Noir. The dark colours, the thick grizzly fibers that scratch against bodies wearing minimal clothing....let me just say, this isn't a beach wrap!

The Okinami pattern is stunning, and one that I've coveted for a long while. It is VERY dramatic in this colourway- even more dark and brooding than his brother Zen. In person, I still loved the design as a textile, but I don't know how much I enjoyed it as a wrap design. I think you truly don't get the full impact when it's wrapped.

In hand this wrap is dense and scratchy. It has an almost sandpaper texture- I didn't find it very pleasant at all. For beast lovers out there- here's one. Except I don't think you could tame Noir. He is who he is, if you know what I mean. I think this wrap would be great in very specific situations, like the one I described before. But for daily wearing, it wouldn't be for me.

When wrapped I felt like baby was duct taped to me. The support was incredible, and surprisingly, I didn't find it that difficult to get a nice wrap job. A FWCC was lovely in this wrap, but when I tried a DH with a CCCB, the scratchiness against my chest was too much.

I feel like this wrap would be great for an older baby, well into heavy 3 year old territory. I cringe thinking of a newborn in this wrap, it feels like it might chafe their soft little skin right off. Maybe if baby was safely dressed in a full fleecy suit, then I *might* use this for a new baby.

This wrap is definitely not for everyone. It's mostly not for me, other than the great support and the very dramatic look that I might like every 20 times I wear. This wrap would be perfect for someone who enjoys interesting blends, is used to the texture of a real wooly wrap, and who isn't afraid of a beast.

 Oscha Okinami Noir
15% silk, 45% cotton, 40% wool
Size 5

Artipoppe Two Birds Ink

Two Birds is a design that I have seen in countless stash shots, and all over the internet wrap world. I think you can't really exist in the online wrap groups without recognizing this pattern. So, I was pretty excited when Ink, an Egyptian cotton and linen blend, came to visit me recently.

First thoughts- I love linen blend wraps, so I knew that we would probably get along. There is something about linen that has a sturdy, taught type of support that I really like. Most linen blend wraps that I have tried have not had as much stretch as other all-cotton or other fibers do, so I find you need to be more careful when wrapping, to ensure that the rails are tight and the tightening is done well so that you end up with a comfortable wrap job. Two Birds is no different.

The size 2 that I was trying measured a bit long, which I tend to like. The added length means that I don't need to break my arm to get a rebozo pass around my back. One issue I had with this wrap was the width- it is very narrow, measuring in at only 25 inches. I find this entirely too narrow for me. I much prefer a width closer to 30 inches, that way I have plenty of fabric to make a proper seat. This caused a lot of issues for me and I can imagine it would be for anyone with a seat popper, or older baby who moves around a lot while wrapped. I HAD to do unpoppable carries or I would start to feel the seat sliding out from under my little guy's bum. Even in a rebozo carry inevitably the seat would start creeping out.

On a more positive note, I found this wrap very supportive, and even though it is what I would consider a thin-medium wrap, there was no diggyness and even with a chest belt I felt comfortable. Ink is the kind of wrap that holds in place very well. Despite almost no real texture, there is a great grip. This is a major plus for when using a shorty, as I tend to do carries like rebozo or tied-at-shoulder variations where any slipping at all can cause serious issues.

Pros: supportive, passes glide well and stay in place, colour is awesome (is it purple, is it blue?), great grip, and in a longer size would definitely be toddler worthy (25+lbs)

Cons: too narrow, linen requires constant ironing and care so as not to cause permanent creasing (although, if you find ironing therapeutic like I do, then by all means!), if you love thick or textured wraps this is not for you. Might be newborn worthy, but I'm going to say this would make a perfect wrap in a mid size with a 3-18 month old. ;)

Artipoppe Two Birds Ink
50% ecru cotton, 50% indigo linen
Size 2

Pavo Pavo Taj

So. I lied. Remember that thing I said about taking a break from reviewing Pavo wraps? Let's just act like that never happened. I can't stop, it's like an addiction, closely rivaling my addiction to chewy, sugary candies...

Pavo's Pavo Taj (not a mistake, the wrap is actually called Pavo, and the colourway is Taj) is my newest love. I'll be honest though, I got this wrap in a trade and really only started reaching for it for the sake of this blog. I figured, I'll use the natty wrap a few times, get a good idea of the wrapping qualities, write the post and then we'll call it a day. I have even had the wrap up for sale already, although the listing has been pulled now.

I think Taj came into my wrapping life at just the right time. Summer is upon us here in Montreal and there is nothing better than grabbing a wrap that goes with any outfit (trust me, it is hard to match wraps to ikat print dresses) and knowing that you'll look fresh, be comfortable, not too hot, yet supported for whatever the day brings.

Taj reminds me a lot of the Gothams. There is a definite texture similarity, although Taj is a little more subtle. I get lost in the pattern, much more than I ever did with Marble. I often find myself with this wrap on my lap in the car and I like to trace the pattern and just stare at it. I sound completely insane, but if you're reading this blog chances are you're crazy, too. The stretch is amazing, drawing back to the similarities of the Gothams. It has a lot of bounce, in hand and when wrapped. I find this adds to the comfort of wearing, since it doesn't feel like the wrap is moving against me. The only drawback with wraps like this, I find they need to be readjusted after a while due to the bounce starting to cause a bit of sag. I don't mean within minutes, but for longer carries, like 30 minutes + you might need to stop, untie, tighten and re-tie. No big deal, but something to mention.

Other big pluses for this wrap include the awesome grip. I love how I can tie in the tippy tails and it holds like duct tape. Really, this wrap has many of my favorite features: airy weave, medium weight, some texture, good grip, and nice stretch that translates when wearing as well as wrapping.

Drawbacks to this wrap would be: many people are not crazy about the design (cough vaginas? cough) but on Taj I just don't see it. Natty wraps tend to scare a lot of people off, I happen to think it works well on this wrap, especially for summer, though I do have plans for a transformation in the next few weeks. I would probably recommend this to someone who has tried Pavo before, I feel like this isn't a shiny, bright new thing, but rather something a more experienced wrapper could appreciate. It's on the drier side, so for someone who likes smooth, silky wraps, this might not be the best. I almost want to say it's a middle of the road, something for everyone Pavo wrap, but that makes it seem less special than it really is.

Pavo Pavo Taj
Size 4
100% cotton

Pavo Cobalt Cheetah

They may both be Pavo Menagerie wraps, but Cobalt Cheetah and Jade Giraffe could not be any different if they tried. I was really surprised, and amazed by the differences in these two wraps.

Let's dive right in, shall we?
First off- the creamy texture of Giraffe was nowhere to be found on Cheetah- and this was very exciting to me because that's one of the things I really didn't love about J.G (Jade Giraffe). Cheetah has a much drier feel. I think this is due to the design. I don't know if I'm describing this accurately AT ALL, but the managerie wraps have a lot of flat thread in the weave- so the white warp is very visible (this is also why these wraps tend to have more skipped threads I think, although I saw none on either of the wraps I tried). J.G has a lot more white in the giraffe spots, so it feels a lot silkier and smoother, hence the creamy texture. C.C (Cobalt Cheetah) has a much different design, so feels completely different in hand. I'm not sure how well I'm expressing myself, but it truly makes sense to me!

Weight-wise Cobalt is dense, with a medium-thick feel. It has a nice amount of stretch, minimal for a Pavo, but more than most other wraps. I didn't find it to be an elastic type of stetch, like a Gotham has- the "boing-y" type of stretch that bounces back on you, but it was more like a stretch that also has a bit of give. I found it very supportive, and even though the photos in this post were all taken on the same day, I wore this wrap out a bunch of times in many different carries and I really enjoyed it. I found it easy to wrap with. The weave didn't hinder the wrapping process- it was very easy to slide passes over, although if I didn't keep my wrapping tight as I went along it would get loose very easily. I didn't find this wrap very forgiving for a quick sloppy up, in fact, it would definitely not be my quick-up choice in wrap.

I would choose cobalt to go with my awesome outfit, for a walk through my neighborhood to get a coffee and hit up a shop or two. I'd wear this wrap for casual outings, when I would have a safe spot to wrap (ie: not on the side of the road, but rather in a house with a mirror) and probably not for insanely long periods. This is a size 3, and I generally don't use shorties when I know I have a full day of carrying ahead of me.

I'd recommend this wrap to anyone from newer to experienced wrapper, but not the total newbie. It might be a bit much for them. It would suit someone wrapping an older baby- 4 months plus would be my rec, only because I don't feel it would be soft and snuggly enough for a newborn and there are so many other great squish wraps out there. A toddler, on the other hand, would be happy in this wrap. A nice bright blue colour that you don't really see from any other wrap company, along with a very cool cheetah *cough leopard cough* pattern makes this a total hit. Again, I have to say the menagerie are not my favorite line from Pavo. I LOVE that company and the wraps they make, but I think I should stick with the Form line- they almost always blow me away!

On that note, I've got to take a bit of a break from reviewing Pavos. I've noticed they've started taking up over half of my reviews (which makes sense, because my stash is about 90% Pavos) but for the sake of the blog, I am going to try branching out! Stay tuned!

Pavo Cobalt Cheetah
Size 3
100% Cotton

Pavo Jade Giraffe

Jade Giraffe is the first Guild and first menagerie Pavo wrap that I tried. It was a stalking score and I'll be honest, I bought a 2 because it was the cheapest way to try a Guild. Turns out, I kinda like size 2 wraps, but I'm not sure how well the wrapping qualities of Giraffe mix with a shorty.

Aesthetically, this wrap is gorgeous. The large giraffe spots literally SHINE, it's like nothing I've ever seen on a wrap before. So so beautiful. The jade colour is also amazing- it is somehow subdued, yet funky, and sophisticated all at the same time. I really feel that this is my "Holt Renfrew" wrap. (Google it, you non-Canadians) It's luxurious and my fanciest wrap, looks-wise.

I find this wrap to be thick and very dense. I would describe it as creamy, with a surprising amount of grip despite the lack of texture. I had some trouble getting the passes to glide, depending on what I was wearing. Somehow the weave doesn't work well against certain fabrics (like fleece, for example. Which should have been obvious, since a wrap like this would never be seen with fleece. I mean really, what was I thinking??!). Tying off was easy with this wrap, it makes a decent sized knot, I'd say mid-sized, and it is easy to tighten. It isn't the grippiest knot though, so I preferred wearing it in carries where I wasn't relying on the knot at my shoulder or chest to keep the carry tight. Shepard's carry, and Double hammock rebozo were not the best. But a ruck tied in front, which I could just eek out in this 2.95m size 2, was great.

What I did really like about this wrap was its supportiveness. It's solid, dependable, and isn't just a pretty face. A great single pass wrap that doesn't sag or start to lose support.

A few things I didn't love: The stretch that is obvious in hand doesn't translate when wrapping. It really felt like wrapping with a thick silky scarf or pashmina. I think this wrap would be much better in a longer size for me. I prefer something with more bounce and stretch in a shorty. It is a mix of too dense and thick- if a wrap is thick I prefer it to be a bit airier and vice versa.

I know there are a lot of fans of the menagerie line of Pavo, so I know this wrap must be a hit for many people. I wouldn't recommend it for a newer wrapper, but I would definitely recommend it to someone wrapping a toddler or older child, to someone who likes a dense, creamy texture and to someone who wants a little haute couture mixed into their babycarrying.

Thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with my review of Jade Giraffe?

Pavo Jade Giraffe
100% cotton
Ivory/Green/Aquamarine
Size 2