Pavo Gotham Marble

I have to start off by saying, the photos in this post completely suck. I haven't had the time in the last little while I do more than simply toss baby into a wrap and then go, so I'm often wearing outfits I don't want anyone to know I own, or I'm a complete mess so....sorry Marble! You deserved so much better than these photos!

Marble was an impulse buy, as I'm not usually drawn to natty wraps. But, I knew I wanted to own my very own Gotham so I scored this direct from Pavo's stocking. It seemed it wasn't a very highly anticipated wrap, but as the reviews started coming in I think those who missed out started to regret snoozing on this one.

First impressions- Marble is gorgeous. Pavo decided to start using mercerized cotton in their Gothams (and some or all(?) of their Form wraps) with Marble and the shimmer is just so great. It adds a real luxury feel to this wrap, although texture wise it is much more of a cozy, workhorse.

In hand it feels thinner than Steel, and I wasn't quite sure what everyone meant about it turning into a "smooshy marshmallow" after one wash and an iron, because to me it still felt quite scratchy. I tend to be a bit of a princess with softness though. I really like soft wraps. Texture is a big thing for me, I prefer my wraps to feel a bit creamy with a slight texture. Marble was not in the marshmallow category for me- until I wrapped with it. Then I "got it". It has a solid softness on the shoulders. There is no diggyness and the texture, which is apparent in hand, doesn't bother my shoulders like some other wraps would. I had a size 4 and my go to with a 4 is a ruck tied Tibetan. When I did a knotless tie, which you see in the photos here, there was a dry grip in the tails. They just held like duct tape. I loved it! A great amount of support, a slight bounce (which is exactly what I like), and that signature Pavo stretch (which is something I swore I would never say in any wrap review, but there it is.)

The only downside to this wrap: I wish it were a little softer in hand, and perhaps even a bit thicker like Steel. For those hoping for an airy, soft wrap, this likely won't work. It's not that Gotham isn't those things, and I'm sure with time it does get super soft like most wraps would, those just aren't the star qualities. This wrap works for long haul carries, it supports like many wraps just don't, and it has that awesome Gotham style. I debated for a long time about dyeing it, but ultimately this wrap moved on to a new home because I have yet another Gotham coming to live here, as well as a few other special lovelies.

Here's your chance Marble lovers, use the comments to rave about your favorite Gotham!

Pavo Gotham Marble
Ecru/Natural
100% Cotton
Size 4

Pavo Espalier Lilac

First off, a little bit of Espalier Lilac geekery. Below is a photo post wash, pre iron. Notice the cool texture that has popped out from the wash? Pretty awesome. I LOVE the tiny intricate box weave in Espalier. It looks like a little parquet floor. The texture obviously calms down a lot after a nice steam iron, but maintains the grainy sort of feel. I don't know if it would be for everyone, but I think this wrap has such a unique texture. It's thin and airy, but yet there's something that feels substantial about it.

As usual, I prefer the wrong side out of this wrap a lot. It features more of the purple colour, and it's such a bright, fresh lilac colour. So perfect for the warmer months! (When those get here, just let me know and I will venture outside). Here's a great photo to showcase the weave on that side.

I wasn't expecting the wrapping qualities at all. I'd assumed since it was described as airy and thin that I would have aching shoulders and tons of saggy wrapping. Instead, this wraps really solidly, with tons of support and feels much softer on my back and shoulders. It is probably one of my favorite wraps for FWCC or reinforced kangaroo. It just stays where you wrap it, there isn't a ton of bounce- just enough to be comfortable without feeling like baby is slowly drooping.

I found that when wrapping the passes would glide very easily. I'm not sure if this was because size 5 is my favorite length for a wrap and my arms don't struggle at all, but I think it probably had more to do with the profile of the wrap. You are not fighting with crazy thick texture, nor are you trying to pull a sticky, creamy feeling wrap over a baby stuck to your back.

This wrap really felt like something I would recommend to a new wrapper. Thin; for ease of wrapping. Stretch; because it just helps when you are learning how to adjust a wrap if it gives a little bit. Support; you need a good supportive wrap when you're starting off. I would also recommend this to someone who has been wrapping for a while, because they would enjoy these qualities as well- unless they were into thicker wraps. In hand, the light and airy feeling of espalier might scare someone who is used to much thicker wraps. I'm telling you, it's a mystery as to where this supportiveness comes from! But, it's definitely there.

I like to always come up with some negatives, just to keep it real, but I can't really think of any. I guess the weave might turn some people off, it does have a bit of a burlap sack feeling to it that will probably never really soften up, but that's the best I can do.

My favorite carries with this wrap were front carries, but I think it would shine in a lovely DH as well. I know others who have had shorties in this wrap and they've also loved it. So, all around great summery wrap.

Are you going to join me in raving about Espalier? I'm almost thinking I need to get that Camellia colour back...

Pavo Espalier Lilac
Ecru/lilac
100% cotton (with mercerized cotton)
Size 5