Showing posts with label merino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label merino. Show all posts

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

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

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

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