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

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