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