Friday, 31 October 2014

Review: Baie Slings Wild Roses Dew Drop

Brand: Baie Slings
Type: Wild Roses Dew Drop
Blend: 80% combed cotton, 20% merino wool
Size: 5

I was delighted to be asked to try out a wrap using Baie Slings' latest new blend, and having been hoping they might come up with a wool blend in time for winter, was excited to learn that this particular wrap is 80% combed cotton and 20% merino wool.
Wild Roses Dew Drop (named after one of the fairies in the Nutcracker) uses the same grad warp as Baie's previous release 'Pumpkin Patch'. The warp blends from a bright burgundy colour to black across the width of the wrap, and the weft is a beautiful periwinkle blue colour. On close examination I can see this is actually created using two different blue/grey colours in the weft, which blend together to create the pretty periwinkle colour, and give the colours added depth. The two different sides almost look like two different wraps, and the grad looks equally good on each side. 
As expected from Baie Slings by now, the wrap arrived feeling extremely soft and mouldable. In fact, when the postman handed over the parcel, I could feel how cushy it was through the packaging! Dew Drop isn't overly thick, and is extremely easy to handle. It has an amazing glide to it, and it easily moulds around you both. Despite not being overly thick (weighing in at 254gsm), Dew Drop has an amazing amount of cush. It uses Baie Sling's plush weave (meaning it is a slightly looser weave), and is totally comfortable and supportive with my tall almost-3-year-old. This wrap really excels in a double hammock, as the passes glide across so easily, making it easy to tighten, and the cush on the shoulders adds to the comfort. Dew Drop has also been 'daddy tested', and during an afternoon stroll, Joey stayed nice and high on my husband's back, and both were happy and comfortable.
Dew Drop has none of the itchy feeling often associated with wool blends - it simply feels soft and snuggly, and would make a lovely snuggly blanket when babywearing days are over. 
Wild Roses Dew Drop will be released in early to mid November, although anyone heading to the Carry On London event this weekend will have the opportunity to give this wrap a test run for themselves!







Wednesday, 15 October 2014

Review: Baie Slings Filigree Autumn Leaves

Brand: Baie Slings
Type: Filigree Autumn Leaves
Blend: 100% combed cotton
Size: Ring sling, gathered shoulder.


The weather has suddenly turned colder here in the UK this week, reminding us that autumn has arrived and winter is on its way. I have always loved the rich colours in autumn, and we have a small collection of Japanese Maples in our garden, which at this time of year are vivid shades of red, pink and orange. When I saw the preview of this beautiful Baie Slings wrap, it immediately reminded me of the colours I love in autumn. I couldn't resist adding a ring sling to my collection!
When it arrived, I immediately loved the colours even more than I did in the pictures. The red is a deep red, combined with the orange colour, and a gentle shimmer when it catches the light, giving it an amazing warm glow.
As is usual for Baie Slings, Autumn Leaves arrived feeling soft and cushy, and very sturdy. It is soft and mouldable, and is continuing to soften with use. The Filigree pattern is slightly textured, but this doesn't stop the wrap adjusting through the rings easily. The weave is tight enough to prevent any sag, even with my large almost-3-year-old, and feels very secure. I've found it very comfortable on a couple of lovely autumn strolls, and my son seems happy in it as well.
Comparing it to a couple of Baie Slings' previous Filigree releases, it feels slightly sturdier than Persica, but more mouldable than Limerick. It works beautifully as a ring sling!
At the time of writing, there are still some Autumn Leaves available on Baie Sling's website, including some of their matching accessories:
 http://www.baieslings.com/#!shop/cup6






Quick Review: Baie Slings Autumn Leaves Bag
I thought it was worth mentioning the beautiful handmade bag I bought from Baie Slings, also made out of the Autumn Leaves wrap fabric, as I am really impressed with the quality. It is the perfect size for a few baby essentials, without being over-big. It has a zip along the top to keep your belongings safe, and the inside is fully lined. It is very professionally made, and I wouldn't hesitate to order a bag again. It is very practical and sturdy at the same time as being really beautiful.


Colour: due to the shimmer on this wrap, I have struggled to get a perfectly accurate picture of the colours. The pictures on Baie Sling's own website are more true to life than my pictures here.