Cashmere Cuddles

Silk Ring Sling

2011-10-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

I had a doula client who wanted me to make her an X-sling (hanamuguri) carrier using a silk sari scarf, that her co-worker had brought from India for her. We decided to use the scarf for the accent pieces in the x-sling and then make a ring sling with the rest to show off the beautiful pattern at the end. I think it came out quite well. I may start making all the sashes into ring slings.

Weighted lap pad

2011-10-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Weighted lap pads for kids with sensory needs are ridiculously expensive. Prohibitively expensive for many, I suppose. I've seen them retail for more than $50. For a pillow stuffed with poly pellets or even pebbles. That's just insane. So, I made one for my son's classroom for, well, free. I already had fabric and BPA-free pellets. It only took about 10 minutes. For another 10 minutes of work, I made a pillowcase-style cover for the pellet bag, so it's washable. I think it turned out pretty ok.

Felted Soap

2011-09-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

For something a little different, I'm turning the crafting over today to the wee ones. For some time, one of my Mom's Clubs has had a regular meeting at which we meet up to learn some new craft. It's always a lot of fun, with perhaps a little too much alcohol, which occasionally lends itself to some of the more interesting creations. As entertaining as that is, I had the idea to start a get together for our kids to do a little hands on crafting of their own. Our inaugural meeting this week featured soapy water and wool roving for some "felted soap" production. I had a good time, the kids seemed to have a good time, and no one got injured, so YAY! :)

Here's how it went down:

For each bar, we started with .3 oz of wool roving in one long strand of fibers (the green was about 20" long), some scraps in coordinating colors, a bar of soap, a nylon (old, if you are like me and somehow always manage to have a spare stocking with no mate, or new, because you're too young to remember ever wearing stockings), a bin of warm water, and a kid who likes to squish bars of soap.

We wrapped the main color around the bar of soap, first going around the length of the bar and then around the width of the bar. We did it a few times, until the bar was well covered. Then we wrapped the coordinating colors in whatever way each kid saw fit. For example, stripes:

or "needle felted" monster eyes (note a mom's creative use of scissors to poke the roving down into the soap).

Once the soap was wrapped how the child liked it, we placed the soap into a nylon and tied it tight to hold the fibers together during the felting process:

And then the fun really began. The kids dipped their bars into warm water and squished them around until it got quite foamy:

Then they kept squashing:

And smooshing:

And maybe rubbing it on a table, making snail trails:

When they felt they'd mooshed the roving long enough for the fibers to hold together (and maybe mom took a turn, because it did look like fun), they set it out to dry:

Once your bar is dry, you can put it out for guests to wonder what freaky kind of hairball you're storing in your soap dish. Maybe they'll use it, maybe they'll quietly sneak out the front door.

As the bar gets used, the wool will felt together more and more. It can last quite a long time if you let the soap drain and dry between usage. Unless, of course, you have kids who like to squish a fresh bar of soap ad nauseam and refuse to get out of the tub until it disappears. No? Just mine? Okay, then...carry on.

Christmas shopping

2010-11-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

Lots and lots of new items are being uploaded in the shop today and tomorrow. Tutus, aprons, clothes, doll carriers, baby carriers and more! Many items are on sale for the week. Many are one of a kind. Check cashmerecuddles.com often, so you don't miss out on your favorite.

Join the FB fan page at: Cashmere Cuddles Fan Page

2010-11-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Shutterfly.com just rolled out a bunch of new Christmas cards. Is it that time of year already? My Jack-o-Lantern hasn't even started to rot yet. There are some really stylish new designs though. I guess I should break out the camera and start trying for a cute picture of the boys, because I don't think this one is going to cut it:

Owls and dots

2009-10-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

I recently had someone request a dot fabric that has been discontinued. After much internet searching and several phone calls, I found and bought perhaps the last remaining scrap available. It was supposed to be a fat quarter, which is just a hair less than what I need, but I bought it anyway. It showed up and was 2 inches shorter than a fat q. Sigh. It required quite a bit of patchwork, but as Tim Gunn might say, I made it work. Reversible and lined with an owl print, I think it came out quite cute.

Amanda's carrier

2009-08-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

I custom-made an x-sling with infant sash for my friend Amanda. She'd told me that her nursery was going to be water-themed with goldfish, that she loved blue and orange, and would like the carrier to match. My mind immediately went to a Japanese-inspired look and I bought some imported indigo-dyed Japanese cotton fabric, paired with a little peach and white floral print, and a dark tangerine sash. I love the way it came out. At 18-months, Aaron is a bit big for an x-sling, but he was still willing to help out and be my model :)

Busy, busy

2009-05-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

For my favorite bold, little knight, I made a green velvet cape with gold satin lining, and an "E" for Enzo (he apparently decided it was equally good for fighting dragons and for floor surfing in the kitchen... I think I may need to add a new disclaimer... ;)

I'm still having fun with the A-line dresses and variations, and I'm hopelessly addicted to cherry prints now. I need to go find some more. I went a little pleat crazy with one for Lakota, but I think it came out darling. I can't wait to see her in it. I added a pocket for Topanga's little girl and toned down the pleats, since she's much smaller.

And this one came in 2s, for 2-year old twins :)

More cape-y goodness

2009-03-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

I've only made a handful of baby carriers lately. The one I donated to the Holistic Moms Network for their annual conference seems to have been a big hit, so I made a few more from that gorgeous bamboo/linen blend. It has such a wonderful sheen and softness to it. I really wish I'd saved some of that fabric for me. Oh well. Such is life, and we all know I have enough carriers as it is (but really, what's just one more? :)

The economy seems to be demanding superheros, so most of my work time has been dedicated to creating capes for our little heros, one at a time (or two or three).

Knitting

2009-02-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

I've been busy making about as many super capes as I can turn out. Who knew a whim for the holiday bazaar would turn out so popular. I took a break from that though and made a few infant hats -- a friend who had a preemie baby wanted to gift the NICU with a bunch of preemie hats in honor of her son's 1st birthday. So, I've been working on a couple to send to her. Here's my favorite so far, it's bamboo and so, so soft.

Something for Aaron

2008-12-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

After making a whole lot of super hero capes and dresses for other kids, I finally got around to making Aaron's Christmas outfit tonight. I think it came out pretty well. The outer fabrics are from Moda's "Merry & Bright" collection and the lining is Michael Miller's organic cotton herringbone, which is unbelievably soft and snugly. I hope he loves it.

Closed tomorrow

2008-12-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

My shop will be closed tomorrow in support of Day without a Gay.

Holiday Faire flyer

2008-12-04T22:05:00.000-08:00

Holiday Faire Preview

2008-12-01T09:02:00.001-08:00

Here's a preview of the things I'll have at Party Hearty on Friday, Dec. 5th, from 11:30-1.

Nursing covers and burp cloths:

Little Girls' dresses (2T-3T):

Super Hero Capes (18mo-3T):

As well as my usual assortment of baby carriers (x-slings, mei tais, and bamboo wraps), which will be 20% off, and doll carriers.

Go Green on Black Friday

2008-11-27T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Cashmere Cuddles Mei Tai (shown unpadded)

1. 2.
The Cashmere Cuddles X-sling
(shown with leg gussets and without obi sash [1] and with obi sash [2])

International Babywearing Week

2008-11-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

International Babywearing Week is coming up next week. In honor of the occasion, all baby carriers in my shop are 20% off -- all mei tais, x-slings, wraps, and Cuddles for Kids doll carriers too. Both in-stock and custom orders are included. Just put "IBW" in the comments section when you order and wait for an updated invoice before paying. Happy shopping!

Bamboo Jersey Wrap

2008-09-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Cashmere Cuddles Baby Wrap! Made from 100% bamboo jersey with a brocade accent piece that doubles as a pocket. The wrap measures is 4.25 yards long and 22 inches wide and is perfect for newborns and babies up to 20 pounds.

Stretchy wraps can be used to carry your baby in a cradle position, which is excellent for discrete nursing; tummy to tummy with legs tucked up or in a seated position; forward facing with legs crossed in the "kangaroo position"; and on your hip. The Cashmere Cuddles Baby Wrap should not be used for a back carries.

A note on bamboo:
Bamboo is a highly resistant organic crop, grown without pesticides or insecticides. As a textile it’s an eco-fiber with natural properties that are very desirable for baby products:
- it’s remarkably soft, silky, and has a lovely sheen
- it’s very durable and can be tossed in both the washer
and dryer
- it’s naturally anti-microbial, prohibiting the growth of
bacteria and resisting the growth of mold, yeast, and
fungus
- it’s hypoallergenic and thus an excellent choice for
people with skin sensitivities
- it’s very breathable and great for hot, summer days

Fabric content:
Wrap - 100% bamboo
Accent/Pocket - 100% polyester satin brocade, lined in 100% cotton.

Washing:
Gentle wash in cold water. Line dry.

The Ladybug Dress

2008-09-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Last month I made a cute little dress with a ladybug print for a DIY Exchange. The recipient posted the most adorable picture of her daughter in the dress. It looks like a catalog shot :)

The dress:

Rox's beautiful daughter:

Faith's dress

2008-09-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

I made another little dress for our little friend, Faith, daughter of Ryan's former nanny Katie, for her second birthday. Wow, I can't believe it's been 2 years already! I hope she likes it.

Mei Tai in the Shop

2008-09-05T12:40:00.001-07:00

Get it while it's hot :)

The rails and waist band are 100% bamboo twill, hand dyed to match the Amy Butler Midwest Modern "Fresh Poppies" print that is used for the accent piece and hood. The shoulder rails of our mei tai extend all the way down to the waist band. Both shoulder and waist are lightly padded with fleece. The body, rails, and hood are all lined in a pretty ice blue woven jacquard comprised of 70% cashmere/30% silk, with an inner lining of cotton canvas.

** This mei tai is a second quality due to a 12" strip added to the end of the shoulder rail and is marked down 24%. This addition has been reinforced and does not affect the strength of the rail. **

Clutchball Tutorial

2008-08-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Materials: 12 6" diameter circles, 12 4" strips of twill tape, 12 6" strips of grosgrain tape, thread

Instructions:
1. Take a bowl that's roughly 6" in diameter and trace around it onto a piece of paper to make your template. Or for those of you who need more precision in your lives, use a compass and a draw a 6" diameter circle on a piece of paper to use as your template. I'm more of a bowl person, but I forgot to take a photo of this step...

2. Cut 12 circles from the fabrics of your choice. My clutchball has 6 yellow fleece circles, 2 red corduroy circles, 2 tan wool circles, and 2 brown wool circles.

3. Cut 12 4" strips of twill tape and 12 6" strips of grosgrain tape (or whatever ribbons you have lying about will do too).

4. Fold your template in half and mark the crease points. Then fold it in half the other way and mark the crease points. This gives you a template for placing the tapes evenly around the circle, like this:

Pin the tapes in place on the right side of whatever fabric circle you want to be on the outside flaps of the ball.

5. To that circle, pin a circle of whichever fabric you want on the inside flaps (right sides together). I've lined each of the red, tan, and brown circles with the yellow fleece.

6. Repeat for all the circles, giving you 6 pairs.

7. Sew each circle, leaving about an inch open.

8. Turn the circles right side out.

9. Let your baby have a turn.

10. Press the seams and topstitch to close the inch you'd left unsewn.

11. Fold each circle in half, like a taco (a) and, at the point where the twill tapes meet, sew together (b).

(a)

(b)

12. Once all the circles are sewn in half, place them in the order you want them to go on the ball. Taking two halfs, match them up at top point so that the 6" grosgrain tapes meet (a). Sew from the top down about 1.5", and from the bottom up about 1.5" (b).

(a)

(b)

13. Keep adding a half circle until you've assembled them all into a ball.

(top)

(side)

(in action)

Why Wear Your Baby

2008-08-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here's some interesting data about babywearing:

Babywearing facilitates bonding between baby and parent:

- Stimulates the production of the hormone prolactin in the mother
- Provides fathers with a means of nurturing that simulates the closeness of the womb
- Enables caregivers to be acutely responsive and aware of baby's cues and signals, increases maternal sensitivity, and heightens a parent's perceptions of a child's needs
- Encourages touch and physical intimacy, which provides relaxation for both parent and child by lowering the level of stress hormones and adrenalin circulating in the blood stream
- Can help reduce the severity of postpartum depression in mothers who have had negative or endocrine-disrupting (epidurals and/or IV pitocin) birth/delivery experiences, and can help stabilize new mother emotions

Babywearing enriches developmental opportunities for baby:

- Helps the baby to maintain equilibrium and exposes the baby to movement in all three directions (side to side, up and down, forward and back), which is essential to proprioception (body awareness)
- Vertical position or semi-vertical position builds muscle strength, control, and coordination
- Provides the natural rhythm of movement and tactile stimulation that small babies need for proper neurological development
- Stimulates optimal development of the cerebellum of the brain, the only part of the brain that continually increases in cells as the baby gets older
- Allows the baby both to observe and be at the center of activity, rather than being the center of attention, which is a healthy atmosphere for development of empathy, affection and a healthy sense of self
- Encourages the development of solid emotional security by facilitating bonding between parent and baby
- Provides the elements of pressure, motion, pleasure, warmth, security, sound that are essential to the development of the vestibular nervous system
- Stimulates the tactile receptors in the skin, developing muscle tone, increases cardiac output which increases circulation, promotes respiration, and aids in digestion

Other benefits:

- A substantially more ergonomic choice than hauling a car seat carrier, a carrier distributes weight evenly from parent's shoulders to hips and aligns baby's center of gravity as close to parent's body
- Holds baby securely leaving the parent's hands free to work and play
- Develops the back muscles necessary to carry the baby
Studies show that babies who are carried or worn:
- Cry and fuss less and smile more
- Initiate separation and become more emotionally self-reliant more quickly than average
- Are less likely to develop problems with intimacy as adults
- Have a lower mortality rate, especially among premature infants
- Spit up less and have reduced incidence of colic
- Experience less vertigo and increased physical agility in adulthood, a superior sense of balance, precision of movement, and an acute spatial awareness

Demonstration Videos

2008-08-17T15:49:00.001-07:00

I now fully understand what actors mean when they say working with children and pets is difficult! Heck, just working with myself was difficult! There is video now, however, demonstrating how to use a Cashmere Cuddles X-sling:

And for the X-sling with leg gussets:

My New Mei Tai

2008-08-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

The last time I was in Hart's Fabric in Santa Cruz (which, fortunately for my pocket book, isn't that often), I found this gorgeous Japanese fabric from Kokka that I just couldn't resist. Immediately, my mind started churning with an idea for a mei tai carrier that mimicked what I like so much about the look of X-slings -- that V shape in front with the obi sash. It took awhile before I had the free time to dedicate to drafting a pattern and test it out, but finally, it's done now. Hooray!

It's olive-colored bamboo twill for the rails, fully lined in a burnt orange cashmere/silk. It's not bad for a first effort. I still have some tweaking to do and am debating whether or not to pad the waist strap. It's freakishly light, since bamboo weights next to nothing, and folds down tiny (yay! it fits in the diaper bag without taking up the whole thing).

New Things in the Shop

2008-08-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

At the suggestion of my friend Zoie, who's due to have her second baby any day now ("easy labor vibes," Zoie!), I've started making doll carriers for kids too. It's an X-sling scaled down to kid-sized and has been really well received so far.

Here's Ryan modeling the one I made for the raffle at his playgroup's first anniversary party:

Cashmere Cuddles at etsy.com

About the Shop

2008-08-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Cashmere Cuddles are stylish, mom-made X-sling baby carriers available in a variety of fabrics from cashmere to cotton, and showcasing eco-friendly fabric like organic cotton and bamboo.

Why choose an X-sling (x-shape or "obi" style) carrier?
• Easy on and off
• No buckles, rings, or complicated ties
• Wide straps evenly distribute baby’s weight
• Ergonomic “legs up” position for baby, especially with the optional leg gussets
• Folds down small, not much bigger than a cloth diaper.

Organic cotton in chocolate brown with cashmere/silk blend accents in light blue

Cashmere Cuddles carriers have the look of a wrap, but the convenience of a soft-structure carrier without the hassle of buckles, rings, or complicated ties. The carrier slips over your head easily and snugs your body. Just slide your baby in from the top and you are ready to go. The criss-cross construction evenly distributes your baby's weight across your shoulders and back and cradles your baby close to your heart. This unique x-shape allows your baby to be carried inward-facing, in a good ergonomic position with his or her weight distributed across the sit bones, rather than the spine. A separate obi sash is tied around and under your baby to give additional support and stability. The carrier can be altered for larger babies with the addition of leg gussets and an adjustable accent piece. See the policies section for details.

X-slings are designed for younger babies. They can be altered to support a larger baby by adding gussets at the leg openings, to keep their legs from dangling, and with an adjustable accent piece that can be lowered while one places the baby in the carrier and then tied into position.

Most users should be able to carry up to 20-25 pounds comfortably.

Cashmere Cuddles on etsy.com is a proud member of the MDC Street Team (MDCEtsy), Etsywearers, and NorCalEtsy

DIY exchanges

2008-08-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

I've been swept up in the excitement of DIY exchanges lately. The basic concept is you get assigned to another participant and are given a list of their likes and dislikes and a very general category, for example that they'd prefer something for their home, and you make whatever strikes your fancy and send it off to them.

In the last month, I've made:

a hat for a little girl

a smocket (a children's smock with a pocket)

a dress for a 1-yr old

I'm in the process of making ladybug MaryJane shoes for another little girl.

In return, I've gotten a hat, pants, and coordinating backpack for Ryan, a set of absolutely adorable, knit finger puppets, a satchel, and a cashmere wine bag. I have to say both ends of this exchange are fun. I love making things for other people. Especially, when I can make cutesy bits for little girls, since I don't have any little girls to sew for myself. And opening a surprise package is never a bad thing, particularly when it's filled with wonderful things for my kids.