(note: I wrote this post last summer; it’s the one I became frustrated with and abandoned–along with this whole blog. I’m posting it with all it’s warts in an effort to move forward, both blog-wise and universe-wise.)
It happens that my wee’est was two last week! It seems just yesterday I was revelling at my HBAC (homebirth after cesarean) success and a brand-new baby girl. Since she’s the second, she endures many hand-me-downs. (Luckily she’s not a complainer about this–yet.) But, coming up with a birthday gift for the second child who has everything and more was hard. In the end, we decided to invest in a custom-made waldorf doll. It is just beautiful and I hope she gets years of play. Since I’ve been a little bit crafty these past couple of weeks, I thought maybe a doll sling would be in order as a complimentary, made-by-me, gift. Turns out it was the easiest and quickest thing I have made in a long time! Her elder sister gawked and swooned about it, so as a surprise, I made her a larger one. And, because the first one was so easy, I put together a tutorial!
Baby Doll Sling
adapted from an Elizabeth Lee Designs pattern
*It should be noted that these slings are toys and are in no way appropriate for a living baby. Only a properly-made baby sling should be used for babies.*
Supplies: 1/2 yard for smaller size, 1 1/2 yards for larger size (makes 2); pair of 2″ craft rings
Cut your fabric: You’ll need a rectangle of fabric. Cut a 18 x 44 piece for a small (2-4 yrs) child or 18 x 50 for a larger child (5-8 yrs).
Hem the sides: Fold a 1/4-1/2 hem over twice for a finished edge on each of 2 long sides and 1 short side. Leave the remaining short side raw. Iron in place (I also pin the folded corners down to help me keep them aligned).
Sew a basic stitch down both long sides and then on the short side, securing the corners in place.
Attach the rings: On the raw edge, fold the fabric in to the center twice so that the folded width is 1/4 the unfolded width.
Fold unfinished edge over once, and thread through both rings. (I find it easiest to pin this edge in place while threading the rings.)
Attach to body of sling with a reinforced stitch straight across.
Create sling: To make the sling operable, thread the body of the sling through both rings and the end through a single ring, as pictured.
Voila!
