Solstice Obsidian Starmap and Kaleidoscope
I went into labor with my second baby 2.5 weeks early, on summer solstice. I was so excited through the whole ordeal, because I still haven't managed to sort out my toddlers' so-called "legacy wrap". Could it really be this easy for my second? Or would I labor for 26 hours again, and miss the release by a day??Clearly, I was worried about the right things.
Thankfully, I only had 12 hours of work, then my little one arrived 12 minutes after the release. As such, I was already going to be a bit biased about these wraps. I'm going to try to review them honestly, even address the few negative aspects that I've noticed. Very few. Let me get that out of the way first.
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| Isn't he cute??? <3 <3 <3 |
The amazing Sara Elizabeth Thomas Hall was kind enough to grab a Kaleidoscope(3) upon release, and I ordered a size 7 Starmap. Tragically, I missed the scarfs... And I will be shamelessly DISO until I find one. Cue the shameless begging.
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| PLEASE??? PUH-LEASE??? |
I got the Kaleidoscope first, and it was a bit of a surprise. I had used an elements Kaleidoscope before, and thought this would be great as a shorty. I got to use it for about a week before my Starmap landed, and I was a bit disappointed to find that it was actually a little uncomfortable in a traditional sling carry. I tried it several times with both kids, and even with the newborn it felt like it wouldn't quite stay for extended wearing. I felt like I was tightening the slip knot a lot more than I am used to. I came to the conclusion that in the Alchemy weave, this pattern has just a little too much stretch for my(quite picky) shorty preferences. Also maybe a bit slippier than I was expecting.
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| I love the way the obsidian integrates with the solstice colors. |
As long as it has a double knot finish, it was fantastic though - Ruck TUB, FWCC TUB, etc. It never felt like it was sagging, and it had a wonderful cushiness on the shoulders! After a few weeks with it, I've decided to send it in to be converted to a ring sling.
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| Peek-a-boo! Seriously, this was so excellent on my shoulders. Has excellent stretch and cush. |
I was a little concerned that if Kaleidoscope was slippery, I'd find the Starmap to be worse. Interestingly, I didn't find that to be the case at all! I've wrapped my newborn in it for a few 2/3 hour naps, and never felt any discomfort... but that doesn't mean that much with a newborn. The real test was when I had my clingy 2 year old up in what I thought would be a short ruck for almost 30 minutes while I did some cleaning. Doesn't seem like that long, but in a 100% cotton Starmap, I thought it would be at least a little uncomfortable.
It really wasn't! It felt thin, supportive, and just fine on my shoulders. I haven't had the chance to try it in a slip knot yet, but I get the feeling it would do pretty okay. It's not grippy, but the obsidian cotton is fluffy and a little smooshy. I'd prefer both in a longer size though, especially with my bigger kid.
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| Please someone sell me a scarf. Please? |
HOLY CROW these are gorgeous. Seriously, I've never seen cotton shine like this before - Linen, yes. Cotton? Never. This weft is probably my all-time favorite, it's the perfect sunrise/sunset colors. The patterns? I adore them both! I really want both patterns as a scarf to keep forever, because they're so so perfect. Gah! I've spent far too long just sitting and snuggling with both of these, they're so soft and just amazing! They were so soft out of the bag, and they're total heaven now.
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| Both of these are super pretty. Ugh. |
I think I prefer the Kaleidoscope pattern, in the appearance department. The way the colors integrate is just fantastic. Stunning on both sides, I keep going back and forth on which side to use for the outside of the ring sling! The Starmap is amazing too. Dang.
Okay. All done.
Enjoy a bit more spam! <3
