Asphodel

When I started wrapping, 2 years ago, I swore there were two things that I just wouldn't do - Natty wraps, and wool. Well, jokes on me. Now I swear by both.

When I tried Elysian, I was won over - but it didn't count! See, I told myself that since it had some contrast, it wasn't really a natty wrap... it was just light-colored. Of course.

Asphodel on left, Elysian on right.

With Asphodel, I really don't even have that to fall back on. It's still got the faintest bit of contrast, but not nearly so much the sand color as Elysian. It is similar in many ways, but I much preferred it as an "all-around" wrap.

Beautiful "wrong side"

The higher linen content was the first thing I noticed. It wasn't as smooshy soft as Elysian was right out of the bag. After the first wash, it was quite wrinkled. I ironed it out, and was a bit sad to find that with wear, Asphodel did wrinkle again.

Even with 45 lbs of toddler, I didn't worry about the knot slipping!

However, after a week of heavy use, the wrinkles seemed to lessen. I washed it again, and it wasn't wrinkled at all! I tossed it right in the tumble dryer, and it came out completely soft and mouldable. The wrinkling seemed perfectly normal, and it seemed to stop after a few washes and plenty of use.

Did very well on our long adventure!

Broken in, Asphodel retains quite a bit more texture than Elysian. It's not scratchy, but the linen gives it a bit of grip that feels essential with a bigger kid. It's very supportive - I walked close to a mile with 35 pounds of toddler on my back, and 12 pounds of infant on my front, and Asphodel made it as comfortable as it could be in 95 degree heat! Gorgeously mouldable and breathable, I think it matched Elysian as "second skin" quality.

The difference in texture that shows the pattern.

I'm pleased to report that with this wrap, I got to try it with both squish and preschooler - and it did beautifully with both! I've sent it on to it's next home, and I'm still plotting a way to snag one back again. This and the TS release are both going to be stunning in person, and I think they'll make for fantastic shorties. I think Asphodel will beat Elysian as a shorty, but match it in base size. Asphodel is just a little bit better with big kids, and has just a little more weight and texture. As far as personal preference, I prefer Asphodel!