Bijou Wear Abstract Mirage Review

Bijou Wear Abstract Mirage
66 % Egyptian mercerized cotton / 33% standard cotton / 240 GSM
23 months and 28 pounds


Abstract Mirage is the third Bijou Wear I've had the pleasure of trying. Upon opening the package I was sure it was a shorty because of how compact the wrap folds up, but in fact it was not. Out fell a long, deliciously shimmery silver/white wrap in a modern and fresh feeling design. There is just a hint of sea glass blue/green in the shimmer that plays up differently in different lighting. Letting the wrap fall across my lap and moving it around in the light, the name Mirage seems at once apt.

 

In hand this wrap is textured with a very lovely sheen, due to the mercerized cotton, but it is also a dry wrap. The kind of dry that will make that slight creaky sound while wearing if you know what I mean. I would be curious to see how it breaks in, I imagine some of the dryness in hand will go away. Abstract Mirage is also exceptionally thin in hand with a medium-high diagonal only stretch.

The name suggests modern abstract paintings and the design shows a brush stoke effect. Looking at the wrap the texture is very evident and the mix of sheen and matte do well to further enhance the look of texture. That said this is a flat texture, the weave is smoother and on the denser side. You will find no nubs or slubs here. There is an airiness in the design, if you hold the wrap up to the light, it is not see thru, even for the thinness of the wrap, but light shines in along certain lines of the design. Style wise, if higher end fashion appeals to you, but you don't get to partake in real life, this is the wrap for you. It will elevate your look anytime you wear it.

 

While wrapping the diagonal stretch isn't very apparent at all. There is zero sag once wrapped when wearing, and the wrap moulds quite nicely. The texture of Abstract Mirage translates to a grippy wrap, the type of grip that can hold a single knot, but the level of grippiness won't hold much of a challenge for more experienced wearers. In multi pass carries such as a double hammock a newer wrapper may need to put in more work, but the results are worth it. I am currently not a typical wearer due to a back injury and a toddler - I need a lot from a wrap, cush usually and a great deal of strength and support. There is not a lot of cush, nor bounce with Abstract, but no dig at all, and amazing strength and support. I also really enjoyed the lack of bulkiness on my shoulders and the easy and numerous pleats! Trying to think of what this wraps similarly too, and I think of Almitra Tattva Phirozi, which is a woolie, but equally thin in hand and also equally astonishing for the amount of strength and support.

 

 

I really enjoyed using this wrap in my base (ish) size and that would be my personal preference for this wrap, but it will perform well in a shorty. The lack of bulkiness, plus softness and smoothness makes this a good choice for a newborn wrap and it will work well beyond the newborn phase. This is a toddler worthy wrap, especially if you are looking for a thin toddler worthy wrap, you will find those are harder to come by. If you enjoy thin, denser wraps, with flatter texture, no nubby fibres, this is one to check out. Lovers of a lot of stretch, or very cushy, or blankety wraps may want to sit this one out. Though it may be one that surprises you too. My own wrap qualities that I love have certainly changed and evolved a bit the more I try.

Thank you Jaime for letting Abstract Mirage visit us!

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Aquarelle Handwovens Still Waters Review

Aquarelle Handwovens Still Waters
Cotton warp / cottolin weft
22 months and 28 pounds


The first thing I noted with this tester is how vibrant and vivid the different shades of blue are and how the networked twill weave combined with those blues gives the illusion of tranquil waves of water. Also even at just 3.2 meters, folded up this is a bulkier feeling wrap.

In hand Still Waters is very textured, rather bumpy feeling and decidedly dry. There is very little stretch, but a solid feel. Still Waters has the characteristics of a densely woven wrap, though it is not quite tight and dense, but the complex weave has the heft of density. The texture, very apparent and raised will translate to a lot of grip while wrapping.

Back to those gorgeous blues, looking closely there are also some violets mixed in and a section all along the bottom rail with sandy brown blended in. The networked twill weave has a look of those Magic Eye posters I used to stare at as a child. Still Waters has a knitted sweater vibe and will fit in well with more casual styles and mix well with other textures and colors.

I used this wrap mainly in rucksack carry variations and it performed beautifully. I did have to put a bit more oomph into tightening knots, but this is also a wrap that could hold a single knot capably if needed, it's that grippy. I am currently not a typical wearer, I need a lot of cush and strength to wear for any amount of time with my toddler. I was able to wear Still Waters for good stretches of time. My toddler is also currently a bit of a seat popper and this wrap is rock solid, no losing seats, no slipping out of comfortable carries, once wrapped, no adjustments needed. I wore this on warmer sunny days and into the cooler Fall evenings and it did well with both. This is a medium to thick wrap, but for all the texture and weight there is a bit of airiness in the weave as well. The selvages are straight and neat, and the hem work cleanly done. Still Waters shows Elena to be an impeccable weaver.

If you are looking for a very toddler worthy shorty Still Waters is a great contender. There is loads of cush and wonderful support for heavier babies and toddlers. You will need to be okay with grippy, little to no stretch, and a heavier textured wrap - if those are wrap qualities you enjoy, you will get along very well with this wrap. This wouldn't be my preference for a squish, better from 6 months and up. Also I would advise those who prefer thinner, flat or smooth, and a lot of stretch in wraps to pass this one up.

Thank you Elena for the opportunity to try this blue beauty!

Find Aquarelle's chatter group here.