Lovaloom Grove Mono Mini Review

 

Lovaloom Grove Mono
54% Pima Cotton / 23% Silk / 23% Ramie / 315 GSM
2 years and 33 pounds

As 2017 wraps up I was looking thru my photos and reminiscing about all the testers and visitors I’ve had pass thru this year and Lovaloom Grove Mono stands out as my favorite machine woven and so I’d be remiss not to share photos and review.

 

 

 

• Very flat, smooth texture, barely a hint of the pattern raised.
• Medium to high diagonal stretch.
• Generous Lovaloom signature hems, nice tactile feel in hand.
• Soapy, but passes stay firmly in place.
• Two tones and pattern is three leaf design of light and charcoal gray on black.

Quite simply this wrap is a mono lovers dream and I found it suitable and comfortable for wearing a heavier toddler for longer periods of time.

 

Thank you Christine at Lovaloom for allowing this tester to visit us.

Happy New Year dear readers, may 2018 bring you peace and happiness.

Lovaloom Astra Geminidas Review

Lovaloom Astra Geminidas

59% Pima cotton / 37% Mulberry silk / 2% polyamide / 2% polyester / 330 GSM

23 months and 28 pounds 

I've long had an affinity for all things celestial in design. I was really looking forward to seeing the Astra design in person and it did not disappoint. The Geminidas colorway is black and ecru with very subtle golden sparkles. I immediately noted how dense and weighty the wrap is, one of the more substantial I've tested.

In hand there is a medium diagonal stretch, the wrap is soapy, with the black side slightly more soapy than the cream. Medium - high thickness, feels more substantial due to the dense, tight weave. Very flat texture, there is slightly more texture and grip along the inside rails, which are generous and have lovaloom written in the pattern on the cream side only. There is no rough feel from the subtle golden sparkles, just an overall soft and soapy wrap.

For me the Astra design is a whimsical classic. Especially in the Geminidas colorway, black and ecru, you can't go wrong. This is a wrap design and colorway you will not tire of quickly is my guess. In different carries you get a different look and feel, depending on if the large stars or moon are featured more prominently, or the connected constellations. Astra Geminidas is a wrap you can dress up or down, if you need a fun, but special occasion wrap this is a perfect choice.

I found this Astra very easy to wrap with, the soapiness really assists in getting a precise wrap job, but it is also a very forgiving wrap with sloppy carries too. For someone with a squirmy toddler sometimes you need a wrap that you can get your child up in under 30 seconds, but it will also be comfortable for more than 30 minutes! I am currently not a typical wearer with a back injury, so it says a lot for me if I can use a wrap for any period of time past a few minutes. I mostly wore this wrap in double hammock tied in front and it was a dream with my heavier toddler. It also performed well in a ruck, very solid and supportive. This blend was really a downright pleasure to wrap with, weighty yet soft, lots of glide and some wool like properties, though there is no wool content. It wraps very similarly to both Omnifera Wings of Desire, which I have previously reviewed, and Artipoppe Argus Signature Jack.

Astra Geminidas would be on the top of my list for my toddler if I was in the market for a wrap right now. The pattern will appeal to those who love classic and slightly quirky, but the blend is all over a stand out for heavier babies and toddlers. I would give it a pass for a newborn, but as we all know newborns grow up quickly and this wrap will be there for the long haul and long carries. I almost always personally prefer wraps in my base or longer, but this Astra will shine as a shorty too, there is very little stretch while wearing and no sag, so it will be a solid toddler worthy shorty. If  you need grip at all give this one a pass, same if you like an airier wrap, or thin in hand - This will not be the wrap for you. If you love luxurious blends, heavier weight, dense and tight weaves, glide and soapiness, Astra Geminidas is definitely a wrap for you.

Thank you Christina at Lovaloom for letting me experience the stellar Astra Geminidas!

Find Lovaloom's chatter group on Facebook here.

Omnifera Wings of Desire Sandalphon Review

Omnifera Wings of Desire Sandalphon
78% Pima cotton/14% Mulberry silk/8% baby camel / 300 GSM pre wash
1 year and 26 pounds

*Note tested and photographed in March 2016.

Wings of Desire is a weighty wrap and upon arrival I could feel that and that there is also very low texture and a smooth dense feel. The name made me smile as I am a long time fan of the Wim Wenders film of the same name. Wings of Desire Sandalphon on first feel is a high quality, luxurious blend.

Back to the low texture, running my hand over the wrap I didn't anticipate much if any grip while wrapping. There is a low amount of diagonal stretch. Wings of Desire is medium thickness and dense, but holding it up to the sun it shows as less dense and there is a floppiness to the wrap as well, which I felt would translate to easier wrapping.

Wings of Desire Sandalphon will appeal to those who dig retro colors and vibes. The brown is a cool toned milk chocolate and paired with creamy ecru the other vibe here is classy. The wing pattern dominates the wrap, but because of the colors it doesn't look busy or overwhelming.

I wore the wrap with my 1 year old main wrappee in double hammock with a CCCB, ruck tied Tibetan knotless, and FWCC. The low texture translated to almost no grip while wrapping. It's really easy to tighten, but extra care is needed to maintain tension. I did have to adjust my carry a few times, in ruck especially and double hammock. Wings of Desire has no itchiness from the baby camel content, I have previously tried Artipoppe baby camel blends and this is very comparable. Because the wrap is floppy and moulds very well it feels less like a heavyweight, but the width of the wrap keeps me from wholeheartedly recommending to newborn wearers. This wrap will shine as a shorty for toddlers, the cush and support is there, and if you did a carry like ruck or ruck tied under bum and it was very tight you wouldn't have to readjust and could wear for extended periods of time because of how cushy and supportive Wings of Desire is. If you are looking for easy care, or a grippy wrap, this one isn't for you. If you enjoy luxury blends and need a lot of cush for your shoulders this wrap performs well and with a toddler in single pass carry you will be able to carry for extended periods comfortably. We enjoyed our time with the wrap, cushy and bouncy, and full of sleepy dust.

Please check out the Omnifera Facebook chatter group here.

Linuschka Bolero Feerie Review

Linuschka Bolero Feerie
48% Peruvian pima cotton / 52% Tussah silk
1 year and 24 pounds / 2 years and 38 pounds

Bolero Feerie is one of the most textured wraps I've had the pleasure of testing. The nubs and slubs on this silky beauty were the first thing I noticed and I am still in awe. The wrap was just slightly brighter and more pink toned than I was expecting from the pictures I had seen.

 

Medium thin in hand, Bolero Feerie is deliciously textured with all the nubs and slubs creating a woven wrap that is a tactile delight. Both sides have the same nubby texture which creates a look of perfect imperfection. The vintage feeling floral pattern also adds some texture and ups the grippy feel. This wrap does feel more dense, but holding it up to the light you can see there is an airiness along the lines of the pattern. There is also a low to medium amount of stretch.

The Bolero design will appeal to those lovers of boho style and vintage vibes. Bolero Feerie has a lot going on, in a good way, and can be a statement wrap, or fit in nicely if you have other standout pieces in your outfit that are detailed and textured. The different colors of tangerine, coral pink, and cream create a warm and pretty pink toned orange. The silk adds a warm sheen. The overall effect here of color, texture, and design is exquisitely luxe and beautiful.

I wore Bolero Feerie mostly with my 1 year old, but decided to test a simple ruck with my older toddler who is a formidable 38 pounds and was very pleased with the support and cush. He was by no means weightless feeling, but there was no digging and very good support for a single pass carry and a heavier fellow. With my 1 year old I put this wrap thru the paces with FWCC and double hammock many variations. We wore it a lot and for long periods of time, 2 plus hours. This beauty became our nap wrap, so silky soft and such gorgeous drape. I had anticipated the pattern and nubby texture would result in a wrap that is grippy and more of a challenge for those second passes and that was absolutely not the case here. The grip was just the right amount to aid maintaining tension with tightening, but glides over easily and tightens easily. I needed just slightly more work on my initial chest pass in double hammock, but pulling the second pass over my baby the wrap glides easily for all the texture. This wrap is also very forgiving with sloppier wrap jobs. The strong tussah silk fibres were evident here in long wears and how well the wrap moulds provided additional comfort for those long wear times. Some wrappers may find it to be more on the narrow side and more care is needed with creating a seat and adjusting the wrap high enough on your child's back, but I personally am used to slightly more narrow wraps such as Kokoro and it was not an issue for me. Wraps similarly to Sling Studio Falling Feathers Margot Storm.

Linuschka Bolero Feerie is one of those wraps where it's exceptional good looks match it's equally impressive wrapping qualities. I wholeheartedly recommend it for all ages and in all sizes. For toddlers though I think this would be stellar in base size for multi pass carries, unless you are only planning on wearing your toddler for short ups. This wrap is not for you if you don't like a lot of texture, or lines and "imperfections" bother you. Also if you prefer smooth wraps and a lot of slip, you may want to give this one a pass. Though you may also want to give it a chance as I tend to prefer smooth and dense wraps with low texture and a lot of stretch, but that is not this wrap and I still think the wrapping qualities are amazing.

Thank you so much to Oxana for the wonderful opportunity to test this special wrap!

Find out more about Linuschka here: http://www.linuschka.de/en/

Minako Naomi Prototype Review

Minako Naomi Prototype
44% Egyptian cotton/32% Merino wool/24% Mulberry silk / 292 GSM
1 year and 24 pounds


Unwrapping this beauty I caught my breath. Minako Naomi features a take on the pattern of a peacock feather and it's a worthy interpretation focusing on the downy barbs and "heart". The almost highlighter pink has a beautiful hint of coral and is more vibrant in person, and the soft dove gray compliments it perfectly. I was immediately impressed with how soft this wrap is, the blend here is all luxury and you can feel it.


The stretch is significant and if you are a lover of stretch as I am you will be delighted. In hand it is floppy with a beautiful drape, perfect to cocoon your babe or toddler in. It is rather thick feeling which may feel a bit overwhelming for wrapping brand new babies in, but the softness is so perfect for a new baby, I would not dissuade wrapping a newborn with this prototype. I also didn't anticipate this wrap to be pull prone as the weave is denser and no large floats in the pattern.

Elegant and edgy, for me this is a wrap that comprises both. I envision many wrappers with different styles loving the look of Minako Naomi. I myself don't have a "girly" stash and this Minako Naomi prototype drew me in right away with the colors instantly appealing to me though they are not colors I have sought out to have in a wrap. This is a "feel beautiful" wrap if ever there was one.

I wore Minako Naomi everyday I had it, pretty much eschewing all other wraps for this one. It wraps with ease and comfort. The passes glide with very little effort and tightening was equally easy. If you are a brand new wrapper you may find that tightening will require more effort than with a thinner wrap, but for an experienced wrapper there should be no issue at all. That said I also found the wrap very comfortable and supportive in sloppy carries which is huge for me with a wriggling 1 year old. The stretch aids in tightening and has good recovery while wearing, nice bounce with no sagging. The grip is minimal, but it's there and just right so you have no problem maintaining tension as you tighten. My favorite carries were FWCC and double hammock with CCCB, my CCCB was just right, bigger and supportive, but not bulky. The silk really gives this wrap strength and the merino wool adds a wonderful cushy feeling, on my shoulders this felt perfect even after long carries.

There is really nothing negative here to say. This is the wrap I didn't know I need to have. Out of all the testers that have been thru here, this one is so far my hands down favorite. It's amazing. Personally I love it in my base or maybe a 4, but it will work beautifully in all sizes and from newborn to toddler. There will be some extra care issues because of the silk and wool, but well worth any extra effort to launder.

Thank you Minako for the opportunity to test! I'm excited to hopefully try more, especially vegan friendly blends.


Find Minako's Facebook page here and chatter group here.

PinkNova Cloudless Birds of Paradise Review

PinkNova Cloudless Birds of Paradise
75% Egyptian cotton/25% Mulberry silk / 240 GSM
1 year and 22 pounds

The first thing I thought looking at Cloudless Birds of Paradise was this is a unique pattern and placement for a woven wrap, you catch glimpses of the pattern, but large spaces with no pattern, just the cool, calm colors. The cream silk side has a fine and not too slippery feel and is a nice contrast to the light cool blue cotton side. Both sides have a smooth flat feel with a low amount of texture.

This wrap will appeal to someone wanting a soft and spare looking wrap that has a subtle elegance. There is an understated luxurious feel and look. Wearing this wrap I felt very calm and serene and and wanted to keep the rest of my attire rather simple to complete my look.

Wrapping with it, there is a lot more slip than I had anticipated just feeling it in hand. Considering this I think a more experienced wrapper would enjoy this wrap over a newbie wrapper. Tightening and maintaining tension is more challenging, particularly for multi pass carries.

 

I really enjoyed Cloudless Birds of Paradise in my base and in a double hammock and FWCC, but it also has the chops to pull off a simple ruck, it is dense and sturdy, though it is on the thinner side. This is definitely a toddler worthy wrap and I would recommend it in either a shorty or base for more experienced wrappers. It is also lovely and velvety soft once broken in for newborns.

PinkNova has an aesthetic that I find very appealing and I think their thoughtful designs are current and modern feeling without being trendy. I've had the pleasure of testing a few PinkNova wraps and love that they offer thoughtful design combined with wrapping qualities that are superb.

Thank you Judith and Ilse at PinkNova for the opportunity to test this beauty!

For more information on PinkNova please visit their website: http://pinknova.com/