Colourways

The most exciting part of designing this wrap is, of course, the colourway aspect. At least that's what I thought until I started trying to lock down only four designs. Just when you think you have worked out what the babywearing community is attracted to they shift, morph and simply change their minds! Wrap slings, like most carriers, are ultimately a fashion accessory. Babywearers choose them as much for their aesthetic as for their utility. Some match them to the baby's gender; some have a different carrier for each outfit; some have 'special event' carriers; some have fanatical devotion to purple; some have partners who eschew anything vaguely feminine; some love busy, some neutral. It goes on and on!
Frustratingly, I can't use the only design I know for sure that I would like to use because it was part of the Ellaroo colourway design contest this year. Designed by a "SallyC" it has just the right eucalyptus'y tones for an Aussie wrap:

I've asked on thebabywearer if anyone knows who SallyC is so I can ask her to design an alternate for me but in the meantime I'm messing around with using the same colours in a different configuration:

I don't mind this one but it is somehow less satisfying than the original and less evocative of the bush to me. I suspect it is because it is less simple in design. I'll keep working on it...
The other colourway that I like is one I am calling MamawooIn the neutrals corner is Paulus' (sling_dad) design. It's really lovely and simple but not one I'd ever choose myself:


As a bold experiment, this cream and red appeals in a french, boat shirt kind of way:

I also really want something in peacock tones of purple, blue, green and black but am yet to settle on something that appeals.
Most important of all, I am searching for an indigenous artist to design a colourway for me in ochre tones that evoke traditional indigenous art. This is proving more difficult than expected!
I am very excited to be in discussion with innovative designer Lara Cameron from Melbourne who produces the most gorgeous screen-printed fabrics. I'm considering having a design commissioned to be screen-printed onto a solid, neutral version of my weave. This would be a new and exciting product for wrappers...