My fourth baby, Bentley, was the inspiration for "Bees carry me!" When this sweet boy was born I could see that caring for him was going to be much different than the first three. For starters we don’t live across the street from grandma anymore...
You see, shortly after our first son was born in 2002 my husband was called up to serve in Iraq, so I went back home to live with my parents who helped alleviate the stress of being a 'single mom'. Eventually Matt came home, grandma & grandpa retired and we all settled down in a quiet town to watch our three little ones grow up together.
Then came our cross country move last summer. It didn't take long to realize how often I had made use of those extra hands & laps that grandma & grandpa provided. With such constant & willing help around, my husband and I became well... spoiled. Since motherhood had multiplied my work I was desperate to find a way for both my baby and I to be comfortable as I went about the daily business of satisfying hungry mouths, getting homework done and keeping our house, our budget and our lives in order.
Having met dissatisfaction so many times by the various baby wraps, slings and hip-carriers that I had used in the past, I got to searching. Every once in awhile something would catch my eye but none passed the test. They were either too cumbersome, too hot or were not well suited for use on the go. That's when I decided to make my own. After several attempts I finally had an "ahhh" moment when I made and wore my first adjustable ring-sling. My baby and I were both in heaven and have been ever since.
Everywhere I go people ask me where I got my sling. Understanding their interest in something so comfy & cute I decided to start making them for others. It only makes sense that I would do so by re-purposing vintage sheets & draperies since they're my favorite source for unique fabrics. And my big "AHA!" moment came as I happened upon a thrift shop that supports the Military Order of the Purple Heart and has plenty of vintages sheets to choose from. But more importantly, since my husband is now a disabled vet himself it really seems appropriate that my little 'Bees carry me!' slings should give back to our country's veterans.
