For the easiest entry to HSM ever, I started looking into ways to travel with my little one.
Before the use of strollers and the intricate baby carriers that’s becoming more and more popular, people (read women) used the easiest way of tugging their baby’s along – a fabric “sling”.
I will not go into the use of slings and ways to travel with baby’s in past times, since others do it so much better, like Som när det begav sig (link in Swedish). A simple google search will also give you the history from (more or les reliable) sites – most of which sell modern baby carriers and shawls.
The construction of my baby sling/shawl was to make a rectangle 3 x 1m and hem the edges.
I then tied it around my body (under one arm and over the other shoulder) and placed my baby in it.
And that’s that.
And since I sewed it by machine it actually took longer getting dressed for the photoshoot then it did making the sling.
Photos:
Photo: Maria Petersson
(I only let go of my hands for a second)
The Challenge: Nr 6 2016 – Travel
What: A baby sling
Year: 1500-1600s
Material: 3,5 m of ivory cotton
Pattern: None – I just cut a rectangle 1 x 3,5 m and hemmed it.
Notions: Thread.
How historically accurate is it? The fabric should probably be linen or wool, but since this was meant as a first try I think it would do. the machine stitching are on the other hand not at all accurate. 6/10
Hours to complete: 10 minutes
First worn: Beginning august for photos, but will maybe be used late August for a Medieval fair.
Total cost: 100 Sek (16 Usd)
Final thoughts This was such a cheat. It was way to easy and fast to really count, bu since I did have my baby (!) in June I think I can give myself a break.
Fashion Through Herstory 