Testing!

I finally got around to converting my Oscha Starry Night Raven so I thought I would test out some ideas at the same time.  Firstly this carrier has strap adjusters so two different sized wearers can use the same carrier by allowing you to shorten the strap.  This was quite easy to sew and worked great.  The only disadvantage of this is that a carrier with this feature is not reversible.

This carrier also have a zip off panel (an idea from a customer) which covers a solarveil mesh panel so it can be made more cozy when the weather is chilly.

The panel has zips on the side and rolls down (secured with ties) to expose the solarveil.  This carrier is not reversible although I hoped that it would be when I planned it out (but this shows the importance of always testing things out).  The zip down panel turned out to be much less bulky than I though it would be, even with zips on the side so it rolls out of the way quite nicely.  This panel has the interesting effect of making the carrier feel more like a carrier without darts but when unzipped the solarveil panel has a bit of give so it's quite like a darted carrier (darts give a deeper seat).  If felt fine either way but I did notice I had to bounce my son down more to get a good seat when the panel was zipped up as opposed to when it wasn't.

Action shot - panel zipped up!

Panel open to allow airflow.

I also tested out a foam waist.  I used a heavy but still flexible foam.  It is stiffer than my quilted waist though so if you would like to do high back carries I think the quilted waist is still the best option.  Overall I really liked this waist.