Sew A New Native Sling: McCall's 5678 Review

I made Evangeline a sling for her birthday! 

I have been wanting a baby sling for Evangeline for the last 6 months.  We have a number of baby carriers but I really wanted to have a baby sling that I could put on in just a few seconds for short episodes of baby wearing.  Originally I hoped to purchase a Maya Wrap Ring Sling but the money I had saved for that was needed to buy gas for a trip we just took.  Then I decided to try to make a Maya.  The company is so nice that they even put the instructions for how to sew one on their website!  When it came time to sew the Maya Wrap I could not find my special ring slings that a friend had given me years ago.

Then I remembered the McCalls pattern I had purchased last year that included a Mei Tai and a sling pouch.  Ta da!  The sling looks very similar to a New Native Sling Pouch.  The happy hubby was watching the kiddos so this was the perfect time to get started on a new project just in time for Evangeline's first birthday!  I am really pleased with how it turned out!

Back view without baby.

 I made View A in a size large.  I measured myself from shoulder to hip and this appeared to be the perfect size.  In hindsight I think the sling is a little snug.  The next time that I sew this pattern I would probably add about 2".

Backview with baby.

 I used a fun cotton print for the exterior that I had in my stash that is heavier than your average woven cotton print.  I did line the sling as the pattern suggested with a fun polka dot fabric that actually came from a sheet.  One thing that I didn't realize until I was sewing this project is the fact that the sling is actually reversible!  Pretty neat!  It would be really cute to make one side a boy print and one side a girly print if you were giving it as a gift.

 I almost skipped the exterior pocket to save time but I am glad that I didn't.  It is really handy to throw my phone or keys inside.  I did not add the pocket to the inside because I didn't want anything to rub against the baby and I didn't want to add any unnecessary work.  :)

The Velcro placement for the pocket appears to be a misprint.  I don't think the Velcro should be placed against the fold line.  I moved mine down an inch or two.  (I also used PINK Velcro for this project.)  I also added top stitching after step 15 which really makes the project look nice.

Overall I am pleased with how the sling turned out besides the fact that it is just a little bit snug.  (I would never be able to breastfeed while wearing this which I can successfully do with a young baby in the Baby K'Tan.)  :)  I do think that this would make a nice gift but it might be difficult to make the right size without taking measurements.

Since this sling isn't bulky at all I can roll it up tightly and place it in my diaper bag which is a huge bonus!  You never know when your baby might need to be carried when you least expect it!