Carrying a priceless package
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| Shanna Leone of Spring Valley sits at her sewing machine while working on her latest custom made Asian-style baby carriers. Leone initially made one as a gift for a friend but has since made 30 or 40 and now sells them. (BCR photo/Jessica Gray) |
SPRING VALLEY — After searching for a gift for an expectant friend’s baby, Shanna Leone turned a unique gift into a hobby.
Leone of Spring Valley said she was searching for a gift for her friend, who was living in Japan and expecting a baby. A store-bought gift just wouldn’t do.
“Typically when I make gifts for baby showers or new babies I make afghans,” Leone said.
Her friend was returning home to give birth, while her husband was serving in the military.
“I was looking for something different. I did a lot of research, and I found these Asian-style baby carriers. I looked at it and thought, ‘I could make one of those’,” she said smiling.
“I was looking for something that would kind of fit in over there and remind her of that when they come home. I found this gorgeous fabric, emerald green brocade, with Japanese scenes on it. I knew she would love it,” she said.
Leone said she’s been sewing and crafting since she was a child, and she decided to take the idea of the baby carriers and make it a little bit better.
She came up with her own pattern and since last summer, the baby carriers have taken off. She said she’s made 30 or 40 of them, some as gifts, and some she’s sold for $40.
As she sat in her family room, Leone pointed to the stack of colorful fabric in her dining room, and said she had five orders in the process of being made.
Leone picked one up and demonstrated how to put it on, which can be worn in front of your body, with the baby facing out or in, on your back, and even on your hip.
For a younger baby facing the person’s chest, Leone instructs people to tie the straps around their own waist, and take the baby and pull it in to your chest, with the straps going over your shoulder. The straps crisscross in the back and tie in the front, across the baby’s back, providing support.
Leone allowed for gaps in the sides for an older child’s legs to dangle. There is an arch in the top providing support for the baby’s head as they grow, but it can also be folded down, should someone wish the child to face out. Leone provides a self-made brochure to people who purchase them, with instructions on how to use them as well as precautionary tips.
“Once I get the fabric cut, it takes about an hour and a half, maybe two hours depending on the fabric. The silkier fabrics I go a little slower, so they don’t snag. They’re all machine washable, even with the fancy fabrics. So if you have spit up or baby food get on it, you can toss it in the wash, and they’re fine,” she said.
Though they are Asian-style baby carriers, Leone said she’s had requests for a variety of fabrics, including a Chicago Bears’ theme, but said the silky, satiny fabrics she uses are the most popular.
“I’ve been making them for almost a year now and have not gotten tired of making them. They’re so fun. My youngest child, he’s 3, he wants to try out every one. We try out every single one to make sure it’s going to hold his weight; he’s 35 pounds, which is the weight limit I tell people,” she said.
“I do follow-up with everyone I sell them to. So far the reviews have been pretty great. It’s just a joy to make them,” she added.
For more information on the baby carriers, contact Leone at (815) 878-0187
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