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June Newsletter 2003 | |
 Lei and Stephen |
In this issue: Traditional Chinese Baby Carriers of the Miao and Dong Minority Groups New Product: Bonding via Baby Carriers book New Baby Wearing Resources Page |
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We just added a book about traditional Chinese baby carriers to our store (see below), so I thought that I would excerpt a little bit from the book. Enjoy! "This is the tradition of Chinese minorities such as the Miao and Dong people: When girls are eight or nine, they begin to learn the traditional techniques. Before these young girls are married out of the family, they have to learn how to make the clothes that will dress them and their families for the rest of their lives. . . She has to learn every step that would enable a woman to make an article of clothing." "Some of these techniques can be traced back two thousand years to the Han dynasty. . . The more skillful a young woman is at making clothes, the more highly esteemed is her intellect and femininity. An "intelligent" young woman not only becomes an exemplary role model for her younger sisters and other young girls, she is also the object of admiration for many young suitors. It is precisely because they see such a strong connection between weaving, embroidery, batik dyeing, love, and life that young girls will dedicate all their energy into perfecting this particular technique and make baby carriers. . . Furthermore, when a young woman makes a baby carrier, it is with a feeling of hopeful expectation and boundless love for her child-to-come that she designs this article of clothing. The baby carrier bespeaks the deep and complex emotions of a mother's love." - Bonding via Baby Carriers, Lan, Lin, and Lin New Product: Bonding via Baby Carriers book We are thrilled to be offering a beautiful book, Bonding via Baby Carriers, about traditional Chinese baby carriers of the Miao and Dong minority groups. The pictures are lush and the text, which is in English, Japanese, and Chinese, describes the symbolism behind many of the designs used on these gorgeous carriers. This month we are offering our newsletter readers 10% off of this new book for the next two weeks (until June 20). New Baby Wearing Resources Page Some of you have already noticed that we have added a Baby Wearing Resources page to our website. We have our archived newsletters here, as well as links to baby wearing email lists, baby wearing instructions, and web pages about traditional baby carriers. Please feel free to let me know if you have any suggestions for this page. Enjoy! "Dream Package" Contest Winners We have our Dream Packages chosen! (Winners will be receiving their new Arco Iris Rebozos soon.) There are some interesting similarities that have risen to the top. We have bundled each package of baby slings and baby carriers together on the website and are offering a discount when purchased together. One stop shopping for newborn through too-heavy-to-think-about-carrying stage! The Nancy: Maya Wrap Pouch, EllaRoo Wrap, and Ergo Baby Carrier The Maija: Rosado Sling, Long Wraparound (EllaRoo or Girasol), Short Wraparound (EllaRoo or Girasol), Ergo Baby Carrier The Mares: Rosado Sling, Girasol Wrap, Ergo Baby Carrier The Jan: Rosado Sling, Rebozo, Ergo Baby Carrier Explanations of the choices are shown on the detail pages for each package. It is very instructive to read what experienced slingers have to say about their favorite carriers. How are we doing? I like to hear and see how your slings are working out for you. If you get a spare moment in your busy, busy schedules, I would love a note and a picture. If you like what you have read here, I would greatly appreciate it if you would forward this to a friend - or two! Thanks for your support! And have a good month. ~Vesta Hartman Garcia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We would be delighted if you would join our (no more than) monthly newsletter. Click here to subscribe. |
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hope this letter finds you all well.