It's Sakura Bloom Sample Sale time, with a twist. Our winter Sample Sale went down in January but after shipping it all we realized that we've still got some goodies left to move here at the workshop. Soooo, enter...
Sample Sale, Round 2!
What? When? Where? You're in the right place. Our schedule of events and FAQ below will have you in the loop and ready to go.
The sale is online this Friday but we've got some fun happening over on Instagram now!
SALE SCHEDULE
$500 Giveaway Hop over to Instagram to enter to win!
Sample Sale Opens The Sample Sale, Round 2 goes live at 10am pacific time. The sale is online only. Shop Sale
Read our Sample Sale FAQs below!
What is the Sample Sale?
This is when we sell our store demos, show samples, or an old colorway that may be hiding on a shelf in a back room somewhere.
It is not a discount code. It is a random collection of carriers that will appear in our Sample Sale collection at a discounted price. Demand is high, and it always gets crazy!
How can I find the Sample Sale?
The link to the Sample Sale will be right up in our main menu!
All sales are final, and due to the sheer volume of orders, we cannot edit or cancel any order once it has been placed. A good idea to make sure that the shipping address on your account is up to date!
Will the carriers come in their retail packaging?
No, they will not come in their retail packaging. All carriers will be wrapped in tissue paper and shipped in a box, but they will not include the retail packaging.
What will the prices be?
Prices are shown when the sale is live. We do not announce them beforehand as there are too many variables, rest assured the prices are very good.
What colors/styles will be in the sale?
One of the most exciting things about the Sample Sale is that it is not previewed (kind of like an egg hunt!). Our sale inventory is revealed when the shop opens at 10 am pacific time. We can say that all 3 carrier styles will be in the sale.
How will I know the details of the carrier? What color leather, etc.
The title of each carrier will include all the details you need to know about the carrier.
Ring Slings: unless otherwise noted in the title of the product, all ring slings will be our standard 75" length, and the rings on the ring slings will be Gold. We have had a few different gold ring colors, we cannot guarantee a certain gold.
I have a gift code/store credit, can I use it during the Sample Sale?
Yes! You are welcome to use your gift code or store credit during the sample sale. However, due to the volume of orders we cannot refund any unused/forgotten, etc. coupon codes or store credits after the order has been placed. Thank you for understanding.
Is this sale online only, how does this work?
Yes, the sale is online only. It is first come, first served and demand is high so be sure to create an account in advance and have your payment info handy. Please be aware that items placed in your cart are not “ yours” until you have fully checked out.
We will be shutting down the site before the launch to add inventory (a couple of hours before). We will turn the site back on once the sale is live at 10 am pacific time. Shop the Sample Sale here.
When will items from the sample sale begin shipping?
Unless otherwise noted, we ask that everyone allow three weeks for carriers to begin shipping due to the sheer volume of orders all at once. Everything will be shipping right from our San Diego workshop.
Please Note: We print shipping labels in bulk and then ship over the next couple weeks. If you see that a shipping label has been created for your order but your order hasn't shipped, this is normal :) Please refrain from emailing to ask when your order will ship as this slows the shipping process as it is the same team doing both emails and shipping. Thank you for your cooperation.
Is there a link to the sale?
]]>Extend your babywearing days with Sakura Bloom in our new Toddler Scout. A larger version of our standard Scout carrier, you and your growing toddler will enjoy the extra room and support a larger panel and longer shoulder straps will provide on your adventures. All made from the same fine, natural fibers and textiles you know and love!
Do I need a Toddler Scout?
Are you feeling like you've outgrown your standard Scout (or any other SSC carrier)? Is your baby over 25lb and you know that you want to keep that babywearing bond going for as long as possible? Then, our Toddler Scout might just be for you!
Ideal for kiddos between 25-60 lbs, our Toddler Scout's large, cinch-able panel allows you to get a supportive knee to knee fit on your growing toddler while our hammock seat scoops them up providing plenty of ergonomic M seat support for those important on-the-go toddler naps.
*Charlie, pictured here wears a size 3T pant.
Still not sure? Here are a couple of common scenarios in a Q+A format, plus some carrier comparisons showing difference sized little ones in each of our Scout carriers below.
My baby is 10 months and 28lbs. Our current carrier isn’t supportive enough and I just want to buy one more!
Our original Scout has a weight limit of 45 lbs, and baby’s growth rate will plateau as they begin moving. A regular Scout will be the most comfortable choice for you and baby now, and offers plenty of growing room!
My 20 month old is active but loves snuggles. I still wear him for naps sometimes, and I’m pregnant.
A toddler Scout will give you both all the much needed support at this time-the wider base will support longer legs, and higher panel will keep a sleep heavy head closer to your center of gravity. The waistband can be worn under or over your bump (check out this post for more info!) while growing baby too! For your newborn, you can add a regular Scout to your collection and have the comfiest, most stylish tandem carry!
I have a petite 16 month old. She’s 20lbs and been walking for months already.
Try the regular Scout first. As she gets older and more independent, growth will slow further. There is a 20lb overlap between the weight limits for the regular Scout and Toddler Scout-most kiddos will be done being worn well before reaching the lower limit even!
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Mess Designs for Sakura Bloom. A part of our zero-waste initiative, the Compassion Project.
3 boxes of textile scrap “waste”
1 quilt artist
20 one-of-a-kind Sakura Blooms
In her 1st iteration, quilt artist, Merrill O'Malley (Mess Designs), has outdone herself, creating one-of-a-kind art from what most would call nothing. Textile scraps pieced anew, quilted masterfully, and handcrafted into 20 Scouts - each carrier will be listed for sale individually.
$50 from the sale of each carrier will be donated to Every Mother Counts to aid in their dedication to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere.
Mess Designs drops in the shop Wednesday, August 10, 10am PDT. View the lookbook and learn more about our Compassion Project below.
We care where our scraps end up.
Since 2016, we've been working hard to give back and create art, all while bringing new life to our scraps of silk, linen, bamboo, and cotton. In her first collection, Merrill has taken our linen scraps and stitched them into 20 individual quilts whose beauty can only be imagined through photography.
Once quilted - we cut and stitch them into carriers back at our San Diego workshop. Lined with our fan-favorite Basics linen and paired with our signature Whiskey leather, this collection is for the lover and coveter of all things natural, with a vintage edge.
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In the spirit of giving back to our community and our earth, our Compassion Project is a layered structure of recycling, reusing, and repurposing pre-loved carriers and scraps of silks, linens, and bamboo through art and non-profit donations.
Our Compassion Project Initiative has been going strong since it's inception in 2016. Since then with your support, we have donated just over $109,000 to non-profits around the world that need help as the time calls. This collection will be no exception - from the sale of each carrier $50 will be donated directly to Every Mother Counts.
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Pure linen blended with fine cotton fibers, lightly spun and woven into a cushy, honeycomb weave. Perfect for the summer season ahead, our limited edition Waffle collection is lightweight, flowy, and incredibly breathable - your new everyday favorite.
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Calling all stripe lovers! This soft, subtle railroad denim is at once supportive and cozy. The cotton twill weave will carry you through the day from adventures to naps in this understated neutral. Available in both leather and non leather Scouts and Onbuhimos.
]]>Basics Linen. Crafted from the softest linens, hand-dyed and tumbled dry in LA, this collection is perfect for all seasons. Our Basics have a classic linen texture and are pre-washed and tumbled dry making them soft and floppy. Please welcome, Acacia, Bourbon, Flax, Salt, and Vista.
Simple Silk. Perfect for the freshest of newborns, and rock-solid enough for the chunkiest of toddlers, our Spring 2022 Simple Silk are hand-dyed and tumbled dry in LA creating a soft and floppy silk yet incredibly lightweight and supportive. It's rock-solid support, ability to dry quickly and low profile packability make it the perfect carrier for any adventure. Please welcome, Fawn, Honey, and Sage.
The Details. In the shop Wednesday 10am PST. Newsletter subscribers will receive:
1. Free Worldwide Shipping
2. Early access to shop the drop at 9am PST. Sign up here.
View our Basics + Simple lookbooks below.
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Toffee, Spring 2022
Raw matka silk spun into fine yarns individually dyed, gathered, and woven 8 at a time to create a unique, matte silk perfect for the spring and summer seasons ahead. Soft, strong, and incredibly breathable - Toffee is a dream.
In the shop Wednesday 10am PST.
Newsletter subscribers will receive early access to shop the drop at 9am PST. Sign up here.
]]>But first... enter to win $500 to shop the drop. Scroll to the bottom of the lookbook to enter!
Vintage inspired light wash denim, quilted raw denim, and the softest wide wale cord for Spring 2022. Shop our Cameo Collection.
]]>Are you wearing your Scout like this? You should be!
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Our top Scout tip - make a hammock seat for your babe!
Our Scout carrier is designed for the waist belt fabric to come up between you and baby creating a safe, deep hammock seat for your baby. Many popular baby carriers (SSCs) have a padded waist belt that sits flat and low on your hips, and we've noticed a lot of Scouts being worn in that style but that's not going to be very comfy - for either of you! ⠀⠀⠀
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Here's how you do it...
]]>Looking for more tips like this? Hop up to the "Learn" section in our main menu, we've got lots!
Soft, linen Eyelet dances atop Flax, our fan favorite Basics linen. Available in both Ivory and Natural Eyelet, all carrier styles and with or without our signature Whiskey leather.
]]>Noir Cashmere: where sleepydust meets chic.
With the most luxuriously soft hand, sumptuous loft, and gorgeous drape, our Noir Cashmere Ring Sling is back for the holidays. Crafted of Italian cashmere, Noir is the ultimate in cozy support, temperature regulation, breathability, and durability. Perfect for keeping you warm all winter and into spring evenings.
Paired with our signature gold rings, blackest-black Noir goes with everything you want to wear this season.
]]>This season's lineup has us giddy with excitement as we welcome back some oldies from the archives along with some stunning newbies all available in your carrier of choice - Ring Sling, Onbuhimo, Scout, or Toddler Scout. Yes, you read that right. Read all about our new Toddler Scout for Fall here!
FW21, The Lookbook.
]]>30 Scouts, each individually numbered and one-of-a-kind.
Handwoven by artist and weaver, Rachel Snack of Weaver House. Colorful cotton and bamboo yarns intuitively woven in and out of a floral motif structure designed by Rachel brought her vision of a prairie landscape to life. Paired with our soft Flax linen, Butterscotch Italian leather, and gold hardware, each carrier has been crafted to perfection here in our San Diego workshop.
About Rachel Snack:
Rachel is an artist and weaver specializing in hand-woven cloth and textile conservation. She received her Bachelor of Fine Art in Fiber & Material Studies from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and her Master of Science in Textile Design from Philadelphia University.
]]>We are so excited to launch The Common Thread, sharing the amazing things we have in common while highlighting the things that make us unique. Kicking off this project, we're introducing the Banachs. Lynne, Eric, Teja, and Jai are the heart of Sakura Bloom and we loved interviewing them below!
We asked Teja and Jai (our resident mini-sling experts!) a question, and were going to include one from Eric as well, but then realized that we had way more questions for him. Peek back in on Sunday for a special interview with the very first #sakurabloomdad for #fathersday2016. ;)Name: Lynne Banach
My family includes: Eric, Teja (10), Jai (8), and Luna (our dog - she's 11). Anyone else think getting a dog was going to be great practice for having a baby? Ha!
What is unique about the wall I'm standing in front of: when we first moved to San Diego, we had a home office and, as I'm sure you all know, that can get distracting! Hello, dishes in the sink! So, Eric and I would often come here, to @coffee_coffee_leucadia to get in the zone. It's still one of our favorite places to relax and get work done when we need to really focus.
I'm from: Massachusetts originally, but now we're lucky enough to live and work in coastal San Diego. Our families live in Massachusetts and our slings are still handmade in our workshop there. :)
My role at Sakura Bloom is: Founder + Creative Director. Eric is my partner and Operations Director.
I spend 80% of my time at work brainstorming ideas and 20% in a frenzy trying to execute them.
The best thing about being a small business is: We've always loved having a mobile office because it allows us to spend time with our family. My kids go to a great little school in Cardiff-by-the-Sea that encourages travel and real-world experiences, and so, even though we have a physical office these days (a 145 square foot gazebo, actually!), we travel and we encourage our team to travel and explore with their families as well!
My favorite thing to do with the Sakura Bloom team is: lunch! and breakfast! It’s pretty much a part of everyone’s job description around here — must be ok with "business meetings" all over Encinitas to grab coffee, burritos, or fish tacos. Our very favorite place to eat is also one of my very favorite Instagram accounts — @fish101
People might be surprised to learn this about me: I actually have a degree in finance and had big dreams of trading stocks on Wall Street. I met Eric just a few months before my move - needless to say, I never made it to NYC... and I wouldn't change a thing!
The project that I'm currently most excited about is: our upcoming trip to India! Sourcing textiles for Sakura Bloom lines is my absolute favorite, and I can't wait to explore India with the kids!
If I'm snacking at work, I'm most likely having: Well, that depends! If Eric was so kind to send me off to work with something yummy then… Ezekiel bread with almond butter, blueberries, and a drizzle of honey on top! If I’m fending for myself that day… a pineapple + coconut muffin from @Pannikin!
My top babywearing tip is: Lock and key - the sling is the lock, and your baby is the key. Make sure you lift baby's weight to unlock the rings before adjusting (tightening OR loosening).
My favorite sling is: I don’t think I could ever pick just one. Silk has and always will be my absolute favorite, but I am kind of crushing on Birch right now.
Behind the scenes at Sakura Bloom looks like: Well, if you realllly want to know, you're probably already following us on Snapchat. ;) But basically our team of 5 works out of a small seaside design studio in Leucadia, California and our slings are made by hand at our workshop in coastal Massachusetts. We're a small business and we have a lot of fun, but are really focused to make sure that we are serving our customers and retailers in the best way possible with a product that is made in the USA and that will help improve and impact their lives.
Teja and Jai, what are your first memories with Sakura Bloom?
Teja: "We were doing a Sakura Bloom photo shoot at a warehouse in Massachusetts. I remember mom was putting sling son a dress form, and Nana was there." (Teja was 2)
Jai: "I remember being in the car and mommy said, 'I have a surprise... Daddy is going to work for Sakura Bloom... and we're moving to Colorado!'" (Jai was 3)
This was so much fun! Can't wait to introduce you all to @the_common_thread and our amazing community!
]]>Get ready! We're taking it old school and dropping all of our Core Collections at once. It's true...
Basics, Chambray, Theory, Simple, and Maven are all dropping this Thursday, 10am PST.
We've got one big bouquet of fresh colorways and textiles landing in the shop just in time for Spring. You can view all of our new colorways here and they will be available for sale on Thursday at 10am PST. In celebration, we'll be showing off all of our new colorways, one collection at a time over on Instagram as we lead up to the drop, so stay tuned!
PLUS, 2 important things to know right now...
1 - We're giving away $1000 to shop the drop, more of reason to hop over and follow us on Instagram - @lovesakurabloom
2 - Shop the drop early! We're giving our newsletter subscribers 1 hour early access to shop on Thursday, so make sure you're signed up. We'll be sending out the password before the drop which will allow you to enter the shop at 9:00am pst!
Cheers to a new season full of hope, love, and adventures!
]]>Peep all of our new Spring colorways here. They will be available for purchase on Thursday, 10am PST.
This is the perfect time of year to snuggle your little ones and keep them close. Enjoy your winter babywearing!
]]>Our Onbuhimo is a waistless carrier (woohoo!), designed to be worn high on your back. When your baby is in the carrier correctly, their shoulder just about matches your shoulder height. This gives them that peek-a-boo, forward facing view without getting the stimulation that sometimes can come along with traditional forward facing carriers.
This is our favorite carry, because if they do get over-excited, or even fall asleep, you don't have to turn them around. On your back, your baby can simply snuggle into your neck or on your shoulder. Because they're seeing, feeling, and hearing you first, they feel safe to explore or retreat, all in the comfort of one simple carry.
As a reminder, the Onbuhimo is good for babies who are sitting up completely unassisted. This is an important safety milestone.
Our facing forward carry in a Ring Sling is called Kangaroo Carry. When you put your threaded sling over your shoulder, simply flip the bottom edge up against your chest to create a little pocket. Tighten that to your chest and slide your baby down into it bum first. Make sure they are close enough to kiss, and the sling is tightened around them snugly. Here's a video that explains more in depth:
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We build our carriers to last you a very long time, but there are little things you can do to help them last even longer! Read our top tips for preserving the life of your Sakura Bloom.
We offer a few different ways to wash your carrier depending on the textile. However, handwashing is always the go-to. All machines are different and we can't control spin speeds or exact temperatures. Quick tip! Make sure you don't leave your carrier submerged or wet too long. Usually just a minute or so will lift most stains.
Click below for details on how to:
This is super important regarding every carrier we have. Your carrier is a perfect symphony of weight meeting textile - simply put: your baby's weight locks in the carry.
Any time you adjust the rings in the Ring Sling, the waist belt on the Scout, or the chest straps and shoulder straps on either Onbuhimo or Scout, lift up before you shift up. Lift baby's bum, before tightening or loosening any strap.
This prevents the fabric rubbing against the rings or webbing too harshly, giving you an easier time adjusting and avoiding wear and tear on the fabric.
Just like you fold or hang your shirts and sweaters before putting them away, take the same care with your carrier. Bunching them up or leaving them threaded for long amounts of time can cause faster wear and tear on the parts rubbing together. Leaving your Ring Sling or Scout waistband threaded for quick ups each day is definitely ok, but if you're setting aside your carrier for the next baby? Simply unthread, fold gently and store out of the sun and extreme heat or cold.
Your Sakura Blooms are made of fine, natural textiles. Using a cleaner that is enzyme-free and without optical brighteners is a must to keep your carrier looking its best. Here are our favorite, all-natural care products for you to keep your carriers in the best condition:
Soak Our favorite enzyme and optical brightener free detergent for all of your Sakura Bloom carriers. Other detergents we have tested and approved are Unicorn Fibre Wash and Ecos Free & Clear.
Leather Milk Our favorite leather conditioner for your Sakura Bloom Scout or Onbuhimo.
Buncha Farmer's Buncha Farmer's Stain Stick is our favorite for stains!
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Still have questions? Contact us here and we'll happily help.
]]>Celebrating moments — First solid food. Learning familiar faces. Sitting up. As our babies grow we see them fascinated with each new sensation and experience. Holding them close in your carrier provides them a sense of security that fosters independence.
Our Scout and Onbuhimo carriers hold your little one as they transition from snuggles on your front to their new vantage point on your back. Each carrier has its standout features, so let’s explore benefits for each carrier and why you reach for each one from day to day.
The Scout carrier holds your 7-45 pound little one, on the front or back, without an insert. It’s simple, sleek design includes a perfectly adjustable panel, that can fold down to accommodate a smaller baby, and fully extends to fit your toddler. You can create a custom fit with a simple cinch tie located discretely inside the panel. This allows for smaller babies to be supported from knee to knee in an ergonomic position.
Scout also has a wide ring waist that moves with your body, becoming unnoticeable as it creates the perfect seat to support your babe. The waist band sits in a position that accommodates you and baby for every stage of wearing. The custom placement means the weight is distributed in a way that is most comfortable for you, and allows for longer outings as you explore together. It’s a great option for those times you know the sleepy dust will take over, but life keeps moving.
Our Onbuhimo carrier holds your 15-45 pound babe, once they can sit unassisted around 5-6 months of age. While it is designed for a high supported back carry, it can also be worn on the front with smaller babes. It’s a sleek waistless carrier that is perfect for quick carries, especially for those who may be pregnant or prefer to not have the weight on their hips or lower back.
The panel allows for a custom fit to create an ergonomic seat that supports them from knee to knee. The freedom you feel from its simple design translates to your little one enjoying their new connection with the world from a higher position where they feel included in your interactions. This style carrier supports baby’s weight over your center of gravity, which means easing into it can help your body adjust to using new muscles and adjusting your posture. We love it for babes who want “up” and “down” frequently and those who like the sleek look of less straps and less fuss.
While Scout and the Onbuhimo have their distinct benefits, there are several similarities as well. These include the various chest strap positions, the hood option for sleeping babies, the custom cinch panel, and the sleek design. Both carriers allow for breastfeeding, and our Scout carrier comes in handy with extended nursing too.
Overall, we love each carrier for their individuality and we reach for them in different situations.
Summer is just around the corner. There is so much to explore with your little one, which means you'll be needing a Sakura Bloom to get you there ;) But what happens when you wear your little personal heater all day? It can get warm!
Let us break down our textiles for you, so you can choose the best carrier this season.
Simple silk (dupioni) is our favorite textile for summer. You'll barely feel the weight of your baby on you and it breathes the best in hot and humid climates.
Maven is an amazing summer textile. Being raw silk its woven structure moulds to the body with a super strong comfort. Looking closely up to the light, you'll see that the tiniest perforations helps air breath through beautifully.
Holding Theory, it will be more substantial than our other textiles - many call it sumptuous, cashmere-like, blanket-y goodness. It's made of bamboo however, so don't be fooled by the heavier drape. Bamboo breathes wonderfully in heat and is cool to the touch.
Seek being cotton is always a great choice for warmer months. You'll want this collection mainly because of it's beautiful hand-loomed artistry first, and support and comfort follows.
Chambray is linen, but slightly more delicate of a weave than our Basic Linens. This is why we can double this (in a sling) and it still feels lightweight in the hand, and supportive on the body.
Basics linen is our entry level textile that is easy to wash, breathes well, and holds it's shape during wear. You may find that heavier babes can be slightly uncomfortable after extended periods of wearing linen.
Note* Every textile we offer has to be strong and breathable - otherwise we wouldn't make it into a baby carrier! At the end of the day it's personal preference that will dictate your choice.
Listen to our founder, Lynne, explain her personal preferences and the differences between our textiles below!
]]>Introducing, Unscripted. Chronicling pregnancy, birth, and the early days of growing families.
In our first edition, Courtney McCracken and her husband Ian, give us a glimpse into their whirlwind of a year. Follow along as they take us on their journey, trading their go-go-go San Diego days for the landscapes, seasons, and family back in New England all while prepping to become first time parents and welcome their sweet baby girl, Ryan.
Courtney and Ian were secluded in a 400 square-foot cabin in the Oregon woods, thinking about where life might take them next, when a little plus sign on a stick told them a tiny McCracken would be joining their family...
Tell us a little bit about where you two are from, and where you lived up until your daughter's birth?
Ian is originally from Princeton, New Jersey, and I am from Toronto, Ontario. We met at Bishops' University in Quebec 12 years ago and have lived in a few places since. Whether it was San Diego for the surf, Verbier for the mountains, or Toronto for the city experience, whimsy and excitement mainly guided our search for a home. Now we have the challenging task of finding a home that combines our lifestyle passions yet prioritizes raising a family.
We eventually settled on moving back to the Northeast since most of our family lived there - but where exactly, we didn't know for some time. At five months pregnant, I packed our belongings, and our less than obliging cat Tum Tum, into our car, and said a teary goodbye to our friends in San Diego. We hit the road yet again not really knowing where we'd end up, but this time the stakes were raised, we were choosing a place to raise a daughter.
First of all, how was driving across the country pregnant with no set destination in mind?
Well, we knew we would be heading to Ontario and Quebec to see family so that helped us get most of the way there. Ian had to work mid-trip so I drove from Phoenix to Omaha alone which gave me a lot of time to think about everything. What kind of mom would I be? This impending birth - I was terrified of. Where to live? You know, simple questions with simple answers, ha! I stopped a lot to stretch out and snack, and there were a lot of beautiful views along the way.
You ended up choosing to move to Portland, Maine - how did you end up deciding?
In the best way to solve big questions, we drew up a pro-con list while we were at our favorite little pub in Toronto. One city was on one side, Portland was on the other. After we visited Portland we were like, "yep, this is it." We walked by a for rent sign and took it later that weekend.
What drew you to Portland?
We knew we wanted to be in the New England area because it’s relatively close to our family who is scattered around Toronto, New Jersey, and Vermont. We would be close-ish to family without living on top of them. Then we simply fell in love with Maine. The craggy coastlines and beautiful lands were just the start of what is so appealing about this state. Then you have Portland: a vibrant city for it’s small size, beautiful architecture, a lively art and music scene, and the food and restaurants are at the peak of their game right now. All of this on the soulful Atlantic coast making it a short hop to Boston, NYC, Montreal and Europe.
What are you most looking forward to raising your little in Maine?
So much! Winter activities here are abundant and we can’t wait to take our daughter snowboarding, cross country skiing, dog sledding… The list goes on and on. Our family loves hockey so we already have Ian’s brother calling dibs on teaching her how to skate. And in summers - another endless list. Camping in Acadia National Park, hanging out at beaches along the coast, and renting little camps in lake country. All with our family near enough to join in on these adventures was icing on the cake.
So you're settled into a new city, and the day finally comes. Did your overall birth experience meet your expectations?
My expectations were shattered in amazing ways, as in I was amazed by almost everything.
There were odd little amazements such as: I knew about water breaking but no one told me after that anything you drink goes right through the baby and out again. So, in a way it felt like my water was breaking for hours while waiting for labor to start. That was strange!
There were painful amazements: I wondered for years how much labor would hurt. And yep, that expectation was exceeded a hundredfold.
But most important were the beautiful amazements: My experience at the hospital was far from clinical. The labor and pushing positions utilized warm tubs and yoga balls. Each and every nurse and doctor acted like a sister holding my hand and cheering me on. They were the kindest, most amazing team.
How did labor start?
It started in slow motion. It was a sunny wintery day, two weeks before my due date. I woke up steeped some tea and took a shower and I felt something like it might be my water breaking. My husband and I decided to see my doctor to check it out and in the parking lot, my water broke in Hollywood proportions.
We knew this was happening now. We grabbed our overnight bags and took a one minute walk to the hospital, which is one block away from our front door. It felt like I was checking into a hotel, except on check-out we’d be three instead of two. Then we waited.
What happened next?
I wasn't progressing naturally like we hoped so they induced me to avoid infection. A part of me thought - hey this isn't so bad! I've totally got this. Famous last words...
Fast forward yoga ball positions, hot showers and a tub, contractions started to hit a type of pain beyond measure. It’s indescribable. I’ve been trying explain the experience ever since, but I still can’t grasp the right words. Being on the other side now, it was all worth it, but there were some deep dark places in my brain I had to dig into to get through the contractions.
Was there anything specific that helped you relax during labor?
A Planet Earth marathon just so happened to be on TV the few days we were there. The voice of David Attenborough helped me through so much of it. Plus seeing life in all it’s forms around the planet was a weird cheerleader for my mind through the stages of labor. A warm bath helped when my contractions were about 6/10 on the pain scale.
What moment sticks in your mind most from the birth?
I pushed for almost four hours, and halfway through I was so exhausted, I honestly didn’t think I’d make it. I felt like giving up. My husband kept me in the game though and switched the music to Sade. We. love. Sade. It’s what we listen to when we cook dinner together or sip whisky to on date nights. Her songs helped me get my strong woman up and running again. Her voice got me to home plate. Funny enough little Ryan June was born on Jan 16th - which is guess who's birthday? SADE. (Another fun fact, January 16th is also Lin Manuel Miranda’s birthday, who we named her Chinese name after - Shan Lin)
How long was your baby and how much did she weigh?
Ryan June was born 7lbs 13 oz, and 20.5 inches long. I can’t imagine delivering her two weeks later!
How did breastfeeding go in the first few days?
It went from cute, fun, and exciting to extremely difficult in a matter of hours. Aside from the painful latches and engorgement, the confusion and uncertainty was the hardest part. I was always wondering if she was getting enough.
In the third week I started to get the hang of it and seeing lactation consultants helped. We’re not smooth sailing yet, but I’m no longer in pain and every time I see her gaining weight, or latch with her cute little face, my heart explodes with a maternal pride.
How are you feeling physically and emotionally?
Physically it kind of felt like I was hit by a bus. Every step I took felt like I was trying to keep my body from falling apart. If it wasn’t my stitches then it was my milk coming in. If I had those at bay, then it was my mind. I seemed to do better in the daytime when the naps came easier and longer. A hot shower, or eating a warm lunch would feed my happy meter for most of the day. But at night when the sun set, I became really sad, almost devastated at the thought I know she would fuss and eat every hour all through the night. Being that tired going into the start of your night felt crippling. And then knowing you have to do this for x amount of months is what brought many tears. Ian had to keep reminding me of all the small wins, which of course I didn't want to hear in the heat of my self pity parties!
What were your thoughts about motherhood before Ryan was born, and how has it changed?
Before kids, I had some prejudice towards moms. I fidgeted to get out of conversations about my friends' kids eating schedules and nap times. I didn’t believe pregnancy brain was real. (I thought it was an excuse to get out of responsibilities!) I also couldn’t understand how paranoid some of my new mom friends were. Now? I am all of this and more. I watch her on the monitor while under the covers and I'm in the same room as her. I forget what day of the week it is (although thanks to the pandemic that's making it doubly hard) Basically, I am humbled beyond words now.
What about motherhood did you think would be difficult and is?
So with labor, birth, breastfeeding - I knew those would be tough and they were/are. But more difficult was managing my mind. I was told that any emotions suppressed with your own mother might emerge - and oh boy did they ever. My mother and I haven't spent time together in almost a decade, so I'm unpacking what that means to me as a new mom. I'm unpacking what it will take to write my own story of motherhood. I am finally confronting a lot of my hidden emotions. It's especially heart wrenching to see my mother’s face in Ryan’s.
Do you have any tips for feeling like yourself in the first few days? First few weeks?
Get outside if you can. Something about fresh air stimulates your brain in such a positive way. It was the middle of a Maine winter right after Ryan was born, so dress appropriately for the weather. Also just let yourself be OK with doing nothing. Stare at the baby, watch anything you want on tv. This is the time to nest, dream, repair, and indulge in your sacred space. After a few weeks, it helped me to work a little, which was luckily socially-distant friendly: photography. I just drove around the city with my camera. It helped clear my head and made me feel a little productive.
What advice do you have to new moms about to give birth?
Eat as many fruits and veggies as you can while you’re healing. It’ll help your mind and your digestion get back on track faster. If you have visitors limit them to small visits and have them do chores for you. If you have a partner help them get on your side about how long visitors and family can stay, when to visit, and how to help. These first few weeks are all about your bond. "Toolkit" wise: ice maxi pads, heating pads, coconut oil, peri bottle, cushions to sit on, walks in sunshine, a good quality giant water bottle, and for your sanity, a baby carrier, a baby carrier, a baby carrier.
How has Ian bonded with the new baby and supported you in your postpartum period?
Every morning after Ryan's 6am feeding, Ian takes over. He burps her and they hang out while I get a little more sleep or some alone time. That extra bit saves my day in the mornings and they get to bond before he goes to work. He wears her and does skin to skin anytime he can too. For me, he keeps the house clean, cooks my favorite meals, and most importantly calms me down when I’m going through stormy mood swings.
Do you feel like there are two different women, Before & After Ryan's birth?
A few friends told me that you have to grieve the woman you were, after becoming a mother. This is true in those first few weeks because you're so transformed and life changes in an instant. You're in a fog that doesn't seem to clear, and it's hard to see yourself walking again let alone jumping into oceans and hopping on planes. I remember feeling like I was in a pile of ashes waiting for this phoenix creature to emerge. And you know what? It does, slowly but surely, one foot in front of the other. Ok, you might not be a fire-breathing bird, blazing out of your house one day, but eventually you sleep again. Eventually you manage to see friends and family. Eventually your confidence comes back, the lights turn on, and you're stronger than you were before. I don't necessarily want to discount the woman I was before Ryan was born, I very much needed her in order to get here. However there is a new lens in which I use to view the world, and it's clearer and sharper than ever.
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We are raffling off this one-of-a-kind, hand-dyed, Sakura Bloom x Mr. Blue Skye Onbuhimo. 100% of ticket sales will be split three ways and donated directly to:
Each ticket purchased is an entry for a chance to win this one-of-a-kind, hand-dyed, Sakura Bloom x Mr. Blue Skye Onbuhimo.
Tickets on sale Sunday, May 31 - Saturday, June 6. The winner will be announced via email Monday, June 8.
About this Mr. Blue Skye x Sakura Bloom Onbuhimo
What if you could capture the essence of a constellation or a geode in its natural state forever? A never-ending kaleidoscope of complementary colors meeting where art and chance are together in humble practicality.
With nature's blueprint always as her guide, Mr. Blue Skye has created magic again in our sixth collaboration. This time, our signature dupioni silks have been individually hand-dyed in a painstaking two-person per piece process. Luxurious yet laid back; these one-of-a-kind works of art weave the natural world in with you and your baby.
Whether it's the steadfast pattern in turquoise, or the profile of a prickly pear cactus at dusk, the colors that Ehlin-Smith chooses are chosen with purpose. Then they are marbled in a handmade trough where she and her mom carefully lay each yardage - to lift a wonderful artwork that is ready to become a Sakura Bloom carrier.
Looking for the ultimate summer, beach, and pool sling? It's simple, silks for summer.
SAND. SURF. PLAY.
Simple Silks are our favorite Summer Sling!
We’ve known it for years but you didn't believe us, so we put on our science caps, started testing, and couldn’t be more excited to share exactly why we never hit the beach or pool without a Simple Silk sling in tow!
Learn all about our Silks for Summer here, and enter to win a $300 Sakura Bloom gift card!
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Starting today, we are fundraising for Feeding America, enabling food banks to serve the most vulnerable members of our community and neighbors in need, during this difficult time.
THE COMPASSION PROJECT: Feeding America
To support the Feeding America COVID-19 Response Fund, we have curated three Sakura Bloom Carrier Bundles that we are auctioning. Each of the three bundles includes three Sakura Bloom carriers, one of each style (Scout, Onbuhimo, and Ring Sling).
100% of ticket sales will be donated directly to Feeding America. Read more about Feeding America's COVID-19 Project here.
Each ticket purchased is an entry for a chance to win that Bundle of Sakura Blooms.
Tickets on sale Sunday March 22 - Sunday March 29. Winners will be announced via email Tuesday March 31.
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About Our Compassion Project
In the spirit of giving back to our community and our earth, our Compassion Project is a layered structure of recycling, reusing, and repurposing pre-loved carriers and scraps of silks, linens, and bamboo through art and non-profit donations. Learn more here.
A benefit to aid in the efforts of Circle of Health International as they work to keep mothers and babies safe in the world's hardest places.
As a thank you to our amazing community, who have so sweetly asked for these on repeat, all year long. We're doing it.
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INDIA, FALL 2016
SEEK
a : to go in search of : look for
b : to try to discover
Traveling the world together as a family in search of textiles and a global view full of real world experiences. Meeting and learning from new friends and the artisans who weave our textiles along the way. In 2016, we traveled to India with the kids with no set plans, other than adventure, and it was nothing short of amazing - learning how raw fiber is spun into yarn, wrapped for the warp, and prepared onto a traditional antique loom. There's something about seeing the magic in your child's eyes when things come full circle for them that just takes your breath away. This is Goa, and the Seek Collections for our family.
The Seek Collection
Women. Mothers. Teachers.
Spinning. Weaving. Creating.
These roles: are some of the most powerful. These actions: fabric that holds us. Together we’ve intertwined them to bring you, the Seek Collection.
Raw cotton is hand spun and then masterfully woven on wooden looms into the softest cloth, making way only for intricately placed dots & lines. Shadowy hints of natural dye along a sandy dune of cream.
Designed to keep you and your little one cool in the summer and warm in winter, the Seek Collection is Sakura Bloom’s first purely raw cotton textile. Hand spun and loomed by the hands of mothers in India, cut and sewn by the hands of mothers in California, and wrapped gently around babies by the hands of mothers across the globe.
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Rancho Robles, CA Spring 2017
Goa launches along with Tapri, our very first Seek Collection drop. Ring Slings only.
Ocean Beach, CA Summer 2017
A short time after we launched the Goa and the Seek Collection, we launched our brand new Onbuhimo carrier. With so much love for our carrier and our new textiles, our Goa + Black Leather Onbuhimo was born.
San Diego, CA Winter 2018
Goa makes a short comeback as part of our Winter 2018 Seek Collection below. Offered in Scout + Butterscotch Leather, Onbuhimo + Butterscotch Leather, and Ring Sling.
In the early spring of 2019 we started weaving more Goa, plus a fun twist. Hand-spun yarn, hand-loomed textiles take time...
Bonsall, CA Fall 2019
Goa arrives. The first batch of our Fall 2019 Seek textiles has arrived (remember that sneak peek story I did a few weeks back showing some fun packages on the loading dock at the workshop)? That was Goa, and...
Eve! We've taken our long time love, Goa, and sprinkled a lot more black into the warp and weft.
Goa + Eve, Part I of our Fall Seek Collection in the shop Thursday 10am pdt.
Available in the following carrier styles.
Ring Sling - $160
Onbuhimo, no leather $208
Onbuhimo + Leather, choose from Black or our new Honey leather - $248
Scout, No Leather - $228
Scout + Leather, choose from Black or our new Honey leather - $268
View the lookbook below, and be sure to enter to win a $300 Sakura Bloom gift card below (you might need to zoom out to see the form. Google can be tricky like that)!
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A benefit to aid in the efforts of Circle of Health International as they work to keep mothers and babies safe in the world's hardest places.
4 one-of-a-kind Sakura Blooms to benefit Circle of Health International, who are working tirelessly to provide reproductive, maternal, and newborn health care in crisis settings around the world including right here at our own US borders.
Each carrier is lovingly handwoven by textile artists, Maryanne Moodie, Mr. Blue Skye, Rhiannon Griego, Tiffany Lusteg.
Tickets on sale Saturday August 17 - Tuesday August 20. Each ticket purchased is an entry for a chance to win that carrier. Winners will be notified via email Wednesday August 21.
The upright cradle carry is a great option for feeding, babies with reflux, the curious newborn who is happiest looking around, and of course, sleeping. It is also a favorite for sitting down at restaurants and airplane/train travel!
Shop this post // Praline Chambray Ring Sling