It's been 20+ great yearsShop announcement

I sewed slings for twenty-two years, and it was a business for 21 years. When I started, I never imagined the success I'd have in the mid-2010s, and I certainly never imagined I'd still be making slings when my first "sleeping baby" was a college student.

And in the heyday of the 2013-15 babywearing world, I couldn't predict the changes the sling standard would bring to the babywearing world, nor what it would do to my business. Adding in the easy availability of cheap slings on huge e-commerce sites, the last several years have been extremely difficult for independent sewists like me. The costs associated with testing to the sling standard, insurance, and just the everyday business expenses like fabric and notions mean that several months of sales are wiped out before the break-even point.

With all those factors at play, I made the difficult decision to stop sewing slings with the anniversary of my CPSC testing date (January 19, 2022). I can't begin to tell you all how wonderful it's been to be a part of your babies' first years. All the custom slings I was able to sew before the standard went into effect, all the friends I made through TheBabyWearer.com and beyond, all your notes and comments I've cherished... I'm beyond honored to have been able to help a generation of caregivers stay close to their babies. I wouldn't change a thing about SBP in the last two decades, and I'm so glad you've been on this journey with me.

Going forward, I'll still be in business but under a new name: Jan Andrea Handmade! I am still sewing -- useful little bags, wrap scrap scarves and towels, and contract sewing -- and I'm also showcasing my chainmaille work. So, welcome to...