RE: hip panda
More temptation, Lori, I just got a MeiHip. If you like pouches for hip carrying, you'll love the Mei hip. Mine is a black stretch twill with a gray Burberry-esque plaid on the back. The shoulder strap cups your shoulder like a ring sling, but I think I have more arm mobility with the MeiHip because there isn't as much material on the other side of the rings, KWIM? The rings are sewn to a tapered tab off the body of the carrier. Its easy to thread and adjust, too. I think the stretch twill factor might be just the icing on the cake that makes it perfect.
Tarah
Mama to the Forrest Creature 3/04 and Baby Ber 4/07
"All true wealth is biological" Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan