D is for ???

Today's blog post is proudly brought to you by the letter...

Unfortunately it is stormy here today so the first D word that pops to mind is 'dark' but, as it's given me an excuse to stay indoors and sew, I'm not really complaining.  So here are a few things that I've been working on in the last 24 hours... including two projects which are D... D... DONE!

D... D... DONKEY

Yes, it is true - I have a slight infatuation with donkeys.  In fact, it is probably safe to say that I love them.  I even sleep with one every night (no, I am not referring to Mr C).  Therefore it may not come as a surprise to know that I have been trying to recruit another person to the donkey fan club... my friend's 4yr old daughter, Miss A.  I think I'm pretty close - she does seem to be teetering on the edge so, I figure, it's time for a push.  A big one.

Meet Ruby.  Isn't she lovely?  I whipped her up using the Reuben the Donkey pattern by Ric Rac.  To add some pazazz (and, let's be honest, cover the head-body seam) I knitted a simple scarf in Miss A's favourite colour, pink.

Ruby will also be gifted with this gorgeous children's book by the talented Tohby Riddle.  If you are yet to come across his works I suggest you check them out asap - they are seriously adorable.  And, well, the main character is a donkey so how can you go wrong?  ;)

D... D... DOLLY

Remember this post talking about Softies for Mirabel, a softie drive for an Australian based charity?  Well, I finally finished my donation (yes, late) - a sweet doll made from a Dolls & Daydreams pattern.

Honestly, she should have been finished weeks ago as the pattern is very quick and easy but I ummed and ahhed about the facial features - tossing up between embroidery and paint.  In the end I decided to investigate the latter option (as I'm soooo over handsewing) and this is what caused the delay.  I googled, I read, I googled some more.   I still had no real clue so just went with something, anything, and I am loving the results. 

Granted, I could use a bit more practise, but the Tsukineko markers I ordered from OzQuilts are won-der-ful.  I'm soooo excited about using them for future projects.  Stay tuned!

D... D... DUCK

As Christmas is looming ever closer, I've made a start on yet another personalised pillow (yes, I know, the other two are yet to be finished) and this time it is, you guessed it, a duck.

Lara loves ducks as much as I love donkeys so her pillow couldn't really be anything else.  I adore the cute bubbles.  It makes me think of relaxing in a nice, warm bath.  Ahh... bliss.

Hope you are having a D... D... DELIGHTFUL week too.  ;)

E.

P.S.  Don't forget about my Walk in the Woods by Aneela Hoey giveaway.  Check it out here.

WIP - Softies for Mirabel

Have you heard about Softies for Mirabel?  It is a fabulous Christmas Craft Appeal, run by Pip from Meet Me At Mikes, that benefits the Mirabel Foundation.  This amazing organisation supports children who have been orphaned or are living with extended family due to parental substance abuse so a little bit of handmade love for Christmas goes a looooong way.  The mailbox for this year's drive is now open so if you feel like spreading the love then it's time to start crafting!

My first donation to the cause will be this lovely creature, made from a Dolls and Daydreams pattern.  She has come together amazingly quickly (I started her between much needed couch-time last night) and all that is left to do is the face embroidery... and then sew her together and stuff.  Easy!

This is the first time I've used this pattern and I have been amazed at the simple and easy-to-follow instructions.  Seriously - if you are a newbie to softie making then this is the pattern to try!  If you've had a little more experience then this is still a winner as you'll be able to whip up these delightful dolls in no time at all.  And, at 19"(48.5cm) tall, there is a lot for a little girl to love.  I can't wait to get her done.

As I know that it's not only little ladies who love their softies, I also plan to make a less feminine creature that can be given to either a boy or girl, as required.  Again I have been scrolling through the Dolls and Daydreams etsy shop but I can't seem to decide which pattern to get.  Hmm... a sheep?  Frog?  Fox?  Monkey?  Zebra?  Oh, I might just have to buy them all!

If you too would like to jump on the bandwagon and make a softie for this great cause, then click on the button at the top of this post.  I will also be keeping it in my side bar for the next few months so feel free to pop back any time.

This post has been linked up to WIP Wednesday at freshly pieced.  Feel free to jump across and check out all the great projects that people are working on all over the world.

I am also taking this opportunity to link up to the Small Blog Meet over at Lily's Quilts.  I have somehow managed to miss this the last few months so should get on board again.  If you have popped over from Lynne's then welcome.  Please leave a comment so I can repay the favour.  I look forward to checking out your blog and getting to know you a little. 

E.

TTT - the Dolly Edition

I know my last post was a little depressing (thank you for the sympathy and lovely messages, they meant alot) but I now have good news. Nay, great news.  I have finally found my sewing mojo.  Yippee!  To be fair, credit must be given to the group of lovely ladies who came to my house last night for our first ever Night of Craft.  Admittedly not much craft was actually done but there was plenty of chat, brainstorming, encouragement and oohs and ahhs.  It was exactly what I needed and I woke up this morning with a renewed sense of excitement.  Consequently, I quickly grabbed my Christmas stash (before I lost the urge again) and started cutting, pinning and sewing.  I am trying something new (for me) and, I must say, it is coming along nicely.

I'll leave that as a little teaser, though, and move onto the real purpose of this post...


During this week I shamelessly begged for a doll cot that one of the families I babysit for was about to throw out.  Even though it was slightly embarassing and the Dad thought I was slightly weird, once I saw the little cot next to their bin I just couldn't get it out of my mind.  What potential!  I was thinking, with a little love and care, it would make a wonderful display item if I ever get around to holding my own market stall (as is the eventual plan).  And, since I have re-discovered my mojo, I've had a million and one ideas bouncing around in my head in regards to this little find.  Because once you start talking doll cots... it can only naturally progress to dolls and quilts and clothes...

The Cot that Started It All
Firstly, here is a picture of what the doll cot started as, way back before Miss M and Miss E got their little hands on it (minus the mobile, doll and... err... little girl).

Score!  Stay tuned for the post where I turn the remains back into something of beauty.  I promise to include photos from every step of the way - from its current state to the final reveal.

Doll Softie
At this point in time, I am a huge fan of the quirky, yet simple, doll, with triangular shaped body, long limbs, round head and cute little embroidered face.  I love how, with one pattern, you can create dolls with completely different personalities, by just changing fabrics, hairstyles, embellishments and expressions.  There are many, many, many similar dolls out there, and just as many patterns, but, to give you an idea for what I'm on about, here is an example, by Dolly Donations

Doll Quilt

In the last week the Fabric Fairy and I have become BFFs and, as such, my sewing den is starting to resemble a shop.  So, in the interests of severely reducing my stash before Mr C comes home and has a conniption, a couple of adorable doll quilts will not go astray.  Due to their compact size I am thinking that these quilts with give me many fantastic opportunities to be adventurous and try different patterns and techniques and, maybe even, free motion quilting.  Eek!

Here is a simple, yet effective, design by During Quiet Time that I am hereby adding to the list.

 

So, there you go.  A whole doll extravaganza seems to be in my future.  And, you know what, I can't wait!

Once again, this post is linked to Thursday Think Tank with making rebecca lynne.  Don't forget to pop over and see Becca's wonderful ideas for this week.  You'll be sorry if you don't!  ;)

E.