It really makes me nervous when a sewing project requires following a pattern because I'm truly a self-taught sewer ~ I mostly do my own thing and I've got seriously little experience with what I call "real sewing." But when Jill Hamor sent me her new book "Storybook Toys", I drooled over the pages and knew it was time. I mean, really ~ this book includes 16 gorgeous projects that are vintage inspired, meticulously constructed and adorably styled. But I was nervous...
Until I finally found a moment, sat down, and sewed up this cute little bunny (inspired by the Velveteen Rabbit, of course). I gave it pink satin ears (recycling an old camisole of mine), stuffed a rattle in it's belly (recycled from an old baby toy that was headed for the trash can), used plastic eyes instead of embroidered felt (because I was lazy, and I like the look), and used chenille instead of velveteen (because I have a good supply of chenille scraps). Chenille, by the way, is a very forgiving material to use when making a softie ~ I highly recommend it.
And (yes!), I am so excited I did it! Pshaw, it was nothing :) I want to make everything in the book, I want to make 4 more bunnies, the roly-poly duck, the doll... and I want to do it all now. Just look at some of the other projects in the book:
{ images from C&T Publishing }
You see what I mean? Ack. Adorable. My to-do list just got longer.
Poor sick Mia claimed this one right away and I know a few others here who would like a bunny of their own. The fun part will be making them all slightly different. Thank you so much, Jill, for this beautiful book.
I wish you all a great week! Here's an extra spoonful of flickr inspiration before I go:
1. Untitled, 2. Bird Ornament via Skunkboy Creatures, 3. little thrifted embroidered framed flowers, 4. The Princess and the Pea, 5. Molly's Sketchbook: Liberty Hot Pads, 6. Urban Nine Patch blocks, 7. Orange Flowers, 8. Flower Border, 9. Far Far Away III Snow White - pink sewing kit, 10. Scrappy Trips Finished, 11. Untitled, 12. kaleidoscope baby quilt, 13. doodle
Created with fd's Flickr Toys
xo amy