Sunday Sewing

Over the weekend Alex was out of town on a business trip and my son, the other Alex :) was busy doing what 21 year old boys do sooooooo I had the whole weekend to myself.  What's a girl to do with all that time on her hands????   You guessed it ----SEW.  I stayed indoors, snug and warm , all weekend just my sewing machine and I.  Oh and the dogs of course :)  They didn't mind  at all that  I watched chick flick after chick flick as long as I stopped long enough to fill their bowls  with breakfast and dinner :)  I thought I would share with you today all that I got accomplished.  I even made something totally new.  I will save that for last. 
First another darling pattern from ElfPop.  This pattern is called Saffron.  I just love her little bob haircut. 

I added the little white flower and cherry overalls.

Next I worked on a few Crinkle Taggie Blankets

And lastly I tried my hand at making this sweet "Lovey Dovey" using a new pattern that I purchased from Abby Glassenberg. 

The pattern includes directions to complete four lovies--a kitty, a bear, a puppy and the bunny.  I just loved this idea--a sweet little animal face attached to a soft blankie body.  I thought they would make a perfect first toy for babies to hug and hold.  This was the first time I attempted to sew a pattern that included a head gusset.  It was a little tricky for me but I think I got the hang of it.  I am sure after a few more of these cuties I will have it mastered. 

Now I just need it to stop snowing so that I can get to the fabric store to purchase the right colors to try the other lovies.  Now that Alex is home I see a trip to JoAnn Fabric in his future ;)   Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

More Elf Pop fun

Old Man Winter is definitely reminding us today that Winter is NOT over in Pittsburgh.  The temperatures were in the 60's earlier this week and today it is 27 degrees, windy with snow showers.   As much as I long for Spring, this Winter weather is great for staying indoors with my sewing machine and a good chick flick.  Today I thought I would just take a few minutes to share a few completed dolls from my sewing room......

All of these little dolls were created using an Elf Pop pattern---my new favorite pattern designer :) 

Watch for more dolls soon--It is going to be freezing weather for the next several days with snow on the way.   I think it's a "You've Got Mail" kinda night :)

Elf Pop

Are you sitting there at your computer wondering "Now what is she talking about---what is an Elf Pop"  No it is not a type of new candy, frozen treat,  or toy :)  It is a wonderful new shop that I discovered on Etsy.  Elf Pop is owned by the very talented Raynor Gellatly.  I love everything about this shop including how it got it's name.  Raynor named her shop and pattern designs after her three children Evie, Lois, and Flynn (or the ELFs for short)  She explains on her website   "They inspire me to create and use my imagination and all the ideas that 'pop' into my brain. I love creating toys and patterns for others to create their own toys."  Isn't that a wonderfully fun name.  Raynor and her family live in North East Scotland!!!  That is one of the best things about Etsy--it allows you to discover such talented people all over the world. 

I purchased three of Raynor's patterns and could hardly wait to give them a try.  They are perfectly written--so simply and easy to understand.  Once I got started I didn't want to stop.......

This is Marjorie.  I created her using Raynor's "Amber" pattern.  I added a little collar and skirt just for fun.  She measures 12 inches which I think is perfect for little hands to hold and snuggle.

Being such a dog lover, I just had to have the Elf Pop dog pattern.  The first puppy I made turned out so cute I had to make two.......a brother and a sister :)

This is Piper.....

And this is Parker.....

Raynor pays such attention to detail even the back of the puppy is adorable.

If you are looking to make a special toy for your precious little one you should check out Raynor's patterns.  I know you will be delighted.  Just click on either of these two links and it will take you right to her website or Etsy shop 

The last pattern I purchased was the "Olive" pattern.  I can't wait to make my very own "Olive doll".  As soon as I do I will be sure to share a photo--or two :) 

In writting this post, I returned to her Etsy shop so that I could share the link.  I took another look at her "Saffron" and "Boyd" patterns.  Now I think I just may NEED those too.  I am definitely hooked. 



Emily

I am not sure that this is 100% accurate but it is sure fun to believe it :)  I am 100% certain however that this little girl is truly awesome.  She has stolen Aunt Mimi's heart.  I cherish the time we spend together and I look forward to all the fun Emily and I are going to have as she grows.

 

She is growing so fast and learning new things every day.  What a delight to watch.....

This little girl brings so much joy to my life.  She is a precious gift from God....

.....and I could not love her more!

From My Sewing Room this Christmas

My sewing room this Christmas season was working overtime.  There were many days I would begin sewing early in the morning and finish up for the day watching David Letterman.  When it became clear to me that I might not be able to finish all of my promised orders, I enlisted the help of my mom.  I truly don't know what I would have done with out her help.

Sewing these little dolls brings me such joy.  My Etsy shop has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people some from as far away as Australia.  Each one with there own special requests and stories to share about the precious child that would be receiving one of my dolls.  As I packaged them for shipping,  I thought how awesome it was that a doll that I created would be waiting under their tree Christmas morning.  It brought back the child-like wonder of the season that can  sometimes be lost as my own son has now grown into adulthood. Sewing these dolls is special to me in so many ways.  I would love to share with you a sample of what kept me so busy these last several months........

It was great fun sewing dolls for others to give as gifts but it was even more fun to sew dolls for me to give to my loved ones :)

A Ballerina for my sweet Emily

A cowgirl for Kristen

A little Paris lady for Lauren

Just a few of my creations from 2012.  I have already started filling orders for the new year and am excited to share those with you as well.  So off I go to sew.......Thanks for stopping by ----wishing you a happy day