Making a stable of ponies!!!
September is always a crazy month for birthdays here...the last two weekends have seen the girls at 2 parties each weekend. Nuts!! Moms and dads are asking for less expensive presents as Ireland like everywhere else is in recession and presents can get crazy expensive, both girls have received some amazing things for presents, way above and beyond the call. This year I decided to spend time and not money on many of the gifts, speared off by one mom's search for a unicorn stuffed animal for her daughter.
I started off with a complicated pattern which I mangled, ripped and threw across the room, it wasn't pretty! Then I remembered lovely Tone Finnanger (aka Tilda) had a lovely horse pattern in her book, Sew Pretty Homestyle. Here is the first of the horse/unicorns with the Tilda pattern behind it...I changed it to a unicorn, and made it stand up (sort of!) what a lovely simple design!!
I forgot to take photos of all the softies, but I made one gecko, two ponies and two unicorns for all the girlies (one party was for twins in case you noticed 5 softies made for 4 parties...lol). Kids seem to love them, the girls made cards for them, so frugal gifts and cards, made with love by me and the girls together, rather than just buying cards and presents. I know there will be times when I am frazzled and just don't have the time and will buy cards and pressies, but I think I will try to keep up the handmade presents for a while.
The girls school, activities and playdate/parties, always keep this mom on the move (my Mondays are a nightmare, lol, with 2 ballet classes and a fiddle class, extra friends to remember to bring, and lots of killing time in 20 minute increments (not efficient for getting much done!) My crafting (except for party gifts!) has suffered for it. I really have nothing else to show for the moment...just a bit of knitting on my felted bag here and there, and a bit of hand sewing on my drunkard path blocks...
I do still work one day a week now at our local quilt shop. While cutting out fabrics for kits last week I had to take some yummy repros home with me...aren't these nice?
I am still swimming three kilometers a week, and still slowly making better food choices...hopefully this will continue. For all those friends that still keep reading my blog, despite the sporadic postings, thank you! I am so behind answering emails, but promise to get caught up again soon.
Edited to add: I survived Aisling's first day of school, she is liking it so far. Here are pics of the girls on the first day of school!
20 comments:
Your posts are always so lovely I don't mind that they are few and far between. Those soft toys will probably still be well loved when all the other shop bought stuff have lost their pall - sweet xx
What a lovely surprise this morning to see that you've posted! Your horses/unicorn are so cute -- I'll bet the recipients were thrilled. LOVE those repro fabrics especially the one that looks like a dandelion head on a cornstalk!
Hi Cathi, I'm still a reader ... and also not blogging as frequently myself. The girls are growing and both so darling. I like your idea of making gifts, I think homemade gifts can be the best and I should make time to do them more often as you are doing. Best wishes ... keep taking care of yourself.
Wow, Cathi, how on earth do you do it all???? PLEEEEEASE tell me your secret!!!
I love the softies. I'm a softy for softies. My kids wish I'd make more. And don't even get me started on those repro fabrics - they're scrumptious!!
The plush toys are a great idea and the girls look quite happy with school!
I always think - oh, I have to post this and that - and by days end - I am NOT thinking about writting a blog post! I completely understand and I only have 1 child, not 2!!! The girls are lovely as ever for their 1st day of school photos. I bet you will get good use out of that horse/unicorn pattern! My son really likes simple stuffed animals that I make. Cheers! Evelyn
Just take a DEEEEEEP breathe :D The unicorn is awesome. You are just one talented mom. I can't wait to see what you make of those beauiful patches--surely it will be lovely and inspiring as always. Don't stress over not blogging...you do live a full life. Enjoy blogging without obligation :D
Love your softies, your doing so manny wonderful memories with your girls, keep it---- up they will look back in years to come and love it. I am happy your doing so well. Please take care of yourself-- there is only one you!!. Many hugs, Marie
The plush toys are wonderful. Where did you get the pattern?
Micki
What girl can resist a horse or a unicorn? They are treasures that will be well loved and in giving such gifts your girls are learning something in the process...handmade gifts are thoughtful & caring.
Love to hear that you are busy and happy. I am working in my lqs too! I am there 2 days a week and it seems I am always bringing home fabric and a pattern or two. I just need to have time to sew. Your pressies were wonderful. Homemade gifts are best.
Great gifts and gorgeous girls!!
Hello....I am new to quilting and just found out about Dear Jane...
May I ask you a very serious qustion,
WHY DO YOU LOVE DEAR JANE SO MUCH?
cl
What cute ponies! I know your babies must love them. I really like your new fabrics...another Jane, maybe?
If I were little, I would have been in heaven to get one of those unicorns!
Hello,
My name is Rosa Dalmau, I'm a quilter and I live in Barcelona. I'll be travelling to Dublin in January to study English. I'll be there three weeks. I'd love to meet quilters while I am there, to get together and sew and chat.
I cross stitch as well. I don't know if you can help me find quilters residing near Dublin.
Thank you so much,
When are you coming for a visit again, Cathi? We are counting down...can't wait to see you all and meet that sweet man of yours.
Your 'Dear Jane' is so lovely. For the future though, when you put so much work into a quilt, how can you think about not finishing the binding by hand? There is no problem with putting the one side on by machine (you choose the side) but finishing it by hand is so important, so much cleaner a result.
Been missing your posts...but am happy to say I have 16 DJ blocks. Very excited so far.
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