Sometimes the simplest little projects have the best payoff.
I wanted to make a little something for my kids on Valentine's Day. (Something besides the personal ads shirt.) My husband and I have never been Valentine's day people, but since having kids it's become another fun excuse to make and do little special things for them. So when I only had a little time to get together a gift, I thought of this Ed Emberley Happy Drawing cut and sew panel I bought way back when the line was first released. (I don't know how easy it is to find any more.) It has several more animals on it, but these four were perfect to make puppet-sized.
I just love the look of these guys, especially the frog. Hendrix asked why the frog was so sad. I think it's a more a look of confused amphibian terror, but whatever. I sewed a backing on each piece and added a pocket in the bottom big enough for little hands. The giraffe is too thin, so he has a longer pocket for a dowel or spoon.
The backs are made from a couple really old Brandon Mably prints I bought when I first discovered online fabric shopping. I think they are so cool, but these last bits were languishing in my stash for a long time. I was so happy to use the last of them, love when that happens.
And the greatest thing about new puppets is that the kids have new found appreciation for an older handmade gift- the Little Things to Sew puppet theater I made for Christmas 2011. Also love when that happens. It was interesting to see how they divvied up the puppets. I put all four in one bag and gave it to both of them, but they quickly decided the giraffe and dragon were for Hendrix and Elsie would have the frog and elephant. No fighting or anything. (Although, believe me that it not the norm.)
Do you like those stylish eyebrows Hendrix decided to give Elsie? That's what good brothers are for, I guess.
I also wanted to let you know about 2 classes I'm teaching in March at Sewn Studio! I'll be teaching the Swoon quilt block on Saturday, March 9, and a 2-parter After School Pants class (perfect for boys or girls) on March 14 & 21. Go here for more info on how to sign up!
Aw that's fun - love it when the old projects resurface, it's super gratifying. Cute little puppets (and eyebrows!).
ReplyDeleteSorry what is this post about? I can't stop laughing at her eyebrows! ^_^
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this simple, good sewing. It's easy to get distracted, especially this weekend. You are so refreshingly down to earth!
ReplyDeleteLove all of this! The handmade puppets, the handmade puppet theater, the handmade eyebrows... ;-)
ReplyDeleteI still have about half of my panel left. It's such an easy and awesome sewing project! I love the eyebrows.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a fun time in Vegas. You looked beautiful, of course!