Here Fishy, Fishy

There are some patterns that make me smile.  That is what I happend when I saw Mimi Kirchner's Fresh Fish Pillow Pattern.  When I was cutting the fin fabric my mother, who was with me, asked me what I would do with the fish when I was done?  Well, not much.  Just look at it and smile, I guess.  Putting a smile on someone's face is doing something isn't it?  I get a rush of pleasure that lasts for about a day after I complete a project.  If it was a tough project with complicated instructions then the rush lasts longer.  A part of me  does a happy dance inside.  I could have gone with all the fins being plain blue fleece and I'm still not sure if that might have been better visually, but I thought the Free Spirit fabric would give it some movement and complexity.  I just love that pop of teal.   I want to see how durable the fish is so I'm giving it to my daughter Audrey to cuddle and play with and keep. I could tell she was happy. She said, "mom if you see the fish laying on the couch very still it's because it's laying eggs".  My other daughter, Jamie, wants one and of course I will make one for her too. The finished pillow measures at 24 inches long.

Tattooed Man Completed

I am really liking the high contrast fabrics of the Tattooed man.  I need to get better photos of his back and face.  I am being inspired by Mimi Kirchner's designs lately.  They speak to me and makes me wonder if she grew up in Minnesota (ha, ha, just feels like home).  I enjoyed getting to know the creator of these wonderful patterns by watching an interview on her on You tube. here

Fun, fun, fun, smiles!  I want to name him Titus from Gormenghast, as I listened to Titus Groan while making him. 

It has been cloudy and snowing, yes in April, so no better shots were taken of Titus.  This back shot is from earlier and I do not like it because the bottom slants.  I satin stitched the back of his head to make hair.  It took a long time.

Happy Easter

Walking on a Warm Winter's Day

Divided Basket Almost Completed

I remember when Anna, from Noodlehead, first showed on her blog the Divided Basket I was so impressed with it.  She said she was going to work on publishing the pattern, and I think she must have gotten a lot of positive responses for many of us wanted to make it.   The pattern seemed a little advanced for me, and as it turned out it was a bit of a stretch, and hence the almost completed title.  I show pictures now, but I do have to rip out a few stitches so I can do a better job on the top edge stitching.  I am so very glad I tried it because the pattern is just so lovely.  I used the fabrics I had on hand, but if you look on her Flikr there are lots of nice fabrics others have used to make the basket.  Most of the fabric's design I chose wound up on the bottom and I chopped off body on the top left, well what could I do?  I'll know better next time.  I do like the girl on the branch with an owl.

I'm not going to rip out the entire top edging, although I really should because it is so wobbly.  Dang it was tough.  I do have to rip out a few stitches near the right handle so I can stitch that little piece that came loose.

Anna makes these as baby gifts with diapers on one side and other baby essentials on the other. So darn cute!

If you're used to sewing though thick layers then this will come together like a breeze because her directions are very good, although I did get confused with the handle directions.  I think it would be a lovely bucket for knitting or crochet projects.

I go now to embroider a face on Tattoo man.  Whatever possessed me to sew him together when I am so clearly not proficient in embroidery I'll never know.  I do like to challenge myself.  Hope to post pictures of him tomorrow.

Have a great week!

Amigurumi Pony Girl Completed

I finally put together my Pony Girl amigurumi.  The pattern is from Mari-Liis Lille. Pattern link here
Her amigurumi patterns are user-friendly and good for beginners. (my opinion)

On the spur of the moment I decided to deviate from her pattern a little and give Pony Girl sleepy eyes and some colorful trim along her feet and neck area.

It is alway interesting the individual interpretations of the same pattern.  Each one will almost always be so unique because of detail decisions that come from the one creating it.  My Pony Girl seems to have lots of hair.  It almost looks like a mane.

Must be the daylight savings look.  Have a great weekend!

I am loving watching The Quilt Show for free this weekend.  I've never heard Ricky Tims play his music and I am loving it! I like both Alex and Ricky. They are work great together.  Are they married? Wouldn't you just want to get a big hug from Ricky.  On camera he comes off as being full warmth and comfort like a nice cozy quilt!

This moment