BossyOz

This is an old hat, but previously unblogged...

Having been inspired by one of the ladies at the Crafty Sewing Mamas ( link here ), I've tried my hand a recreating the pattern called "Smitten". These are some of the Smitten quilts I found on the internet: This is my first  (non-ironed) attempt at copying the design; although all my blocks have different background fabrics, whereas the "original" uses solid white for all blocks. I might regret not being consistent, but I keep telling myself that the aim is to use up scraps (so I can buy some more new fabric....).

Here are another three of my cuddly toy models; dog, rabbit and turtle. All are great for using up scarp pieces of fabric. The rabbit is probably the best model for small hands and I usually make this as 'welcome to the world' or christening gift. I wish I had taken photos of all of the ones I have given away through the years! I have made these for donkeys years, but I believe the rabbit and turtle originally came from a Burda magazine, or possibly a Swedish crafting magazine and the dog from a Simplicity pattern???

The long-eared rabbit that was given to our DD when she was born, was left behind a few days ago and I have tried to recreate it for her as it would take too long to order a new one :-( The first one I made, was waaaaay too small, so I increased the size. From memory the new one should be approximately the same size as the lost one. She loves these long-eared cuddly friends!!! The original can be bought from here .

Mmmmm, fabric! Safari animals on a beige background, green elephants on white, small penguins on blue background and dark purple elephants on a yellow background.

===  Currently £4  === BREAKING NEWS: The updated tutorial and pattern is now available in my UKQU shop . and in my PAYHIP shop . To see my article on the launch of the updated pattern - please click here . ===  Currently £4  ===

With number two on the way, I made these extra changing mats to have in the kitchen, in the pram and in the change bag; one can never have too many location for nappy changing! Two have fleece, the other one uses curtain interfacing (just because that's what I had at home) as padding. The large plastic one is so well used now, that some of the plastic has actually work off where the changing actually takes place; that should teach me from using a cheap plastic table cloth instead of proper pvc / wipeable fabric :-(

My Carla the cuddly crocodile is based on a pattern for a beanbag cuddly, but contrary to the pattern it has triangular applique eyes and polyester filling. I believe this to be more child friendly, as no worry about beans leaking out and easier to wash!

After having used the plastic pocket that the 36 pencils came in for another project, I needed something else to put the pencils in. Having seen plenty of crayon rolls on the internet, I decided to use the same principle to make a roll for the pencils.  This one has space for eight pencils, plenty enough for any parent to locate after the toddler has sent them everywhere when out and about...

My sister asked for a light pouch to put her phone in when out for a run. She has tried the ones available in the shops, but they are all bulky and the straps seem to be made for large, muscly male overarms :-( This is an early prototype and hence it still needs some refinement including proper sewing and a nicer fabric! But hey, IT WORKS!

Curtains, seat cover and cushions

A newer post with updated instructions is available .

Here are some of my finished projects and one UFO... The UFO, a.k.a. the snuggler by Lotta Jansdotter. It will not be finished (only lacking the velcro), unless someone wants it... I found the design very impractical when trying to put my little daughter in it as you had to wiggle her into it and with a floppy wobbly-worm this was not the easiest. A plain swaddling blanket is far more practical in my opinion. A nursing cover made in light muslin and with no boning as I personally prefer the cover to be fully flexible. Baby hat in fleece and jersey, also from Lotta Jansdotter. Actually another disappointment. Why on earth would someone design a hat in new born sizes with a seam at the back??? The baby's head is so soft, why have bulky fabric there? Some baby blankets and finally some scarves / dribble bibs in a variety of fabrics including fleece, jersey and cotton.

I am really really really pleased how well my new custom made crafting labels turned out!  After having created my own design in Adobe Elements I sent the .JPG file off to  Jennifer's Jewels over at Etsy and she then printed them for me. As it was ordered from the US, the delivery took a week (I got an electronic confirmation that it was posted, great touch!), but definitely well worth the wait!