HopSkipJump patterns

One more gift ticked off the 'to make' list

December 20, 2011

Kangaroo and baby Joey are the most recent gifts completed from my 'to make' Christmas list.  The awesome pattern is by Hop Skip Jump (from the new book by the same name). 
Isabella chose Kangaroo and Joey a few weeks ago when I asked her which lovely friend she would like me to make her for Christmas.  I think she has forgotten all about it now, so she should get a nice surprise on Christmas morning.  I have been loving Fiona Dalton's new book and this is now the fourth toy I have made.  Kangaroo has movable arms and legs and her big tail allows her to sit up all on her own!
I made my set from a grey wool I bought from Rathdowne Remnants.  The pouch is made from 100% wool felt and sewn in place with a blanket stitch.  The floral print is from my stash - I've forgotten what it's called.  The buttons are vintage - I was excited to find four of a kind from my button box!
I have a few more things to complete by Christmas eve - but most will have to wait to be revealed after Christmas so that they are a surprise (mostly for the Mums of the recipients as I don't think 3-7 year olds are very good at navigating blogs!)

Christmas

Angel

December 17, 2011

My lovely friend Karen called me yesterday saying she was super excited to have a go at making some Christmas angels as gifts for family.  We made a crafty/kiddy play date and I said I'd have a think of how to put one together.  Karen said she had been inspired by Waldorf angels she had seen on the net, so with that look in mind I started drawing, then couldn't stop...one red headed little angel made for the top of our tree!
She was constructed from these materials:
  • Nylon stocking piece for head (stuffed with polyfill)
  • Wool mohair threaded hair
  • Recycled weetbix box body covered in blue wool and cream linen
  • Pliable wire wings and halo
She looks pretty sweet on top of our tree...

HopSkipJump patterns

Basil the bunny

December 08, 2011

Here is my latest softie - Basil the bunny.  Pattern is again by Hop Skip Jump from her new book.  I am making a softie each for the girls for Christmas.  This one is for Juliette.
He is made from a mauve/grey wool blend I bought from Rathdowne Remnants and he features a very sweet wool pom pom tail!

I'm linking up today with Kootoyoo.

Advent calendar

Oh Christmas tree!

December 01, 2011

I was looking forward to making one of these matchbox advent calendars after seeing my sister's handmade one last Christmas.
Most of the advent calendars you see in the shops are tacky and include no meaningful message about Christmas.
This calendar took a couple of afternoon sessions to make - but was something Issie and I could (mostly) do together while Juliette slept.  Inside each box is a little message or drawing which include: nice things to do; simplified religious story of christmas and also how our extended family celebrates each year.

If you want to make your own matchbox advent calendar, here is what you will need:
  • 25 empty matchboxes (super cheap in bulk if you buy no name).  I wet the empty matches before disposing of them;
  • 1/2 metre of brown paper;
  • 6-8 x 20cm pieces of ribbon/lace;
  • Assorted small buttons;
  • Glitter;
  • I also used damask printed card for the trunk of the tree (number 24);
  • Regular and craft glue to decorate boxes;
  • Blue tac to fix boxes to wall;
  • Star for top of tree.

Can you believe it's already the first of December? The years just seem to fly by.
I'm linking up today with Our Creative Spaces at Kootoyoo.