today on my desk

Given I didn't get back to post my red item (that's me trying to pretend I did one...ha ha) I thought I'd show you my work in progress for this green week.

My process (if you can call it that) for designing & making my toys goes like this:

1 Play with fabric combinations. I mean PLAY. This can be a very lengthy process. Generally I have a loose idea in mind as to the style of the toy. ie. it may be for a boy or girl, subtle or loud in colour & pattern, quirky or conservative. I am very easily distracted - I'll spot a fabulous scrap of fabric that I haven't seen for a while and head off on a totally unrestrained direction trying to figure out how I can use it. This is why the colour challenge has been good for me by tightening the parameters of my fabric fossick.

2 I usually will try to create a minimum of 2 toys at a time. Cut the fabrics.

3 Sew together inside out (leaving a 1 inch opening) and then turn out and smooth seams.

4 Stuff with fill, insert bell and hand sew opening (in front of TV)

The entire process usually takes me several days & nights as I get to do little spurts at a time. If I'm lucky I get an hour during the day while sleeping beauties have retired to their rooms, then an hour or two at night when the house is quiet.

I managed to get these 3 almost completed yesterday from scratch. Just a little hand sewing is required to finish (that's tonights feet up on the sofa job). My mind was still in the red week (feeling a twinge of guilt) but also thinking about the current green challenge. End product = green + red. I like this combination - it's fun and unisex.

Today I wrapped and posted this customised car cushion for Andre's first birthday present. Hope he likes it :) His Mum is a pretty funky momma and a lover of green hence the colour choices - check out her Etsy shop here.