The last dinosaur is complete. He is a Pterodactyl made out of the softest shrunken woollen vests. He was the one I most wanted to make and the most difficult to get anywhere near right. (Going to make his eyes bigger.) I see TF playing with him in much the same way as a toy plane.
The other dinos will plod around the ground, like a car, but the Pterodactyl is designed to swoop around in the air above them.
So that is all four done. Another present ticked off my list. (Little dance of joy!)
Although these wee ones will be put to bed until Christmas, they have sparked another project for me. The grown-up project that I was hinting at a few weeks ago. I don’t often talk about my hand making to the other mothers in the playground. A month or so ago, I was chatting to a couple of them about my plans to make some christmas presents. They loved the idea and said that they would love to make something, but didn’t know how to. I explained to them what I was making, thinking that they would probably not be interested as it was simple. To my surprise, they were still keen.
So after a bit of arranging, I now have a group of five mothers coming round on Friday to make toys for their children. The projects had to be hand sewing only and we really wanted to use preloved fabric or whatever we already had. If you are going to avoid buying toys, it seemed self-defeating to go out and buy new fabric. If it goes well, then Friday mornings will be put aside for making.
Everyone is bringing shrunken pre-loved jumpers or felt from their home collection. I’m getting the templates ready to make the dinos (Val, I haven’t forgotten that you’d like the templates) and the polar bear millet bag cozy. They can also choose to make hand puppets or felt food. I am getting used to people approaching me outside school brandishing half-shrunken jumpers, to see if they are suitable.
I’m planning on using the toadstool pincushions for the sewing session. It wasn’t madness, but forward planning to make so many of these cheerful fellows. It should help to control the pins.
This is the first time I’ve handed on my crafting skills to grown-ups that are not related to me. It’s the first time I’ve felt comfortable about inviting a group of people over to do anything, as for the last decade or more we have been living on a builders’ site. It feels good to be sharing and giving something back. I’m looking forward to getting together with a group of women who all want to make something for their children. Fingers crossed for me!
Friday mornings crafting with friends – recycling and creating something special – could it get any better than that? How I wish I lived nearer…..
You would, of course, be more than welcome. This is partially inspired by you joining your spinning group. I’m really looking forward to it.
I’m loving your collection of dinosaurs! They look great and a lot of fun. Lucky kid!
Luciana
I hope he enjoys them. Otherwise I know my eldest will readily adopt them. She really is my biggest crafting fan.
This is just fantastic…I think I have Friday morning free 😉
I’ve also been inspired by you and have embarked upon a mission of my own, to make the Tilly characters for my boy. Wish me luck!
Oh Kelly. You know you would be most welcome, but I can’t imagine you having a Friday free ever! I don’t know the Tilly characters. I hope you post them. I’d love to see.
Cheryl, those dinosaus are fantastic. I’ve enjoyed you showing us as each one has been made as well as those cute toadstools. I think it is fantastic that you have some mums over to learn how to craft for their kids presents, but also to crafting in general. It’s so nice to hear of people making their own things, they will be so rewarded for their efforts. Good luck and I wish I could be there too even though my girls are 20 and 17 and I live in Australia. 🙂
Anne
Hi Anne. I was surprised when they showed interest. There were more people who wanted to join us, but they couldn’t make Friday. I can’t help thinking that there has been a resurgence of people interested in hand making items. Not sure if that makes us lifetime crafters into the guardians of the skills. 😀
These dinos are so incredibly cute! Wish I could join your tutoring session.
I’m glad you like them. It really would be fun to have you join us.
Those mushrooms are so adorable, i just love them!
Thanks Heidi. I’m really enjoying making them. I still have a few more to make. The children each want their own mini keyring toadstool to go on their bags.
That is such an excellent idea :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) :0)
Good for you!!!!
btw Love the flying dinosaur …just the chap to complete the club
I’m not completely satisfied with the pterodactyl. I think the two colours are too pale. I might embroider some detail on to the wings. I have a feeling I will still be adding tweaks when TF is playing with it!
Wish I could join you all! Sounds like so much fun. Good luck with all the creating!
I’m hoping it goes well. Everyone’s time is so valuable that I hope they all get something out of it. Shame it is a bit far for you.
Not only do I love your dinosaurs, but the fact that you are reusing and teaching others- how very giving of you.
Our Friday morning group was fun. Alas, life has moved on for us all, so we no longer meet up. I do miss it, but it was great while it lasted. I’d love to set up another group. No idea how I’d fit it in! Thank you for your lovely comment.