Creating the world around us, one stitch at a time

For some reason I always want to make stuffed toys in the spring -- it must be the sight of Easter baskets everywhere I look, new babies (human and otherwise) snuggling up to their mamas, and all those dreadfully appealing catalogs of stuff that I know I don't need ... they all get me in the mood to make stuffed toys. Just in case you end up wanting to craft also, I thought I'd share some of my latest inspirations. As a nod to the recession I'm pointing out free patterns and tutorials, mostly ones that you can make with mere scraps of fabric (and yes, we do sell some great patterns too). The caliber of information and inspiration available online is always so impressive!

I generally need to make some amount of substitutions when using other people's patterns for stuffies and making them organically -- I'll use our organic cotton stuffing or organic wool batting instead of polyester batting, of course, and organic fabrics, and I'll usually pick our yarns or buttons for details (though I've really been getting into incorporating lace and ribbons lately as well). It's totally worth any accommodations I make, though -- things like not using interfacing may make projects a bit more complicated, but they also make them a whole lot purer.

In addition to having several marvelous patterns and goodies for sale at her etsy store, Wee Wonderfuls has some very cute freebie patterns. My favorite is the rabbit -- it's so quick to make, with just scraps of fabric. (I love choosing different fabrics for each side; such a cheerful look!)

Here's a different type of rabbit, and a carrot as well. Again, fairly easy to make and adorable too!

I so love these crocheted eggs -- especially the bad egg! There's a splendid story to go along with the pattern, too.

If you're an egg person, you just may like these fabric eggs ... for Easter or otherwise.

The Chickummyjig is only slightly more complicated but the rewards could be substantial if you feel like accepting the challenge ... do you? And I'm currently loving Abraham Owl; I foresee an owl-making spree in the very near future!

Last but not least on the crafting front, keep your eggs warm (real eggs, not fabric ones) with an egg warmer or three. Make it using some scraps of gorgeous organic fabrics and this tutorial. It's not a softie, I know, but it's such a great quick and easy gift. I think a couple egg warmers and a half dozen green, brown, and white eggs from our chickens would make a splendid springtime present, don't you?

On a different note, we changed the sale items -- there are some gorgeous new fabrics available at incredible prices now, as well as a stunning lace that I only just added to the site. The sale will last for approximately three weeks -- don't miss it.

(The heirloom chicks pictured above were ours when they arrived at the post office years ago -- what a treat it was to go collect the peeping box and bring it home, so carefully cradled on my lap!)

Posted by Tara at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you seen the Spring 2009 issue of Living Crafts Magazine? Winnie and I wrote an article in it, entitled "Going Green With Organic Fabrics." (On the cover, it's optimistically called the "Complete Guide to Organic Fabric," which I think may be just a tad optimistic for an eight-page article, but I'm not complaining...)

I'm not going to say it's entirely comprehensive -- there's only so much you can say within the word constraints of a magazine article -- but it is a decent introduction to the concept if I do say so myself. We were able to talk with some people who have been innovators in the field for many years while writing the article, including Sally Fox, Matt Mole, Barbara Filippone, and Daniel Sanders, and the piece immediately after ours shows how to sew an organic doll quilt in an afternoon (written by Meryl Ann Butler, whose 90-Minute Quilts book is invaluable if you want quick projects for gifting or just need a nice, easy introduction to quilting). It's a fun magazine, especially if you have small children -- if you don't already subscribe, you may want to pick up a copy of your own.

(We'll also be giving out copies of the magazine at our booth at the Denver Green Festival, May 2-3. As if you really needed a reason besides our shiny happy faces to stop by and see us!)

Posted by Tara at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We've totally changed out the items on our yard sale page -- all new fabrics, and they're incredible deals. As my Grandma Rachel would say, you're going to want to give them a look-see.

My favorites are the Natural Herringbone, which is such a substantial fabric with a wonderfully tight classic weave, and Geometrics, which is splendidly intricate and can be used on either side. I have a great throw pillow made with Geometrics that I just love! Balmoral lace, this wide and fancy piece of decorative trim that's incredibly regal and quite popular, is also on sale.

It was Winnie's birthday last month, and as her present she asked for a spectacular sale (yes, she is weird, thank you for noticing), so here you have it... These sale prices are only good through March 24, though, at which point we'll put up a new batch of goodies for your consideration.

Keep in mind that our sale items are first-quality, non-closeouts; we pick some of our favorite goodies at any given time and put them on sale for a couple of weeks just to share the goodness.

Posted by Tara at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)