Patchwork balls again

I have made a ton of patchwork balls over the years (see this old post for one example), they are my go-to gift for new babies. I make them quite small and put a couple of bells inside, and they are usually a very appreciated gift! When I made my first ones I used this great tutorial by blogger iHanna - but of course by now I could probably make one in my sleep... They are a breeze to sew!

This one I actually made as a gift for Keith - he has been bugging me to make one for him for a couple of years now, lol. We had a few family members over today and the ball was quite a hit with the "grown-ups" too - it works great as a stress ball, perfect for tossing around. I snapped a quick photo with a regular tin can to give an idea of the size:

Now I'm considering making a whole bunch of balls in different sizes - they are just so fun and relaxing to make! I might try to find some Stockholm based kids' charities who could use some extra toys - always a good excuse to get crafting!

Dolls and stitches

This little lady is going to be a gift for a certain someone... As soon as I manage to make some clothes for her, that is! I'm trying to find more time for sewing, it's so much fun but a little time (and space) consuming... This doll was made a couple of weeks ago. My inspiration came from the lovely and talented Jess Brown, though my doll-making skills certainly don't measure up to hers! I tried tea-dying the fabric for the body, to give a bit of an aged look... It was my first time tea-dying, and it worked great! The hair is a thick wool felt (vadmal) stitched on with embroidery floss. The arms are button-jointed.


And this is the view from the window sill! Spring is slowly approaching...


My mom visited last month, and she taught me something I've been dying to learn for ages: free motion stitching! I love it! I'm already experimenting with a major free motion stitched project, which will have to remain secret for a little while... The test piece above reads "Karin loves Keith" in my own very wobbly stitching.

Family fun at the fair

I just wanted to share some pics of what I have been up to this week... It was so much fun having Stella and her parents here! The Molly doll seemed to go over well, too:

Kisses! Stella loves softies, so I have a hunch I'll be making a few more for her over the years! :-)

We had a great week. We spent an entire day at Liseberg amusement park, going on all the kiddy rides and winning a huge prize on a chocolate wheel! We also spent a day in Haga, a lovely historic neighborhood here in Göteborg with lots of fun shops and nice cafés. Here's Stella and me hainging out by a fountain at Järntorget:

I hope you all had a good week too!

Molly Monkey Doll

Hi all! This is a scheduled post, because I am way too busy this week to find time for blogging... Baby Stella and her parents are in town visiting us for an entire week! Yay!

I decided it was about time I made Stella a nice doll (she's over a year old now you know!) and I decided on this pattern from the talented mmmcrafts. It came out so well, I might have to make another one!

The little monkey doll is a free pattern on the mmmcrafts blog, and it was just a joy to make! Really clear instructions, even for someone with limited sewing skills like me! :-) And I just love the pattern, the proportions are perfect... Those long skinny legs are too cute!

Here is Molly packaged up and ready to go to... Along with some more goodies for Stella. Being an auntie rocks, I love making toys and playthings and now I have the best excuse! :)



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