Little bit of sewing

Hello people! Well, we're in the midst of the kids' winter break...it's been fun so far. We went to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester on Monday. We've been there a few times before and it's lots of fun...but MAN! Was it crowded! Even Mason got a headache at the end of the day! But the best part this time was the butterfly garden, which we'd never been to before. There were so many cool butterflies in a rainforest-like environment. Fun!

In-between kid-related activities, I've been doing a little sewing. Or sewing little things, take your pick. I made my first two tuffets!

I made the one on the right first...that one's for me. Lots of teeny tiny little pieces...the nine-patch block in the center is only 2" x 2"! I used Legacy (Collection for a Cause) fabrics for the top and burgundy felt for the back. I wanted to try walnut shells for the filling, but didn't feel like making a trip to the pet store to get them, so I used plastic pellets instead. They fill it out nicely and give it a good heft.

If you're thinking of making tuffets too, I have a bit of advice...save every little scrap! For some reason, I guess a cutting error (gasp! Me?!), I didn't have enough of the light dot fabric for the checkerboard border...so I had to piece two one-inch squares (see the lower-right square). Good times!

Mason liked it so he wanted me to make him one too. He picked out the fabrics...these are from Love U. To make it a little pillow, I filled it with regular poly filling. It's very light and soft. ♥

Notice no nine-patch in the center. To feature that fabric I had to cut a whole two-inch square. Made it a bit easier anyway!

In the meantime, I'm still stitching this cutie while relaxing...

I loooove doing embroidery. The pattern suggests using stem stitch but I'm using backstitch...my favorite. Plus I think it works better for the little teeny turns and such. I love getting stitches perfectly straight (on occasion)...I love hearing the pop of the needle through the fabric....I love seeing it take shape...I just love everything about it!

Have a wonderful cozy day if you can!

♥ Jen