Finishing gifts....and a cute idea for boys.

I finally got round to backing the dolls blanket. It's definitely a dolls blanket now. It changed several times, even during the sewing of the backing. I suddenly realised it would look so much better as a cushion, stuffed it with wadding and realised I had made it a funny length and I would need to find a custom cushion for it.

SO IT'S A  BLANKET. (decision made). Now I don't know which daughter to give it to.

I backed it with a teatowel from Homebase. Since all my fabrics are in storage still, I have to make do with what I can find. I really miss the pondering over and pulling out of fabric. The sheer enjoyment of looking at the patterns or feeling the oldness of the linens, is all waiting for me in several large plastic boxes. I can't wait.

So Homebase came to the rescue again. Quite surprising really, it's not the first place you wold think of, but I used a teatowel from there two years ago to make a little quilt for the dolls cot. Not exactly fat quarters, but you get a couple of materials that co-ordinate and also a teatowel that is not inspiring enough for sewing, so you use it as a tea towel. How novel!

Anyway I really liked the ones that they had in, and since one set were looking quite boyish I suddenly realised that perhaps I could sew something for Philip. I haven't sewn anything for him before. A dolls blanket would be a complete no-no. BUT how about a sleeping bag for his toy.

Meet Cowboy Joe. Yes he looks a bit bedraggled. He certainly has been round a few corners. I received him when I was a child, from an aunt. I absolutely loved him. My childhood teddy didn't survive as I gave him to a new Labrador pup to play with (yes, I'm kicking myself), so Cowboy Joe is my oldest toy.

I gave him to Philip when he was very small and he does love him too. He has a collection of toys that he takes to bed, but of course it suits Cowboy Joe to have a sleeping bag. You need one for all your cowboy adventures don't you?

So here it is. God, I really had to think about this one. How in God's name do I make something reversible? I managed it in the end, but it took a while to figure it out. Proudly only one seam was ripped out, and my machine behaved impeccably (I'm ashamed to admit I think it's because I changed my needle). There is a little built in pillow, and a turned down section so Joe can see out (he likes to look at the stars, and keep an ear for bears).

It didn't have to be reversible but since I liked the co-ordinating fabric I decided it had to be. Instead of completely sewing up the turned down section I left it open as I know Philip loves small spaces for storing things. Secret notes and little toys can be kept in there (or perhaps Cowboy Joes gun, remember the bears).

Much better than the CD storage box I had planned to decorate for him.

Comments

[Marty]

Love the sleeping bag. That's just gorgeous. Hope your son really enjoys it.

[Amanda]

It was lovely to hear from you today! Great to discover a fellow T-towel fan. They can be turned into allsorts can't they? I love your little sleeing bag. You clever thing!
Love Amanda xxx

[Aby]

What a super cute idea! Love this. :)