Of bears, hedgehogs and hippie buses

Phew, Tory got a lot done last weekend, didn't she? Very impressive, and her hippie sling bag is gorgeous in real life. Lest you think that all I do is lounge on the beach, I thought I'd better chime in here with a recent crafting report of my own.

As well as my last minute beach blanket, I whipped up a last minute Oliver & S play suit as a gift for the 20 month-old son of the friends we were spending the weekend with. I even managed to cut into my last piece of the Heather Ross hippie bus fabric. I have enough fabric left for one more project and then that is it. I've conducted an extensive internet search and it appears that this fabric is truly off the market. I'm trying to move on, but it's difficult, the Lightning Bugs and Other Mysteries fabric line was just so adorable. There are some more photos of the play suit here and here.

I've also been working on a baby gift commissioned by a coworker. His request was vague: "Can you make something for K's new grandson? I'm a guy, so I don't really care what it is as long as she likes it." Hilarious, and who doesn't enjoy complete creative control? Tory and I did a little brainstorming and decided on a coordinating stuffed bear and tote bag set. I pulled out my go-to Wee Wonderfuls pattern and started cutting.

I love this hedgehog fabric that I bought from Superbuzzy last year. It's a linen/cotton blend and holds up really well to being stuffed. You can see another softie I used it for here. The fuzzy fabric is a home decor fabric that I found in the sale bin at Joann's. I like that it gives a bit more dimension than felt and have used in for several Wee Wonderfuls bears & kitties with great success.

Sewing on the face is my favorite part, I love watching their personalities emerge.

Instead of the collar suggested in the pattern I gave this little guy a scarf with an appliquéd apple detail to coordinate with the body fabric.

I hope his new owner likes him as much as I do.