I’m slowing down. The baby has dropped and is now lodged rather uncomfortably in my pelvis. I’ve had three bouts of Braxton Hicks contractions, each lasting several hours and bringing me close to tears. The craft room is a mess – there is fabric strewn everywhere and a half-finished alligator sitting on my desk with no eyes and no lower jaw.
I did manage to get to the library on Saturday morning while Charlie and Roxy were at Tot Time and I found two books, one of which is this one – The Complete Book of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques by Alicia Merrett and Ann Stephens.
It’s not that I’m dying to make teddy bears, really, but I find books like these so helpful in making softies generally. This one is super comprehensive and includes sections on designing patterns (especially those ever tricky head gussets),
sewing noses, ear placement, and, best of all, making clothes to dress the finished bear.
Roxy would just go crazy for a softie in a necktie. Oh yes.
I haven’t done much with making doll clothes. I always seem to run out of steam on a project before I get a chance to clothe it. And because I never sew actual clothes for real people, I just don’t have experience in figuring out how to make clothing patterns, how to sew on sleeves and waist bands and closures. The directions in this book are really great and easy to follow. Now if I could only sit comfortably in a chair long enough to make something…
And just to close with something inspirational, I found this site over the weekend and I think her stuff is so lovely. Be sure to click through the “felt animals” and see the birds and the penguins. Wow.
Take it easy, consider you’re working on the ultimate softie 🙂
That book looks good. I’ll have to check it out.
Bravo to you for keeping this up while you head into the home stretch! The Braxton Hicks are daunting – since they feel real even when you know they aren’t labor yet. at 35 weeks here myself, I’ve been trying to rest and get the house and kids ready… wishing for more time for crafts!
Good luck!
This looks like an interesting book with lots of good tips thanks for the peek inside 🙂 Try to relax and put your feet up – I almost hate saying that ’cause I know it’s next to impossible when you’ve got a little one running around – but I do hope you get a chance to take it easy.
Those contractions do feel like the real thing and you are doing right by slowing down a bit. Also, your sweater bears are so adorable! Take care “).
Your post prompted me to get some business done. I’m at 34 weeks and I also feel like slowing down, but not before I tie up some loose ends, yikes! I’m loving your sweater bears, too. Good luck. 🙂
Yuck, I’m not looking forward to that whole thing. Drink lots of water and keep your feet up and comfy. Best of luck to you.
Ouch, that sounds uncomfortable, take care ok? I hope the little Gator recieves his necessary appendages soon 🙂 Thanks for the link!