I finished the pattern for this lizard and sent off both the owl and lizard patterns to the editor at Penguin Books today. I am sort of happy that both toys that will be photographed for the book are made from the same two green fabrics, the lighter of which I dyed. I think it helps them look like they were both made by the same person and it shows that the same scraps of fabric can become two very different creatures.
This was the first time I have written one of my patterns down and that was an interesting exercise. Time consuming. Things really have to be right because "and then you hack off the fabric that is hanging over the edge" and "fiddle with the seam until it looks right" weren’t really going to cut it. I totally reworked the way that the lizard’s feet are done and now it is simpler and more easily replicable. And no patchwork on these two toys. Although I like making patchwork and I think it makes the toys really funky and cool, I felt it made the pattern needlessly complicated.
when you wrote that you were writing a pattern i spent some time wondering if i could… and thought EXACTLY the same thing you said… that snipping, massaging and steaming until it sits right is not what most people are looking for in directions… i am looking forward to the book.
Love the toys that you make, and good luck with the book too. I cannot wait to see it on your blog, how exciting!
That lizard is just so wonderful–all the different greens are great and he just looks so friendly. I’m not big on reptiles, but I think I could be friends with that little guy.
congrats on the book can’t wait to see it!
I’m looking forward to the book, too. I imagine that the teacher in you had to come out when deciding how to best express your directions in writing. Can’t wait to pick it up!
I love your lizards, I dunno if it’s the angle but I really like this one’s “facial expression” 🙂
Wow! In a book, congrats. Writing down a pattern, not my favorite part of designing..
Just marvellous.
good for you for getting it done! And I know the lizard must have been a real challenge to explain.
I’ll be on the look out for your penguin book.
The little lizard is so perky, I can just imagine him zipping about.
Hi Abby, just love the lizard. How wonderful to have your work in press. I wanted to let you know that I have finally started my own blog, after much lurking, and to thank you for the inspiration.
Hey Abby!
I have a few (smallish) pieces of fabric fabric that have been sitting around for too long and I will probably not be able to use. They are lovely, but color combinations I don’t use often and I hate to waste anything.
I thought of you when I was looking at them ~ if you would be interested, send me your address and I’ll stick a few in a padded envelope for you.
What a charming doll!
I don’t like sewing buttonholes even if my machine does it “all by itself”.