How are you doing with your Love Bug?
We've got quite a crowd now in the Bee-Mine Sew-Along and this week I'm proud to say that I've finished all three of my Valentine's Day Love Bugs. Whew! (Not sure what the Bee-Mine Sew-Along is all about? Read up on it here!)
Three daughters means I better have three of everything!
I made a few fun additions to this pattern in honor of the sew-along. We started with the Benji the Bumblebee pattern, swapping out his bee wings for hearts. I chose patterned fleece for the heart wings on my love bugs.
Next, embroider sweet eyes and a smile with chainstitch.
Blush the cheeks! You can use a little bit of makeup (blush or lipstick), just try it first on a scrap. It might wash off if the love bug ends up in the washing machine at some point, but it sure is cute!
And finally, add some crinkle to the wings if you're giving a love bug to a baby. I saved this bit of cellophane from the wrapping around a package of brussel sprouts. It's super crinkly! You can also use a clean chip or pretzel bag. Once you start looking for crinkle, you'll find it everywhere!
Trace the wing shape with a Sharpie. You want trace just inside the stitching line so that the crinkly wing will fit inside the fleece wing.
Cut out your crinkle and slide it into the sewn wing. Finish your love bug the usual way!
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Want to join the fun? Download the pattern here (it's 50% off through Feb. 14). Sew a love bug and post a photo to my Facebook page (or email it to me) by Thursday, Feb. 13 (only one week left!). On Valentine's Day I'll draw a winner to receive a copy of a brand new, super fun book called Never Been Stitched. International entries welcome!
Happy sewing and happy Valentine's Day!
They are so cute! I am going to try some of your stuffie patterns, but have to start with a simple project like the bear first. As a quilter I am used to working in two dimensions, but I am sure that third one can be mastered as well. I have your bird book so I should be ready to go as soon as I read up on basic techniques and such.
Will you be doing a linky party for all the finished love bugs, that would have been so much fun, seing all the different variations?
That’s a fun idea, Nina! I’ll think about it!
If you want to start with a simple softie, I recommend my free pattern for Pete the Bear. With your quilting experience I’m betting you can sew him up in under an hour! Here’s a link to the pattern: http://whileshenaps.typepad.com/whileshenaps/2013/05/free-teddy-bear-sewing-pattern-pete-the-bear.html