Josephine is 16 months old now and just starting to walk. With her increasing independence, including the ability to climb the stairs (!), comes a heightened need for security. This means lots of hugs and check-ins with me and with her sisters (and a fair bit of wrestling and climbing on top of them when they are laying on the floor reading or drawing). But it also means a serious attachment to her lovey, Mr. Purples.
A few months ago Mr. Purples was a soft, purple bunny with pink fleece-lined ears and a blankie body. Now that he's been dragged all over the house, dipped in a fair amount of yogurt and other sticky substances, dropped out of the stroller and retrieved a half dozen times, he is…rather gray. And not so soft. But she loves him desparately. Mr. Purples comes in the car whenever we go out and accompanies Josephine in her crib at every nap and at bedtime.
Inspired by her (and our) devotion to "that little purple dude" (as I call him), I made a pattern for a lovey. Actually, four different lovies: a bunny, a kitty, a puppy, and a bear. They are made from soft fleece and scraps of quilting cotton, with embroidered features so that they are soft and safe for babies. Each Lovey Dovey comes together pretty easily in about an hour and uses only a 1/4 yard of fabric. A perfect handmade gift for a new baby.
The pattern is $6.50 and is available as an instant download in PDF format and includes step-by-step photos, clear written instructions, and full-sized templates. You can find it now in my Etsy shop and my Craftsy pattern shop. You never know – one of your Lovey Dovies could easily become as cherished a member of the family a Mr. Purples has become in ours!
Josephine and the bear are a picture of peace. I like the bear’s ‘gentle’ expression.
Sweet. Have you ever thought about adding a little strap of some sort to tether it to her (or her stroller)? Just wondered if maybe the feet could have a little snap or something not scratchy?
Caren,
That's a neat idea! I think a band with a strip of velcro would probably make the most sense for a baby toy. Thank you!
I’ve got a beautiful grandson that I would love to try this pattern out for but when I click on the Etsy link there’s no option to purchase it. Can you help me please? I’d rather purchase from Etsy than Craftsy if possible.
Hi Bunny,
I’m sorry the link was broken. It’s fixed now and here it is directly: http://www.etsy.com/listing/100269770/lovey-dovey-softie-pdf-sewing-pattern?ref=shop_home_active