The Process

I found a sunflower on Pinterest and searched it's origin. Turns out, it's a pattern on Ravelry. If you'd like to make one, just go to Ravelry.com, register (it's free to join) and search crocodile stitch sunflower. If you would like help finding the pattern, just leave a message and I'll give further directions to it. The designer calls it a dalhia, I think, but you choose! By now, you must realize that sunflowers are my favorite and this has to be the best pattern yet. It's designed ot be a square for further application in an afghan or pillow, but I use mine as cushions for bears, bunnies, etc.

So then, which comes first? The critter or the cushion? In this instance, it was the sit-upon.

I went through my collection of perhaps appropriate fabrics.

Other than making striking photos with sun and shadows, taking the lot outdoors has the advantage of seeing the true color. I really learned my lesson with that one when a bunny turned up with a lavender nose - which, on reflection, could have been interesting.

And the winner (s) are:

Well, so far, anyway. I'm thinking maybe a panda bunny or bear in gold and brown.
Stay tuned!!! You never know what will happen! I'll keep you posted!!

Helpers, Gifts, and Fun!

Do any of you have special helpers like my Rocky? He has a  basket on my worktable, just to my right, where he oversees all sewing. He often naps there and is annoyed if another kitty gets in his spot! We've added other kitty size baskets all around to accommodate what seems to be a universal kitty attraction.

My dear friend Sarah, once again this year, has given me a Casablanca lily blossom. Actually, it was a bud when she handed it to me and gave me instructions to clip off the fuzzy red bits once it opened as they can be quite messy. I bought the vase it's sitting in at our local farmers' market and it was created by Tracy who works at our veterinarian's office. I've thought glass blowing would be great fun, but there just aren't enough hours in the day. The lily has lasted over a week and the fragrance it produces is just marvelous!

and finally a flower I've made with directions from a book on thread crochet that's filled with pineapple motifs. It's very dimensional as each petal is anchored on three different levels created on the center, and just perfect, I think, for one of my little bears to sit upon - right on that center. The pineapple is a favorite motif used in traditional crochet. It looks a bit different using a pretty green cotton thread.

Yep, they are that small!

Two things. First, I wanted to post a special photo of Su Lin from the recent online show. She is soooo sweet, I thought she deserved special attention. She's the size that fits nicely with the Panda Tea House of recent posts. Su Lin has already arrived at her new home near Chicago. Thanks, Pat!!
Second, as it was time to prepare my next ad for Teddy Bear and Friends magazine, I thought it would be a good idea to have a "bear in hand" photo again. Recently at the Philly show, a lovely lady came to my table and asked if my bears were all that small. She apparently couldn't tell from the magazine photos so showing this little darling will help with that message. I have, of course, made many big bears, but my heart, just now, is with the smaller and smaller ones. Pat tells me that Su Lin was treated to a special "Wecome" tea party when she arrived. Awwwwwww!