The Fifty States ~ Two Pillows

When I decide what to make, I'm definitely inspired by my kids. It's fun surprising them with something that they know was made especially for them.

Lately, my son has been into the fifty states. And this book, by Laurie Keller, is what started it all.

Now we have a floor puzzle and, no joke, my son can identify all the states and put them together! And he's 3! I'm shocked because even I have trouble with certain regions of the country (I won't embarrass myself and tell you any more than that.). 

Anyway, my son has wanted to carry around his favorite states from the puzzle--Kentucky and Oregon--and take them places (like to the store or playground, etc.). But I don't want him to lose the pieces and therefore, ruin the puzzle. So I decided to make pillow-toys of Kentucky and Oregon that he can take with him wherever he wants.

Here's my inspiration for Oregon.

And my rendering:

Here's what I used for Kentucky:

And the final product:

Here are the little guys hanging out before being introduced for the first time to my son.

And here's my son opening Kentucky.

You might be wondering why Kentucky and Oregon are his favorite states? Because his favorite colors are red and green (really)! No, he's never been to either place...but he really wants to now. :)

I'm linking up with Tea Rose Home today!

My First Dolly

Yay, I finished her! Right now, I'm referring to her as Little Pink Girl and it might just stay that way until my daughter gives her a better name.

I got the body pattern and nightie pattern from Jane Bull's book, Made By Me. I referred to Alicia Paulson's doll in her book, Stitched in Time, when I did the hair.

Here's a picture of my dolly before and after hair! Much improved, yes?

I also sewed a satiny ribbon into the back of the dolly for my daughter to play with (because this is what she does with her regular doll).

I gave Little Pink Girl to my daughter this weekend and 

she liked her. I was so glad.

Off to play!

Since this was my first attempt at sewing a doll, there were, of course, mistakes. Next time, I'll try to have more patience doing the hair (I used yarn and it was a little tricky with the needle I had). Also, I will try to bury the embroidery floss on the mouth next time. (It's supposed to be out and look like eyelashes on the eyes. I'm not sure if it does!) ;-)

Oh, by the way, I used Kona cotton for the body, and some fabric from an old bedsheet (that has appeared in other things) for the nightie. I added the details on the bottom of the nightie just for fun!

I'm looking forward to making another doll soon.

I'm linking up at Quilt Story today for 

Fabric Tuesday.