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Lewis & Lola

OK, I think I've officially cranked out more soft toys in one week than ever before (not a very grand claim at only 3, but a personal best nonetheless!) It would be fair to say that I'm a little bit tired, but I think I actually work much better with a deadline looming. These two are Lewis & Lola, blue-eyed brother and sister cats. Their eyes have somehow crept down their faces a little, making them look a little bit Anano, which, I guess, isn't really such a bad thing.

I'm loving the fabric on Lola's dress, which I was very fortunate to receive a while back as part of a swap with Sasha. Sasha was extremely generous and sent me this amazing stash, along with these pretty tags she made. Thanks again, I love it all!

A few fun links for the weekend:
- Scrappynation - these little folk are so full of character. Am I the last person on the internet to discover this amazing site?
- Bla Bla, (via Creature Comforts). Check out the strapbags.
- Zid Zid Kids. Love the embroidery on the cushions & great wallhangings, too.

Bright yellow, bright orange

Well, the party seemed to go off without a hitch. We blew up about 30 yellow and orange balloons. The kids hoovered up all the sugar and ran around like crazy bonkers. But, no bones were broken or tears shed, so we were happy! Audrey had a ball (and a big-girl birthday haircut to match her new status as a 2 year old).

I think the sugar must still be cursing through my veins, too, because I haven't been able to sit still since. Instead of being sensible and going to bed early to catch up on some much-needed sleep, I've been staying up late sewing. I've set myself the foolish goal of completing 4 new cats for Closet this week. Foolish because one or two a week is usually as much as I can manage. Here's the first cab off the rank: Minna cat. Made from more of that gorgeous tweed Amanda sent (thankyou again!!). This is challenging all my usual inclinations of laziness and the call of the tv. All I have to do now is gather plently of handstitching tasks so I can get everything done and still, er, keep up. (Plus I've just heard that something happens to Reg on The Bill this week. Eep! This 4 cat thing is getting shakier by the minute).

Sugar high

Lots of baking today in preparation for Audrey's birthday party tomorrow. We're having a garden theme, so - ladybird cupcakes.

Bumblebee cupcakes.

Mountains of these bad boys. Audrey had lots of fun putting on the sprinkles.

And some more cupcakes. These are supposed to be flowerpots. I got the idea from the most recent Donna Hay Kids & they didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped. The other cupcake ideas came from the Women's Weekly Kid's Party Cake book. I hope the kids like them. Huge amounts of butter, sugar and food colouring in this lot! Everyone's going home on a sugar high.

Daisy

Thankyou so much for your birthday wishes and get-well-soon's for Audrey, it means so much! Thankfully, she's on the mend and if luck is on our side I'll be in cupcakes up to my elbows by the weekend.

If we are really lucky the weather will be as nice as it is today. This is Daisy cat, named and dressed to commemorate the beginning of our Spring. I'm going to put her in the shop for a week or so before I take her into Closet, so if you would like her to come and live at your house, please let me know soon! More photos of her on Flickr.

UPDATE: She's sold. Many thanks!!

Birthday girl

Well, it wasn't the celebration we'd had in mind for Audrey's 2nd birthday yesterday, but we managed to scrape together a few special moments amidst the sickness. Friday's tummy bug hadn't let up by Saturday evening, so we had to postpone her party (boo!) It was so sad seeing her sick on her birthday; pale and falling asleep on my lap from exhaustion at 9.30am (!!) when afternoon naps are usually only reluctantly agreed to. But, my parents came over, presents were opened, 'happy birthday' was sung and candles were blown out - she brightened considerably!

Happy birthday, my sweet, clever, funny, gorgeous girl!

Fingers crossed

Here we go again... I think we are officially in the middle of a 'bad run' of sickness. This time, it's Audrey's turn for a tummy bug. Only 2 days before her 2nd birthday, oh sickness why do you smite us!?! Poor, poor thing, she's quite miserable. I'm hanging on the words of our GP who said that these things can clear up within 24 hours. Fingers crossed.

In happier news, last week Audrey and I had the pleasure of meeting up with lovely Carly and Moopy for a playdate. Carly & I had only ever met in passing, so it was wonderful to meet & chat properly and bring our two little girls together. We even got a taste of the delicious lemon tart Carly made. A good time was had by all and I even got a present - this beautiful purse that Carly made. Thanks so much, we look forward to seeing you guys again soon! (Er, once we're no longer contagious!)

Before the birthday frenzy

I am trying to write more often. Unfortunately, this means that until next week posts are going to be very focused on a certain person's second birthday-party. Apologies in advance! Before I start blathering incoherently about cupcakes and streamers, above is a photo of a beautiful package I received a couple of weeks ago. Kristine from Townmouse contacted me about making a cat in exchange for a couple of items from her beautiful range of childrenswear, and of course I jumped at the opportunity! Check out the scarf - it's got a cat face at the top! Needless to say, it's been very popular. Kristine also generously included a bundle of beautiful fabric scraps... just in time to dress this one:

Matilda cat will soon be winging her way to the UK. Lucky girl, I wish I could go travelling with her!

Oh, and because I'm feeling a bit sentimental Mum today (being birthday time and all), here's a photo of Audrey modelling her Townmouse t-shirt, sorry so blurry, it was the best I could do with my wriggly daughter!

Workin'

I am working like a madwoman today while Audrey spends the day with my Mum so I can catch up a bit. (It's very quiet here... silence is oddly unnerving these days!) This kitty cat is the cousin of Flossie, made by request for a special little person. She's sitting on a piece of vintage fabric I found while scouting second hand stores on the weekend. Not quite sure what to do with it yet... maybe a bag? Ok then, back to work!

Basil

I'm so behind with my blogging. There are swaps, craft book purchases and 2nd birthday party plans - Audrey & I even had a fantastic playdate with Carly and Moopy - all as yet undocumented! I've been sick (again) this past week, apparently I didn't get over that last cold properly, so lots to catch up on. But first, this is Basil cat. His pants are made from some of the wonderful wool tweed Amanda sent a few weeks back, and his flower pin I made using Lyn's fabric flower tutorial. It was easy and lots of fun, I'm keen to make more - thanks Lyn!

And big congratulations to Amanda and her family... wonderful news!

Elinor

Like many people at the moment, I'm finding it difficult to buckle down and get things done; craft seems so trivial compared to what some people are going through in the aftermath to Cyclone Katrina. My heart goes out to everyone affected by both the natural disaster and the unnatural way in which the US government seem to have reacted to the tragedy.

Slowly, though, I'm getting things done. I managed to finish Elinor cat today. I've had these safety eyes knocking around my button tin for ages, and thought I might give them a try. I really like them, but both Matt and my Mum looked at her face and made the kind of noises that you make when you're trying to think of something positive to say, but can't really think of anything. In any case, I'm keen to use them again, I think they add an extra cat-ness that was absent before! Elinor is a special request who is now going on an overseas trip - bon voyage!