Sewing Projects for Baby

{Sewing Projects for Baby, 2012}

{Sewn Bird with a Jingle Bell Inside, 2012}

{House Pillow, Front, 2012}

 {House Pillow, Back, 2012}

Even though I have a huge book project I'm working on right now, I have enjoyed making a few things for the little baby boy growing inside me. I have sewn a few toys that are far from perfect, but I hope that he likes them anyways. The bird and cat toys were quick and easy and I made the patterns from tracing paper. I love to make things that way because you never really know what to expect. Usually I don't work from others' patterns. If anything, I often look at sewing projects to get a little inspiration and then go and do my own thing. The house pillow was fun to make but took several sessions to hand stitch the windows and letters. I thought it would be neat to put the word house on the back for someday when he is learning to read. Who knows, maybe I'll make a few more shape and word pillows. I'm also making a little quilt that I will share once its finished. And I  have a few drawing projects that are separate from my book project that I will share soon! It has been a very busy 2012 autumn so far!

Illustration Friday - Forward

{Watercolor, 2012}

This little remote control car is happy to be moving forward! I had a remote control car when I was younger, and I thought it was pretty awesome to be able to drive something. I think that might be part of the allure for children. Very rarely do they get a chance to be in control and a remote control toy gives them all the power!

Giraffe Plush

{Sewing Project, 2012}

{Sewing Project, 2012}

{Sewing Project, 2012}

I made this giraffe for my friend's baby for Christmas (but only just gave it to her today. oops!) I really enjoy making my own patterns for toys and designing how their faces, limbs, and other add-ons will look. I used a giraffe patterned cotton for the body and felt for the details. I think it turned out pretty cute and I am definitely getting better at using my sewing machine! If you read this blog, I hope you don't mind because I love the satisfaction of creating things out of fabric with my own hands and it is fun to share the results with you!

Cat Plush Toy

{Wool, Cotton and Plastic Eyes, 2012}

{Wool, Cotton and Plastic Eyes, 2012}

I had a vintage 100% wool Lacoste sweater that my mom gave to me (probably from the late 70's) and it was a beautiful dark pink color but over the years some holes formed in the front. I couldn't get rid of it so it has been sitting around in my closet for years. I finally decided that I would felt it by washing it in hot water and tumble drying it. It made a really nice felt and I used part of it to make this little cat plush. I used the sweater for the back and the face. I used a pretty Amy Butler fabric for the front. It is so fun to make squishy little plush toys! I think I might make a bear for my mom out of some of the rest of the sweater. She collects bears and it would be neat to make it out of a familiar sweater. I also have plans to make a few other similar projects. The problem is, when I start sewing, I just don't want to stop! I love it! I have a healthy load of freelance right now too so I try to fit the sewing in when I can.

Toy Network Plush Designs

{Monkey Plush, 2010}

{Squid Plush, 2010}

{Ice Cream Bear Plush, 2010}

{Shark Plush, 2010}

Designing plush for Toy Network, LLC is one of my favorite parts of being a freelance illustrator. Once my drawings are sent to China, I usually don't see the finished products unless I check the website or until the next year when I go into the offices to do more drawings. I am just posting a few of my new discoveries here! I usually just post the ones that are my favorites and look the most like my concept drawings. I especially love the squid! I think its quirky and adorable and I am so glad they decided to add it to their plush collection for 2010!

Vinyl Toy Work in Progress

{Sketch on Kid Robot Trikky Sticker, 2010}

{Primed Kid Robot Mini Trikky Vinyl Toy, 2010}

I know lots of artists have been on the Kid Robot vinyl toy bandwagon for a long time, but I am often a little late to the game on fads. I bought this Mini Trikky several months ago and he has been sitting on my art desk for months. I decided, while I am waiting for my book project to begin, I would start working on him. The sketch above is what I am planning on. I still don't know exactly what colors I'll use, but I will try to take some progress shots and show the final project when I finish it. I plan on painting it with oils and hopefully it turns out cute!