Certainly you have heard of Hillary Lang and seen her work?  I have been anticipating the release of her new book, Wee Wonderfuls, 24 Dolls to Sew and Love, since the day she announced that she was writing it.  I am a long-time fan of her blog and her patterns and I just knew that her book would be amazing.

I like it when I'm right.

Published by STC Craft, this collection of toys is just what you would expect from Hillary and then some.  The dolls are brimming with character and they all have that Wee Wonderfuls signature style.  They are cute, but not fussy and range from a trolley to bears with all kinds of little people in between.  Jane and Kate immediately took the book away from me and then put in requests for about a half dozen creatures each.  I took their comments into consideration and then made what I wanted to make anyhow:  Doxie and Margot.

Doxie is a little stuffed dachsund sewn entirely by hand.  This was the perfect project to sit with in front of Project Runway and it took just a bit longer than the 1.5 hours of the show for me to finish it.  I have never attempted such a small, handsewn project and was really surprised to find that I liked doing pretty much every bit of it.  And I love how she turned out!

A topsy turvy doll like Margot was my secret desire as a little girl, but I never had one to call my own.  I was always amazed at how you could flip it over and see an entirely different doll.  When I saw this project in the book, I knew I would be making two.  One for each girl.

I love how they came together.  They did take a significant amount of time because each one is essentially two dolls and there is a fair amount of handwork, but they were not hard to sew.  I used a doll needle for the first time while embroidering the yarn hair and it was worth the trip to JoAnn's and the $3.79 because it made it so much easier.  I also painted the cheeks - scary! But really, not a big deal.  I psyched myself up and had that done in about 10 minutes. Easy peasy.

I asked Hillary some questions about her approach to the book and making dolls because I'm nosey like that.  Thankfully, she was willing to reply.

Erin:  There is such a wide range of toys in your book.  I swear there is something for everyone.  And by that, I mean, something for any kid you can imagine AND something for sewers of all levels, with machine or without.  Which projects would you recommend for someone just starting out making toys? And which one for those who like a challenge?

Hillary: Thanks! I really tried to mix it up. My favorite craft books have projects that are totally in my comfort zone and have me making right away as well as some dream projects that I know I'll get to when I have the time. I don't want to discourage anyone, because I did design with beginners in mind, but there are some projects that are definitely less involved than others. Good projects to get a quick success under your belt would be Mermaiden, Koji, Bonneted Baby, Evelyn Inchworm. Projects that are more involved and time consuming would be Patchwork Penny, Margot, Panda Buns, Betsy and all her outfits. And I love Tag-a-long and Sleepover Pals as projects that are a lot of bang for your buck so to speak. They're not overly complicated but look like they are which is great for gift giving.

Erin:  Ooh, good to know.  The Sleepover Pals is on Kate's wish list.

I've made a lot of soft toys from your patterns and they never disappoint.  But I know from experience that pattern writing is not easy stuff.  Do you have a certain process you follow?  Do you sketch and then sew? Or just go for it?

Hillary: No, it's not easy is it. It would be easier if everyone's brains worked the same way. I'm very visual and need short to the point instructions but I know many people like very detailed written instructions. You need to try to write patterns with everyone in mind. But yes, from the beginning... I start with a sketch. I made notecards with project ideas on them for the book (see photo) and those first sketches were what I worked from throughout the process. Then I just start cutting and sewing. There's a right way - make paper copies of every pattern piece you cut, keep detailed notes, take in-progress photos along the way and a wrong way - just go go go, make the whole thing, edit, rework and then when you finally have it the way you want go back and try to figure out how you got there. Want to guess which way I use?

Erin:  Um, I bet it's the same one I use. Ahem.

Let's talk about doll hair.  There are so many different types in your book - yarn, wigs, ribbons, fur, felt!  Which is your favorite technique?  And if you had to choose, buns or braids?

Hillary: I love doll hair. That was the first list I made when I knew I was going for the book. A very long list of all the hair-dos I've ever wanted to make. I have so many favorites in the book. I really love Pixie's fluffy curls. And Storybook's ribbon hair - I've been wanting to try that forever and I really liked how it turned out. Very sturdy! And Mermaiden's hair - I've been playing around with quilted wigs like that for years now and so happy to finally get it out of the draft stage. That was going to be the hair for the topsy turvy doll but in the end I thought she needed yarn hair. I still have a few other dolls in my sketchbook with that same hair that I'm dying to make. And the panda buns. I love those! I want to make all sorts of dolls with their spirit animals represented in their hair-dos. I think I could probably talk about doll hair for a really long time, which is pretty weird, so I'll just stop now. Braids :)

Erin: Jane loves the panda buns! That was the first thing she zero-ed in on when she saw the book.  And for the record, braids for me too.

Some of the other projects I like include

Melvin and Marian - made from wool felt, these cuties have clothes!

Betsy - paper doll meets pillow.  There is even an elasticized pocket on the back for storing all her clothes.  This would be a great gift, I think!

Haus Sweet Haus - I can see this done up in Christmas colors and folky fabrics for a holiday gift and decoration. Sweet, indeed.

I could go on and on, but I think I'll stop.  Here's the gist:  Wee Wonderfuls is an incredible addition to any craft book library.  The projects are all adorable and will appeal to just about any kid or kid at heart.  The patterns are extremely well written and easy to follow.  If you think you want to make soft toys or dolls, do yourself a favor and get your hands on this book.  You will not regret it.

Now for the giveaway!

I have one copy of the book up for grabs.  The winner will also receive a kit that Hillary put together from her own supplies to make Koji the dinosaur.  Pretty awesome, huh?

To be entered into the drawing, leave a comment on this post before Sunday, October 10 at 5:00 pm EST.   To make it more interesting, tell me your favorite doll hairdo - buns, braids, felt, fur, quilted, or something else.  I'll pick a winner using a random number generator and announce it here on the blog Monday morning.

You can also enter the giveaway that STC Craft is hosting.  Go tell them what your favorite childhood toy was for a chance to win a copy of Wee Wonderfuls.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Jane chose the Oliver + S  hopscotch skirt for herself. I was a little surprised, but didn't let on. I really think it was the paper doll that made her choose this pattern. Both my girls are really into paper dolls these days.  But I digress.  The skirt is uncharacteristic for Jane - she's my shorts and pants daughter.  So when she said skirt, I said ok.  I gave her the choice of a few different fabrics that I thought she'd like and was surprised a second time when she asked about this corduroy which wasn't among the choices.  I had this print earmarked for Kate because for the past few years Jane has been anti-pink.  A pink skirt? Really? I played it cool and said sure.

I measured her and compared the measurements to the size chart.  I cut out a size 12 and got sewing.  I skipped the origami folded pockets because Jane asked me to.  This was my first time sewing an Oliver + S pattern and like you have probably read elsewhere, it is very, very well done.  Everything is explained extremely well and there are many good illustrations to help you along the way.  I have sewn many things in my life and I still managed to learn a few new tricks. Awesome.  Start to finish, I'd say this was about 3 hours of work.  I imagine that the next one would come together even faster. Again, awesome.

I had Jane try it on last night before bed which was hours after I took these photos.  She loves it! We adjusted the elastic in the back significantly - the waist was huge! She could definitely wear a size 10 - the side seams are now towards the back.  It doesn't really bother me, or her, so all is good.  Also, now I know what size to cut for Kate.

If I were handing out grades for the Kids Clothing Week Challenge, I'dgive myself a C.  My execution was good - probably an A-.  My effort, onthe other hand, was dismal - I only managed to finish this one skirt and never hit thehour a day.  Effort = F.  So yeah, overall a C. Between not feeling well and the camera strap production, it just didn't happen the way I had intended.  Oh well.  There's always next time.  There will be a next time, won't there Meg?

And, if you are interested, there are still a few camera straps remaining in the shop.

In other news, I've got quilts on the brain.  Did you see Blair's pattern?  I'm working on coming up with the perfect color combination for that one.  Stay tuned.

The fall issue of Stitch hit the newsstand yesterday and I couldn't be more excited because it features three of my projects!  This issue focuses on different fabrics and was a great opportunity forme to use something other than quilting cottons for a change.

I had the idea for this firewood tote as soon as I saw the jute upholstery webbing at Jo Ann's.  It's hard to see here, but the webbing is folded and sewn together at the top to make handles for the cotton duck and home decorator fabric bag.  It's also generously sized so you can haul a decent amount of wood in one trip and will still look good sitting by your hearth.

This apron is also made from a home decorator fabric with a mid-weight linen for the pocket.  I think this is a great way to use a bold, geometric print.  It's sized to fit most adults and would be great as a chef's apron, too.  It comes together really fast - maybe an afternoon at most?  It'd be a great gift for almost anyone on your list, men included.  Fatty has one like it, so the sample I sewed for the magazine is now mine.  A girl can't have too many green aprons, I say.

Finally, this velvet and silk cowl is probably my favorite of the three projects.  I love sewing with really luxurious materials and because it only takes 1/2 yard of each the velvet and the silk, it didn't break the bank.  Before I sat down to sew this, I wrangled with the construction in my head.  I was really worried that it would be complicated, but then I had a light bulb moment!  It comes together fast and easy.  I think it would be super pretty and just as soft with voile or Liberty lawn for the lining.  A lightweight, drapey wool would be equally as lovely as the velvet.  Great for gift giving, too.

This issue is packed with great projects including some by Blair, Melissa, Beki and Linda.  There is a fantastic section on items made from one yard - awesome for stash busting!  This magazine has been one of my favorites since its debut two years ago and I am so excited that it will now be published four times every year.

If you make any of the projects I designed, please let me know. I'd love to see your take on them.

The first day I was in Nashville (more on that soon - I promise!), Anna Maria's right hand gal, Alexia, was wearing the cutest dress.  Turns out it was the slip from the Roundabout Dress pattern (that's Alexia on the cover!) with an added ruffle on the bottom.  Even Fatty commented on the dress which was about all I needed to hear before the pattern jumped in my bag, along with some of that lovely Little Folks voile, to come home with me. 

Before cutting into the voile, I thought I'd make a muslin to use as a nightgown.  Last night I pulled out this Alexander Henry fabric and got started.  I traced the size large and cut it out.  This morning I sewed it all up.  It came together super fast - maybe about 2 1/2 hours including the time last night.  I did have to let out the side seams so that added a bit of time.  It *just* fits in the hips, but is pretty good elsewhere.  As a slip, it would work great.  As a dress, I think I will have to re-work it a bit and add quite a bit of length - it hits mid- to upper thigh.  And that is exactly why I am not modeling it for you all.

I'm going to try it out tonight.  I figure if I don't like sleeping in it, I can cut some of the length off and I will have a new camisole for under cardigans this fall.  In fact, I may just make a few camisoles from this pattern for that very use.

Hands down, my favorite part is all the edge stitching.  I know this might drive some people batty, but for some reason, I love detail sewing like this.

I am trying to get over my fear of sewing for myself.  I've pretty much given it up because I always have fit issues and I hate wasting fabric.  Those are lame excuses.  I'm not going to get better unless I try and if I screw up, I can always use the fabric for something else.

At least that's what I'm telling myself.

Friday night I made the dill pickles.  I used this recipe which I cut in half. I also cut my cukes into spears before I soaked them and then processed for 10 minutes at the end. I'll let you know how they turn out in a month or so.  Waiting is hard.

Saturday we spent the day at the final swim meet of the season and then at the school carnival that night.  Can you say tired?

Sunday I quilted some fabric for a project. It won't get finished for a few weeks as the machine needs to go into the shop.  It's not good when the little screwdriver and wrench icon shows up on the display.

Monday I baked a pie because the peaches were ripe and I like pie.  Good reasons if you ask me.

And because we are talking about food....there is a little feature on our everyday dinner tables over on The Stir.  If you are so inclined, please take a look.  There are many great table setting ideas in this series. Thanks for including me, Sheri.

I'm going to take a blog break of a week, maybe two.  I'll be back with news on a project that I have been working on behind the scenes since last fall.  I'm excited to share that with you. (It's not a book.)  Until then, take care.

Friday night I made the dill pickles.  I used this recipe which I cut in half. I also cut my cukes into spears before I soaked them and then processed for 10 minutes at the end. I'll let you know how they turn out in a month or so.  Waiting is hard.

Saturday we spent the day at the final swim meet of the season and then at the school carnival that night.  Can you say tired?

Sunday I quilted some fabric for a project. It won't get finished for a few weeks as the machine needs to go into the shop.  It's not good when the little screwdriver and wrench icon shows up on the display.

Monday I baked a pie because the peaches were ripe and I like pie.  Good reasons if you ask me.

And because we are talking about food....there is a little feature on our everyday dinner tables over on The Stir.  If you are so inclined, please take a look.  There are many great table setting ideas in this series. Thanks for including me, Sheri.

I'm going to take a blog break of a week, maybe two.  I'll be back with news on a project that I have been working on behind the scenes since last fall.  I'm excited to share that with you. (It's not a book.)  Until then, take care.

I've been out of sorts for the better part of two weeks.  Sewing is normally good therapy for me.  So, in an attempt to right myself, I made my version of Anna Maria's Museum Tunic.  I'd been thinking about it since I first saw her post.  Jennie went and made one for herself which further added to my desire to make this for myself.  I only had one panel of the square dance fabric so I opted for a longish shirt, something to wear with jeans or a straight skirt, instead of the dress.  I followed her diagram, but serged all the edges before I sewed thepanels together.  It came together fast - maybe about an hour and a half?  I sewed it between trips to the pool and making pickles so I can't say for sure how long it took.  Regardless, it was a quick and satisfying project.  Like Jennie, I tried it on as I went and adjusted the v-neck and sleeves accordingly.  In the end, though, it really doesn't fit me like I think it should.  There is something funky about the sleeves at my bust line which could be: a) my body; b) too tight elastic under the bust; c) the open sleeve style; d) elastic in the wrong place (too high or low); or e) none of the above.  Who knows?  I'm certainly stumped. It's really a shame because the fabric is dreamy.  So so soft and light - perfect for the heat wave going on around here.

I keep trying it on and thinking I might be able to figure out what to do, but I am at a loss.  It's either destined to sit in my closet or be taken apart.  I'm leaning towards taking the stitch ripper to the elastic and seeing if I can resurrect the shirt in some other fashion - maybe with elastic thread?  I know Anna Maria prefers the actual elastic, but I've been know to shirr a few things so why not?  If that doesn't work, those squares will look great in a quilt.

 

I've been out of sorts for the better part of two weeks.  Sewing is normally good therapy for me.  So, in an attempt to right myself, I made my version of Anna Maria's Museum Tunic.  I'd been thinking about it since I first saw her post.  Jennie went and made one for herself which further added to my desire to make this for myself.  I only had one panel of the square dance fabric so I opted for a longish shirt, something to wear with jeans or a straight skirt, instead of the dress.  I followed her diagram, but serged all the edges before I sewed thepanels together.  It came together fast - maybe about an hour and a half?  I sewed it between trips to the pool and making pickles so I can't say for sure how long it took.  Regardless, it was a quick and satisfying project.  Like Jennie, I tried it on as I went and adjusted the v-neck and sleeves accordingly.  In the end, though, it really doesn't fit me like I think it should.  There is something funky about the sleeves at my bust line which could be: a) my body; b) too tight elastic under the bust; c) the open sleeve style; d) elastic in the wrong place (too high or low); or e) none of the above.  Who knows?  I'm certainly stumped. It's really a shame because the fabric is dreamy.  So so soft and light - perfect for the heat wave going on around here.

I keep trying it on and thinking I might be able to figure out what to do, but I am at a loss.  It's either destined to sit in my closet or be taken apart.  I'm leaning towards taking the stitch ripper to the elastic and seeing if I can resurrect the shirt in some other fashion - maybe with elastic thread?  I know Anna Maria prefers the actual elastic, but I've been know to shirr a few things so why not?  If that doesn't work, those squares will look great in a quilt.