I’m currently alternating between experimenting with softies and experimenting with fabric collages. I am SO, SO, SO tempted to go out and purchase some additional materials for my stash but at the same time, I’m committed to using what I have this month. To put it into perspective, my whole stash fits into one 50cm x 50cm x 50cm box. It’s a great challenge but can get somewhat frustrating when I have an idea in my head yet can’t make it happen with what I’ve got :-)

I’ve been playing around with making with my own softie patterns – I’m still new to making softies so I’ve tried to keep things really simple like my Chibi softies. I’ve been toying around with simple bird patterns and wanted to make something like a pillow for my little girl to cuddle up to. This is what I came up with:

He’s made of printed courduroy, one of my favourite repro vintage fabrics (which you’ll probably notice has featured quite a lot in my latest creations!), and wool felt. He’s a bit “squarer” than I had envisioned. I’ll try for a rounder shape with the next one and one that is bigger – this one stands at about 30cm and is about 25cm in width. I like the look of the printed courduroy but it isn’t the cuddliest of fabrics so I may try something else with the next one.

Speaking of softies, most of you probably know of Hillary Lang from Wee Wonderfuls. We all know how amazingly creative she is and I just adore the soft toys she makes. I always seem to be too late when some of them go up for sale. If you haven’t done so, you should check out her Flickr Gallery for her softies – they are truly inspirational. My favourites are these:

• Merryweather
• Petunia
• Judy
• Katia