Dropped!

Just a quick post:

Two wee mice were dropped today as part of the BrisStyle/Toy Society Mega Toy Drop – Hurrah!

At the Mater, there were lots of people watching suspiciously as I tied brown mouse Millicent to the seat at the Mater Hill bus stop and took photos; fingers crossed that the nosy grown ups left it for a curious child to find instead!

If you’re in Brisbane, rug up and head in to the BrisStyle Twilight Markets in King George Square tomorrow night (Friday), for a browse in the beautiful handmade markets, and to be a part of a mega toy dropping affair – hopefully lots of handmade toys will be left in and around the city to mark the end of a wonderful make-it-and-give-it month.

Hoping that Millicent and Mathilda are enjoying cuddles from their new owners,

Nat

Update: Pattern #1

Remember the pattern pledge?

I finally got my act together over the weekend, and within a couple of hours had all my material cut, pattern decoded, sewing machine at the ready, buttons found, arms sewn on, and two little mice ready to go to a new home. So wonderfully quick, and as a first attempt, they’re not too bad at all!

In the spirit of this being a learning adventure, I now understand this:

Sewing golden rule number one:

Read pattern instructions carefully before cutting out pattern pieces.

After I had cut out everything and taken a lovely photo, I realised that the arms were done in a tricky, sneaky way because they were so small. It was very clearly stated on the pattern instructions; I was just far too impatient to get sewing. I’m grateful that it was a small part and there wasn’t too much material wastage, but I did feel totally daft.

To finish them off, I’ll be adding eyes and whiskers, and making a little kerchief and pinny from a made up pattern that’s still in my head. And these wee mice, Mathilda and Millicent, will be going out as part of the BrisStyle/Toy Society toy drop. If all goes to plan, I’ll be leaving them at the Mater and Royal Children’s Hospital, for sick young ones to find and love.

And as for Lou, who has been eyeing off my mice making for the last couple of weeks – she loves her new small mouse friend named Mim. So looking forward to making her some more!

Nat

Sew to Give

I'm a little bit excited.

BrisStyle is joining forces with the Toy Society to create a wonderful new initiative – a mega toy drop throughout South East Queensland during the month of May. Hundreds of handmade toys marked with ‘Take Me Home’ tags will be left in random places – tied to lamp posts, left in parks, seated on benches – for strangers to pick up and take home or pass on to little ones who will love them.

Isn’t that just beautiful?

I love the idea of leaving something that’s been made with care and heart for someone I’ll never meet; and just love the fact that BrisStyle has encouraged makers to target suburbs that have been affected by recent natural disasters. It’s a nice way to give something small and sweet back to the communities who have lost so much.

It’s also great timing - because I’ve started this mad plan to sew one new pattern a month, I thought I’d be a perfect opportunity to marry the two together.  

Want to join in too? Please do! It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, just make a toy with love, and follow the directions for drop off. Also, check out The Toy Society blog to see all the beautiful donated toys being dropped off worldwide.

Happy sewing!

Nat

Ps. We’ve been having a much deserved break over the last couple of weeks – so sorry for the sporadic posts! Both Kim and I are feeling so much better from a little rest and nothingness. Don’t you just love holidays?