Byron's Octopus

This is the result of my toy-making adventure, attempt no. II. It's still basically an octopus. Only with longer, individually sewn legs this time, that I've left quite floppy. This gives Mr Octopus a lot more movement.



Of which Byron seems to respond to really well. The long crazy legs also seem to be quite useful for chewing on! So, at this stage the new toy is ok, but definitely no 'Mr Elephant'. We'll see how the relationship between boy and octopus develops over the next few months though...





Oh - and just because I know you guys appreciate cute fluffy things - how gorgeous is this Koala mum and baby we spotted at my mum's place today. They are so lucky to get these incredible creatures sleeping only a matter of metres from their house!

Can I do it again!?

Byron is 8 months old now and just starting to figure out how to get what he wants. A lot of the time he wants what Chelsea has. And vice versa. Pretty normal behaviour, but pretty exhausting when it happens constantly, ALL day! His latest target has been Chelsea's most beloved 'Mr Elephant' that I made for her (exactly) a year ago. Every opportunity that Mr Elephant is left unattended, and within reach, Byron snatches him and starts munching away! Needless to say, Chelsea does not handle this very well at all!

Mr Elephant comes with us everywhere. Chelsea sleeps with him, travels with him, plays with him, and is comforted by him. In fact, there are some situations when only Mr Elephant will comfort her! Not even a mummy or daddy hug will do!







I don't know what it is/was about the home made elephant cushion that became so magical for Chelsea, but with the current squabbling over him, it is time to try to work the magic again for Byron.




This was attempt no. 1. An 'octopus'. Lets just say it kind of looks more like a mutant flower with eyes! :P Byron doesn't mind it. But's it's no 'Mr Elephant'.
So I'm going to try again with a less bulky design. Fingers crossed there's still a bit of magic left!

Sewing on a nose

I was recently asked if I could help finish two bears that had been lovingly hand made, but work had stalled on their faces. This is like my ideal situation - all the hard work (cutting, pinning, sewing, jointing, stuffing...) is already done, and I get to focus purely on the face!


Shortly after this discussion, these two cuties arrived in the mail.



I set to work on the little one first. Had to put him down a few times thanks to busy little 'helpers'. But eventually got him trimmed and looking cute.





With a bit of trimming and shading to the big bear as well, we had a funky looking duo on our hands. My 8-month old was particularly partial to the little bear... I think he would have chewed him all up if given half the chance! (mind you, he'd chew anything up at the moment... Obviously 8 teeth aren't enough for one little mouth - more are coming in!).