No Scrap Too Small

When it comes to quality fabric, I scarcely believe there are such a thing as scraps, but rather small pieces waiting for the right project to find them.

A few months back, my very dear friend Sarah, from Chasing Windmills approached me with an idea of creating a stuffed animal with their scraps (which they occasionally offer by the bundle for patching and crafting needs) . When the weather took a turn toward cooler temperatures, and I began to brainstorm the perfect little friend to make. It seemed my heart could imagine no better companion than a little bear.

When I received the bits of left over fabric from their thermal long johns and merino fleece sweat suits (THE SOFTEST MATERIAL), the vision all began to come together.

To stuff the bear I wanted to use wool that we had recently cleaned up from our former alpacas. These bits of wool (the seconds) would also be considered scraps, not usable for spinning—but so extraordinarily soft, it’s now the only thing I ever want to stuff dolls with forevermore. Together, my girls and I fluffed and fluffed and fluffed until we had enough wool to fill a bear.

For the ears and outfit details I pulled out little pieces that I had stored away from other bundles that Sarah has graciously shared with me over the past couple of years. The largest cut of fabric I used was for the body, roughly 16x20 inches, everything else was smaller still, and the smallest of all was the tiny little heart, which is really not so tiny at all—as anyone whose ever held him knows quite well.

When it was all said and done we were each so very smitten with our dear little friend, whom we aptly named Dijon, after the color of the fabric from which he was made, that it was impossible for me to refuse the big, pleading, blue eyes. And none as difficult to refuse than the baby who gave her first real kisses (ever) to the bear.

I made a wager with my girls that they could in fact keep their dear bear, on one condition; that they help me fluff and fluff and fluff more wool so that we can fulfill our promise to send Sarah her bear. And so they did. Well, at least the elder two. Emma modeled a steadfast devotion and did her part as quality control, making sure that the bear could in fact hold up to such love and (not so gentle) affection as is given by a one year old. Happily, I can repot that Dijon is well as ever and looking quite fine.

Anyway, I promised myself I’d make this a quick entry to tell you that we kept our promise and sent Dijon (II) off to Sarah, wherein he is now party to a most wonderful giveaway. One person will win this dearly beloved bear alongside a pair of thermal long johns (my children’s number one staple in their wardrobe) and the softest (I’m not kidding) merino sweatsuit. The giveaway ends November 3rd at 7pm MDT.

I think this would be a dream giveaway to win, and I hope that you think so too and find your way over to her page to enter. If you aren’t yet familiar with Chasing Windmills, I encourage you with my whole heart to stay a while and browse their products and pour over their words, because this is not just another shop. The hearts behind these wooly layers are some of the most thoughtful and intentional friends I’ve had the joy of knowing. I’ve got a lot more that I want to share in admiration toward them, but if I let myself get started the giveaway will have come and gone and I’ll still not be finished rambling on.

Sending you all my very best wishes and hopes that Dijon will land in the arms of those who will love him best.

Ps. Sarah put together the cutest little stop motion video of Dijon in his mushroom overalls with his explorer satchel that we sent him on his journey in. Even if you don’t enter the giveaway, it’s worth the 15 seconds of your day to watch the video. When I showed Jane and Lucy, they were aghast with amazement and asked how she made him come to life. Her reply to them was, “it was their love and care that brought him to life”. The deep satisfactory and believing smiles that followed were something I will hold with me always. Truly, this bear was brought to life through so much love and friendship.

What do you think? Do you fancy this fine fellow? I’ve taken on a few doll making commissions over the past couple of months and had such a jolly time doing so that there’s a temptation upon me to perhaps open up to the idea of doing so a bit more often, as time allows and if interest ensues.