I’ve been meaning to get a softie together for Softies For Mirabel to ship off to Pip for a few weeks now. I printed off Teresa Levy’s mouse pattern and gave it a wack. The results were awful (the pattern was great, it was my sewing that were the problem), the mouse looked like it had suffered a stroke. Thankfully my daughter isn’t very critical and is happy to haul mr. squeak around with her.

I decided to make my own pattern, a softie that wasn’t so small and that allowed for more hand sewing. Internet, please meet my new friend Ollie.

Best of all? I’m sharing the pattern. If someone would like to clean it up, please let me know, I’m struggling through illustrator. I did my best to explain how I pieced him together, but if my instructions aren’t clear please email me and I’ll try and help you.

I don’t know how to transition this but I know some of you are wondering how Saturday went. It went very well. Blissful Living is a studio that offers classes such as basic sewing, jewelry making, home storage, home decorating, digital scrapbooking, and personal style. The Personal Style class really appealed to me, believe it or not I am horrible about pairing clothes/shoes together. I’m trying to do all my shopping at J.Crew in an attempt to create a mixable wardrobe.

Heather Bailey was there and she had a few pieces from her new fabric collection. Swoon! She aptly described it as “spicy”, there are a few great reds in the mix. She was very friendly and so easy to talk with, she explained that her new collection should be in stores about July. Be sure to keep watching her blog though, she has LOTS of exciting things happening in the next few months.

A young boy I know is putting together a service project to make isolette covers for babies in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).   This project is one I really want to get behind, my one and only niece was  born premature and received care in the NICU.  I was in the process of making her an isolette cover when she left this life.  Over the years I have donated items to the NICU where she lived as my way of carrying on her memory.  I really want to help this boy sew as many covers as he can, I will be donating my time and as much fabric/batting as I can collect for his project.

I’m asking all you crafters out there to search through your fabric collections for large pieces (at least .75 yards) that you are willing to donate.  Isolette covers are usually dark on one side the other side can be any print.  If you would rather get involved and do some sewing- there is a great pattern here.  If you are local and want to help sew the day of the event-just let me know and I’ll provide the details.

All donations need to be received by May 2.   If you would like to donate leave me a comment or send me an email (heather-at-heatherhalesdesigns-dot-com) and I will send you a shipping address.

thanks bunches!!

It’s a crazy day today!  I might get some crafting done while I sit in my car for half an hour.  However, I just got an email from Melissa that she is opening up for the second round of Crafts for China. I already signed up and encourage all you crafters to as well!  Last year Melissa auctioned off enough items to send a Chinese orphan to school for a whole year, she is hoping to raise enough to keep Gracie in school.  I’m thinking this year I might donate embroidered ABC blocks and a tote bag.  The deadline is May 24th so you have plenty of time!

Fabric Pennant/Bunting, can’t you just see this hanging on Nie’s back porch? I actually sent a duplicate of this to her hospital room….

Measures 6ft long, features 4 different red and white fabrics, all tied together with chocolate brown binding. Each triangle measures 4″ wide by 5″ long. 100% cotton, reusable for all your parties!

Bid in $1 increments- no change please.  Leave your bid amount in the comments.  Bidding will close around 6:30ish Pacific Time.

Brand spanking *new*, I’ve never worn it farther than my bedroom door. I bought this at JCrew in Jan. ’08 and have never worn it out (I’ve tried it on a few times in my closet, but just never worn it) or washed it. However, I did remove the tags. Size 4, 100% cotton, fully lined. Purplish blue with tiny white dots. Side zipper and ties in back.

Bid in $1 increments- no change please.  Leave your bid amount in the comments.  Bidding will close around 6:30ish Pacific Time on Sunday the 31st.