Decorating the tree

The Friends have finally finished decorating the tree here in the Garden!

"The tree is so prickly... but this silvery garland will look lovely," says Flora.

"Hello there sweet little elephant," says Millie.

"Everything is just so sparkly!"

Cubbie meets a chimney sweep... "Chim chim cheree!"

"Hey! Someone get the ladder! I'm ready to come down!"

The tree all a-glow... 

a visit to the tree farm...

Time for the Friends to pick out a Christmas tree!

What about this one over here?

Brrr! It sure is windy out here on the tree farm!

This tree was absolutely perfect. Good thing it fit in the car!

Aw thanks, Cubbie!
This sweet little Christmas branch is just the right size for us!

Thanksgiving with Mr. Piggles

Mr. Piggles is the happy kitchen companion of my sister, Mimi. This Thanksgiving, he invited some of the Friends over for a special holiday feast together.

This little tea cup is Mr. Piggles' favorite perch.
These little Dutch piggies like to help in the kitchen, too.

Welcome to the feast, Friends!

This gentle giant is Lulu. She was made by artist, Heidi  Bartruff.
Lulu was especially fond of Cubbie.

Look at me everybody!
Barney the giraffe is taking me on a tour of the house!

Boy, Stedman Turtle sure is strong!
Thanks for the ride ole buddy!

Stedman? Can you keep a secret?

I won't tell a soul, Cubbie! Not even Millie.

Mmmmm! Looks like the turkey is just about ready!

Cranberries! Cherry pie! Apple pie! I can't wait for dessert!

Hey... where did everyone go?
 I've been hiding in this basket nibbling on  fresh bread!

I think this serious lady saw me though...
Hope I don't get into too much trouble with Aunt Mimi!

Millie

Sometimes, I must admit, it's incredibly difficult to send my little Friends off into the world... I became so attached to this little girl, that I decided to keep her as my own. I named her Millie after a character I created in my college days. 

It wouldn't be Charleston without some rainy day fun!

Better grab my umbrella!

Looks like more rain is on the way... More puddle-jumping!

Cubbie HEARTS Millie 4 Ever!

goodnight, farewell...

My friends & I love to walk along the beach and find shells.

I really like these little olive shells... I think I'll tuck this one away and take it with me on my trip!

I had better get everything packed! I leave for North Carolina in the morning!

Will everything fit in my backpack?

Just one more story before I turn in for bed...

Yawn! Good night...

A new Friend is born

Some younger PGF admirers wanted to know just HOW the Friends are made. I thought I'd share the process with you here. Hand-sewing is lots of fun and is a wonderful skill to learn that you will use throughout your life. There are lots of books at the library or favorite bookstore that tell more about it. Or, you could even ask your mom, grandmother, aunt or other favorite grown-up lady to teach you how. But first, here is a look at how a new Friend is born...

First, I pin my pattern to a piece of fleece folded in half...



Then I cut out around the pattern so that I have two of everything. Two bodies... Two sets of ears...



A lot of times, I cut out more than one body so that I can work on another one later, even if I don't have time to do all that cutting. Sometimes, cutting is the hardest part to do. It's not easy to do just anywhere...



The next step is to stitch a face. Next comes the little heart-shaped tail. Then the ears...



Here comes the fun part -- stitching the body! I use a stitch called a blanket stitch to secure the pieces of fabric together. A running stitch holds the ears in place. I used a whip stitch for the tail.



Well, maybe I told a bit of a story back there... The REAL fun begins with the stuffing! I use a basic polyfluff. I've used bamboo in the past, but it does NOT wash well at all. Wool materials are my favorite, but I've found that children prefer the cuddly softness of fleece and fluff.



After I tie-off the very last stitch, I plump and skwish the new Friend. She's all done! This sweetie is staying here with me! I'm naming her Maggy after my little angel dachshund.  :)

All in all, it takes me a bit over an hour to complete a 6" Friend. Sewing by hand is time-consuming, but it is a very rewarding experience. You can take your projects with you wherever you go. Try it sometime!

I'd love to see your little projects sometime if you want to share...



Carson's Bear

Welcome to the world, baby Carson!




Peek-a-boo!




Imagine all the fun places we will visit together!




They say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...



(thanks to trixie for the photos!)

Lambchop

My grandmother is an amazing seamstress. Many of my fondest childhood memories are of her sitting at her sewing machine with me nestled close by. She made my sisters and I EVERYTHING! Toys, clothes, even our underwear! Grandma showed me how to sew little projects here and there, but I admit I didn't catch on right away...

Now that I am a mother myself, I have revisited those old sewing lessons, much to my grandmother's delight. My own daughter has also expressed great interest in hand-sewing, and we've spent many hours bonding over needle and thread.

Her latest project, a sweet little creature she has named, Lambchop.


"Lambchop is shy, gets nervous easily, and only hangs out with his kitty friend, Feathertail who helps him be more adventurous."



"Come on Lambchop! You can do it!"



Peche and Lettuce play tag with other Friends at the park.

Phew! Virginia & Cubbie are safe at homebase!

Bunny is for Bea!

Another Friend is ready to hit the road for Charlotte, NC!




"Boy, the breeze down here by the water is just great."




I really love this fabric!




"I bet I can sprint across this street in no time flat!"




"I can't wait to visit with Chuckie Wabbie and give her the latest news from Paisley Garden!"