In preparation for our trip to Tokyo, I wanted to make handmade toys for Sakurako’s two kiddos.
I used my go-to paper piecing patchwork ball tutorial for a gift for Sakurako’s baby boy we were going to meet for the first time.
For little Iori, who we had met twice before, I wanted to create a softie. I found a tutorial for an owl softie and tweaked it a bit based on what I had in my fabric stash.
Brandon had worn out a pair of khaki pants a while back and I had them in my fabric stash – upcycling is so much fun! I love taking something old and making something new out of it! And although I think my owl looks more like a character from Totoro, I think she’s got great personality! This was my first time machine appliqueing, too, and I’m not certain why I was so afraid to try it before. Looking forward to using the technique in other upcoming craft projects!