It started with 1*. Then 3 were on the table. And then 5. And it ended with a 6th sitting on top of a pile of wool. It turns out I can't just make 1 stuffed toy***. I have to make 6. Do I have 6 children to give stuffed cows to? No. I don't. Did that seem to make any difference to making them? No. It didn't. 2 are for friends who have just had babies. 1 is for Pia. And if Pia gets 1 then Max has to have 1 as well. And then I needed 1. Except Max saw my version - the grey wool/hand dyed linen and fur one above, and instantly fell in love with 'Ninja Cow' so now he technically has 2 and I have 0. Which leaves 1 left over**. And that will be given away in a special giveaway next week along with some other goodies.
* And the pattern you all ask....the pattern is from Meet Me At Mikes and is the 'Udderly Lovely Cow' by Fliss Dodd and is a great, simple pattern to put together. I used pieces of fabric from the Moda Wonderland Fabric range, spotted and striped fabrics from stash, linens from Yorktown Road and Linnet and wool felt from stash for the coloured cows. For the Ninja Cow I used wool, hand dyed linen by me, and some fur coat fabric from stash.
**The cow which has not been claimed so far and will be given away is the cow in the front of the last photo, and whose details are in the other two photos above it.
*** It was a wonderful distraction from everything going on at home. It gave me something to focus on other than google searches, and the many conversations going on. I want to thank every person who wrote and commented on my last post. We have a few very hard months ahead of us, wandering into the unknown amid confusion and frustration, and we hope it will be done with as much warmth as we can all give, not just to my brother in law, but to each of us involved. Thankyou for thinking of us, and of him.
oh Alison, i am confused. I read only the two first part of your last post. now i read the third one...
sending huge amount of hugs and kisses and good thoughts but i guess it is not enough.
xo
Posted by: Caterine | June 18, 2009 at 11:12 PM
So glad you found some sweet fun distraction, I too had not read all of your last post.
My thoughts are with you and your family x
Posted by: lucy@theantidote | June 18, 2009 at 11:18 PM
*Hugs** Glad the cows gave you some smiles... **Hugs**
Posted by: diana | June 18, 2009 at 11:40 PM
I'm glad you've found a cheery distraction (and productive! how satisfying) and I hope your brother in law and the rest of the family find some good distractions too. Most of all I hope you get lots of good meals together.
x k
Posted by: kate | June 18, 2009 at 11:43 PM
I would have chosen the sweet ninja cow too~
Posted by: Rachell | June 19, 2009 at 12:59 AM
These little creations are just gorgeous...a perfect distraction indeed.
I simply adore your blog - so beautifully written.
May you find strength along the difficult road ahead.
Ingrid x
Posted by: inkala images | June 19, 2009 at 02:19 AM
your cows are adorable - can see why you couldn't stop. thinking of you.
Posted by: michele | June 19, 2009 at 03:59 AM
Holy crap! I wish I could sew. These are great stuffies. As usual your colour + fabric combination are really eye catching; perfect for kids and adults alike. :)
Posted by: danielle | June 19, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Alison they are so beautifully made (so you!) and I can imagine it was quite a meditative process for you to be involved in at the moment. Sending you lots of soothing cyber cups of tea and hugs x
Posted by: Melanie | June 19, 2009 at 08:29 AM
adorable!
love that yellow butterfly fabric... i know a little girl who would love that fabric - must go find some for a dress, perhaps. :)
Posted by: kirsten | June 19, 2009 at 09:17 AM
a bit confusing ,this late in the day...but udderly gorgeous creations!
Posted by: theresa/t does wool | June 19, 2009 at 10:23 AM
They are just gorgeous. I love the fabric combinations you choose.
Posted by: suzy | June 19, 2009 at 12:40 PM
They're gorgeous- deliciously snuggleable. We have lot's of "friends" hanging round, and I think there might now just have to be a couple more...
Posted by: Janet | June 19, 2009 at 01:38 PM
oooh, they are so sweet.
I just caught up on your last post...how sad. My thoughts are with you all.
Posted by: Pip | June 19, 2009 at 05:59 PM
the idea of a ninja cow makes me smile, i love how little boys play action scenarios with otherwise cute toys. we have a knitted noddy that has seen some action!
Posted by: pinry | June 20, 2009 at 12:00 AM
your family has my thoughts and prayers in this deeply difficult time. i am glad the comfort of sewn and made bits can give you a moment of peace.
Posted by: mamie | June 20, 2009 at 06:32 AM
Oh they are darling!
And the ninja cow is magnificent. Rock on Al. :)
Posted by: Michelle | June 20, 2009 at 10:01 AM
sorry to hear of the hard times your family is facing...your cows made me laugh :-) only because i live on a dairy farm...yours are way cuter :-)
Posted by: manda | June 21, 2009 at 12:15 AM
What a wonderful herd you have there! fantastic cows. x
Posted by: Linda | June 21, 2009 at 01:51 AM
when they are that good, why in the world would you only make one???
love love love
Posted by: lisa s | June 21, 2009 at 02:23 AM
I know what you mean about making things and making things and making things. We are addicts! Don't stop!
Posted by: urban craft | June 21, 2009 at 04:12 AM
udderly fab.
Sending you hugs for all the rest...
Posted by: monica | June 21, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Oh man those are super cute, I love the fabrics you used! I used to collect cow and hippo stuffed animals when I was little and I would have flipped if I got one of these!
Posted by: Chase | June 22, 2009 at 10:56 AM
oh, my - these are super gorgeous! Perfectly made with perfect fabric!!
Posted by: michelle | June 22, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Alison....have read your last post and my thoughts are with you in this sad time. I am glad my cow pattern has been a lovely distraction for you. They are beautiful with you choices of fabrics...love your herd!
Posted by: fliss | June 23, 2009 at 09:29 PM