This patchwork croc was made at 2am on the 23rd of December. Along with a couple of other toys, a new blouse for my niece and a new skirt for Bella. Unfortunately the list of what wasn't made is far longer. But isn't that always the way?
I made one of these crocodiles last year when a friend told me that her daughter wanted a blue dinosaur and a large crocodile for Christmas. I didn't come up with the blue dinosaur, but was able to manage the crocodile.
This one was made especially for a certain little chap that I know called Freddie ( believe me, he's a looker. Lily's definitely got her eye on him), using some of my favourite prints - including two that I haven't cut in to at all since buying them in New York last year. Now that's friendship!

He's two foot long and has apparently already tried to roll young Freddie, who was of course having none of it. My favourite part are his feet, which are all knobbly and reptile like and I'm told, perfect for chewing on.
I'm relieved to say that not all of my gift making was of the 2am variety. Some of them were actually finished with time to spare.
Including this cushion, made especially for my niece to cuddle up to.

The front is made from a super soft Paul Smith cotton, with the chenille cat added and then quilted, to make it extra cuddly. And because 'cuddley' was the main request here, I backed it in chenille too. It's then been bound using a purple Liberty print (the only purple print that I truly like). The text was my first attempt at freehand machine embroidery and I'm pretty pleased with it (not due to any talent on my part, it was just a lot easier than I expected).
My next big thing is to try and start the birthday sewing now. It's only 5 weeks until Bella's 4th birthday and her new found love of the Princess and the Pea story means that I intend to finally make her her own set. I also want to make her lots of new dresses (we're having struggles over her wanting to wear summer dresses all the time at the moment) and some new bedding.
And then of course, in only 7 weeks it's Lily's 1st birthday! Which is shocking beyond belief, but also very exciting.  Obviously I want to make her a birthday quilt, and some new clothes, but I'd also like to try and design a couple of new toys for her.
So, like I said, I need to get started on all of that right now....

Comments

[Laura]

Love your blog. Love your style. Love seeing what you create. LOVE the crocodile and his "knobbly" feet! It is obvious that you are passionate about what you do. Thanks for continuing to share with the rest of us.

[Jennifer]

So what do you do with Bella? Long-sleeved shirts and tights under summer dresses?
And is Lily really almost a year old?
So much has changed in your life since I first found you and your blog.
I wish nothing for good things for you in the new year.

[myrtle]

Hi Manda,
love the croc... inspired. So glad to see you are back to doing what you truly enjoy... creating and gift giving. You can really enjoy making Lily's birthday quilt now with less other pressures upon you.I think gift giving is what inspires us all to create in the first place,isn't it? I made Rufus the best stocking i have ever made for his first Christmas this year.... i was so pleased.
A very very Happy New Year to you and I hope that 2009 brings you all that you wish for.
with love Ginny xx

[Bridgette]

It is wonderful to have you back and sharing your charming creations and words with all of us on a regular basis. Happy New Year!

[Lesley]

Croc is fab :-) had a look at the Princess and the Pea Stuff as well and I love it !!! will keep checking your Etsy store to see when new stuff available!
Happy New Year in advance .....
Lesley x

[janet clare]

love the crocodile!

Hope you have a happy and healthy 09!

[mijk]

I have got only one week! and I need to sew a new dress for my four year old. (she'll start school on her birthday and no uniforms here so important dress) and she wants a peter pan mermaid butterfly forrest birthdaycake..So I am freaking out. These januari birthdays are so tricky because unconsiously I alwyas think Oh that is next year (oh and why did I promiss my mill a birtday cake on the fourth too?)

By the way for her second birthday my daughter got dolls bed bedding from you and it is still a huge hit. So consider them for Lily next year ;)

[Pam]

It's nice to see your beautiful creations again. Hope you have a relaxing new year.

[Joanne]

what little boy (or girl come to think of it)wouldn't love this croc he's fantastic.
just picked up the new issue of Sew hip love Henriette Hippo but fav iteam would probably be the cube bag have a couple of people who would love this.
joanne. xx

[simone]

I love the croc! I love his knobbly feet ( they remind me of nik naks,savoury snack), and his bumpy, lumpy spine. He has a very friendly face. :-) I hope that you have a smooth transition into 2009 and that the year isn't another bumpy one for you. I look forward to seeing all the new things you make next year. x

[Clare]

Great croc! I'm looking forward to seeing the quilt - they are always so beautiful!
Happy New Year :) I hope 2009 is a good one for you.

[Vicki]

I love the crocodile. You must start making the P and the P sets again for sale. They are just perfect.You remind me that if I want to give my twins quilts for their 1st birthday in August...I had better get started. Are you still with Sew Hip? What a loss for them if you aren't. Happy New Creative Year!!!!

[Laura]

I know the feeling...I've begun thinking that I really should start making Christmas gifts in July!

[Qalballah]

Happy New Year Manda. Wishing you peace and good things, babes.

xx

[Jennifer]

I'm holding you and your family in my thoughts.

[maypole]

Think only positive thoughts, you have a great talent. All the best for 2009.

[maypole]

I would just also add to my last comment. In the January picture, the glasses are half FULL not half empty xx

[domoshar]

Happy 2009!
Health and family are the most important things one could ask for. Money, job, etc. change often and unexpectedly.
Wishing you all, all the best! After a serious problem and test when some doors close... a new beginning is so close... maybe a week ahead...

[Nanette]

I've just received my first 2 issues to Sew Hip. I've really enjoyed them so much. It has great content and is right on my level of creativity.

[Ivalou]

hello - love your croc and the cat pillow and most of all your new entry!!! I´m so glad to hear the good news, you were in my prayers. and please don´t be scared about the new year - i´m so sure you are gonna make it! I had a date with 2009 today and it told me, it´s a really nice and kind one and will bring snow which taste like sugar and a lot of smiling sun. have hope manda and have these warm warm greetings from berlin. happy weekend ***

[Dee Pavay]

Your patchwork croc is fantastic. I just love all of the different fabrics/textures. Kudos to you for the design and getting it made just in time!
Dee

[ashley]

i must agree with the previous commentors; the crocodile is amazing. i really enjoy your style. the shade of blue on your walls go perfectly with the reds in the log cabin quilt. very inspirational. best wishes to you and for your family.

[Simon The Cat]

I also agree with all previous commentors , the crocodile is amazing.I enjoy your style. the shade of blue on your walls go perfectly with the reds in the log cabin quilt.very inspirational.all the very best to you and for your family.