Doesn't always mean you should.
I spent a HUGE amount of time yesterday working on little baby turtles, step by step photos -the whole bit.
But you know what? As cute as they are, I just don't think they are replicable - and no its not because I think I am some freaky genius and no-one else can do it, its because something that is only 2 1/2 inches long should not be made up of 12 separate pieces....
I was absolutely ramming layers of wool felt through my machine...and I just don't think it will translate that well into a sewing instruction
I spent a HUGE amount of time yesterday working on little baby turtles, step by step photos -the whole bit.
But you know what? As cute as they are, I just don't think they are replicable - and no its not because I think I am some freaky genius and no-one else can do it, its because something that is only 2 1/2 inches long should not be made up of 12 separate pieces....
I was absolutely ramming layers of wool felt through my machine...and I just don't think it will translate that well into a sewing instructionStep 7. Squash the hell out of the whole project so it fits under your sewing machine foot. Hold your breath, keep your fingers out of the way and ram the fabric through......
Back to the drawing board on that one.
Of course Milligan may have preferred that I spent that time looking through my 70 kersquillion buttons to find some to hold his wings in place
(is it wrong to admit that it would be quicker to drive to a shop and buy two buttons than it would be to sift through my huge unsorted tubs of buttons?)
So here he is, still with pin eyes, and cottons hanging from his feet, but steadfastly loyal and happy in his own duck world.
When he is totally finished and accessorized he will be heading off on an adventure and not back here for quite a while.
and even though I know that he is just Doctors flannel and hobby fill and cotton.........
I'll miss him.
Back to the drawing board on that one.
Of course Milligan may have preferred that I spent that time looking through my 70 kersquillion buttons to find some to hold his wings in place(is it wrong to admit that it would be quicker to drive to a shop and buy two buttons than it would be to sift through my huge unsorted tubs of buttons?)
So here he is, still with pin eyes, and cottons hanging from his feet, but steadfastly loyal and happy in his own duck world.
When he is totally finished and accessorized he will be heading off on an adventure and not back here for quite a while.
and even though I know that he is just Doctors flannel and hobby fill and cotton.........I'll miss him.
ive seen way worse directions to follow than your step 7 ...
ReplyDeleteYour duck is utterly gorgeous even with (or maybe especially because of) his pin eyes & pinned on wing-arms.
ReplyDeleteI love the duck so much and the turtle looks fiddle-y- maybe a hand sewn would be best ( I had to stop myslef from writing maybe a hand job!!!!jeeeez)
ReplyDeleteOh Jod, you have perfected that beak shaping so beautifully! Love the seam line you have created.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Cath. The turtle looks like hand would be best!
The turle looks like it would be cute - what about using cotton?
ReplyDeleteI would miss the duck too!
I can't wait to hear of Milligan's adventures. I think I am going to miss him.
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with step seven....
Can't wait for Milligan to start his adventure.
ReplyDeleteunsorted buttons - isn't that why we have kids? mine is a chief button sorter, maybe I should send him over to your place.
ReplyDeleteAnd Milligan is lovely does he have a mate? A Miss Milly perhaps?
Where's little Milligan off too? I hope his little flappy wings get him there safely once they've been secured.
ReplyDeleteOh geez I can relate to this Jodie..
ReplyDeleteSome things get too fiddly, no matter our intentions or how cute..
..and Milligan...again I can relate..doesn't matter what they're made of... we miss them :-)
He's such a cutie pins and all..
I love his beautiful beak!!
Mini turtles look really cute too :-)
Milligan is gorgeous - who wouldn't miss him?
ReplyDeleteYour step 7 is pretty standard around these parts
Kersquillion? Wow, they are making numbers in abnormally huge amounts these days. Actually that word kind of sounds like Donald Duck might if he sneezed! Milligan, why, he's just DUCKY!(oh, my, I just had to say it, sorry!)
ReplyDeleteWOuld a little blanket stitch around the outside work for bubba turtles. They are very cute, even if they involve ramming.
ReplyDeleteI would miss Milligan too, but I think you will always hold a feather in his heart, he looks like a sentimental kinda bloke.
I finished my Parsley, thanks so much for the flannel, she looks so cute. I finally got around to blooging her today http://bugandpop.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-creative-space.html
ha ha ha... totally relating. I've made things that seemed like a good idea at the time until I tried to write instructions. There really are no words to describe some crafting actions [giggle].
ReplyDeleteHoly hell I think I followed your step 7 yesterday with the yellow fabric !
ReplyDeleteCute little turtles and so is Milligan - he is perfect.
ReplyDeleteLove step 7, sounds like most of the things I make. Hence why I don't write tuts.
ReplyDeleteX Kerri
Love the ramming instructions - thanks for the giggle! Maybe just make a bigger one?
ReplyDeleteIs Milligan joining us on Saturday, Jodie? I know he can't sew - although I wouldn't put it past you to make a softie that has sewing super-powers - but I'm sure he'd be an ace supervisor!
ReplyDeleteYou are truly the softie queen!!
ReplyDeleteAndi :-)
PS Have you been ti visit cindy today?
http://bugandpop.blogspot.com/
nothing better than searching threw unsorted button..... :)
ReplyDeleteMilligan's name is just as cute as he is! Such good work! He's amazing, with so much personality. Or, should that be duckinality? By the way, have you read the Mysterious Benedict Society? There's a great Milligan character in it...
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, don't forget about us die-hard hand sewers... there's still quite a bit of us out here, we can handle 12 pieces for something *that* cute. Don't trash all your work just yet!
I just love Milligan!!
ReplyDeleteYou are too clever!!
Tanya
Milligan is very cute - even with the pins!
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought that a duck named Milligan could have so much charm and character.
ReplyDeleteHas Milligan got tail feathers? I can imagining him waddling along and shaking his booty!! Very Cute as always Jod :-)
ReplyDeleteI love Milligan...I hope he is not away for too long? As for ramming things under the sewing machine foot- I am very good at that!
ReplyDeleteAre your button shops better than up here?? I can never find what I need in our pathetic craft shops. Going to have to search the internet for a good supply :-)
Who needs baby turtles when there are Milligans in the World? Too cute for words.
ReplyDeleteYou know, your freakin' genius is just so tiring.
ReplyDeleteThat's because he's utterly adorable........
ReplyDeleteLizzie
xxx
wish Milligan was coming my way for an adventure! even his name is cute :-)
ReplyDeleteMilligan is cuter than cute - it must be so hard to let your softies go - they seem so alive!
ReplyDeleteI love Milligan, I love Milligan.! xo
ReplyDeleteMilligan is adorable and I would miss him too!
ReplyDeleteAs for the baby turtle, he is so darn cute I can hardly stand it!
Well I think "squash the hell out of..." is a fantastic, accurate description at times. Wishing more pattern writers had your sense of humor. :o) Just think of the homecoming you can plan for Milligan's return!
ReplyDeleteWith an expression like that, who couldn't fall in love with Milligan?!!
ReplyDeletei've did "step 7" several times, lol....i adore turtles..i just bought your ernst & pebble.....can't wait to start on them
ReplyDeleteyou may have had to squash the whole thing... but it looks great. plus, i love turtles.
ReplyDeleteIf more patterns would be realistic enough to instruct: "squash the hell out of..." instead of tripping blithely along as if no one has issues with 12 pieces 2 inches or less in length making any kind of sense at the sewing machine (yes, I made a tiny fairy doll with tiny fairy feet, why do you ask?). Sometimes it's better to back away from the machine and pick up a needle. For sewing, not repeatedly stabbing one's self in the eye.
ReplyDeleteI suppse this means I will have to wait a kersqillion years to have a milligan pattern....? I absolutely NEEEEEEEED one....Who wouldn't love a duck like him? Just flat out fabulous.....
ReplyDeleteSusan
My first visit! The entire turtle scene CRACKED ME UP. What a hoot!!!
ReplyDeleteThat baby turtle just looked like he was being borned!!! Sounds like it felt like he was as well!!!
ReplyDeleteBut there must be such a feeling of wonder when you flip that little turtle right side out and *poof* the miracle of creation has been achieved!
ReplyDeleteBut that quacker... oh.. you taunt us so!
Oh dear, I really had to laugh about your last stage on the turtle. I can just get that feeling.
ReplyDeleteYour duch is the sweetest little guy. So very adorable!!!
I'll miss him too
ReplyDeletexx to Milligan from the thong quilt maker
More pattern makers should be honest enough to write what you did for Step 7. Heck, just print out the pattern pieces, anybody who has sewn before should be able to figure out what to do with them.
ReplyDeleteThey are so precious. I love Milligan, too. His bill quacks me up. Sorry. :)
Milligan is too cute for words.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I would be able to part with him.
Your talent just amazes me time and time again.
Maybe you could clone Milligan so you won't miss him so much.
ReplyDeleteYou're so talented, Jodie, I know if you keep working on that tiny turtle you'll get it--2 inches is actually ginormous ;)
ReplyDeleteabsolutely love that duck - and his name is perfect!
ReplyDeletelove the turtle, too, but I am so fond of ducks it's ridiculous!!!
That duck is just too cute -- I love his face and little teeny eyes. And the turtle! Wow -- what a lot of work!
ReplyDeleteMilligan is quite possibly the cutest thing I have seen in a long while!!! I would miss him terribly! The baby turtles leave me speechless LOL!!! I love your squish the hell out of it instructions :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this baby turtle could be Ernst and Pebbles son?
ReplyDelete