Felt Nativity Ornament

The idea came from Pinterest.  Of course.  Like many of you, I find all kinds of clever and inspiring ideas on Pinterest.  But for once, instead of just pinning that idea, I actually took it and made my own version.

Mary is standing in my version, and I gave her a head scarf. 

I sketched it out on paper and then traced around the "parts" for my pattern pieces.  

A loop of jute was sewn between the layers so that the ornament can be hung around a doorknob or on the tree.  Don't ask why I tied knots in the jute.  It just happened.  :)

And then I made, not one, but two.  

One to keep and one to give away to a special friend.  

Ottobre Meoow Cat Skirt

When my most recent issue of Ottobre arrived in my mailbox and I saw the "Meoow" skirt with cat face pockets, I knew I had to make it for Emily. As everybody knows, she loves cats!  So here it is, Emily's cat skirt!

 

Pattern Description:  "The skirt is pepped up with images of the pet cat on the pockets.  The skirt has a separate elastic and drawstring casing at the waist.  The contrast-color bottom-hem facing forms a piping-like trim that gives body to the skirt."

Fabric: grey gabardine from Hancock's with blue contrast cotton for the hem and waistband

Size:  European size 128 (US child size 8)

Changes I made:  I cut a wider hem band than called for so that I could have more blue contrast showing at the hem.  I modified the face of the cat, substituting buttons for the eyes and using a blanket stitch to attach the pockets to the skirt.

Likes:  Ottobre patterns are so simple, but so extraordinary (in my opinion) because of all the little details that are included: the contrast waistband and hem, the topstitching, the ribbon threaded through the elastic casing, the buttonhole where the ribbon comes out at the waistband, and of course the cute kitty face pockets. 

Dislikes:  The skirt is very full!  It's not really a dislike, but I would have preferred less fullness.  The fit of the skirt is determined by the elastic waistband, so a smaller size may have been more suitable for my slender daughter.

Overall, I like the finished skirt very much, and so does Emily.  It will be a great addition to her winter wardrobe.

 

 The ribbon drawstring casing is added to the elastic waistband for a pretty effect.  

 The cat looks adoringly at the girl who feeds him and loves on him. 

 Three of her many cats.  I'm glad they all live outside.

 

 Ottobre Winter 6/2013, Design #15, Meoow Skirt