mommy monster
...plus baby monster.
this is tilly with her baby, agatha. funny how names come to you. sometimes i can spend way to much time trying to decide, and other times, like this time--you just know right away. i love 'monsters' that have a silly, humorous, friendly look to them. there are a lot out in the craft world that fit this description and they make me smile every time.
this is one of those projects i had put on the back burner for quite some time...other interests were getting my attention. yesterday though, i had the house to myself for about an hour and the 'make a monster' light bulb went off. it took me longer then an hour but i got a good chunk of it underway before the house was full and busy again. they're made from a wool sweater and the pocket is some of my favorite vintage fabric. it came from a floor length dress that i cut up. i'm so looking forward to using more of this in the future. anyway, tilly and agatha now proudly sit on my bed, where they can make me smile each time i walk past.
speaking of thrift shopping, i found this gem of a book recently. i always at least skim the book shelves when i go and this particular time i almost missed this one. after what i thought was a pretty thorough search, i gave one last glance in the corner and saw this. it's filled with short chapters on the girlhoods of famous women, written in that great narrative style that draws you in and keeps you interested--what many home schoolers would call a 'living book'. the women are from america and europe, most i've heard of, some i haven't. i've started reading it out loud to hannah and we love it. of course we both must have a fresh cup of tea, a sunny spot to sit and she brings along her drawing pencils and paper to sketch while i read. and, if mark just happens to take noah to the park at the same time--well, it becomes a perfect and quiet moment for the two of us. noah can't quite appreciate the girlhoods of historic women yet :)
That monster and it's baby are wonderful - love them - great job!
Posted by: Kate | March 01, 2007 at 07:00 PM
well, now, that is just the best softie!
Posted by: meg | March 01, 2007 at 07:05 PM
That is so freakin' cute!
Posted by: angharad | March 01, 2007 at 07:11 PM
I may have to steal that monster idea. I have a ton of sweaters set aside to re use in some way. Very cute.
Posted by: Wanett | March 01, 2007 at 07:30 PM
Just gorgeous!Little Agathas face made me smile too!
I love the idea of you reading to Hannah whilst she sketches.Wish I had more one on one time with each of my girls.Times like that are so precious.
Posted by: Kristy | March 01, 2007 at 11:49 PM
Agatha's hair is too perfect!!
Posted by: Rebecca F. | March 02, 2007 at 03:40 AM
Oh what a great monster!!I am an old book adict especially ones like you found that give a glimps into days past.
Posted by: Natasha | March 02, 2007 at 06:35 AM
oh i looooove tilly and agatha. so incredibly expressive. They look like very friendly monsters. :)
Posted by: julie | March 02, 2007 at 06:37 AM
I love BabyAgatha's little "spout" - ala Pebbles Flintstone!
It's my fave hairdo for cute little girls (and now for monsters, too!)
Posted by: LLA | March 02, 2007 at 06:46 AM
Oh, I love the monster mommy and babe! Such a couple of cuties, what a great job you did. Does Agatha grow another eye as she gets older? :0)
Posted by: Michelle | March 02, 2007 at 08:20 AM
ACK!! I so love your little monsters!
Zipping over to flickr right now to add those to my faves, so I can look at them for a smile every chance I get...
Posted by: Amy | March 02, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Toni - The monsters are adorable. I am especially enamored by agatha. I love both the fabrics you used.
Posted by: jen | March 02, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Hi, just wanted to say that I really like your blog and I reed it every week. Lisa from Sweden
Posted by: Lisa | March 02, 2007 at 10:32 AM
what a great book find! It's even greater since it provides such wonderful times for you and your daughter. She will always treasure that time as she grows up.
I love the monsters as well, btw, ;)
Posted by: emily | March 02, 2007 at 11:49 AM
All of it is so great! The baby monster is beyond cute.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | March 02, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Such cute little monsters!
So when you sew from an old sweater, do you always have to felt it first, so it won't unravel, or is the thread enough to just cut the regular sweater?
Just wondering a little about your method,
Elisabeth
Posted by: Elisabeth | March 02, 2007 at 02:01 PM
Sooo, sooo cute--Tilly & Aggie make me smile & laugh! They're some of the happiest little monsters I've ever seen! What a super find in that book. And wonderful you have a daughter among the boys to share the woman's experience. Happy Days! :o)
Posted by: Tracy | March 04, 2007 at 02:44 AM
cute monsters! were they inspired by the drawings you showed me?i hope you can find my blog now. hehee. miss you lots!
xoxo
Posted by: VanessaAnn87 | March 04, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Mommy Monster is just so cute...
SUzie Sews
Posted by: suzie sews | March 05, 2007 at 03:07 AM
That is such giggly fun! And what a wonderful book you've found!
Posted by: Beachy | March 05, 2007 at 06:24 AM
hehe, they're so cute, and so are their names!
can i please ask you a favour? i'm going crazy trying to work out how to configure my Typekey signature so that it links back to my blog rather than my Typekey profile page. i noticed you have yours set up properly (you're one comment above me on Alicia P's latest post!) and i was wondering if you could teach me how to fix it! i know that's a rather odd first comment on your blog but i do love your blog too and will continue reading! :)
Posted by: lindsey clare | March 05, 2007 at 03:50 PM
i
adore
the
monsters.
Posted by: gkgirl | March 05, 2007 at 04:27 PM
I love love love mummy monster and her little baby - wonderful!
Posted by: Emma | March 05, 2007 at 06:39 PM
hi! i keep forgetting to tell you in person how much i love agatha and tilly! i love the whole of it!! want to see and touch it!! love em
Posted by: neihgbor em | March 06, 2007 at 02:52 PM
I saw your monster and baby on flickr. Very cute! Nice blog too!:)
Posted by: Emma Harris | March 09, 2007 at 11:54 PM