they're home!
Way back in Nov., I posted here about a little secret involving these guys--my cactus pincushions. Now I can let the cat out of the bag because my small friends arrived back home yesterday.
I was asked by Lark Books if I would submit these for consideration for a pincushion book they were putting together. I told them that they were really soft toys I made for my son and much too big to be pincushions. They really liked the idea of a cactus pincushion, so I agreed to modify my soft toys and see what I could come up with. This is the result! I was quite pleased as it was a big challenge for me. Not only did I have to redesign them in pincushion form, but also provide step by step instructions, a pattern (which meant precise measurements! My brain doesn't work precisely, it's more comfortable in "just eye-ball it mode" ) and simple drawings describing each step. It was a tall order for little ole me but I'm glad I stepped up to the plate. I have another simple cushion design that will be in the book also. You will see other familiar bloggers featured as well, but I'll let them share that :)
You can pre-order the book from Amazon here . I believe it's due out in November. Yay!
So, progress has been made in preparing for Felt Club and I feel a ton more optimistic then I did in my last post! The pincushions are all done and I have cut out 10 totes, 10 liners, and 20 straps! I never thought I could ever make so much at once and this has come as a pleasant surprise. Not that I'm signing up to do this again any time soon mind you..ahem.
Look, my first hydrangea bloom of the season. I spotted it this morning through my living room window.
If I'm lucky, this bush will be prolific as in years past and fill my front window with poufs of beautiful color. What a treat.
Thank you so much (again!) for your sweet comments on my last post. You guys are all so sweet, and several of you know what I'm talking about or will very soon. I appreciate you sharing with me as well.
How cool about the book, Toni, congratulations!
Posted by: strikkelise | June 20, 2007 at 02:56 AM
Congratulations on the book , the graduation and the felt club! Boy do you keep busy. Love the pincushions.
Posted by: ellen | June 20, 2007 at 03:30 AM
All of those tote straps look so pretty together like that.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | June 20, 2007 at 04:44 AM
hi
oh those pincushions look so cute... I think it would be hard for me to put a needle on their body...
:)
manela
Posted by: macati | June 20, 2007 at 05:04 AM
Congratulations, Toni! That's terrific that you're in the book!
Posted by: Beth | June 20, 2007 at 05:34 AM
i nearly spewed my tea onto my computer screen at first glance of your cacti cushions, lol. they are so cute and funny and sweet! adorable! congrats on your book.
beautiful fabrics for your totes.
Posted by: jen | June 20, 2007 at 05:53 AM
congrats!
i can't wait to make a cactus pin cushion!
Posted by: capello | June 20, 2007 at 06:31 AM
How fantastically awesome! Can't wait to get the book :)
Posted by: Felicia | June 20, 2007 at 06:38 AM
Congratulations on being included in a book! Very exciting:)
I like the picture of all those tote straps lined up:)
Posted by: Chara Michele | June 20, 2007 at 06:55 AM
Congrats on the book! So excited to see your work in print! Good luck with all the preparations for FC!!
Posted by: sally | June 20, 2007 at 07:40 AM
I adore the cactus pin cushions, especially the flower in the "hair" of the left one!
Congrats on the book, I'll keep my eyes out for it!
Posted by: Sarah | June 20, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Oh yay! I started reading your blog right before you posted those cute little catcti guys. I'm sooo glad to see them again. And a published pattern is even better. Congrats!
Posted by: Tracy | June 20, 2007 at 12:35 PM
congrats on the book toni! the cacti are super cute!
Posted by: erin | June 20, 2007 at 01:17 PM
What a brilliant idea for a book - congrats! I'm definitely adding it to my wishlist :)
Posted by: geek+nerd | June 20, 2007 at 05:29 PM
Toni!
Congratulations to you, what a wonderful thing... Keep up the good work...
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | June 20, 2007 at 05:33 PM
amazing work with the book and pin cushion-so exciting! can't wait to see all the totes in action at felt club {i'll be there too..my sis (scissorspaperglue) told me you would too!} looking forward to seeing you in july! best, amy
Posted by: amy lowrey | June 20, 2007 at 08:28 PM
How exciting! I will look forward to the book - thanks for sharing your darling contribution. Those cacti are so cute! Oh, my, fabric lust! Wow, those fabrics you're using are gorgeous!! I feel an urge to sew coming on... due to such inspiration.
Posted by: Katherine | June 21, 2007 at 11:37 AM
How exciting! I will look forward to the book - thanks for sharing your darling contribution. Those cacti are so cute! Oh, my, fabric lust! Wow, those fabrics you're using are gorgeous!! I feel an urge to sew coming on... due to such inspiration.
Posted by: Katherine | June 21, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Congratulations on the pincushions! They are super cute and I can see why they made it into a book. I know what you mean about preciseness. Even when I follow directions, I still have difficulty being precise. Oh, well. I can't wait to see what you come up for Felt Club.
Posted by: Robyn | June 21, 2007 at 07:40 PM
Oooh, I'm so excited you're in the pincushion book too! Maybe our pages will be next to each other ;) The cacti are adorable and I love your pillow pincushions too!
Posted by: Cassi | June 21, 2007 at 10:32 PM
Congrats! Those little guys are gorgeous! I had heard about the book somewhere else but I really want it now those will be in it!
Posted by: Emma | June 22, 2007 at 01:44 AM
Congratulations on the book!
Posted by: shannon | June 22, 2007 at 10:21 PM
Congratulations on the book, Toni! That is awesome news. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy : )
Good luck with Felt Club- I've been meaning to head over there!
xoxo
Posted by: Morgan | June 28, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Your cactus fellows are hysterical! I love them! Really, what a clever idea--why hasn't anyone else thought of a cactus for a pincushion? Smart girl! And congratulations on being published in the book. That's quite an achievement.
Posted by: mom2fur | July 01, 2007 at 06:27 AM
What great news!! I love the cactii!! How exciting to see your pattern in print!!
Posted by: Di | July 03, 2007 at 02:23 PM