Friday, August 28, 2009

where I join the Princess and the Pea parade

I've spent the better part of the summer waffling between projects to make for two little sisters' birthday gifts. My complete inability to decide now means that one girl's gift is overdue by 3 months and the other's by a few weeks. (In my defense, I did have a baby in there somewhere, but still. Three months, people!)

Then I came across this great book by the talented Lauren Child and these two sets. What modern, fabric and fairy tale loving girl wouldn't be inspired? Plus, we're already huge fans of Ms. Child's work around here. And I've been obsessing over this fabric (so perfect for Audrey)since it came out, so the story's been on my mind. I couldn't resist this project.


A few hours of stash raiding and totally, shamelessly copying someone else's clever idea produced this:


I made the mattresses pretty thin, with just one layer of lofty batting. I know how I feel when space-consuming toys come into my home, so I didn't want to make the set too large. There are twelve mattresses made from various calico prints. The bottom mattress has a little gathered pocket to hold the pea. 'Cause I know if it were my kids', that pea would disappear in about 7 minutes flat.

For the pea, I crocheted a small ball out of wool felt, then lightly felted it by hand. I can't find the pattern I used, but this tutorial would work just great, too, I'm sure. You might need to use a size smaller hook for a bit tighter gauge to get results like mine. For the felty look, I rolled it in my hands under VERY hot water for several minutes then plunged into cold water. Squeeze it out and let it dry. Done.

I also threw in two simple, sweet nightgowns to fit the dolls that I made for the girls last year, so they can be used as Princesses. (Hopefully these make up for the fact that I sent a joint gift this year...)

6 comments:

Larissa Holland said...

And we love love love love LOVE our special gift. Thank you again, so much! The book is really funny and clever, and the diorama illustrations make my crafter's heart swoon.

Thing 2 is obsessed with the pea. And the nightgowns look so cute on the dollies! I'm LOVING the fabrics you chose for all the mattresses. I might steal it from the girls and play with it myself.

Unknown said...

Such a cute idea! You have been busy! :)

JoyLeanne said...

so much fun!

Lali said...

Wow, this is really really adorable, what a fantastic idea ! It looks our home will be richer for one cool book very soon , not to mention some pea and mattresses ;-)

Robyn said...

Thanks, Lali! The book is great. I bought one for my daughter, too, but I put it away for a Christmas present. I'm itching to get it out and read it to the kids!

catinanapron said...

In searching for imagery for my daughter's "princess and the pea" birthday party, I came across your blog. Then I lost your blog. But I had this lovely picture in my mind of your mattresses and it inspired our invitations:
http://catinanapron.blogspot.com/2010/04/princess-and-pea-party-invitation.html
and the whole party sort of tumbled from there! AND the day before the party, after we planned to read the story first thing to make sure everyone KNEW the story, we realized we didn't HAVE the story, so raced to our local bookstore and BOUGHT THE SAME BOOK! Now I've found you again becuase I just HAD to thank you!
Thank you!
-marne.

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