In keeping with the theme of tag-teaming (or not) in life, Emma and I have been working on this new soft horse for her this week. It was definitely a tag team effort in the sense that it was like working with an editor-in-chief constantly over my shoulder:
"I think its ear is a little too long."
"The nose looks funny."
"Why do the legs look backwards?"
"Don’t you think it would look better with a smaller head?"
"Well, in real life, a horse’s mane, forelock (yes, she used the word forelock), and tail would all be the same color."
"Don’t you think you should put a little more stuffing in it’s neck?"
I really do believe that part of her was making plans for something more than just a little stuffed pony. She was putting so much thought and effort and detail into this pony, I think she was secretly hoping it might magically become the real thing.
The other night as I was leaving her room at bedtime I saw some serious eye-squinting, hand-clasping and feverish whispering. I asked her what she was doing and she told me she was making a wish. I put it all together when the following morning she ran outside (in her pajamas) to check the barn to see "if her wish had come true." This girl is pining away for the real, living, breathing version of the one we just made together.
So after much help in the ‘design’ phase of everything, I worked on stitching it up and adding the mane and tail. It was pretty fun making the hair. I just pulled lengths of yarn through the fabric and knotted them so they wouldn’t slip during any braiding or brushing sessions.
I love crafting for my children. I’ve said before on here, that there’s something different and special when you’re making something with someone in mind, especially someone you love. But I do look forward to the day when we’ll be taking turns at the sewing machine or with the needle and thread.
That will be special in its own way, too.
The little horse is beautiful and all the more special because you made it together!!
I love it!
It’s so sweet when they still believe that if they wish it, it will come true. I wish I still believed that.
You are writing some goose bumping posts!!! I remember making this (http://bigbucketgirl.typepad.com/bigbucketgirl/2006/08/welcome_pink_on.html) with DD and I have really taken on board that it’s still so loved and cherished by her, far more than shop bought toys.Hope your day is happy. xxx
Oh sorry, i can’t get that link to work. She/we made a pig in August last year. Its in my archives but i cant get the link right!
I hope she doesn’t blame your crafting for her real horse not showing up! I think it’s lovely!
The horse is adorable! I love the yarn for the mane and tail! 🙂
so sweet, Molly! I’d love to tackle something like that with my daughter…
sweet! the little floral heart on his bum is the best part. 🙂
It’s such a sweet softie — and I love that she was wishing for it to be real!
The horse looks wonderful!Crafting for my daughter is also very rewarding… she always loves what I make 🙂
What a wonderful result! I love how it turned out. I love making things with the intention of giving it to a particular person, but it is even more special making things for your own kids. I can’t wait until mine is old enough to colaborate with.
oh that sweet girl! i can just see her running out to see if it was really there. i love the horse, molly.