Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Jessica's Present is DONE!

Now I hope I didn't hype this up and you are expecting more than it is, but I am pretty excited to have started AND completed this project. I can't remember if I mentioned  The Best Dressed Knitted Bear book that Jessica saw in a recent KnitPicks catalog. She was enamored of the ballerina teddy bear she saw sampled in the catalog. (It's also where Amy saw the most recent giraffe she wants me to make for her). Anyway, I wanted to see the book first before buying it and I found it at Barnes and Noble (unbeknownst to Jessica). That started my mad dash to create the bear as a Christmas gift for her. Last night I put the finishing touches on the bear and thought I'd share it with you. Please remember, I'm much more of a crocheter than a knitter.

Here is my version of Ballerina Bear. The pattern called for adding a bunch of sequins to the skirt. I didn't think it needed the bling (the sample Jessica saw didn't have the sequins, either) as I felt it would over power the outfit.

I had to make a slight modification to the skirt as it ended up too large for the bear (I'd stuffed her first and made the clothes after stuffing). After mulling it over a bit, I decided to weave some ribbon through the waistband so it could be tightened to fit. That way it didn't look like a mistake (taps forehead with finger-always thinking), if you know what I mean. LOL

I have fallen in love with that face. I'm SO tickled at how it turned out. No mischievous, naughty grins this time. hee, hee



A couple of close-ups, if you don't mind...

Here's that face again....love how the ears droop a bit, too.

















And the shoes. Can't forget the shoes!


Here she is from the back...and that is the mommy is much relieved to have completed somewhat successfully Christmas gift for Jessica. Whew!

And in keeping with the ballet theme, last night I was at Target picking up an Amy Grant Christmas cd, because I can't find my copy (so much for claiming to work on my organizing around the house). Found one called A Christmas Collection, with four new songs on it (Love the songs, Jena).  Anyway, I wandered around looking for gift ideas for the girls and I came across a rack of  dance leotards on clearance for around $3 each! I was thrilled and got one for each of the girls. (We may be signing them up for dance class this winter, since Amy they keep asking). 

Nona posted these mittens on her blog yesterday. Omg, they are adorable! But I have to overcome my fear of double-pointed knitting needles before attempting this one. Maybe I'll make it one of my goals for 2010?

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a great day! Now that I've got this bear done, it's onto other projects...


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12 comments:

Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs said...

SO cute!! She is going to LOVE it! I wish I could knit or crochet! Someone needs to come over here and teach me.

Anonymous said...

Way too cute!!! I love teddy bears and pink!!

Sparkplug17 said...

I love your bear. It's absolutely adorable and I can't wait to see Jessica's reaction. She's gonna love it so much.

What CD did you get? Amy Grant's Home for Christmas is my favorite CD. I got when I was 13 and in the 7th grade. Unfortunately, when my car got stolen...I lost all my CDs too. But last year I bought the iPod version of the album. :)

Sheila Bennett said...

Wow - you did a great job! That looks like a very complicated project. And the bear face is so sweet. :)

scrappyjacky said...

This bear is gorgrous...she's bound to love it.

Kathi Carlson said...

Oh, Jeanne ... I don't know why but this sweet bear brought tears to my eyes. What a keepsake she'll be if Jessica doesn't love her to death. Either way, she will be treasured and your labor of love remembered. So darned sweet...

Sarah said...

OK now that is just amazing. From the gorgeous face to the skirt and THOSE SHOES!!!! DARLING. I will say it again...your kids are SO lucky...and one day they will be able to pass these gems onto their kids.
I saw those mittens too!!! they were too cute...
Take care Jeanne.

Kim Burmeister said...

Jeanne, she is going to love this! This is FABULOUS! At first glance, I thought you made the outfit for one of her teddy bears. Then I realized you made the bear too! Holy Moly! Your girls have so many treasures to keep handmade from their mother. Special!

Jen said...

yeah, all done! she is cute and the shoes are too!

Jena said...

Wow, you are amazing! What a great gift - she will love it! I think the shoes are the cutest. TFS! Glad to hear you like the new songs, too ;-)

Carolyn said...

How cute is that! Jessica will love it!! Pink is sooo cute on the bear!

Heather said...

That bear is adorable. I guess I need to stop at target. Madi was in ballet and tap this fall and loved it. Her recital was last friday. It was precious.