Thursday, January 12, 2012

the girl's new goldfinch


Early this week I took a little time to finish one of the unfinished pre-holiday projects on my workbench.  I had this pretty but shrunken wool sweater on hand and have been meaning to make it into something wearable for my daughter.


It was nearly the right size for her already so using a shirt that currently fits her as a guide, I just trimmed a bit off of both sides of the body and the arms and sewed it up.  I also cut some length from the sleeves, leaving them long enough to cuff.


Using the cut-off cuff from one arm, I made a pocket for the front.  I also decided that the pre-finished neck looked a little too "finished" so I cut it off and made a more organic neckline.  I also did an exaggerated running stitch around it and the pocket for the same reason.  I wanted this to look handmade and the previous machine stitches weren't cutting it.

The color of the sweater reminded me of the thistles that grow in front of our house, and reminded me of the joy we get from watching the goldfinches hanging from them, eating seeds in the fall.  I decided that would be my theme.


Using scraps of felted wool I stitched on some thistles and a goldfinch.  The girl got a big kick out of having a bird on her belly.

She got an even bigger kick out of momma filling her new pocket with birdseed so she could feed the birds.


Naturally, the chickens love this new pocket too.


Have a good day, everyone.  Extra points if you fill your pocket with birdseed and feed the birds today.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

ok lady, I dig her style big time !!!
plus I bet this is sooooo comfy & warm to wear
you are the best mama, my friend
and she is the cutest lil girl with a goldfinch on her belly around !
xoxo

Karen Larko said...

Oh how sweet! She's such a lucky little girl to have such a talented mom to make her beautiful things.

Amy O'H. said...

Very cute! I love the bird and the thistle and all of the sewing details, too!

Terriea Kwong said...

Talented mum, you made such unique sweater with a pocket for your sweetie to play & feed the birds. Your girl is the most happiest to wear your design. She's pretty and sweet !

Tara said...

Lisa, you amaze me with the projects that just seem to slip from your fingertips.

Sally said...

So cute; so clever! The picture of Little Sweetie feeding the chickens made my day.

Unknown said...

Charming post - I appreciate the details about how you created this absolutely darling garment. Lucky daughter! love, sus

Julie Clay Illustration said...

I've earned my points today, fed the lovely goldfinches that come for the niger seed. You are so inventive, many clever points to you. I do enjoy reading all you get up to. Thanks.

Maggie Mae said...

:) Makes me smile.

HollyM said...

What a neat idea and how pretty!

Krista said...

oh i love this! inspiring, as i have a too large pile of wool to repurpose

Brittany said...

That is the sweetest little sweater/dress that I think I've every seen. I love the cut neckline, especially with the stitching. I can't believe how big she's getting!

joanie said...

I know I've asked before but please can't you adopt me? I promise to help out with your current four :)

Anonymous said...

How adorable! I also love to watch the goldfinches and I grow coneflowers and blanket flowers especially for them.
You have such a creative blog ... I'll have to visit again!

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