My great nephew is getting christened next month, I pondered for a long time on what to give as a present. I wanted to avoid giving something for when he’s grown up as in my experience (albeit only two children!) in 20 odd years time they won’t be interested in what we think is nice now!
I bought a rose bush for them. I like giving roses as you can usually find one with a suitable name – I’ve given ‘Champagne Moments’ several times. This time I wanted one with a childhood theme. I like David Austin roses as they’re well bred, healthy and usually have a beautiful scent. I looked through their catalogue – I usually have one on my bedside table!! They have a rose named after the children’s author Roald Dahl, buying one also raises money for his children’s charity. Perfect! I ordered it straight away and to my amazement it arrived the next day!
I wanted to make something for baby as well. I decided to make a Luna Lapin, or to be more precise an Archie…
Until recently there was a shop in Skipton called Cool Crafting, it’s now sadly moved to Kendal. However, in their shop window I kept admiring Luna Lapin, a beautifully dressed felt rabbit! For months I kept telling myself that I didn’t need a soft toy, I’m over 50! Then I saw the shop was closing down so I bought the book and the felt whilst I could!
Luna is designed by Sarah Peel, the owner of Cool Crafting. Luna has a complete wardrobe, dresses, coat, lacy knickers. She also has a little brother called Archie, patterns for trousers, shirt and waistcoat are included in the book. There’s a facebook page devoted to Luna and her friends, it’s very amusing as people enter into the world of Luna!
The rabbits are made from felt and designed to be hand-stitched. At Cool Crafting she sells beautiful 100% wool felt, it’s a good weight which copes well with hand-stitched seams and stuffing!
Over the weekend I pulled out the length of silver grey felt and cut it out. I used a piece of grey quilting cotton for the ears and feet. It went together pretty easily, I used blanket-stitch throughout as I seem to get a neater finish than with just an overstitch. The arms are stitched on with buttons and the eyes are buttons. I pondered about using child-safety eyes and arm joints, but I decided that as there would be buttons on his shirt and waistcoat I may as well use buttons for the eyes etc and just tell them to keep him for decoration until baby is old enough.
So, meet George…
Now I need to make him some clothes. Ooh and I’ve just remembered, he needs a tail too!
George is lovely, I bought that book in the Works earlier this year but like you – over 50 & no-one to make them for, I’ve seen them made from old wool jumpers that have been washed & felted. Didn’t know there was a Facebook page dedicated to them, will have to take a look – another ‘rabbit hole’ literally!
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I follow another blog where she has made several of these little rabbits (and I believe they have other types of animals as friends) – I think they can become a bit of an addiction.
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There’s definitely some people around with a Luna addiction problem 🙂
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He’s so handsome–can’t wait to see his clothing!
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So cute. Sure to be a well loved toy for your great nephew.
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oh lovely!!!
do you know, I’ve still got my first ever toy my parents bought for me and it’s a rabbit. A bit scruffy now, since he’s 55 years old, but I do think every child should have a bunny ^^
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Oh my goodness! I think this is the first time I remember seeing a plush/stuffed animal being made on your blog. Of course you can do any fiber craft I am sure – you are so talented!
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The rose bush idea idea is brilliant and so thoughtful. George is wonderful and can’t wait to see his clothes 🙂
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The rose which raises funds for charity too is an excellent present. Can’t wait to see George in his outfit. Think Lunas patchwork scarf is lovely too.
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I love the idea of giving a rose or tree as a gift, both will keep giving past our lifetimes! George is looking great, some dapper clothes and he’ll be ready to adorn the nursery until baby is ready for him!
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He is gorgeous and of course you need a rabbit too. I like giving roses too as presents, Roger’s Roses aree based in Pickering, it’s my mission to sned them far and wide.
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Oh my goodness, he’s soooo cute !!!
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