Handmade birthday.

Both of my boys just had their birthdays, which are only 2 weeks apart. Since they are so close we had a combined party, just with family. Boy #1 turned three and boy #2 turned one! I made their birthday gifts this year and had a lot of fun doing so (I'm excited to start on the kid's Christmas gifts!).

For the big boy I made a tote bag to carry around his books and cars and other treasures. He was constantly borrowing his sister's purses and would shove as many cars possible into them :). I really like how his bag turned out, love the lining fabric...so fun with the car embroidery on the front. It will be great for the library as well. I filled it with a couple new books. He's been really into the Busy Town books illustrated by Richard Scarry since I found a series at the thrift store. I also made him his own super cape (which you may have noticed with the key element in his Halloween costume)! He also was always borrowing his sister's cape and I thought he needed something a little more manly than bright pink. I used the cape tutorial from the Long Thread, but designed my own applique emblem.

For the little guy I made a fabric ball from this great pattern here, which I've used on several occasions. It's a fun and quick gift to make and everyone I've gifted one to has loved it. I referenced these fabric tools to make the "hammer" and "wrench". These were a bit of a failed first attempt. The shapes are not quite right. I would definitely do some adjusting the next time I try these out. The "hammer" has become an axe like Astrid's (my daughter is a big How To Train Your Dragon fan) and the "wrench" is held at the wrong end and has become a sword for my three-year-old. I'm thinking I need to make him a proper fabric sword for Christmas...perhaps a couple so that there can be a duel :). Oh and this board book! LOVE the illustrations by Richard Scarry (a bit of a fan of his work). So beautiful, such a lovely book. I think, for as long as I can find it, it will be my go to companion gift with my handmade baby gifts for friends.

Happy Birthday to my sweet boys! I love you very much and hope you very much enjoy your gifts!