Plush Nativity.

I've always loved Nativities. In fact I was a bit of a brat about the one I grew up with. I would never let any of my siblings set it up—and I'm one of those who knows if something has been touched or moved :). I hogged that job, even through high school. I was the first to get married and leave home so I'm sure the first Christmas without me they thoroughly enjoyed setting it up themselves and putting all the pieces where they "shouldn't" go. I've always wanted a set of my own, but haven't found one that I love. Now that I have kids I've been wanting one that they could enjoy. I've had this idea in my head since last year when I came across this tutorial. Last Christmas I had a two month old baby and sewing was at a minimum, and I was determined to start on this project for this Christmas. So may I present Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus! Next year I'll expand the set to include a donkey, a sheep, an angel, and the stable—with a star of course. I'd like to figure out how to construct a stable out of cardboard like this cool play furniture. I'm going to start watching for the perfect box :). For this little family I combined the idea of the One-Hour Softie with the Wee Bunny pattern, creating a triangular shape that would stand up easily. The design was inspired by the One-Hour softie and this nativity, which I do love, but can no way afford. I used wool felt for the fronts, bright and sturdy IKEA fabric for the backs—which adds to their modern flair, and weighted them with rice to keep them upright. I'm quite excited about how they turned out. The kids have already been enjoying them, baby Jesus is definitely the favorite. I'm excited about expanding and completing the set, but I've got to get my Christmas gifts made! So this project is done for now and will have to wait until next year to be completed. Fun to get past the sketch phase with it though, and that everything worked!

*Sorry about the not-so-great pics, it's been unusually gray here this week.