Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Present from Momma

Months ago, while Scarlett and I were in and out of the hospital every week or so, I started to hatch a plan for something I could make for her in all my "free" time (otherwise known as the time I spent sitting staring at the walls in the hospital).  It was shortly after my Pinterest addiction began, and I was eager to try something I had pinned.  Then, one day I saw a quiet book, and I was hooked.

I had a quiet book when I was little.  It was a fabric book with activities that would keep little hands busy for a while - things like counting, lacing, weaving, shoe laces, buttons, zippers and other gizmos.  I saw some wonderful examples here, here, here, here, here and here.  Around this time, I bought a basic sewing machine, which I have since used for a multitude of projects, including the diaper boat and Scarlett's birthday outfit (pictures to come!)  I began what I thought would be a simple little project that could live in one small box (which is what I told Chris - "it will all stay in the little box when I'm not working on it!  Not in the way at all!") and about 6 months and many boxes later, I ended up with this:

The fish slide side to side on ribbon waves.
Zippers zip up and down
Flowers...
...on buttons!
Shoe tying (a kindergarten teacher pet peeve)

Caterpillar...
...with snaps!

Two number pages with counting beads

Textures (velvet, vinyl, sequins, corduroy, satin "snakeskin")
Buckles
Dress up doll...
...with outfits!
Picnic! (the food fits in the basket)

 It was a long labor of love.  I look forward to Scarlett and I playing with this as we wait in the clinic for hours of end.  I have a ton of ideas for new pages to add eventually, but I promised myself and Scarlett that I would have a finished product in time for her birthday (and she's a tough taskmaster!)  It was a fun way to learn how to use all the functions of my sewing machine, and even though it is a little rough in some places, it is pretty sturdy.

I'm quite proud of it, despite it's quirks, and I can't wait until I can start tackling my next project!

28 comments:

Jeff said...

You are becoming quite the renaissance woman! Good job!

I made a diaper cake for a shower once. Yes, me, big scary Jeff, made a diaper cake. (the picture is deep within my blog somewhere) A few to be exact. I can't even imagine a diaper boat.

Keep up the good work!

Nicole said...

That is incredible! I'm going to have to steal some of those ideas to make my little guy a "quiet time book"!

Britney said...

So, are all the outfitsand food just reinforced edging on felt?

I really think I'm going to have to make one of these for each of my kids for their birthdays.

CEZ said...

Beautifully and lovingly made! I bought a quiet book for my girls in Hawaii but it looked nothing like yours! It looks awesome! What a lucky Scarlett!

Morrigan said...

That book is fantastic! I am going to have to borrow that idea and pin you on pinterest! Looks perfect and wonderfully made!

debtfree4me said...

How cool!!! I bet Scarlett LOVES playing with that book!!! Great job Brandi!

carriesue said...

Very cute! I'm sure Scarlett will have tons of fun with this in the future! Makes me wish I could sew! :)

Brandi Wecks said...

@Britney - yes, the removable pieces are two layers of felt attached with tacky glue and stitched with embroidery floss. The pages are about 10x10, with a layer of batting in the middle. The cover is a very lightweight corduroy.

Jennabella said...

That is one of the coolest toys I've ever seen! Good job!

Unknown said...

Wow, I would totally pay you to make one of those for my son!!!

sredmon81 said...

I want one of these you made. You should market this

Kristina and Aaron said...

This is beautiful! Great job Momma!

April said...

That's terrific! Great job, Mommy!

Unknown said...

this is probably the coolest thing i have ever seen!

Robin said...

It looks great Brandi! I love it, and I'm sure Scarlett will too! What a lucky little girl she is, to have a mommy like you! Praying for you guys always!

Kate said...

Oh my goodness - I seriously want a quiet book for me. This is amazing - what a special gift she will always treasure! It's so gorgeous and detailed! Praying for your sweet girl always.

Anne K. Leete said...

I've followed your blog from babycenter, but never commented. Wow - this is so cute! I am very impressed at your ability to do this on top of caring for scarlett - great job!! She is lucky to have two wonderful parents!

JAMBA said...

I've been reading for awhile, but have never commented. This is so cool!!! I am very impressed.

Laura said...

This is so fantastic! Scarlett will definitely cherish this gift forever!

Renaissance Woman said...

That is amazing! Good work! I always wanted to make one. Yours is incredible!

Andrella said...

Seriously... can I pay you to make one for each of my girls??? I'd cover cost of materials, labor and shipping!! Let me know. This is FANTASTIC!

~spoiled~ said...

I love it! I still have my book from when I was little.

Barb said...

This is so cute! Do you have the patterns for this on your blog somewhere? My sil would love one for my nephew =)

weberfamily said...

Honestly, you should sell these! I would buy one. There is always Etsy you could sell these on. Such a cute idea with so much learning involved!

Christa said...

AWESOME!!! Scarlett will have so much fun for many years to come with her book!
Christa, oct. 2010 mom

MC said...

Wow! She's gonna love it! You're awesome!

Brandi said...

Wow, this is so amazing and Scarlett will treasure it for years to come; I know I would if my mommy had made me something like this :) If you ever feel like a side job and find the time, I think you have a great idea on your hands! I know I would buy one!!!

Britney said...

So, I finally started one for each of the kids, and all I have are the covers, so if you wish, check them out:

My daughter's cover:
http://thecrazyamericanwoman.blogspot.com/2011/11/quiet-book-cover-2.html

My son's cover:
http://thecrazyamericanwoman.blogspot.com/2011/10/quiet-busy-books.html

I have one page almost completed, but that's about it. You really did mean it took time! Particularly for someone who doesn't own a sewing machine.