Monday, March 30, 2009

Baby ball

It is nice to be sewing small projects. Yesterday I waded through a drawer and pulled up a pattern from at least 23 years ago! I made Takumi a patchwork ball when he was a baby and since then I've made this a couple of times for other babies (I think Leiya even made one when she was in 6th grade to give to her teacher who was expecting.)

Isn't this a cute soft ball? These are so go great for introducing toss and catch to a baby. Soft, easy to grab, colorful. I'm seeing a baby this week so I got out my scraps and my batting ends and sewed this up quickly.


And my kitties had to try out my scrap and crumb basket while I was at work. Everytime I walked by there would be another cat claiming it as a nap area!



12 comments:

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

I forgot all about these balls, I need to make one for Mason! I have the pattern (probably the same vintage as yours) and have never made one at all. Now's the time; thanks for the reminder! The kitties are too cute, does each one get an allotted amount of time?

dianne said...

i remember making those balls! back when we used shredded up foam instead of fiberfill ... if it wasn't made from a bottom weight, like corduroy, the ball was all lumpy and bumpy ... anywho, i need to make some, too! if i can just remember where the pattern might be...

Allie said...

That ball is great! My brother had one, I think it was called an origami ball. The kitties are a hoot - set the timer to make sure they all get their fix, lol!

Rae Ann said...

I love the idea of the ball. Perhaps you can shoot me the pattern. Always looking for handmade ideas for gifts. Poor Velvet, I don't think he likes his picture being taken, it's as if you've bothered him. Toi looks like he's at home as usual, and Chip well, he looks curious. Thanks for sharing your soft ball for babies with us. Great Idea. Rae Ann

Anne said...

I have the pattern for this ball. When my mom was alive we made them. I just made a couple for baby gifts. They make a nice hand work piece to do. Makes nice gifts too. I enjoy your blog so much. Thanks for sharing with us.

Helen said...

I had one of these balls for my son when he was little. It was a baby shower gift. I still have it and I wouldn't part with it. Funny the things we attach importance to, isn't it?

Connie W said...

Your cats know a cozy place when they see it :D

Lazy Gal Tonya said...

oh sweet kitties. that Chip is a beauty.

Diannia said...

Wow the ball is really cute! Any way you would share the pattern? I just found out this weekend that my 5th grandchild will be our 1st grandson and would love to make 1 for him to go along w/the quilt, bibs, burp cloths and whatever else I find to make between now and August! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Diannia,

I think the ball (or at least something similar to Tanya's) is called an Amish Puzzle Ball or katamari. Here are two websites that show tutorials on how to make them:

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=233957.0

http://dailyskein.wordpress.com/category/sewing-projects/patterns-sewing-projects/

Tanya, I'm constantly amazed at how much you get done with so little time. The ball is CUTE, and so are your kitties!
Julia (from Sasebo)

meggie said...

Such a cute ball.
Cute Kitties too!

mamaspark said...

Your cats do the same thing as mine do. You get all the laundry de-haired and they shed all over it for you. Seriously adorable kitties!