Something practical and something inspirational
My day has been split between fun and watching something truly inspirational.
So starting with the fun! I have finally made something practical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Simple things make me happy. Here it is, a little frog pincushion. It was ridiculously easy to make, and I think quite cute?
I made two versions: one which was sewn on to the lily pad; and one which stuck to the lily pad with magnets.
The magnet one works....if you don't flail your hand. If you flail your hand it rains cats and frogs....
But you can use the lily pad as a pincushion on its own and the frog as a stationary pin cushion so all is not lost even though my magnets are a bit rubbish.
If anyone is interested I can put together a tutorial; he was scarily simple to make.
Now moving on tho the inspirational. My brother sent me this link for a talk by Randy Pausch called The Last Lecture. If you haven't heard about Randy he is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who is also struggling against pancreatic cancer. The lecture is about achieving your childhood dreams, but more than that its a guide to living, a guide that makes you want to be better, have fun, and more than anything learning to appreciate and love those around you.
I found it completely inspiring, you don't realise how much we just move through life without really thinking about making ourselves and those around us happy. If you have a free hour, use it watching this. It has genuinely altered me, which is truly astonishing.
I also watched his lecture on Time Management which is a great condensed guide, with all the best bits from 7 habits and the 1 minute manager perfected. Its like a crash course in leadership, business and achievement. I think its relevant for everyone and really pulls out some crucial life lessons that mean you have more time to have fun!
I was moved a lot watching them both, but wow did I learn. One of Randy's objectives was to help others realise their childhood dreams, and I for one definitely feel more on that path!
I just love your designs. If you can find the time, please write down the pattern for the frog pincushion. It's adorable. Thanks.
Posted by: Anne | March 02, 2008 at 08:54 PM
I agree, it's so adorable especially with the lily pad addition.
Posted by: Rabbit | March 02, 2008 at 10:11 PM
So adorably cute! AND useful!
Posted by: Gina | March 02, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I am so amazed by all the cutsie little things you make! You are great at getting the different characteristics right! But where do you buy the eyes??
Posted by: mille | March 02, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I love love love this little frog! So cute. I'd love to see a tutorial for this please!!!
Posted by: Queen Bee | March 02, 2008 at 11:07 PM
I third the request for a tutorial. I adore that froggy pin cushion, and I'd love to make one myself.
Posted by: Tara | March 02, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Another great plushie!!! I just love it!!
Two Thumbs Up!!!
Posted by: Tricia | March 02, 2008 at 11:55 PM
it's adorable! A pattern would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by: SilverNimbus | March 03, 2008 at 12:44 AM
I love your patterns! I made a greek tortoise and he is one of my favorite projects! I'd love to make a frog pin cushion too, if you have the time to make a tutorial I'd be so grateful!
Posted by: Sheila | March 03, 2008 at 01:18 AM
Thanks for pointing me to Randy Pausch's Last Lecture. I really needed to hear that. What a remarkable legacy for his children!
Posted by: donna | March 03, 2008 at 01:48 AM
Have mercy! It is so cute it hurts. And the magnet is genius. I would love a tutorial!!
Posted by: karrie | March 03, 2008 at 02:44 AM
Oh gosh that is so cute! If you have the time to do the tutorial me and my frog loving best friend would appreciate it!
Posted by: kelebek | March 03, 2008 at 04:07 AM
hi, i've been admiring your designs for quite some time now - you're amazingly talented!
i'd love to make a little frog pincushion (he looks soooo cute!), so if you found the time and put together a tutorial for him, i'd be really delighted...
Posted by: Idoru | March 03, 2008 at 09:19 AM
excellent!
Posted by: even-star | March 03, 2008 at 09:29 AM
What do you mean "if anyone is interested" ? Are you kidding us ?!?!
Posted by: isabelle | March 03, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Joining the ranks of the "interested." This would make a fantastic present or just to keep for myself. Adorable!
Posted by: Tasha | March 03, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Oh, the cuteness! That is fantastic. :)
Posted by: Tricia McDonald | March 04, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Please post the tutorial. I love all things frog and would love to add this little critter.
Posted by: Heather | March 05, 2008 at 05:53 PM
i loveloveLOVE your crocheted work!
Posted by: Lauren VanSickle | March 06, 2008 at 02:16 AM
i also have been admiring your work for a long time, you just perfectly capture their cuteness
oh wow he is soooo adorable !!! i would love to make one :)
Posted by: clare | March 06, 2008 at 04:13 AM
pattern? YES YES YES! Thanks! I love your stuff.
Posted by: val | March 06, 2008 at 04:55 AM
pattern? YES YES YES! Thanks! I love your stuff.
Posted by: val | March 06, 2008 at 04:55 AM
cute cute cute.
Posted by: Tabitha | March 07, 2008 at 09:18 PM
This is so cute! I would live to see a tutorial when you have the time! This combines three of my most favorite things, Crochet, Ami, & Sewing!
Posted by: LizzyJo | March 07, 2008 at 09:40 PM
This is so cute! I would live to see a tutorial when you have the time! This combines three of my most favorite things, Crochet, Ami, & Sewing!
Posted by: LizzyJo | March 07, 2008 at 09:43 PM