My first blog

                 Hello and welcome to my little slice of heaven,
                      CUSTARD PUDDING DREAMS.

     I started sewing when I was a girl scout and have been sewing ever since. My Nana, (my mom's mom) made me outfits and stuffed animals. My grandma (my dad's mom) embroidered and crossstitched. Both taught me what they knew. I am so happy I learned what I did - when I did! I trully hope these forms of art do not become lost.

     Back in 1975 I made doll's for my neices and nephews. Now mind you, I had never in my life made a doll before. Let alone 4. But I was going to sew them and give them as Christmas presents that year. I started in November, from a pattern that had been in our local paper. That's how I got the idea. Needless to say it was quite an endeavor. I made mistakes. Sewed the legs on backwards - start that one over! Dang! But eventually I got it right and on Christmas day there were 4 happy neices and nephews playing with their new dolls. Dressing and undressing them and exchanging the clothes for the ones they really wanted. They still have them to this day and their children have been known to play with them along with their own. Over the years a few friends of the family have been lucky enough to be the receipients as well.

     Now we come almost to the present day. I was dispatching for the state police, for the last 17 years. Then my lungs gave out after one too many bouts of pneumonia. So I had to resign, wish my troopers a safe drive home, and figure out what I was going to do now. Well after thinking about it I decided to sew. So here we are.

     My little corner of the world. A world where you child's imagination can grow as he does. I believe that every child needs to let their imagination run wild. It's how they learn to "think outside the box". To interact with their brain. To tell stories. To learn. To be a child. To be safe. I think that is the most important thing. To be secure in their surroundings and feel loved.

     I make my stuffed animals from vintage chenille bedspreads that I have purchased for repurposing. They come from many sources, but all were in "cutter" condition. I soak them in "oxixlean", then launder them in my front-load washer with regular detergent, fabric softner and then place the bedspread into the dryer, medium heat. I then take it outside for a "shake-out"., before deciding what to make from it.

      I hope you find something that makes you smile and fondly remember your childhood.

    
Visit a bygone era. Quality handmade items are getting harder to find, but look no further. Visit http://www.custardpuddingdreams.artfire.com/
today to see what you can find for your child. I am having a sale, $5.00 off all orders over $25.00 good until July 10, 2012.

Thanks for stopping by,

Catherine