As you might have noticed if you visit with me often, I do rather a lot of knitting but sewing is never part of my days and in truth is something that I find slightly scary. I've never felt that I was much good at it – probably thanks to the disparaging comments of my teacher about the skirt that I made in needlework class (though they were not undeserved – it was an awful skirt and was never worn). I do envy those of you who can effortlessly whip up new outfits from beautiful and unusual fabrics but the intricacies of insetting a zip or hemming on the bias bring me out in a cold sweat. Sewing by hand though is something I can just about handle (though not something I've done for years and years) and when I saw the achingly sweet little animal kits that Alicia (Posie gets Cozy) created a few years ago I had to buy one. It has sat on a shelf ever since waiting for the perfect moment, and that moment arrived earlier this week.
Cutting into the first piece of pristine felt made me rather nervous – the kit is so beautifully presented and I really didn't want to mess up, but happily I got all of the pieces snipped out safely and I settled down in the intermittent sunshine with my radio and a cup of tea for some quiet and therapeutic stitching.
On the first day I sewed miss Maggie herself and yesterday I worked on her clothes. The fabrics that came with the kit are lovely but I wanted to use some from my stash and so I substituted a dotty blue for her inner ears and used a different fabric for her dress (which is probably a little too heavyweight but I am in love with the pattern). I added a scalloped crochet edging to her cape and also made a little pair of woolly socks (which were not part of the pattern) as it gets a little chilly round here in the winter and warm socks are definitely needed, though they have made her boots a bit of a snug fit.
Working quietly on this little bunny over my two recent Toby free days has been so enjoyable and I feel a bit sad to have finished her. I've kept the pattern pages intact though (tracing the pieces onto baking parchment paper) so I may well make another one in the future. I am really thrilled that she has turned out so well and rather surprised (given my lack of sewing skills) though I shouldn't really be as the pattern is exactly what I would expect from Alicia, well thought out, perfectly explained and very sweet.
Having a finished bunny on my shelf instead of just a kit is making me happy and I'm rather in love with her.
That's item number 2 ticked off my 'holiday at home' list and I've found my two Toby-free sewing days very relaxing – it's definitely been nice to do something that I'd not normally do. As a result I'm all topped up on positive energy and ready to tackle the upcoming Toby-full days 🙂
little cotton rabbits 
She is adorable. I should pull mine out…
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I’ve made three of these from just the pattern and they are much loved by three little girls – just have to find time to knit/sew the extra outfits Alicia has created and now there are more animals too! Definitely need more hours in the day. Love the woolly socks.
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what a beautiful little bunny! you did an amazing job. And way to go on accomplishing one of your goals!
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Oh she’s gorgeous! And I love those little socks – such a nice addition 🙂
I always find crafting fills me with just enough positive energy to handle anything – I’m so glad you’ve had a lovely couple of days!
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This little rabbit-girl looks so nice, I like it. 🙂 You can be very proud!
Greetings from Germany,
Carmen
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She is beautiful, I really love her boots/shoes! Your stitching looks perfect, well done. Although……really she needs a friend, especially as you kept the pattern pieces…. Sarah
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She is so sweet! And I love the socks–they completely make the outfit! xx
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Miss Maggie is adorable! Julie, you do such nice work in everything you do! So glad you found some relaxing days. xo
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Love your Maggie, I made one as well no so long ago, http://www.chickadeescountrycottagecrafts.blogspot.ca/2014/01/updated-sweet-annie.html if you want to take a look, here she is.
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Miss Maggie looks amazing Julie, as always such a wonderful job, and oh I do love those cosy socks….. Glad you enjoyed your 2 days of doing something different.
love to you and your family xx
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She looks lovely. Her socks are a perfect touch. I have a Maggie Rabbit kit too, with plans to make her for my daughter.
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Oh she is gorgeous Julie! I too bought the pattern (not the kit) but haven’t yet got around to making her. I love your interpretation of Maggie and that photo of her boots with the socks peeking over the top is beyond cute! 🙂
So glad too that making her had the desired effect and that you batteries have been recharged.
V x
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She’s beautiful. So glad you are ticking things off your list .
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it is just so lovely.
I saw that kit years ago too, and I have to buy one for myself too.
There are so much talented women in the world…
I particularly love the ears with the blue fabric you choose.
Miss
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So sweet and now personalised!
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Refuelling while creating new friends….love it! I am going to check out the kits. Again…you inspire!
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This is amazing! Sweetest bunny ever. I can’t get over her tiny boots and socks! 🙂 x
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Just too sweet and the socks were totally needed to finish her outfit.
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I love those socks. They really take Miss Maggie over the top into chic! (Is it possible to be jealous of a stuffed animal’s style?) I too find that if I get to make or create something in peace and quiet, my tank gets topped off enough to tackle the kiddies with more energy. It’s a beautiful process. Thank you for sharing yours!
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Oh, Julie she’s gorgeous! I love her little boots and socks!
I’ve rediscovered hand sewing this summer. I’ve never been very good at it but I can see an improvement already and have found it such a gentle and soothing thing to just pick up and do when I have a minute. Now I just want to hand sew everything!
I’m so glad you had such a lovely bit of time for yourself xx
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Oh she look so beautiful! And those socks and boots! Xxxxx
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Completely adorable!!!
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Brilliant you are so wonderfully creative and wonderful to follow. Thanks again for sharing your creativity with us.
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What a lovely at home holiday you are having, Julie! Cup of tea, radio, garden, sewing/knitting, nice weather – it’s the best! Your little miss Maggie is adorable! I really like the little changes and additions you have made, especially the pair of socks. Cute! Enjoy the rest of truly YOUR time!
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I love this rabbit and you did such a fantastic job of the sewing!
I could imagine changing the face slightly and ears and a fox suddenly hanging our
with Miss Maggie, what fun eh? lol Those boots look great too ☺☺
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i love your bunny…she’s lovely…..must get to my maggie rabbit parcel and make it one of these days…..like you I had to have one but am a little scared of cutting into the fabric and felt etc in fear of mucking it up…….such a beautiful pattern……love it
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I’ve admired these for a long time, but I don’t have a sewing machine so I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. Do you think it’s easy enough for a beginner sewer to stitch by hand?
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She is an adorable rabbit and you did a great job! Even better to know the relaxation and satisfaction that you got from the project.
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She turned out adorable! Love that you made her some little socks too.
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Fabulous sewing. How great to see that she turned out just as she should. Thank you for sharing, it gives me hope!
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She’s wonderful, and I love how you’ve made her yours with the socks and the different fabrics. A job well done! CJ xx
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I am so happy to read that you have enjoyed your 2 days’holiday at home! Your Maggie is beautiful, your stitching is perfect and these ♥socks♥ you added are absolutely necessary! Anne
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Well well! A felt rabbit. I knew you could do it! She looks just perfect Julie. Love her little socks. Well done. X
Ps. Alicia is bringing out the pattern for her duffle coat soon……..
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Argh! Little boots & socks – cuteness overload!
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Gorgeous!!!! Such a sweet bunny and I love her shoes!!!!
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Your Miss Maggie is very pretty, and I love your little touch with the socks!! I have never seen one with her own socks before, too cute! xx
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Oh how sweet! And those socks are a brilliant touch. Have fun with your Toby-full days. And all the others too — summer will soon be over, which is sad, but the promise of fall makes it bearable! XO
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I’m not surprised you are feeling so chuffed – she’s absolutely beautiful and the little bit of tweeking you added to her have made her totally ‘Julie’ – of course she needed socks, they are perfect ! And if I may say your sewing is quite exquisitely neat. How perfect too that not only do you now have one gorgeous bunny but have had such a relaxing and therapeutic time making her.
Have a lovely weekend Julie,
Kate xx
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she is so cute!!!
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Those socks and boots are just too cute for words! 😀
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This is a perfect reminder! Just this week I stayed up into the wee hours making a kitty from Wee Wonderfuls. The little recipient loves her, but I’m not sure I loved the construction techniques. It occurred to me the following day that I REALLY should just try Alicia’s, as her little softies are oh so cute. Great timing on this post! Yours turned out adorably, and is just the push I needed to purchase. 🙂
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Hi Julie,
I haven’t visited you for a while so I have been busy catching up with your posts. I’m glad you are making the most of your Toby Free Days and what a good idea to treat them as though you were on holiday. I like your list idea too and you are very good and stick to it. I make lists and but then life gets in the way sometimes for the better though and then I have to make another list.
Hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the summer, alas Autumn does seem to be lurking just around the corner now.
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Hi Julie,
You did a great job, I love her patterns and have made 26 rabbits, 2 deer and 1 cat..I give them away as gifts, such a relaxing way to craft don’t you think? now I just wish I could knit like you!! Happy for you that you found time to sew!
Sweet hugs from across the pond in BC Canada
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Love it!
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Aww she’s lovely, I just made Miss Juniper Kitty, awesome fun 🙂 You’ve made me want to do Miss Maggie bunny too x
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she’s lovely, you did a great job! I used to think I couldn’t sew, then i tried it and now I know that anyone can sew!
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Oh your bunny is beautiful ! I have looked at these kits many times and haven’t had the courage to try one.
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Awww, she’s cute. I keep looking at the pattern on Alicia’s blog and maybe it’s time to try it out too.
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As usual , Julie, a big big hug from Italy and thank you so much for your lovely blog. Barbara
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I have been emboldened to order one of these kits because of your post. She looks so sweet and I have an upcoming grandchild as an excuse.
I’m glad she was a way for you to recharge your batteries.
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“Sew” precious! Glad you had some time to yourself.
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Awww! Such a gorgeous bunny, so beautifully made and her boots and socks are soooo cute!
Jxx
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I’m loving the socks, the perfect finishing touch. And I’m loving that you’re giving yourself a little break.
How’s H … better I hope x
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Hello Julia!!
When can I buy the pattern of little mice? i want to made it
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She’s darling and I love the way her socks give her a slightly funky look! Neat sewing Julie – well done to you! x
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She’s Brilliant! Totally LOVE her! Your attention to detail and perfectly placed stitches are wonderful! Glad you have her to enjoy. :o) I do hope that she stands as a reminder for you that you really can sew.
All the best on the Toby days to come. Hope he gets in lots of nature walks and bubbles. 🙂
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What a lovely blog you have got. I just found it and now I can’t stop reading!
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it is just lovely i like the boots
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oh she’s adorable xxx
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Your Miss Maggie came out so beautifully!!! I love the socks you added — such perfect coloring! I’ve sewn three Miss Maggies so far and of course am tempted by every single new pattern Alicia releases. Just need more time….. 🙂
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I made the same one!! I bought the kit last year and sewed in secret making the bunny for Henny Penny for Christmas! Exact same pattern only I did use her fabric because I didn’t have any stash on hand that I liked better. I love how you made socks and crocheted a ruffly edge ’round yours. I think it makes it that much better. A finishing touch. Perfect.
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Absolutely gorgeous! I love her boots!
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I made her Juniper the cat pattern recently and I love her. She’s been remaned Kitty the cat in my house though. I also have the rabbit which my friend Abi also made. I love blogging and finding new things to make and do. Your rabbit is lovely
Jo xxx
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