I have been working on a few Valentine’s Day projects. One of those projects was felt patterns I found by Alison Kaplan.

I used to love to cross stitch and I had made so many things with cross stitch when I was in my 20’s. I still hang my hand stitched ornaments on my Christmas tree but for some reason, a needle and thread were something I have tried to avoid for many, many years. I have tons of cross stitch books with patterns and I have three DMC floss containers that were stored away. I don’t remember why I put a project away and never went back to it.

Then I found instructions for making a felt mouse and fox. I was surprised that I had everything I needed to do these projects except for the felt. I definitely had the DMC floss! To make these projects my own, I made them Valentine themed.

I cut out the felt and started sewing. Before I knew it, these two guys were complete. I even tried some embroidery going as far as using You Tube to research stitches. I really surprised myself with this project.

But could I make my own pattern? Why not? So I made a kitty pattern and then made my mom a kitty and mailed it to her as a Valentine’s gift. (Update on mom, she’s had her Covid vaccinations.)

Then I thought, ooooooh, what if I made a kitty with different colored ears and a heart shaped patch around an eye? I finished this one and gave it to my daughter as a Valentine’s present and even made pockets on the dress to tuck things into, like chocolate.

I have many more ideas for these little guys that are also influencing my 2d work. I really enjoyed making my own patterns and have ideas for more creatures, including dogs. I found that doing these were very relaxing and Mindful.