Saturday, May 7, 2011

Felt Bunny

This little bunny is made with my own handmade felt.  I made it without any knitting and virtually no sewing!  To make felt you simply lay out an interlocking pattern of merino wool and agitate the fibers using your hands with soap and water and - hocus pocus - you have felt!  It's very magical and I've taken to felting like a duck to water.

I made this bunny using a "resist" which allows you to create a 3D piece of felt which is later cut open and, in this case, stuffed.  When he was all dry and stuffed I needled felted on his facial features and added a red glitzy heart that sparkles.  There is no way this bunny can hide his big heart.


I'm keeping this fellow for myself because he reminds me of something similar we saw in a bed and breakfast where we stayed in New Zealand.  I definitely try to make things that remind me of places that I've been and enjoyed.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm trying to hold on to memories and need an anchor or they will simply drift away. 


Particulars:  Felt Bunny made by following the free felt tutorial by Inger who writes the blog Daily Felt;  Finished Dimensions 13" x  9" (after felting).   I cut open the bottom of his feet and used a knitting needle to push the filler inside (100% polyester) and sewed him closed with matching embroidery floss.  I used merino top that I purchased from Inger's etsy shop.  I also made him the green scarf he's wearing in the middle picture, which is wet felted.  If this project seems a bit too advanced you might consider using traditional knit felt and sewing a toy together with a contrasting blanket stitch similar to Kristin Nicholas' Fat Cat or use commercially made wool felt.

Toast and Honey


Work has been a slog lately, but one must still find time to eat.  These are my own baked loafs using the Tartine Bread cookbook.  How I love this bread.  Let me count the ways.....

Toasted and slathered with butter and honey and my morning cup of Joe.  Truly an inspired combination.  If you don't have the time or inclination to bake your own bread, an English Muffin will do in a pinch.

Until next time, be well and love well and remember that simple pleasures add immeasurably to quality of life.

25 comments:

SissySees said...

I don't know what tickles me most... the bunny, its heart or the bread and honey! I love honey...

Allie said...

Claudia how CUTE - definitely use the anchor, memories do drift! And it's just fun to make things that remind you of happy memories. I think your bunny is darling - I love his big heart, and that green scarf!

Monika said...

The bunny is cute, and your bread looks perfect!

Anonymous said...

What an adorable bunny! It feels like he has sunshine shooting out of him. :) And those bread looks good.

Sue said...

Your bread looks absolutely delicious. The bunny turned out great, I must try felting one day.

Tracy said...

VERY cute bunny, Claudia--what a sunny color too! These would be sweet gifts for kids--big or small... ;o) Your homemade bread is sooo good...YUM! Happy Weekend, my friend ((HUGS))

Prairie Rose said...

What an adorable little bunny!
And that crunchy crusted bread is making me hungry!!

raining sheep said...

Oh Claudia, this is my kind of post. That bread looks so good and I share your addiction for it. Sorry to hear work is a grind. I know those kinds of times and all I tell myself is 'that too shall pass'. What a cute little bunny, I am impressed that you did the felting yourself. I can see why he is a keeper - just keep him away from the furry one. Bunny looks like the kind of toy the furry one would love to own :)

kaetrn said...

Simple pleasures do add to our lives! Sometimes we just need a reminder to savor them! I am going to try toast with honey and butter tomorrow! Your bread looks so good...like an artisinal loaf!

Willow said...

What an adorable bunny! I like the idea of creating something tangible that reminds one of a special memory.
I'm looking forward to the summer when I've promised myself that I will refocus on baking my own bread.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Your bunny is so bright and cheerful!

t does wool said...

bunny love and homemade bread..now that's a perfect day,Claudia ;)

Knitting Out Loud said...

Cheerful, happy bunny!!!
And home-made bread is indeed one of the great pleasures of life (as is honey - I have always wanted to keep bees).

KnittySue said...

AWWW bunny is so cute..and that bread looks so so good. Simple pleasures and happy memories....

Renee said...

Bunny is too cute for words!! Especially like his big heart.

mmmm, that bread and honey (sans butter) has me drooling. You're making me hungry! :-)

Hope the worst of the work slog is soon over.

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

I love your felt bunny! The felt projects you've been posting are definitely inspiring me to try some felting...

Rebekah said...

The bunny is great, quite fun. Hmmm, I think I'll make English Muffin bread this weekend. I feel the need to bake. And it goes great with honey!

Hilary said...

Aaaah, what a cute little bunny!! I just love his quirky little smile. What fun projects you've been doing lately (I'm sorry I've been such a bad commenter! :( )...the bunny, the making your own felt (wow!), the gorgeous wood nymph shawl, the little birdie, and the breadmaking -- you are a woman of many talents!

knittingdragonflies said...

This bunny is adorable! Thanks so much! I was on a search for a baby shower gift to make!! Now I can give this a try!
Vicki

knittingdragonflies said...

Bunny felting question, do I put a layer of bubble wrap inbetween the layers of the bunny (front and back) and this allows it to be 3D? I looked at the tutorial but am not sure.
Thanks
Vicki

Kristen Rettig said...

This bunny makes me laugh! You make felt-making sound pretty easy!

Rachel said...

Wow--you made the felt yourself? So impressive! The bunny is very cute and I'm glad that it brings you good memories! Bread, butter, and honey? Not much more is needed!

Ally Jay said...

Your bunny looks awesome. Where did you stay in NZ?

betty said...

I'm sorry to hear that work has been a grind, but good food always makes everything feel better.

I like the bunny sitting with the sheep

Kristyn Knits said...

Thanks for stopping by today! I appreciate your comments!! and big bunny love from me as well.