Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we're making plans to visit the family back in Tulsa. I saw this pattern the other day, and thought it would be just the thing for my youngest grandson, who is 3 years old. Because quilting is my thing these days, I decided to make it quite scrappy instead of color coordinating, or attempting to make it look "real." The pattern came from Jinny Beyer Studio (http://www.jinnybeyer.com). It's a .pdf file, easily printed at home.
Because the printed pattern has some overlapping pieces, I printed it on regular paper, then traced the pieces onto the dull side of freezer paper. After cutting out the freezer paper pattern pieces, I ironed the freezer paper, shiny side down, onto fabric. This is a great way to be precise when cutting out irregular pieces like this, and the paper is easily removed without damaging the fabric. Freezer paper pattern pieces can also be used again several times. Can you tell I love my freezer paper?
I strayed a little bit from the instructions that came with the pattern. I used fiberfill instead of 100% cotton stuffing. I thought the cotton might make it too heavy and firm for a 3-year old. It turned out firm enough for throwing, yet still soft enough to use as a pillow while watching TV.
