Toby has been lobbying for an OX Ugly Doll - and we also started getting Craft magazine - where a recent issue had directions on making your own crazy plush monsters. So, I printed off a jpg of OX, enlarged it, traced it in sharpie, and used it as a pattern. I had a remnant of purple fleece in my stash, and while Toby argued that OX was really green, he finally decided it'd do.
The O is two buttons from the bin of old buttons from my grandmother, the X and mouth are embroidered plus a bit of red fleece for the tongue. It's stuffed with wool fluff that I'll never spin (my first attempt - I bought a greasy fleece, washed repeatedly but never got all of the grease out, the dye didn't take well b/c of that - and while I hand-carded the whole dang thing it's just not going anywhere). It's a quick and easy project - it would have been quicker and easier if I had cut the ears and arms a little wider - turning them right side out and stuffing them was a total PITA. I'm hoping this will morph into him wanting to make some of his own monster plush dolls - for now, he's stuck on having the commercial one.
Even with this one - he claims it'll be the teddy bear for his "real" Ugly doll!
And here's Toby last week:
Terry has started taking the kids to one of the local Unitarian churches, largely at Hannah's request. Their children's programming is great - especially the programs for pre-teens and kids coming of age - so I don't mind. Last week, they had an end of year children's celebration - and Toby was SO excited about being on stage - he asked for a dress up shirt with a tie, a real one (not a bow tie). (Shh, it's a clip-on, don't tell him that there's a "real" way to tie ties). He's heading down the now complete (but only nearly complete in the photo) ramp on the front of our house - it is SUCH a major difference to have the ramp! He gets himself out to the school bus every morning now - I go with him to pass off his backpack etc., but not having to lift him down the stairs etc.? Priceless. Thanks to the State of NY taxpayers - the house is a lot more functional for Toby these days.
Good thing, b/c he's getting way WAY too heavy to lift anymore.
gah... what a BIG handsome guy you have! and the OX knock-off... wtg momma ;-)
Posted by: ~ danielle | May 26, 2008 at 03:07 PM
goodness, he's SO handsome!
xo, indeed!
Posted by: greta | May 26, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Wow, how great! Looks like he's totally proud of that ramp and the freedom it gives him. Congrats!
What a handsome fellow. :)
Posted by: Sarahfish | May 26, 2008 at 11:47 PM
I'm glad to hear I am not the only one with a kid who has decided she wants to go to church. :-)
He looks great. And the stuffed thingamy looks fabulous.
Posted by: JoVE | May 27, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Looking sharp there Toby! Viva independence! How exciting for you all :)
I'm deeply impressed by the ugly doll. It looks exactly like the inexplicably overpriced ones in the store.
Posted by: Kirsty | June 15, 2008 at 03:17 PM