Memories

A while back, my daughter was helping her son clean out his dresser drawers.  He had an old pair of pj's that I made for him.  The pj's were way too small for him, but he wouldn't throw them out.  He told my daughter that because 'grandma made them, he wanted to keep them'.  I think his dresser drawer space is more precious than keeping old pj's that grandma made.  But it did get me thinking, perhaps I should make him some sort of 'keepsake'.
He has developed a love for trains, almost a compulsion to learn all about every kind of train  there is.  This might  be something that runs in our family.  Look at my header!!!  Anyway, back to my grandson.

I found a picture of a train on the internet, I could use as a pattern.  I  went to the fabric department to find 'fat quarters' to design the train.  First I needed to draw an enlarged pattern.  I used saucers, and bottoms of glasses to get round circles.

Can you see the train engine?   Next I used my adhesive designed for materials and traced each piece on the color I wanted to use.

First I trace the pattern on the paper, then iron it to the color fabric I needed. The next step is to cut out the pieces.  Then its just like putting a puzzle together, to make all the pieces fit.

Just like this............

Next step was to sew all the pieces on to the pillow top.  I had some problems doing this!!!  I think my adhesive material is getting a little old, and somewhat gummy.  I'd get something part sewn and the needle would gum up.  It was frustrating to always take the needle out, soak it in rubbing alcohol, and clean the eye with the bristols of a tooth brush.  My efforts paid off, I am really happy the way the train turned out.  

I had a photo of him with his ear to the track, listening for a train to come.  I copied the picture on special material paper that can be run through the printer.  I then attached his picture to the pillow top.

 I then sewed the front to the back of the pillow.  And finished, with time to spare as a birthday gift for my grandson.  I hope he will like his Keepsake pillow and finds it in his heart to throw away those outgrown pajamas !!

One last finishing touch and its done!!

And that's the way it is.....................