Nestled Under Rainbows: Crafting in Heaysman Tartan

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Crafting in Heaysman Tartan

My very best friend in the whole wide world is having a baby. He is due any day now and I am so, so excited about it! The only rubbishy thing is that my friend and her wee family live in a whole different country so it will be a good while before I can give them all a cuddle. But I can cuddle them in a different way...

A few years a go (what am I talking about...over a decade actually) my friend's dad gave her what seems to be several million yards of this amazing yellow and orange striped fabric. I have a vague memory of her telling me it was swiped from the refurb of a university halls of residence, but don't quote me on that.

But for me, it is her tartan. This fabric is everywhere, patched onto the families clothes. It was all over our house when we were at Uni together covering sofas and hanging from windows. In fact I am the very proud owner of a knitting bag made of this same Heaysman tartan.

So when I was thinking of making the wee ones snuggle buddy it occurred to me that it really should be made of this fabric.

I requested a small amount and was delighted when through the post she sent me several yards. I have had so much fun the last few evenings up to my ears in yellow and orange stripes.

It is pure sunshine this fabric and it brought back so many happy (and some fairly rude) memories while I was working on my gifts.

So, I made a snuggle buddy for the little one,

a smart tie for the big brother...

and for mummy and daddy a Heaysman tartan sling to carry their new and very precious little bundle...

I sort of made up the pattern looking at a few things online and using my ergo for measurements and I am delighted with it. The fabric is good and strong and has a wonderful weave with a very slight stretch so it will really cradle the little one snug and firm to his mummy or daddy.