the giant dollhouse pillow

I (we) were so stuck on what to give Brave for her birthday. There are two things we know she likes for sure and that is dolls and babies. What made it harder was that for True's second birthday I made her Amy Butler's big nap pillow, so I also wanted Brave to have her own pillow, but I just didn't know what to do. I thought about getting her these two things, but one was out of our budget (though it is adorable) and the other, which is a pillow, but I guess I just couldn't decide. Then, I had this idea, but didn't know how to make it happen, but if there is a will, there is a way, right?

So I sketched out what I wanted this big pillow to look like, gathered the supplies I was going to use (I didn't want to go out and buy something new as I had lots of fabric stashed away), and started. I hit some bumps along the process and got stuck, but thankfully thought my way through it. The end result... a giant dollhouse pillow.

There are two big pockets in the front to put some dollies in, buttons on the side to close the top flap of the dollhouse, ties on the other side to roll the top flap of the dollhouse open to play on the inside, and an inside that is free motion embroidered to have rooms for her dolls to play in. I also put loops on the back, so it can be hung on a wall or can easily just be plopped on the ground. The whole pillow cover and the pillow inside is separate, so it comes off so that it can be easily washed. I think it turned out wonderful!

What is even better is that once we gave it to Brave, she loved it so much and made it a bed! She took the dolly, which I had ProjectGrabBag custom make a teeny doll for my Brave, and opened the flap and laid right on top of the pillow like a little bed. It really is that big!

I am so glad this present turned out to be hit for her! It was definitely worth some of the frustrations that I encountered while making it. I am glad we didn't end up buying her gift, but making it instead. I really love making things that my girls love!

I must say, that there was fighting about who got to lay down inside, so we just retrieved True's giant pillow and put them side by side and let them lay down next to each other in their respective giant pillows. True was hesitant, as she wanted the dollhouse, but I promise to make her one of her own. Now, I just have to figure out another one.

Now, it is back to crafting for me. Both my girls are vacationing in Palm Springs with my parents and siblings and they will be back tomorrow night. Therefore, I intend to get a lot of work done for the shop and Ben and I have a date tonight. I love dates with my husband!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!