{♥ My Valentine's Project ♥}

Hiya! It's me, Hope. Happy Valentine's Day to you all!!  We are planning on throwing a big party to celebrate! BUT, we're not having our party until Saturday evening. If we'd known it was going to snow a foot or more - which cancelled school - we could have had it on the actual day, but oh well!

I've had this Valentine's Day decoration idea in my mind for quite sometime; to make a really cool garland of felt hearts using my sewing machine! Since the "big snow" had been predicted for several days, I figured we'd probably get the day off from school yesterday.  So, I went by our local craft store a couple days ago and picked up some different colors of felt.  I wanted to be prepared!

When I got up yesterday morning and looked out the window, I knew that I'd have the whole day to work on my special project! After getting dressed, I set about gathering my supplies on the kitchen table. To start off...I needed my good scissors - not the kind I use to cut paper but my special ones that I only use for fabric. I also got out my sewing machine, the measuring tape, and some spools of thread. Since sewing is hard work, I poured myself some pink lemonade and got a bowl of gummy bears for snacking on... nothing like a little sugar for energy, right?!?!

First, I cut lots & lots & LOTS of little hearts out of all 5 colors of felt; dark red, light red, hot pink, light pink, and white. I made the sizes different so it would be a little more interesting, too!

Next, I sat down and began to line up the hearts to sew together. My plan was to sew two long garlands; each long enough to reach across the whole kitchen and criss-cross in the middle.  Just as I was about to start sewing, Cindy came in and asked me what I was doing. I told her my project idea, and she asked if she could help.  My reply?  "TOTS!"

I thought to myself; "Well, here goes!!"  I slowly pushed my foot on the foot peddle and my machine started to hum.  Oh how I love that sound! 

As I kept placing one heart after another, after another, after another, I realized my garland was starting to get really long.  It was long enough to almost touch the floor! Fortunately Cindy rushed around the table to pick up the end so it wouldn't get tangled up in itself.  I was really happy that she was there to help me!
 

With Cindy's help, I kept adding more and more of my colorful felt hearts - it made me so happy to see it almost finished!

After 30 minutes, we were starting to make a LOT of progress! My Valentine's Day garland idea was coming to life right before my very eyes and it was just as I had imagined it would be!    

  

When we had finished the last garland, Cindy was so sweet.....she told me what a great idea it was and that she admired me for my creativity.  I felt so proud!

Then, she had a great idea - we should hold the garland up to be double-double sure that it was going to be long enough.  We didn't want to start decorating right before the party and find out that it was too short.....that would be such a bummer.  So we each grabbed hold of an end and started to stretch it out across the kitchen. 

I think it is going to be perfect, Cindy!  Don't you think?

"Yes, it's the perfect length, Hope.  You did a great job measuring it out!"  I was soooooo excited.   I just know the other girls are going to L.O.V.E. the two garlands when I pull them out on Saturday.  I can't wait!

So, we put the first garland away in my sewing box and then I heard a snarfing noise.  I looked down and OH NO!  Coconut was playing in the other garland.  I started to fuss at her but then I realized that Coconut probably only wanted to "help".  Even so, I didn't want to her to break it after all my hard work and planning!! 

So, I took a deep breath and got down on the floor to take it away from her.  Sweet little Coconut, I could tell by her eyes that she was only trying to help.  And, she really was holding it very gently!  It's almost like she knew how special it was!  I thanked her for her "help" and gave her a little bit of Valentine's love. 

Looking back, I swear this was her way of asking, "Will you be my Valentine?"  Just look at her cute little face!  Who can resist a face like that? I know I sure can't!

18 Inch Doll Outfits & 18 Inch Doll Accessories by:

Hope's butterfly jeans and top: eBay find

Cindy's Snowflake Sweater and grey leggings by American Girl®

Cindy's "snowman" socks; eBay find

Hope's Sewing Machine and accessories;  Our Generation® Sewing Collection