rockets and trucks
My J is having a birthday tomorrow. I was trying to explain to him this morning that his birthdays are nearly as important to me as to him, because it's the day I became a Mommy. But he can't fathom that now. He's too busy; his mind is a blur of rockets and monster trucks and trains that make smoke. He's a little boy and he's almost 6.
He requested a travel cushion similar to one his sister has but with a rocket with smoke (of course!). He wanted it to look like, and I quote, "the rocket that the monkey went up into space in." Alright, then. I went with the Saturn V.
The tan square is a pocket and the back is made from a thrifted men's shirt. I'm going to tuck a comic book and a few action figures in there to complete the gift. This was so fun to make. No planning was necessary really, just cutting and ironing and stitching. There was no cussing or seam ripping involved. It all just sort of fell into place. Although there was a lot of this, "Mom, can I come in there yet?"
Oh, yes. I almost forgot. Look where he wants to go this weekend instead of having a big birthday party. Good grief.
** added: Some of you have asked about how I assembled the rocket. I cut out all of the shapes, used Pellon Wonder-Under to fasten them all down into place, and then zig-zagged (tight and wide) along the edges. I've done this a hundred times before on little patches, but never on something this complicated. I'd have to say it was still a breeze. And Hannah, I like to call it the POOR-man's serger. : ) **
Comments
good job, mom! i especially like how the tan square is off-center. great composition!
Posted by: kirsten | January 16, 2007 10:04 AM
That is one rockin' rocket! What more could a boy want? Oh, the MONSTER JAM. Lucky you!
Posted by: laeroport | January 16, 2007 10:06 AM
Oh, wow! That is fantastic!! This year, my nephews are getting robot-themed gifts, but next year is slated for space. I'll have to remember this! Mine won't be nearly as good, but yours will serve as inspiration.
Posted by: Melissa | January 16, 2007 10:07 AM
did you applicate the rocket? you know i love it. and i had to be careful to shew griffin away so he wouldn't see it as well.
yeah. have fun listening to all the details from THE MONSTER TRUCK JAM! (done best in a loud, red-neck announcer-y voice).
Posted by: capello | January 16, 2007 10:12 AM
This looks fantastic. Is the rocket an applique or did you wing it?
Posted by: Mama Urchin | January 16, 2007 10:15 AM
Alicia, the rocket travel cushion is perfect!
Posted by: sally | January 16, 2007 10:15 AM
That pillow is fantastic! What boy wouldn't love it? I'm in awe of your skills.
Posted by: kristi | January 16, 2007 10:23 AM
Your J and my Davey need to get together. Rocket ships and monster jam...mmm hmmm. Are you sure you didn't get that pillow from PBK? That is sooo professional looking and beautiful. And I love how you used the buttons from the shirt on the back. You're a genius!
Posted by: Joanna | January 16, 2007 10:23 AM
Absolutely fabulous. LOVE your rocket design. Your son is going to cherish it.
Posted by: kathy | January 16, 2007 10:49 AM
oh, i really like this alicia. really great fabric choices and layout-- it's good to have a fashionable mama!
Posted by: melissa f. | January 16, 2007 11:03 AM
What a wonderful pillow. I love the Rocket, it's a very sleek design.
I view my children's birthdays much the same way. It's nice being able to celebrate the day you became a mother.
Posted by: Michelle | January 16, 2007 11:05 AM
oh gosh, we took my brother to a monster jam when he was 11 and um, we decided to leave when the drunk ladies in front of us started flashing everyone. quality.
that pillow is fantastic! do you have a serger or is it just super tight zigzags (fake serger in my world)?
Posted by: hannah | January 16, 2007 11:11 AM
beautifully done alicia! i am curious about the stitches too...
Posted by: tracy | January 16, 2007 12:17 PM
nice job on the rocket and smoke! have fun at the monster jam...
Posted by: erin | January 16, 2007 12:51 PM
The rocket is wicked! Don't you find a lot of boy's stuff is really uninspiring? You have got it spot on!
Posted by: claire | January 16, 2007 02:24 PM
Very impressive! Looks just like a picture out of a book.
Posted by: Abby | January 16, 2007 03:18 PM
LOVE the rocket!
I am also touching base to let you know that I am a faithful lurker from Columbia, MO. Thanks for showing the world that there is quality blogging BETWEEN the 2 coasts!
e
Posted by: Elaine | January 16, 2007 06:02 PM
oh, that is one very cool rocket pillow! happy birthday, J.
Posted by: lera | January 16, 2007 06:14 PM
what a great pillow..I love that he kept wanting to come in the room for a peak !! Monster jam.... hmmm is it a boys only trip ???
Posted by: diana | January 16, 2007 08:10 PM
that pillow is awesome.
and so is the monster truck jam. but it is LOUD, really loud. the only thing more fun is a demolition derby.
have fun!
Posted by: estea | January 16, 2007 08:20 PM
Love the rocket pillow and just wanted to wish you good luck at the Monster Jam...what we do for our kids?!
Posted by: Beth H | January 16, 2007 08:58 PM
That'a great pillow -- he will love it! Happy early birthday to J!
Posted by: amy h | January 16, 2007 09:37 PM
what an awsome pillow...I want one! The details are great and I love the smoke. Your little one will love it.
Great work!
Posted by: Eva | January 16, 2007 10:20 PM
Happy Birthday Jack!
He's into rockets now! This has got to be the most fabulous pillow, it's amazing what you can do with a sewing machine, Alicia. I wish I could make my machine do my bidding too.
Posted by: erin | January 16, 2007 11:48 PM
super pillow!
Posted by: babybug | January 17, 2007 03:38 PM
that is amazing! you make it sound so easy, i'd probably be swearing and ripping away!
Posted by: dee | January 17, 2007 07:34 PM
Oh man, good luck to you if you go to the MonsterJam.
Posted by: Sarah | January 18, 2007 11:35 AM
alicia! I saw the birthday boy on flickr, but missed the pillow!! i love it. It is amazing how a project fueled (no rocket pun intended) by love comes together perfectly, isn't it?
I love your pillow!
Posted by: molly | January 22, 2007 12:15 PM
words cannot begin to describe how cool the rocket pillow is! I love it and I'm sure your little man was thrilled. I just found your blog today and think it's great!
Posted by: jennpal | January 29, 2007 10:48 AM