Wee, Wee, Wee!

I love this pattern! Can I just say that first?

Perhaps it's because my own little Charlotte has loved piggy toys since she was a toddler, or maybe it's the doll's bulbous pot belly and apple-bum. Or that dart under her snout that looks just like a smile -- gah!

All of the above.

I designed the original doll for my daughter in conjunction with a cover-story for Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine. (Read more about the article here.) I hadn't planned on producing a sewing pattern for the design, but the response to this little piggy has been remarkable.

So, here it is!  The Claira & Clancy Pig Dolls pattern comes back from the printer today and will be shipped out to distributors and shops this week.

Clothing for a boy piggy is included in the pattern as well.  (Our boys need fun, hand-made toys just as much as our girls do.)  I love his little-old-man shirt & worker-man pants.  And, can I add that I'm super proud of the fit on that shirt?  He has such a funny little body.

Claira and Clancy are the first of four new sewing patterns I'm introducing.  Four - New - Patterns! 

I'm excited to share my other new designs this week as well.  If you must sneak a peek, you can see all four patterns here, including new pincushions, a fabulous bag, totes that fold into wallets, and more.

So, big news today!  Ask your local quilt shop for these new HB patterns -- they may not know yet that the new patterns are ready to ship.

- - - - -

Beyond the hubbubery of pattern-development, I'm also working on my first several housewares collections, including aprons, dishtowels, place mats, napkins, tablecloths, etc. -- all finished goods, not patterns.  At the studio, we're putting together more pincushion kits too.  And there's new stationery to share!

There's just a lot going on.

So, here's what I'm thinking -- but it makes me a little nervous.  I'm debating doing my own personal version of NaBloPoMo in May. (I'm yet to be free enough in November to participate in the group-NaBloPoMo event.)  Every Day for the Month of May could be too much, so how about Lotsa Days in the Month of May?  What could I call it, LottaDayMoMay?  We have so much catching up to do, you and I : )  Once I get these new collections into production, I just may be able to pull it off.  Anyone ever done this?

Comments

[Beki - TheRustedChain]

Oh how adorable!!! I love pigs.

[Brenda]

These are sooo cute!!!

[Amber]

oh wow - she's gorgeous...is that pink velvet? Adorable - love the new patterns too - how fun!

[Shealynn Benner]

Umm. Seriously? Cutest things EVER!

[bari]

Oh, Heather. You've outdone yourself. If that is possible.

[Cassie @ You Go Girl!]

Ooooh, swining, I mean swooning here. Too cute!

[Stef]

So thrilled to see more spectacular patterns from you - the piggies are so cute and I think I need the tote, too, and the bag, and...! Love your patterns, love your fabric, love your blog. I'm looking forward to LottaDayMoMay!!

[Antonia Krajicek]

Seriously, WAY TOO CUTE! I'm sending my mom a link to the pigs. She is a pig lover and talented on her machine. NaBloPoMo in May sounds fun! :)

[andrea Larsen]

SEW cute!

[Rebekah]

hehe...ADORABLE! :) I LOVE it!

[Heather]

LOVE the piggies!!! I am definitely going to make them for my daughter!

[Jona]

My girls are squealing over the piggies! They've wanted that pattern since the photo shoot (so many moons ago!). I just ordered a bundle so I'm sure they'll be showing then off soon! So thrilled for you to have these finished. Now go do something nice for yourself!

[jen shears]

I LOVE the piggies!! SO cute!!! It sounds like you are CRAZY busy- but I'm happy to report that one of the local fabric stores FINALLY is carrying some of your fabric (so happy, since I ask every time I go in if they are going to soon....) AND I found a fab paper pack of your delightful designs at Michaels! *swoon* :)

[Emily]

Oh my, what lovely piggies! NaBloPoMo sounds like a huge commitment! Why not pick one or two days or the week where you will update, instead? I imagine that'll be easier to fit around your hectic schedule =)

[Jennifer Tieman]

Cute!
You are so talented! Thank you for all that you sahre with us- I love all of your creations

[orit]

Soooooo COOL! Love it!

[Margith]

Love it

[rosie/the fabric shopper]

Now those are "soooome" pigs! They are just the perfect couple. Awesome~

[Jana]

Oh my, I do love these piggies...

[kp]

My daughter has been obsessed with piggies since she could grab one too! Any chances of a kit to go with the pattern? It'd be an AWESOME gift for her as she's now starting her own crafty stage!

[Lynette Loveridge]

I love those adorable little piggies!! I need a girl and a boy one for my kiddos...they would love them! Can I order the pattern on line?

Great job Heather!!

[Delaina]

Love this!!! This is perfect since I have two boys. Pigs are non-gender, right? lol

[Karen]

These little piggies are so cute! I just ordered the pattern and I can't wait for it to get here. My girls are going to love them.

[Mermaid Debbie]

Those are about the cutest things I have ever seen! You should be proud.

[Kristi]

Heather, these are sooo cute!

[heather]

your creativity knows no bounds! Can't wait to see pics of everything you've been working on.

love the flutterby pin cushion pattern!!

Questions or blogging topics for May blogging:
Do you ever get time to sew for pleasure anymore? If so, what are you working on?

[Lisa]

Awww they are darling!

[edyB]

Love those piggies! Aren't they so sweet all dressed up and ready to play.

[Jessica]

Oh they are so cute!

[WIndy Robinson]

Oh Heather... these are incredible! I wish I was a better seamstress so I wouldn't be so stressed about trying them... maybe I can talk my mom into making them for my girls:)

[Pamela Susan]

MUST.HAVE.NOW!

[Heather Bailey]

Yep, I'm still able to sew for my family and friends. Sometimes there's a definite cross-over as most of the patterns and projects that I publish start out as for-fun, personal projects. These piggies were definitely sewn for fun. The original doll belongs to my daughter. I put together the pattern after folks saw photos and put the pressure on. I happily yielded! It was a fun pattern to work on.

[Julie Campbell]

My little guy said he would really like a boy piggy to snuggle with at night. :) Do you know of a good source for the black beaded eyes?

[Caroline]

Oh Piggies! How my little guy just adores piggies lately! I think I need to make one! Must have this pattern :)

[Crystal]

I am sure you are aware of this but Fisher price has a line of baby items named "flutterby". Didn't know if this was a coincidence.

[Heather Bailey]

There are lots of theories behind the origin of the word, 'butterfly.' One theory is that it's a mispronunciation of the word 'flutterby,' which is a more sensible word for the fluttering insects we call butterflies. The word flutterby has been around for decades, if not longer. It's not entirely uncommon, and I've always thought it dang cute (like kid-speech). Look it up online, it's pretty interesting. Another one to look up is 'moxie' - great word origin there too.

[Heather Bailey]

Oh yay, let's hear it for the boys!

[andrea]

So cute!

[SuzK]

OMG! and I love that there is a boy pig too!

[Anna Sigga]

Ohh my these are too adorable!!

[Lisa @ moxie pear]

Heather,
I have to agree about the work moxie but I am a little biased. ;)

Love the piggies and all of the other new patterns, especially the market tote! I made a commitment to try and blog everyday for April and May and so far I have done an ok job. I would say a few times a week would count for "Lotsa Days in May".

[crazy]

Omg your toy is so cute !

[Dreaming Bear]

Oh those are too cute! I love their little outfits!!! Great job!

[Erin Rippy]

Love the buttons at the shoulder joint. Does that mean their arms move? TOO CUTE!

[henaabbas@hotmail.com]

oh my.. this is just the cutest thing ever

[carrie]

love the new patterns....are you ever going to do a pattern for the dress thats made out of the nicey jane the pretty blue?

[Karen M]

Those little piggies are just the sweetest!!
I need those!!

[Heather Bailey]

Yes, the arms definitely move. What you can't tell from the photos too well, is that they have the best little bellies and bums.

[Sarah]

Excited to hear about a line of finished goods, as an oft-tired mom who's appreciated your aesthetic since your Mary Engelbreit feature...but who feels a sinking feeling at the words "kit" or "pattern"!

[jana]

I have quite a thing for pigs...and the more unique the better, so I think these are way to cool!