Yes I can!!

Lately, I have been discussing the issue of declining custom work with my fellow artist, who shall remain nameless. I was telling her how I declined a custom order for making an owl puppet a little while ago, and she said I should never turn down an order just because I am afraid of making it. When I told her I never made a bird puppet, she said "so?you'll learn". After that discussion, I decided I will start saying "yes" to orders that scare me.

When a lady asked me to make her a custom Flutterbutt in shape of her brother, I was horrified. I can't sew, I have no masculine shoes at home, I can't make a mustache! It was clear the order scares me, and that I must accept it, so I did.

The customer wanted me to portray Mr. Brother during his ski vacation. She asked for a blue parka and a scarf. I was planning to work on him on Saturday, since Friday was full of Hanukkahish and other pre-planned activities. The first of which, was going to a clothing swapping party (where each participant brings a bag of cloths she doesn't want and everybody can look for something new. Very ecological, and so very 2009!). After locating a sexy evening gown with a sequined snake, a completely new purple skirt and stylish black skirt-pants, I decided I'm tired of looking for cloths and decided to pick up some leftovers for puppet supplies. That was when I found a single blue ski glove, which I immediately recognized to be the perfect material for my tiny ski coat.

It took me two hours to sew the little coat, and let me tell you – it almost drove me nuts. I was miserably sticking needles into myself, curding the rough parts I could hardly get the needle through, and sewing tiny fingers to make sleeves. I thought it is going to end in a total disaster, but once I was done (including stealing Pinky's holiday shoes. I promised to buy him new shoes on eBay ASAP), added a scarf my mom knitted and of course a mustache, I had to admit it to myself and the world – this must be the cutest Flutterbutt ever!!

I mean, just look at him – how cute is he??

The parka is asymmetrical, with writing on one sleeve and a single wide aqua stripe on one side. The inside is partially padded, to keep Mr. Brother cuddly and warm. Can you tell how hard I worked on sewing this?

Do you need a new brother, mother in law, or friend? I can make one for you, in various sizes, with or without a mustache!