Have a Heart

A couple weeks ago, a friend was having a really wicked week.  We've all been there.  One thing goes wrong, then another, then another.  It becomes almost comical at some point.  It was in the middle of that week that I thought - I wish I could send her a hug that was a little more substantial than ->(((hug)))<- this.  I could take you on the whole thought-train ride, but it's not really necessary to the story.  Ultimately I decided to make her some little handmade hearts and send them to her.  Getting something in the mail that is not a  bill and is not junk mail is fun.  Getting something intended to stand in for a hug?  How could that not be fun?

I got to work.

I found this pattern for a knit heart and I started there.

I had some wool lying around, left over from making pillows.  Maybe I'll show those to you someday.

Anyway.

I made one in red.

Yes, I am aware that this is blue.  The red one was a bit camera shy. 

As you can see, at this point it was a bit curly and unruly.  I mentioned that they were wool, right? I do so love felting...  So through the hot cycle they went - once, twice, thrice.

Now they're behaving a bit better.

When they were dry, I joined them with a blanket stitch and stuffed them.

Imperfect - but I think that with a folky craft like this imperfections can be quite charming.

Cute, right?

But one seemed so insubstantial.

Four seemed just about right.

Hey, this isn't the last time I'm going to have a friend with a rough week, now, is it?  

I made these with no greater hope than that of making someone smile for a moment. Sort of like a Hallmark card on steroids.   But as I was whipping these out (so quick and fun!) I was thinking of more ideas:

• knit them in pastel colors then use embroidery floss to add conversation heart type messages.
• attach 2 hearts to either side of a cord and use them to tie a gift in a brown paper wrapper.
• attach them to a headband, barrette or pin back.
• attach them to floral wire and make a bouquet - or embellish a cookie or lollipop bouquet.
• knit each side in a different color to represent team/school colors and fill a bowl with them as a centerpiece for a party - guests could take them as a token when they leave.
• on and on and on - I bet you can think of something to do with one (or a couple dozen!) of these!  I'd love to hear your ideas!