Yes, I know ichthylology is the study of fish, not squid. I also know I’m sick, and I should have just let this project take a little longer, but last night I just had to push through and OWN this puppy. And I think you’ll agree it was time well-spent.
Yeah, that’s right! Super soft but watch out. Those tentacles will make a mangled mess of you. Yes, the hood is down. So it can WATCH you.
So, this project was a challenge. Making squid tentacles – to applique? To hand- or machine-quilt? Designing a hood that is sufficiently squiddy but also functions as a hood? (I think I nailed it). Bonus, I truly believe wee babies will enjoy grasping at their tentacles… maybe even mouthing them a bit if we get lucky.
I had fun quilting the whole business. The body is quilted in lazy waves; the squid itself striated lines. The whole bunting is underlined in a lightweight fusible fleece and lined in a midweight super-soft fleece.
Zipper in the back for easy baby installation!
Yes. It is rather squid-like, isn’t it?
EYES. My first time, ever, doing needle-turn applique. I have to say it’s rather addictive. I’m considering sewing a tiny little cloth crab affixed to a snap, so the squidlet can hold its lunch. What say you?
I know my fabric efforts are fledgling and can’t do the beauty and wonder of architeuthis. But as always, my Flickrstream has more construction details.
I think my favorite part about responding to your posts or emails is that you make me form sentences that I may have otherwise never used in my life. It makes conversation so much better. In today’s case:
Won’t the tentacles hang in the baby’s face?
But, after looking at the pics again, I think I can see that they are actually part of the body and not attached to the front of the hood. It was still a fun question though.
My oldest daughter had the nickname Squid when she was a kid. She acquired the name long after she was a baby, but the outfit would have been perfect for such a nickname.
I must admit that I am curious how you decided to make this design. Seems like a odd choice. Was it the challenge?
One word: SUPERAWESOME. And made while you weren’t feeling well? You totally rock.
Is there no end to your awesomeness?
Hilarious and great!
Thank you for the compliments, people!
@Kidsync
“I think my favorite part about responding to your posts or emails is that you make me form sentences that I may have otherwise never used in my life.”
ZOMGosh, and in which case your comments do the same. For instance I formed the sentence, “Those tentacles will hang in your face and you’ll like it!” Hee.
As for inspiration, I am working on developing more texture and expressiveness to the garments I make. Which presents challenges! Both my daughter and I are enamored of the sea – I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was her age. I thought of doing an octopus but I think of squid as slightly less loveable and a little more sinister… plus I wanted to emulate the mantle, big time.
Thanks for your queries!
Skillful mix of colors and patterns! This is cute but not “cutesy”. Modern but not sterile. I’d love to see the baby in the suit! I’d nix anything small and detachable. Those curious little fingers can be amazingly strong! But a crab appliqué on the body somewhere would provide a pleasing balance, maybe near the ankle of one leg?
@Random Cindy
Thank you for your compliments!