Hmmm, so - how did you spend your weekend? Perhaps a walk, some chores? Time in the garden? If I gave you 100 guesses I am not sure you could have predicted that I was turning a helium balloon into a cushion?!
Freddie LOVES balloons, but in particular - this helium balloon. It was left for him from Santa on Christmas Morning when our elves Twinkle and Wonder went home to the North Pole and it has deflated. Sad times.
So I hatched a plan as to how we could keep him...
I sewed around the edge of the balloon directly on to some fabric to reinforce it. Helium balloons are really delicate and rip easily, so I hoped this would help (and it did to a certain extent!) I then cut around the edge and placed right sides together on to some really beautiful Stuart HillardCraft Cotton Co sweetie fabric. I then sewed all the way around the edge again, leaving a hole for turning out. Sadly at this point if became clear that Santa might need to lose his arms and legs as it was at those smaller/fiddly areas it looked like the balloon might be a gonner... sorry Santa. So we made some adaptations before turning out again, LOADS of stuffing and then hand sewing the gap closed.
I found a spare pompom in the studio before hot gluing into position as a final flourish!
It has an added benefit of being fairly weighted at the bottom with all the stuffing - so he can actually stand up!! Freddie is literally beside himself that he can now cuddle up to Santa... But, it is still foil and obviously he will need to be delicately handled - but for now, Freddie is very happy and that is all that matters.
And actually, I am pretty chuffed too as I can't believe it worked?! Next time I might investigate glue too for added security. Or maybe there won't be a next time!!
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