A Fish for Pinguini

*Warning: This is a long post with a lot of photos!*

English: Penguins
Italian: Pinguini

First the story and then the project. ;) It all started when we took my son to the Toronto Zoo this past summer to celebrate his third birthday. We had taken him to the Zoo the previous fall but we missed the penguins. This time we spent some time there watching these little guys. We saw a lady win a petting session with the penguins.

Then we saw this little guy wander off by himself. I think my son really wanted to take him home.

When it was time to leave, we went to the gift shop to let him pick something to take home.

"What would you like?"
There was some quiet thinking then, "I want one (of) those black guys!"
"You mean a penguin?"
"Ya!"

He marched straight over to the penguins and grabbed one off the shelf. Then he proceeded to hand my husband one and me another saying, "One for me, one for Baba and one for you, Mommy!" LOL Oh, how I would have loved to buy three of them! But we knew it would only be special if he had the only one.

After an exhausting day at the Zoo, he actually fell asleep in the car and he never sleeps in the car! I think this photo of him cuddling his newest friend is just the cutest. This penguin which he has aptly named Pinguini (even though he's just one) is so loved. Then early this month, he told me that Pinguini needs a fish friend. I asked him if Pinguini needed food and he said, "No, he (will) not eat him! He need(s) a friend," giving me a look like I should know better. LOL So off I went to make Pinguini a fishy friend.

Oh, boy, did I ever wish I had the Spellbinders Nested Fish! I may get these dies yet but this time I settled for my own hand-drawn version in a similar shape. I cut Pinguini's friend out of grey felt from Felt on the Fly.

I'm not really a button person but these white Stampin' Up buttons from Sunghee really came in handy as pretty eyes. After stitching them on securely (before sewing the fish together and stuffing it), I glued in black centres using black felt die cut with the small berries from Lil' Inker Designs' Holly Jolly dies.

The fish's pectoral fins were created using both the Mini Pinwheel and Pinwheel dies from Lil' Inker Designs and they were cut from white and black felt from Felt on the Fly. I secured the fins by stitching them facing forward, then folding them back and stitching them again to hide the holes.

And finally, Pinguini's new friend is ready for his close up. Squee! Look at those kissable lips. LOL

This all occurred one evening when, after making dinner, my son became adamant that Pinguini have his fish that night. I relented and had my husband eat with him while I went downstairs to make it. My son wanted a white fish but my husband and I knew that would get dirty quickly so all three of us agreed to make it grey with some black and white parts. It took me 45 minutes but it was worth the rush. Not to worry, the marionette strings were required for photography but removed before the hand-off. My son was so happy to meet his new fish!

Then, of course, Pinguini had to make his acquaintance. Awww! Look at him tucking the fish under Pinguini's wing. How sweet!

And, of course, they are both now carried together everywhere.

This photo is just so endearing, it makes me want to squeeze all three of them! Teehee. :D

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In honour of this post, Felt on the Fly is offering free coordinating Mama and Baby Seahorse felt die cuts with every order! All you have to do is mention PINGUINI in the 'Notes to Seller' at Checkout. Head on over to the shop HERE!

Thank you for stopping by to enjoy this post and for your support of Felt on the Fly. :)

Sources: Felt on the Fly Grey, Black & White 100% merino wool felt; Lil' Inker Designs Holly Jolly, Pinwheel & Mini Pinwheel dies; Stampin' Up buttons; Gutermann thread; Fairfield polyester fiberfill