Dear Friend,

As I was looking at my friend's new website, I clicked on her Links and there my blog was.  It was a bit strange but also really exciting.  Lately, I have definitely been meaning to write so this was a sign I suppose.

For the last six months, I realized something about myself.  That something would be that I am a Jill of all trades to some degree.  However, my projects may take months to accomplish.  One of my never-ending projects has been creating a dragon stuffed animal for my nephew who was born at end of June!  

Here's the timeline.

2011
November: I starting thinking about the dragon as soon as I found out that my sister-in-law was pregnant.  The baby will be born in the year of the black water dragon.  


2012
June: I did some research about dragon stuffed animals and found nothing I liked.  So, I decided to make my own patterns and build this dragon by hand, needle and thread.  Andrew Kingston is born with a head of hair.  

Mid-July:  I began my project hoping that I would finish it by August.  I purchased, washed and ironed the fabrics.  A friend gave me free stuffing that had been sitting around.  Everything is working out.    

Beginning of August:  I went home to Minnesota for the post-baby-has-been-born baby shower.  I even packed everything on my carry on and the scissors were inspected.  Beforehand, I looked on TSA and of course, the scissors made it on the plane.  I thought that I could finish the dragon while I was in Minnesota and then I could go home with more room for any garage sale purchases.  Well, I brought all materials for the dragon back to California and I had to use my sister's suitcase for my garage sale items.    Luckily, she wasn't so lucky with the garage sales besides a pin and an old radio.  

End of August: With what I had, I stuffed the dragon and saw it's actual form coming along.  According to my sister, it looks like a sea horse but it could pass as a dinosaur.  

October: The legs are made.  I procrastinated this step for so long because I didn't know what to do.   

November: Legs are stuffed and sewed and ready to go.  Andrew now in the 90th percentile for his age, 5 months, is eating solid foods and has formed a relationship with his favorite stuffed animal the lion.  You trying making a dragon stuffed animal Andrew!

December:  I had high hopes that I could give the dragon as a holiday present and send it home with my sister so I could save money on postage.   But this evening I ran out of red embroidery thread and noticed that I have about another month of work to do to finish.

2013
Beginning of April: Final deadline for this dragon!  I visit Minnesota with my boyfriend.  Andrew will be 10 months old.    

I was expecting this to go a bit more smoothly like the tiger I made.  I have gotten a lot of guff for this project.  Every phone conversation with my dad, "Is it done yet?  Ha, ha, ha.  I don't believe."  My roommates, "When are you going to finish that, you've held those legs up to the dragon's body about thirty times I think over the last month."  My sister, shaking her head slightly and giggling to herself.  I know what she is saying.  She doesn't need to tell me.

Don't worry, I will finish the dragon before Andrew turns three,

My-Linh

P.S. Next, I am hoping to create a stuffed snake.  :0)