Some Pom Pom Love

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Right out of the gate, I'm breaking the rules.  This week's Sew What challenge was a handmade toy or stocking, and the challenge is called Sew What, but I didn't sew anything.  I wooled it.  With my own hands.  Does that count?

Taking my cue from this book:

I made a series of real wool pom poms for a friend's daughter.

V loved to manhandle these when she was small.

The pom pom is hardly cutting edge, but by using thick wool, the toy takes on a beautiful texture.  Little kids *love* tactile.

If you haven't made a pom pom since fifth grade, here's a recap.  Cut two matching circles out of some free cardboard, like these ones which I made from a Kleenex box.

Place both circles together and wrap wool around until the circles are completely covered.

Snip all around the outside edge.

Gently pull the two cardboard circles apart.  Wrap a length of wool around the middle, very tightly, and secure.  Remove both cardboard circles and fluff out your pom pom.

The book wisely suggests leaving a tail on the pom pom so your little one can pull the tail and drag it all around the house.  I always tie a few knots in my tails for further tactile fun.

That's my no-sew toy for the week.  Some of you have been uploading your handmades to my Flickr page, so keep 'em coming and watch for a show off post later in the week.  And you can join the Sew What Challenge any time; there is no obligation to complete each week's challenge.  We're just here to inspire you to have fun!

Next week's challenge:  an ornament for the tree.