A Loveliness of Ladybugs

After sewing several ladybug zipper pouches, I decided to do a little research on ladybugs...and the first thing I wanted to know is "what is the collective noun for ladybugs"?...well, I found out a group of ladybugs is called a loveliness - how adorable is that?! They are also known as a ladybird or lady beetle...and yes, there is a male ladybug...and here are several other fun facts:

• In the past, doctors would mash ladybugs and put them in your mouth to cure a toothache
• You can fit 80,000 ladybugs into a gallon jug
• Male ladybugs are smaller than female ladybugs
• They can live for as many as three years
• A ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second when it flies
• Their spots fade as they get older

Not that you needed an insect lesson today - I just thought it would be fun to share a little bit of what I learned on my endless quest for knowledge...

I decided I would work on more of my handmade holiday gifts instead of fighting the shopping crowds today...and spending my morning in the sewing studio was my gift, as it brings me sheer joy. So now, back to my sewing project...okay, how cute are these little ladybug zippered pouches?!...I guess they are technically "coin purses", but I plan to put stitchy things inside - a pair of scissors, needles, needle threader, 3" ruler, etc....a special little sewing/stitching kit. The wings are cotton quilting fabric...the head, the spots, and the belly are felted wool fabric...and of course, the eyes are buttons. The first "ladybird" was so adorable, I had to make a whole family (Teresa, I know you are smiling!)...plus I wanted to try out several red fabric prints that I thought would make cute ladybug wings. The head and the spots were attached using a blanket stitch, which could easily be done by hand - but I chose to do this stitch on my sewing machine. They measure about 5" in diameter, so they are the perfect size to tuck in your stitching bag, tote, or purse....and the zipper closure helps keep all your handy little tools safe inside. I have a few special people in mind to receive a lucky ladybug...and I might just keep one for myself because they make me happy! I hope you will take some time to work on a project that brings you happiness...