Friday, November 25, 2011

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...

15 comments:

  1. So cute! Just love ladybugs and "lovliness" is just precious too...someone was using their noodle that day.

    happy stitching...

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  2. Very cute Belinda, you're very funny today, must be the turkey high:) xoxo

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  3. What a productive day you had sewing! Good for you, Belinda! Your ladybugs are adorable!

    Robin

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  4. What a great finishing idea! You're going to make some stitchers very happy! Thanks for the lesson, too.

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  5. What a wonderful ladybug story. I love their "loveliness" Thank you making me smile!

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  6. OMG, they're all too cute!
    Thanks for the Ladybuy info also.
    Marilyn

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  7. Just love them! Too cute. What a fun day.

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  8. Belinda, these ladybugs are very cute and precious. I also enjoyed your story as well. You are always so creative. Glad you are feeling better. Hugs and ladybugs, Mary A.

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  9. i love them so much..so sweet..fun day xx

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  10. I love these ladybugs!!! How very cute and extremely creative!!!!

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  11. How adorable are they!! I only wish I could master the whole zipper thing. :o)

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  12. Oh my goodness, now those are just too dang cute! I have to agree, they do just make you smile. They are great! Lucky friends indeed!!!

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  13. Where I live (Norfolk/Suffolk border, UK) ladybirds are called Bushy Bushy Barnabees. Just thought you needed to know that!
    Cute pouches.

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  14. How wonderful! I now have visions of turtles ..........a bale of turtles to be exact all with quilted shells ............... Oh how I wish I could sew.

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