It's getting a little late to deck the halls since Christmas is just around the corner, but this year I needed some cute stockings to tuck some treats in for holiday gift-giving. I loved this little gem by mmmcrafts the minute I saw it. I needed a dozen or so and thought it wouldn't be too difficult to make.
See pattern here
The ivy leaves are traced onto felt and cut by hand, which I did while watching "Murder She Wrote" reruns:) The most time consuming part of the project was hand-sewing the sequins. That process took about 15-20 minutes per stocking.
I just finished making a bunch. I used wool felt like the designer recommended. I rounded the toe out to give it more fullness and I reduced the pattern to 72% since I didn't need a full-sized stocking. I also added some lace around the top to make it a little more elegant and bound it with taffeta I had left over from another project. I love the way the sequins make this project sparkle. I can't wait to fill them and give them away!
Why do elephants have trunks? Because they’d look silly with glove compartments.
This super-cute stuffed elephant pattern comes with it's own trunk to store all the darling clothes that go with it.
I'm not going to lie, this project took a lot of time. The instructions were good though and it's doable, it just requires patience, (which I am lacking a little when it comes to sewing and life). It's all basic sewing, there are just a lot of steps, especially for the suitcase part. The clothes were a breeze and construction was easy.
Fusible interfacing and I don't always get along. (It has something to do with that patience thing.) It's necessary for this project to ensure the sturdiness of the case. The pattern calls for Pellon Peltex 71, which is ironed on the two main case pieces where the dresser and bed are attached. It's a very stiff craft interfacing.
Pellon Peltex Link
I've never used the product before, but it worked well. The bands around the case require a different fusible interfacing. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to get a good bond.
I made a few simple adjustments to the pattern. I changed the foot shape of the dresser. I also used a different method for the lamp, lamp shade and window because I didn't like how the case fabric showed through the prints with the applique method specified in the pattern instructions. I traced the pattern piece on a double layer of fabric, right sides together. I sewed on that line, leaving an opening, clipped and trimmed the seams then turned them right side out. After pressing, I stitched using a straight stitch at the pattern placement line.
And here's a little warning because I don't want you to do what I did. The side bands around the case require almost every bit of forty-five inches. I used a quilting cotton, but pre-washed my fabric. It shrunk just enough that I had to piece the side bands. It still worked out, but be aware that you will need the full width of the fabric for these band pieces.
Now, just one more joke since this elephant has such a stylish wardrobe. What do you call an elephant wearing pink earmuffs and a dress? Anything you want. She can’t hear you.
My granddaughter Prentice loves purses and ponies, so why on earth wouldn't I make this for her birthday?
I have a stash of fabric the size of Texas and I'm pretty sure I could have found something there that was cute enough for the project, but when I saw Riley Blake's My Sunshine Paisley, I couldn't say no. It's not my fault that it was perfect for the main purse fabric. The cute pink and orange polka-dot for the purse lining, pony ears and accent heart came from Jo-Ann, as did the fur, trims and yarn for the tail.
The pattern was simple. There weren't a lot of pieces. The instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. I wish I could remember how long it took from start to finish. I do have a habit of seriously underestimating the time any project is going to take, but sweet Prentice loved it, so that's all that matters. It's a fun project, so if you have a purse and pony lover on your gift list, you should give it a try!
