What do you call a rabbit with no clothes on? A bare hare.
A while ago I posted a stuffed elephant and trunk I made for my granddaughter's birthday. See here
When another granddaughter wanted a case like here sister's, I remembered Ruby Jean's Closet had a cute bunny too.
Pattern Here
I made Beatrix and the whole kit and caboodle.
When sewing the case, pay careful attention to the application of the interfacing. It's probably the most time-consuming part of the whole process.
The bunny is a made from a quilting cotton with faux suede for the nose and hand patches.
I may or may not have wanted to pull my hair out during the construction process, but I've made four dolls and cases now and little girls love them. They're a great quiet toy they can take with them easily because everything is contained. All the clothes were made from scraps I had on hand, and that is never a bad thing!
Who isn't enchanted by a mermaid? With this quick and easy pattern, you can make a mermaid for every little one in your life who wants to be one.
I used this pattern by Bit of Whimsy:
Pattern Here
The instructions suggested that the yarn pig tails are sewn into the seam. I got better results by adding them after the doll was finished and stuffed. I wrapped the yarn around my fingers until it was as full as I wanted and then stitched securely to both sides of the head by hand.
The mermaids are only 12" so it's a great project to use some of the scraps we all have stashed in boxes and crates, cupboards and drawers. These little mermaids can't go in the water, but I know my sweet granddaughters sleep with their mermaids almost every night.
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.
If you're looking for a quick and easy project for all those small scraps you have lying about and making you feel guilty, you've come to the right place!
When I decided to make these stuffed cuties for my grandsons, I found a lot of different tutorials on the internet. Some of them were beautifully hand sewn. I settled on this free tutorial because she gives instructions for machine sewing, which seemed a lot faster to me.
http://andothersillythings.blogspot.com/2011/05/pentagon-colorful-fabric-balls-tutorial.html
I used several different printed cottons and also added some soft minky fabric and corduroy for texture. I stuffed the balls with Morning Glory Cluster Stuff.
As an added bonus, there's a rattle inside. I didn't plan very far ahead, so I found some inexpensive toys from Walmart, cut off their heads, removed the rattles and put them in the balls. (Sorry if that's too graphic:) Since you're probably more organized than I am, you would order them on the internet. I wasn't able to find the rattles at any of the craft stores in my area.
The hexagon size can be increased or decreased to make a bigger or smaller ball. The piece I used measured 4" across at its widest and the finished ball is just the right size for chubby baby hands.
I also made another, pinker version. I hope you have a ball making them like I did!
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!
