Excellence in the Details

"Can we be friends?"

I'm drafting a pattern right now for a soft toy.  I am relatively new to making stuffed creatures, so every attempt at toymaking is a learning experience.  Right now I am finishing up my second prototype (the blue one).  This one actually has appendages (my first draft, the green one, didn't get that far).

I thought I'd share some of the things I have learned while doing this particular pattern.

Yep, I always spell gusset wrong.  Every time.

The first thing I learned is about all of those "rules" and "advice" about things like needle size, where to set your tension, what kind of thread to use, only using fabric scissors for fabric, etc.  I'm thinking that those rules were made by a general consensus of expert ladies from generations to generations - they figured out what works and what doesn't.  In my mind, they've been elevated to the status of grandmothers and great-grands who want us to learn "the right way" - not so that we could be like them, but so that we could sew with excellence.  I really like that.

Another thing - if you want to sew with excellence, your finished product should start with excellent materials.  My prototypes are junk.  There, I said it.  I know, they might be cute, and my kids certainly don't mind, but if you're stuffing a toy and you use cheap fabric, it will eventually (or immediately) show.  Do not use that thrift store thread for your toy, either.  I am all for using what you have, but cotton thread for the seams of a stuffed toy is a mistake (especially if it is a gazillion years old).  Polyester holds up much better.  So - if you want a toy to last, use the good stuff!!!

I'm the kind of person that likes to figure stuff out as I go.  I am intrigued with the details of construction.  Not of buildings and bridges, but of creatures from my imagination.  I love starting with an idea, figuring out how to construct it, selecting materials, and finally bringing it to life!

Then I learned that if my sewing space is a disaster (as it is at the moment), and it is nearing midnight, I should go to bed instead of trying to find my 3-inch doll needles.  Trust me, I'll be remembering that one!  (I work in a corner of my living room - having a dedicated studio is increasingly more appealing to me!!!)

The last thing I will share with you is: no matter what you call it (and I'm not sure what type of animal this one is, I just started out with "sea monster" in mind), its owner has the rights to rename it.  This little guy was originally named Hank (for lack of a better name).  But as soon as Spunky saw him, he called him "ROBO-FRILLS!!!".  He loves the button jointed arm-thingies; apparently they make him "more like a robot!!!"

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.
:) Caren

No Sleep for the Creative Mind

I am in a creative whirlwind.  The kind where I even think in my sleep (when I actually can sleep, that is).

Right now I am thinking non-stop about future potential projects.  Mind you, there is not much production going on, but I've got pages and pages of sketches in my sketch book.  I'd show you but I really stink at drawing.

I'm thinking of animal trends at the moment.  

Since when did owls get so popular? 

 And hedgehogs?

I've got an idea: how about if I start the next trend in animal loves?!!!  But what shall it be?  

The aardvark?  They are adorable, and think of how you could play up their features!

Or what about the sloth?  Sloths are kinda cute - if you don't look too hard.  Plus, if they're not real, you wouldn't have to smell them.

I could do some amazing things with sea slugs, though.  Hmmm.... 

Well, I might not be a trend-setter, but I am a creative person with a knack for constructing some really happy soft toys!  So for now, here's a sneak peek of a little creation I'm working on at the moment.  Any guesses as to what it might be? 

:) Caren

Hedgie Pattern & Tutorial {Free}

Felted Wool Hedgie Tutorial
cadamsCREATIONS.blogspot.com

I took inspiration for this little hedgie from the book Countryside Softies by Amy Adams who shares both my love for creating softies and my last name (though I do not think we are related).  This pattern uses very small amounts of fabrics, and there are only a few places that call for machine sewing (the rest is hand-sewn) so this little hedgie is a great on-the-go project, and would be great for using up some of your scraps.  Oh, and if you are not an expert at hand sewing, don’t fret - the stitches are all random straight stitches with embroidery floss - wonky hand-stitching just adds to the charm!

This is my very first original pattern specifically for felted wool.  I like the texture of the wool; it gives a warm but rugged look to this little hedgie (and is a very forgiving fabric).  The wool, by the way, came from some mens sweaters found at the thrift store.  I love the look of the patching and the buttons.  All the little hand-sewn details just make each hedgie so unique.  Choose the colors that tickle your fancy.  Follow the simple pattern I’ve drafted for you, and embellish ‘til your heart is content! 

Materials:

Felted Wool [color A – light (cream), color B – dark (brown)]

Cotton Fabrics (itty bitty scraps are fine)

Two buttons* for eyes

One bigger button* for nose

Embroidery Floss 

*Note: Buttons are not safe for children under 3, nor are they safe for kids older than that who are chewers (I’ve got one of those!).  Buttons are (as we call them in our house) “chokeables”, so please use caution in that regard.  You can easily replace the buttons with some extra wool, craft felt, or embroidery. 

Instructions

1.    Print and cut out the pattern pieces (transfer the start/stop dots onto the fabric).  Cut out the pieces, using notes on the pattern as to which fabric to use for each piece.  With the exception of the underbody, cut the pieces so that there is a left and a right of each piece.  One of the things I love about creating is that each piece is unique - see how my pieces don't quite line up?  No problem!  Just go with it and see what emerges!

2.    Using a 1/8-inch seam allowance (included in the pattern pieces), machine stitch (right sides together) the body, “spines”, and face patch along the dotted lines as shown.  I suggest using a small stitch length, between 15-20 stitches per inch so the seams will stay when you stuff your hedgie (wool is fairly stretchy).  [If you prefer to use a different seam allowance, just add it to the pattern pieces before you cut them out.]

3.   Turn your pieces right sides out and stuff the body piece with wool or polyester fiberfil. 

4.      Flatten the bottom of your hedgie by placing the cardboard underbody inside the body opening.  On the outside of the body, hand-sew the wool underbody so that it covers the body opening.  Now you should have something that resembles a slug (ha!)

5.     Attach the “spines” to the top of the body (lining up the seams) with random straight stitches.  When you have a few inches left to sew, stuff the spines and then finish sewing.

6.       Attach the face patch.  Line up the seams and position the patch as shown in the picture.

7.       Sew on the buttons for the eyes and nose.  See - now your hedgie has some personality!

8.       With the fabric facing front and the wool on the back, sew the ear pieces together (I used straight stitches, but you can use blanket stitching if you prefer).  Attach them to the head.

9.       Embellish as desired, give it a name (everyone needs a name, right?!), and enjoy!

Snoot has a heart on his spines

(so does Stella)

Stella has French knots for eyes (12 strands of floss!)

(buttons with embroidery floss add texture and the suggestion of spines)

Snoot & Sniffles

...and Stella makes three!

As I said, the pattern (click here) and the tutorial (instruction sheet - click here) are absolutely free.  If you do happen to make a little hedgie or two or three, would you let me know?  I'd be tickled pink to see how you've made yours!
Happy Sewing!  :) Caren
ps - I have previously blogged about the hedgies I made - if you want to read that post, click here.

Meet My New Hedgies!

Last week I joined a link party over at Love Affair with My Brother and I received quite a few comments (and several new followers - thanks, Sunni!).  I have been making my own soft toy patterns for about a year now and have had many requests, but never for the patterns themselves.  So now, by special request, I have drafted up a hedgehog pattern, and made a few hedgies for today's show & tell.

Source

In my quest to draft a hedgie pattern I have been scouring the internet for photos.  I love this little one.

Source

Or how about this one with the cute flower?  Lookie! - you can actually see her legs!

This is more typical of what I have seen.  Just a big ball of spines with a nose (and ears and eyes, if you look closely).  So that was where I started.  And without further ado, let me introduce you to my newest creations!

(Oh, and per special request, I'll be sharing my pattern and tutorial with you all in an upcoming post!)

Before I post the tutorial, however, I'd like to introduce you to my little family of felted wool hedgies.  First up is Snoot, who may look like a traditionally colored hedgie, but his "spines" are really navy blue and deep maroon.  I didn't happen to have any brown wool today, so I used what I had in the house already.  

And here is Sniffles.  Her spines are made from a 70% wool, 30% polyester ribbed sweater.  I wasn't sure how the ribbing would work and then I made her using my tutorial and she looked like an armadillo! 

See what I mean?  Anyway, I figured I wouldn't have to actually MAKE spines, I'd just have to give the SUGGESTION of spines.  So here's how I did that:

Just a bit of embroidery floss makes for an interesting addition to both the look and texture of this girlie.

And last but not least is Stella.  She's a "sophisticated" hedgie, subdued in both color and personality.  But she's sweet none the less.  I decided to go with embroidery floss for the eyes - 12 strand French knots.  Let me say that I was more than a bit nervous about that, but I took courage and pressed on.

Are you still with me?  OK.  I told you I'd be sharing my pattern and tutorial, and I promise you won't have to wait long (my next post, in fact!).  And yes, my crafty followers, it is absolutely free!  But before I go, can I share just a few more fun photos?  Because I took a gazillion and no one around here really cares about seeing them.  So if you are interested, here's just a few more!

A heart.  'Cause I love my followers!  :) Caren