Textile Thursday: Puppies & Cookies

My poor little studio rarely gets used, but when a special occasion comes up that calls for a handmade gift, the results are pretty cute.



I made this polka-dotted dachshund using an easy-to-follow pattern created by Kim Kruzich for her Etsy shop, RetroMama. What I love about this pattern are the illustrated step-by-step instructions, the helpful hints and tips on triple stitching and sewing tight curves as well the ready-to-print, full size pattern pieces. This pattern would be perfect for a novice sewer to complete in an evening or two and the project uses less than a metre fabric making it a pretty inexpensive as well. (I skipped the fusible web for securing the felt pieces since I couldn't get the web to stick.)

For more experienced sewers, I love this "Stuffed Ollie Doll" pattern by Brooklynite Sian Keegan. Ollie is also a dachshund, but his three-dimensionality and his hipster bandana take his cuteness to the next level. You can expect a lot more hand-sewing with this project and keep a seam ripper close at hand if you have trouble attaching pattern pieces to the right places. I had Ollie's arm attached to his stomach at one (or two or three...) point but he turned out all right in the end!

My next studio goal is to DIY these cheerful biscuit pillows from Lisa Angel Homeware and Gifts:

Jammy dodgers are the BEST and the embroidery on that custard cream cookies looks pretty fun to make too.

What are you up to in your studio lately? Spring is almost here and I'd love to hear some new project ideas!

♥

PS - For a fun Sunday afternoon browse, pop over to Sian Keegan's website to see her colourful array of cake toppers, product illustrations and other crafty hand-drawn tutorials!


(Image 1, 2 by Lai Mai Ng; image 3 via Not on the High Street)