Introducing: The Bouncing Belly Button!

Hi guys!

Long time no see! I'm currently working on some small, beginner-level plush patterns to put in my Etsy store. I'm hoping that they will be useful as quick, easy stocking stuffer gifts for those of us who are still searching for the perfect thing for that special someone!

My first release is the Bouncing Belly Button Mouse Pattern.  The pattern is illustrated, so it is very easy to follow along. I can make one of these guys in about an hour-or-so. With a little time and practice you could have a whole basket full of these guys made in time for the holidays!

There are FOUR different sizes included, Mini (80%), Small (90%), Medium (100%), and JUMBO (110%)! Stuff a mini with catnip for your kitty or make a Jumbo as a fun toy for a toddler!

I hope to be publishing some more easy-level patterns before the month is over, so keep checking!

Lesson: Correct Measurements Make a BIG Difference!

As some of you guys might know I'm in "Wedding-mode" for the next year or so as I plan my wedding! Anyway, I went in to try on some wedding dresses and my consultant took my measurements. Measurements that are approximately 3-5 inches SMALLER than the measurements I thought I was. I was shocked! I have lost some weight from being sick, but I usually try to take measurements before my projects, so I didn't think I would be off by THAT much.

All of a sudden things are making a lot more sense, why I'm having weird fitting issues with EVERYTHING, why things turn out too big even when I calculate my size using finished measurements.  Since I've gotten my TRUE measurements taken the 3 dresses I've made are the best fitting I've ever created.  Let this be a lesson for all of us: Get your correct measurements taken, it makes a BIG difference!

I haven't been too photogenic recently, but I'll hopefully be re-wearing my recent projects soon and I'll convince the fiance to snap some pictures! The patterns I used were Burda 3/2011 #109 and Butterick 5601, both patterns that I would recommend and would like to use again. I also think that I'll tackle Colette Chantilly this weekend before summer slips away from me!

Reader Submission: Jake!

Have you downloaded your free Jake the Dog pattern yet? France did, and sewed this huggable, lovable Jake for a birthday party! Isn't he cute?

I'm currently working on making some easy, beginner level plush patterns for the newbies out there.  Head over to my Facebook page to tell me what you want to see!

Pattern: Jake the Dog

Hey guys!

I'm nearing 40,000 pageviews and thought it was about time I gave away another freebie. I've added my Adventure Time Jake the Dog plush to the "Patterns and Downloads" page.  There aren't any instructions included with the .pdf, just the pattern pieces, but you can probably figure it out pretty easy.

Jake the Dog by Morgan

When you print the pattern I recommend setting it to 100%, not "fit to page." The pieces should fit together like a puzzle and tape the pages together before cutting out the pieces. I also recommend opening it in Adobe Reader and not GoogleDocs.

Make sure you add the amount of seam allowance that you feel comfortable with.  I usually add about 1/4" to 3/8". Sew the tail first, then insert it into one of the darts in the body (this will become the back), sew the rest of the darts.  Then sew the arms and legs, turn and stuff.  Then pin them inside the body in the orientation you want (look at my pics to get an idea) sew the body closed, right sides together, except for a small hole, turn and stuff.  Sew the hole closed.  Sew the ears, jowls, and nose, turn and stitch closed (no stuffing).  Cut the eyes and mouth.  Then sew on the face.  I sew it all by machine except for the closing and adding the face/ears.

For the body I use golden yellow anti-pill fleece (you can get this at most craft/fabric stores like Joanns) and also a very small amount of black anti pill fleece for the nose and mouth. For the eyes I use black and white felt, but fleece might even be better. And I stuff him with poly-fil stuffing. 

I would love to see your creations!  The Jake pictured above is made by one of the followers of this blog, isn't he super cute!

Jake the Dog Pattern

You can email me using the button in the side bar if you have any questions!