So you want to make a chenille stuffed animal

I have seen several inquiries on my webpage for "how to make a stuffed animal from chenille." Although it is not hard, it does require patience. I could go on and on about it but I will make this short and to the point.

Things you will need:
very strong sturdy scissors
#18 sewing machine needle-for your sewing machine
chenille*
animal pattern**
* and ** see footnotes
WARNING: Not all patterns are suitable for chenille. But I have found that enlarging it helps a lot! I go to the public library and increase them by 10-15%, then try again. Sometimes that's all they need. Just remember to do ALL of the pieces the same.

First. Decide what you want to make. A rabbit, teddy bear, a dog or cat? You get the idea.

Second. Decide do you want a new pattern or a vintage pattern? New go to the store and pick one out  OR
you can check out online shops for both new and vintage patterns.

Third. Choose your chenille.  If you are fortunate enough to have one from grandma, that's great. If not, then you need to purchase it. Again you will need to know how much you need. You can purchase pieces as small as 6 inches square all the way up to a full spread. Read the descriptions carefully. If you are purchasing a vintage chenille spread it should state that it is cotton. If the description states it is a cutter, than even better because it should not cost as much as one in pristine condition. I myself would never cut up a truly pristine  one.  Now try and decide on a spread because the more you look the more you fall in love with them.

Fourth. Now to cut it out. Again you need to have the vision of the completed project. If your fabric has a repeating design, (most do) then fold it in half with the chenille tufts ON THE INSIDE!! (I have learned it is easier to cut out.) Make sure you pin thru both halves. You need sharp, strong scissors. Pay attention to where each piece goes and what you want the final piece to look like. Remember to place each pattern piece accordingly! This is half of the battle.

Fifth. Prepare to sew. Read all instructions thru at least one time before beginning. Keep close by for reference. Follow instructions. For ears that have points I have found that when I get to the point part--I stop at the end of the curve, leaving the needle in the fabric lift the pressure foot and rotate the fabric 90 degrees put in 2 or 3 stitches again leaving needle in lift pressure foot and rotate fabric and finish off ear, this gives a great point. I also use a chop stick for turning and stuffing. When joining pieces remember to clip curves as needed and reinforce area to be hand-stitched where you will stuff-em.

Sixth. Stuffing them. Before I stuff them I have started putting the "face" on. Since I use buttons I like to make sure they are solidly attached. This way I can attach them on the inside! Same for the nose and tails.
Use small batches of stuffing to stuff-em. For hard to reach places I use a chop stick. You can also use a wooden spoon handle. Pack the feet firmly, remembering to smooth the fabric, shape as you stuff-em. Continue on until you reach the "breaking" point. REMEMBER YOU STILL HAVE TO CLOSE HIM UP!
And to do that, depending on what I am making, I will use either a blanket stitch of just a slip stitch. Just make sure it's secure enough to stand the test of time. You want him to last for a few generations to come.

FOOTNOTES:
*You can purchase solid color chenille at most fabric stores now.
**Here is where you have to have a vision of what it will look like when it is completed. This is where your sewing skills come into play. Where on the chenille will which pattern piece go to give you the stuffed animal you want?

Do you still want to make it yourself? If that answer is yes, you can always contact me for support. I know I wish I had someone when I wasn't sure on a particular pattern. My contact information can be found on my website: www.custardpuddingdreams.artfire.com

Oh and back to that question--If you do not want to make it yourself. Visit my website.
I would also like to know how many would be interested in kits, like ready to stuff or ready to sew.
So if you would drop me a note my email is: custardpuddingdreams@gmail.com.

Till next time,
Catherine

Welcome 2013! My new year goal

As we start 2013 with a clean slate we reflect on things we will change, hopefully for the better. I for one hope to change some of my health problems. Being on oxygen all the time can be a bit depressing. Having to be hooked up to one machine or another and trying to figure out just what you can and can't do. There is a whole list of things I can no longer do because of my physical limitations. Mostly house chores. I am so lucky my husband does as much as he does without too much complaining. LOL. The rest gets done a little here and there as I can get to it. Good thing it's just us and the dog.
My doctor keeps saying that if I exercise more that I will be able to do more. I can't walk up or down a flight of stairs without being out of breath so I don't get how that's gonna happen? I remember when I was doing my hip replacement rehab, I was on oxygen then, it took me almost 2 hours to get thru what should have been a 40 minute session, not including the cold packs afterwards, and I had to up my O2 intake also. Well we will see how it goes. It can only kill me. Right? My philosophy has always been, you gotta die of something, at least I'd know what did me in.
Continuing to look on the bright side of things, I am enjoy this time that the hubby is away. He is in sunny San Diego at a convention, while I am here taking care of home and dog. I did not want to go and sit in the hotel all day waiting, then go out all night only to come back sick again. No siree, not this year. I did that the last 2 years and wound up in the hospital when I came back, both times with pneumonia. So I decided I did not want a return trip this year. Hoping not to go there this year. Got my flu shot and staying away from all the sickies! At least I have been able to catch up on some cleaning.
I am also starting the new year with some lower prices in my shop as well as some new items. I have lowered my dolls from $45.00 to $35.00. I hope this helps those of you who where thinking of purchasing them. I know we are still in tough economic times. I do not think we are done yet and that there are even more tougher times to come. While a lot of us still struggle to keep a roof over our heads, I know even more struggle to put food on the table. That is why I have decided that for every doll I sell $5.00 will go to a food pantry to help feed a family in need. I will keep a running post here so everyone can see. I hope to make a $100.00 contribution this year. With your help I am certain I will make that goal.
Here is the link to my shop: www.custardpuddingdreams.artfire.com.