Christmas Gift - Toy Dog

Lanne · #1 17-10-2011, 03:36 PM

I started a thread a while ago about handmade christmas items.. and gifts.. I will find it and relink..

I have been working away on stationery items for girlfriends.. but wanted to do something for the kids - and hadnt found the right project.
I have neices and nephews 6, 3, 2 + baby and friends children inc 4 girls (5, 8, 8 and 10) and two girls overseas at 5 and 9/10..

I wanted something for everyone.. that I could personalise.. but basically make the same thing. With making handmade it can easily end up being WAY more expensive if you are buying materials and supplies for too many projects. I also thought it might be faster if I do one thing well and stick to it.

I am OK at sewing but.. things like teddy bears and softie toys are best left to those with more skills. I got a basic sewing machine for my birthday last year and it is fine for quick and easy things but not suitable for complex tasks.

I went to a market last weekend and saw these adorable little toy dogs. They were beyond simple to make.. no eyes or face shaping.. just two pieces, sewn together and stuffed. Straight stitched, and the edges were them cut and frayed. perfection.

I have bought different fabric for both sides, and flannelette to line them. I got fabric to suit each child's personality and age.. . They have a simple ribbon collar. I didnt like the ribbon available at spotlight and will go to a boutique nearby for some special ribbon.

I thought I might make each dog a little certificate of adoption and the kids can choose and write a name on them. (at least for the younger ones). The older kids will probably like that they arent a stuffed toy as such but a little modern and grown up take on it. They would be great on a bed or shelf etc.

A is away this week and i thought it a perfect opportunity to take over the dining area. .. have just begun cutting out. I hope to get them all sewn before bed... as I just remembered i have a client tomorrow .. opps. ha

I will be sure and share photos.

Julie-Ann · #2 17-10-2011, 08:26 PM

That sounds so cute

. We definitely need photos

dmplus3 · #3 18-10-2011, 08:57 AM

Seriously, Crazy Cat Lady (!), you are so sweet.

I can't wait to see the fabrics that you've chosen!

Lanne · #4 19-10-2011, 06:37 PM

I have finished them all!

I ended up making 14 dogs. LOL (maybe i should be the crazy dog lady).. LOL
(for those wondering I posted on fb that i was like the crazy old cat lady sitting around sewing

. )

They are so cute.. I am sure the kids will love them. Lochie thought they were for babies.. until he saw me making them and HAD to have one. (They are a Scottie dog shape and he has a modern green tartan fabric and has called the dog McPhee. It has gone off to bed with him tonight so they are sure to be a hit with younger kids.

For those budgeting it out..

I did not look for cheap fabrics. I could have made an effort to do so but figured they were little dogs, and christmas gifts. I ended up getting quilting fabrics..(rarely cheap but often nice) and about 60cm of each. This gives you 3 sides (1.5 dogs). I bought different fabric for each side and so two fabrics @ 60cm each is JUST enough for 3 dogs.

I also bought two 1 kilo bags of wadding/hobby fill. I have one unopened bag (about $10 a bag on sale). I could squeak out 3 more dogs at a push.. bringing the total to 17 dogs. The total cost all in was $140. (allowing for the purchase of ribbon and the return of the hobbyfill. (or just under $850 per dog). If you sought cheaper fabrics you would probably find it much cheaper but I am a bit chuffed now I am doing the math. They def dont look like an $9 present in real life.

I have posted the basic instructions - please excuse the images. I snapped them on my phone whilst working on the dogs. My main focus was making dogs, not shooting LOL

The instructions are here - http://lanne.posterous.com/toy-dogs-19-oct-2011-8pm

I dont have a pattern for the dog. I drew it based on one I had seen elsewhere. Like most minimal things - It is important to get the shape right, to give the dog character. The lil kicks on his paws etc and the shape of his ears make a huge difference.

Some of the others are here - http://lanne.posterous.com/finished-...9-oct-2011-8pm The colours are a lil off.. again - snapped on my phone. But I will be sure and take proper photos when they have their 'collar ribbons'

Cherylle · #5 19-10-2011, 06:46 PM

They are seriously cute. I love patchwork fabric.

Well done - that is a mammoth effort and they look gorgeous - I'm sure they will be so happy to receive them.

Julie-Ann · #6 19-10-2011, 06:54 PM

They are so adorable

. What kid wouldn't love one. Well done on getting 14 made - that's a mammoth task

.

Lanne · #7 19-10-2011, 07:13 PM

Thanks!

I think making 14 seperately would be but I got a bit of a production line happening. I cut them all, sewed them all, stuffed them all, then restitched them all and then trimmed them all. The trimming was the worst bit by far! it took at least twice as long as the sewing.