Sunday, August 23, 2009

Haven't You Always Wanted A Stuffed Elephant Shrew?

I've always admired the work of people who make soft sculptures, like Abby Glassenberg. Probably because I wish I was better at sewing. I can get by, but don't look too close, or you'll see a lot of tucks, and crooked seams, etc. I'm just a little too lazy to fix things when they go wrong. So over a year ago I found a pattern on Martha Stewart for making soft toys. It seemed relatively simple. I thought I'd try it out.
The thing was, I didn't want to make a lamb, or a chicken, or a pig. I wanted to make an elephant. I'm kind of an elephant fan. So I thought I'd just use the pig pattern, but alter it slightly to make it an elephant. No big, right?
I just used some scraps I had in my sewing room and got started. Everything seemed to be going well at first, but kind of went down hill. I got to the part where I needed to stuff it, but I didn't have any stuffing on hand, and I was feeling like it wasn't turning out well, so I just put it in one of my drawers, and there it sat. Sad and unfinished. Silently mocking me for my lack of sewing skills.
Fast forward to now, and I decided to finish it. Because I'm having a baby. Have I mentioned that? Yes, I'm having a baby. We're thrilled. And I wanted to make a toy for the baby. I bought some stuffing and some jingle bells to make it rattle, stuffed away, and hand stitched the opening closed. Now I could get a good look at the completed piece:





It kind of doesn't look like an elephant. This is what I was going for:



It kind of looks like a cross between a mouse and an elephant. Like this:



So if anyone asks, I totally made an elephant shrew on purpose, and the big ears are just use of my artistic license.

7 comments:

stacey said...

I love it! I think it looks like an elephant, even with the ears. Just name it Dumbette. :)

Nancy said...

I think anorexic elephants are cute. Love it.

abby said...

i think it's perfect! i love it!

Morgan said...

Oh my gosh, you are so funny. I love the elephant and I love you.

karla said...

I'm impressed you even thought of a way to alter it. I have tried to think of ways to make my own stuffed animal patterns, but I have a difficult time comprehending how it works - bags are much easier. And genius to put the little bell inside!

pam said...

What a darling stuffed animal for your new baby. I am sure she will really appreciate that you made it special for her.

Michelle said...

Don't let anyone tell you you aren't talented! I love it!