Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Info on Softie Fabric & Little Lovey Doll Tutorial

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I'm a big fan of specialty fabrics.  They add a bit of extra style, texture & fun to projects.   Today I'm going to share my love of Softie fabric and why I think it's a great addition to any fabric stash.  So what the heck is Softie?

Softie is an incredibly cozy polyester than has plush nap on its right side and a smooth finish on the wrong side.  A bit softer than velour, and with just a bit of stretch, so you can use it for clothing, blankets, toys, quilts & all sorts of other things.  If you want to make something cuddly, this is the fabric to use.  You can't help but want to sink your hand in it - it's that soft.



Sewing with it is easy - just use a lot of pins to keep it from sliding while sewing together.  Doing a quick tumble in the dryer will take care of any loose fuzzies after cutting too, but both of these things are pretty minimal compared to a lot of other fluffy fabrics.  One last tip - it's not meant to be ironed, but because of it's fluid softness it rarely creases.

I used some of the new Timeless Treasures Softie dots & solid green to make a reversible hooded pullover for my little lady.  The pattern I had called for knits and worked great since the Softie has just enough stretch.  It was an huge improvement over using knit since each side was cloud-soft and cuddly.  It's now my 2 year old's favorite top!


I also love Softie fabric because unlike fleece and other cuddly fabrics, it keeps its plush feel and doesn't pill up as much over time.  Staying ultra soft over time makes it ideal for children's projects.  And speaking of projects, how about a tutorial for one right now?  



My Little Lovey Doll is easy to make.  Even a beginner can have one made in about 30 minutes.  And being part doll, part blankie means it's a perfect bedtime or travel companion.   I used the pink squiggly lines & solid chocolate Softie fabrics from Timeless Treasures for mine.

You'll Need:
- 3/8 yd Softie print fabric
- 1/8 yd Softie solid fabric
- Batting (11in wide x 12in high piece)
- A few ounces of polyfill
- Embroidery floss
- Tiny scrap of felt
- Hand embroidery needle
- Sewing Notions (thread, pins, sewing machine, pencil)
- Paper

First make the patterns. On a paper square that is 11in wide by 12in high make a pear shape with rounded arms.  From a square that's 1.5in wide by 1.5in high, cut a "U" shape to make the hands template.  And from a square of paper that is 3.5in wide by 3.5in high make a rounded head shape that that narrows slightly at the bottom (to make a neck).

Cut out the front & back of the body from the print Softie and a single body from the batting.  Cut a front & back of both hands and the head from the solid Softie.



On the head front, using the floss, hand embroider some "U" shapes for the eyes and cut out a small "U" from the felt and stitch that on for the mouth:


With the flat end of the head lined up with the neckline of the body (and the right sides facing), stitch the head to the body on both the front and back pieces:




With right sides facing, sew the front & backs of the hands together leaving the bottoms open.  Clip around the curve (I use pinking shears to make this fast & easy around small curves like this) and turn right side out.  Stuff with a small amount of polyfill.


On the front line up the open ends of the hands with the wrist area on the body:


Place the back side over the front and then place the batting on top.  Pin all the layers and then stitch together with a .25in seam allowance, leaving a 2 inch gap at the bottom for turning.


Clip around the curves (or use my time-saving pinking shears trimming).  Turn the doll right side out and stuff the head section with polyfill, using a pencil or knitting needle to help pack it in.  You can add a few hand stitches through all the layers at the neck to help keep the polyfill in place (although I didn't and it hasn't shifted out of place).  Hand sew the bottom opening closed.  Next cut the two triangles, that are 4 in wide at the base and 4 inches high, for the hat:


Sew the sides of the hat together with a .25in seam allowance and turn right side out:


Fold the raw edges of the hat under and place it on the lovey's head.  Pin together and hand stitch in place:


Now there's a soft & cuddly lovey doll for a little person to love!  My daughter immediately took to hers and it's now her new best friend.  They go everywhere together:)



What would you make with some Softie fabric?  I'd love to hear your ideas!
Sharing this with my FAVE LINK PARTIES too - click HERE to check them out!

20 comments:

  1. Shirley said:
    This is down right adorable. Thanks for the post.

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  2. Oh that doll is too cute! My daughter is way into soft and cozy pants right now, so I should probably make her a few (more) pairs so we can wash the ones she has more frequently!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cameron! Definitely use Softie then - she'll LOVE it. I've got to make a few more since these two items are my daughter's favorite things too.

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  3. wonderful tutorial - thanks so much!

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  4. That's a great project and very easy to follow tutorial! Great pics! I have not heard of this fabric yet...but I'll be looking for it now!
    Thanks for joining me for Pearls and Lace Thursday!
    Blessings, Doni

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the doll! i Want to try it!

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    Replies
    1. I'd love to see yours if you do! It is SO easy to make - I was surprised how fast it was to put together. Definitely going to make more!

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  6. Thats such a cute idea! May have to give this a go!

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  7. Great tutorial with pics, very cute doll!I came from Katherine's Corner to give you a wink. I'm enjoying your blog and wont stop, I will now continue to do the hop!! Now that we met come follow me, on my..... GFC....

    I would love for you to stop by, enter for a chance to win In The Annual Fashionista Event, the biggest of the year, there are over $12,000 in prizes!!
    Oh! My Heartsie

    @Oh! My Heartsie
    Karren

    ReplyDelete
  8. 'sew" cute. I think I would make a little Easter bunny. xo

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  9. This is darling. I have some scraps of "softie" fabric lying around...so I'll have to try this. Would you share with my readers as well? http://www.clipwithpurpose.com/no-sew-fleece-hat-made-for-you-monday-link-up-5/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for linking up. I pinned it and it has already been re-pinned dozens of times. A big hit! Hope to see more of your creations on another Monday

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    2. Thanks for sharing that Jessica! I'll definitely be linking up again soon:)

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  10. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays,lovely idea :)

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  11. I love that it doesn't pill. That's fantastic. That always makes me sad about fleece. That doll is so sweet!:)

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  12. What a gorgeous little blanket/doll! Thanks for sharing the pattern!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. wow this is so cute!

    Thanks for linking up to Serenity Saturday.
    Can't wait to see what you link up tomorrow

    Natasha xxx

    www.serenityyou.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello .. I have never seen a smart articles that you created. It really helped me to get back my ideas for writing. I will save this post, for I learn more

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh soooo cute! I love this so much!

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  16. This is super cool and cute! thanks for sharing! This tutorial was featured here: http://www.plushiepatterns.com/little-lovely-doll-plushie-pattern-by-sew-can-do/

    ReplyDelete

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