Project Seven: Felt Toy Car

I wanted to make a toy car for my nephew for his first birthday, but I couldn't find any good patterns online.  This is the first prototype of my own design, which I will keep improving each time I make it.

I wasn't sure how 'realistic' to make it, as a lot of the patterns were quite stylised and looked...odd.

I think the next prototype will have some detail of the car doors, will be wider, and the wheels larger.

But I think the proportions of this are cute in their own way!

I would also like to try making them out of fabric, particularly a stiffer fabric like denim or canvas, as they'll hold their shape better and reduce the 'puffy' look that this one has.

I will also try using a fabric other than felt for the number plate, or I'll reinforce it with fusible interfacing - as it was very difficult (as you can see) to keep the stitching straight and uniform!

However, I'm really quite happy with the car, just nit-picking! And I'll upload some new photos once I've done another prototype. Once I'm happy with it I'll make the pattern available - its a really easy project that requires minimal fabric and machine stitching. We need more boy patterns!

Project Six: Toy Hen & Chicks

Pattern: Melly & Me "Clucky"

Clucky was a really fun pattern to make. Selecting the fabrics was probably the best part! With so many little pieces and little fiddly sewing, turning and stuffing steps, its not for the faint-hearted - but looks so great, it was worth the time spent.

As suggested in the pattern, I used the adaption for children under three, which involved stitching the eyes and wings rather than using buttons and beads.

Although its a big project, I would definitely make this again - I think it makes a great gift, and is an excellent way to put your scrap fabric collection to good use!

Next time I might tone down one or two of the funky fabrics so that they're not all competing for attention as much. Particularly the chick's bodies, as the fabrics I used made the shape of the body difficult to discern and the eyes difficult to see on some.

Materials & Equipment required: 5 fabrics (although I used 8), fusible interfacing, toy stuffing, turning and stuffing tools, black embroidery thread, white and orange felt. Template plastic or heavy cardboard for base. Sewing machine as well as needles and thread for hand sewing. Threads to match all 5 fabrics. Also, for children over 3: 10 buttons, 8 seed beads.