Olifantastic
- Jaime Eray
- Dec 13, 2015
- 2 min read
I found a pattern for a stuffed toy elephant in an ancient Afrikaans crafts book, so I tried it out. I don’t think I translated the instructions properly though, because it didn’t look too good! So this is my own version, loosely based on the original.
I had a million pieces of scrap fabric that were too small for anything, so I decided my little Ellie will be a patchwork of those scraps and off-cuts. Originally I was inserting the ears into slits cut in the sides and closing them off that way, but I switched over to just sewing them flat onto the head with a close zigzag stitch. Saved a ton of time. The ears aren't stuffed like the rest of the body, and can be laid flat or pulled to stick out from the head. I also shortened the legs - I know this makes them look squat and seal-like, but also very cute!! Long legs just didn't look right to me. Sometimes I sew buttons on for eyes, otherwise I just paint them on.
This garish pink and purple one was my draft attempt. She was the prototype that laid the pattern for the ones to come. I’ve been making Ellie’s with different combinations of prints and fabrics for a while now. I never throw away scraps and off-cuts, so this is a great way to get rid of the otherwise unuseable snippets of fabric. They make great birthday gifts as well.
I'll upload my pattern with instructions for you, just as soon as I track down that old book with the original for referencing (credit where credit is due, and all that).
I'll upload my pattern with instructions for you, just as soon as I track down that old book with the original for referencing (credit where credit is due, after all).
