Pattern Review: Edward or Eloise Elephant by Audrey and Maude

The Edward or Eloise Elephant softie sewing pattern creates a really cute stuffed animal that is perfect as a baby or Christmas gift (my children take turns sleeping with "Ellie" at night!)

The skill level for this project is an advanced beginner or intermediate. Sewing around the curves might be challenging for beginners. There is also a bit of handsewing (which was a challenge for me, something I need to work on!) This pattern would also be an ideal candidate for an entirely hand sewn project.

Although there aren't a lot of pictures in the pattern, it explains the order to sew things together perfectly, offering tips along the way. I've provided some photos below of some of the potentially confusing construction points. Also, when tracing the pattern pieces you should have the fabric double thickness, or flip the pattern over for one of the pieces.

Sewing first bottom piece to main bodySewing second bottom piece to main bodySewing bottom pieces togetherThe pattern calls for interfacing, which will give the softie a more defined shape. I did not use it, in order to keep mine 100% organic. I think the body looks great, however the ears probably would have looked better with interfacing to help them stand out. If you want to keep your project completely organic, you could use double thickness of fabric on the ears instead of interfacing to add some thickness to help keep the shape.

To get a professional-looking result, be sure to stuff every corner and keep stuffing, stuffing and stuffing! I found a long-handled spoon from the kitchen was a great tool. I used the handle side to push stuffing into the corners and the spoon side to move the stuffing to one side or the other when stuffing the body. I started with the trunk, then did the feet, then the head before working on the body.

If you have any questions about how to put the pattern pieces together, please ask.

I have put some kits in the shop so you can make your own organic, polka-dot softies. Feel free to substitute different fabrics, if you would like.

Comments

[Rosie/The Fabric Shopper]

Looks great! I'd love to be making your adorable softie today but alas, I am doing alterations...blah :-)