Blinky Belle Koala Softie

Anthea Christian

Final size:

29cm (11 1/2in) high (seated)

USD $11.37

Intermediate

Sewing

For USD $11.37 you get

Easy to print at home digital pattern sheet

Simple step-by-step instructions to follow

Large detailed images and diagrams

How it works

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Brought to you by Australia’s Homespun and Quilters Companion magazines

Description

Not your usual Christmas softie toy, Anthea Christian’s koala softie pattern is super-cute and festive, dressed up in a red-and-white striped scarf with holly made from felt and a little Santa sack. The perfect Christmas gift for little girls and boys, this koala pattern will be a much-loved handmade toy.

Make your koala with only one cotton fabric and felt for embellishment and accessories
Use backstitch, ladder stitch and whipstitch for the construction and adding the koala’s details
Pattern sheet included with all of the koala components and accessories
Fully detailed step-by-step instructions and colour photographs take you through all of the construction steps from making your koala, through to creating the accessories
Includes Anthea’s tips on stuffing your soft toy and using pom poms for the scarf
Makes the cutest, cuddliest handmade Christmas gift for children
Good project for an intermediate-level crafter with sewing experience

Materials

Designer

Anthea Christian

How would you describe your particular craft style?I love using bright and colourful fabrics in my creations. When I’m designing my softies, I try to give them personality and cute expressions on their faces.

Did your distinctive style happen over time or was it immediate when you started stitching? I think I’ve always had the same look in mind that I’m trying to create, but perhaps I’ve got better at capturing that look the more items I’ve created. I guess I’ve refined my style over time and experience.

Are you good at all the crafts you’ve tried?I haven’t actually tried that many different crafts. I did learn to crochet recently and have found it relaxing and enjoyable, but I’ve only done a few simple projects so I’m not sure how I would go tackling a more complicated design.

Other than crafting, how do you like to spend your free time?I love going for long walks with friends along the beachside trail near our home, or catching up with friends for coffee. I also love curling up with a good book at home.

Is your stitching a great diversion from tasks you’d prefer to avoid (eg housework)? I’ve learnt that, if I want to spend a decent day sewing, then I have to leave the housework undone. It would be nice to have a clean and tidy house before I start a project but it means cutting into my valuable sewing time.

Of all the designs you have created, which has been your favourite?My fox softie is design so far. I’m really happy with how it turned out, and the positive response from others has been overwhelming. I love the look of the fox made in patchwork fabrics, rather than just plain orange and white, and it means everyone can make a unique version by choosing their own mix of fabrics.

And which has been most popular with the public or give recipient?I’ve given a couple of foxes as gifts and often get requests to make them from others who see them.

Have you got a stitching dream or goal? I really enjoy working at home, doing something I love, so it’s my goal to one day be able to work full time on my business and grow it so it’s beg enough to make a living from. It is doing quite well, but I’m working on expanding my range of patterns so that hopefully one day this will be possible.

What makes you laugh out loud?My two kids make me laugh all the time. They’re always saying funny things and making up funny shows for me to watch.

https://www.etsy.com/au/people/AngelLeaDesigns