Quilliam & Holly Hedgehog Softies

Sarah Hanson

Final size:

24cm (91/2in)

USD $7.57

Beginner

Sewing

For USD $7.57 you get

Easy to print at home digital pattern sheet
Simple step-by-step instructions to follow
Detailed images and diagrams

How it works

Digital patterns and classes are delivered straight to your inbox for you to download/watch instantly
You receive lifetime access to any digital pattern or video tutorial purchased
Products are available to be delivered worldwide

Cosy values

Digital patterns and instructions are quality, trialled and tested and guaranteed to work
Brought to you by Australia’s Homespun and Quilters Companion magazines

Description

Use faux fur or fleece to make the child in your life a gorgeous, cuddly hedgehog using Sarah Hanson's softie pattern. They're so quick and easy to create, that you'll want to make the matching pair.
- A comprehensive materials list ensures that you'll have everything you need to complete both softies
- All shapes provided full size, ready to trace
- Detailed step-by-step instructions illustrated with close-up photographs lead you through each stage of the project
- A fun gift for a child, boy or girl, although you'll want to omit Holly's hair ribbon if you're making it for a child younger than three, as it may work loose and become a choking hazard
- Personalise the softies with your choice of fabrics; Sarah even provides instructions for a super-easy version made in cotton fabric with ruffle instead of fleece
- Embellish with easy embroidery worked in backstitch, running stitch and stem stitch
- Includes Sarah's special hints and tips to help you enjoy your sewing
- Suitable for a beginner crafter. Some previous experience of making softies is recommended if you wish to use faux fur or fleece - a novice might like to start with the cotton fabric version

Materials

Fabric requirements and measurements specified in instructions
30cm (12in) of 13mm (1/2in) wide pink ribbon
25mm (1in) pink felt flower
14mm (5/8in) mother-of-pearl button
DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton in Blanc and Black (310)
Embroidery needle
Machine sewing thread to match the felt for the tummies
Fusible web
Fibre fill
Turning tool such as a chopstick
Freezer paper and HB pencil
Water-erasable fabric-marking pen
Tailor's chalk
Pinking shears and/or scalloped-edge decorative shears (optional)
Rotary cutter, ruler and mat
Sewing machine with 1/4in foot
General sewing supplies

Designer

Sarah Hanson

How long have you been creating softies? I started sharing my designs when I saw the plight of the children in Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. I offered a free charity doll pattern (Find it here: http://dollsanddaydreams.com/blogs/news/16548468-free-charity-easy-rag-doll-sewing-pattern-small-10-8-inch-dollies), and we collected over 500 dolls that Doll Drive – and have been sending 1000s around the world since. Currently, we focus on Operation Christmas Child and the Uthando Project.

Do you like to do a wide variety of styles and subjects with your toys? Absolutely! I have more than 300 designs available from Sewing to ITH – dress-up dolls, art dolls and animals from around the world. I particularly like focusing on endangered species, to help promote awareness – like my Easter bilby pattern. Creating ‘baby safe’ dolls is also very important to me – and I’m proud to say that our finished dolls pass all toy-safety standards, thus we help support cottage industries with a product they can trust.

You have a range of children makes – what was the source of your inspiration for this project?

My regular range of toys took too long to for my children complete what with the limbs and such, but I wanted to promote teaching our children and grandchildren to sew. I believe it’s an amazing skill set for both boys and girls to learn - and you never know where it might take them. So, I designed the 'Quick Kids' Sewing Pattern Range. These are simple 20-minute projects that not only keep kids engaged but also motivate them to sew more, because they finish up with an adorable cute toy at the end of it. I also wanted these to be fun for adults, too – they make very cute last-minute gifts and Craft Fair fillers.

What’s the strangest softie or doll you’ve ever made? Strange – ahh, well that term is really linked to personal taste. I know some thought it strange last year when I came out with my Day of the Dead Sugar skull doll – but I adore exploring other culture’s traditions and introducing my clients to patterns they have never had the opportunity to make before.

How many softies do you think you’ve made over the years? Oh! my … it has to be in the thousands. I really have never bothered to count. My studio currently houses close to 100 reference creations, and you don’t want to see how many my children have in their rooms.

Is it your full-time occupation? Yes it is. I run a full working design studio and have an amazing group of people on my team.

Were you professionally trained in stitching and craft or are you self-taught? I have a background in Fine Art, but it was my amazing grandmother who taught me to sew at a very young age – so I think she deserves the credit for giving me such a fun means of expressing myself.

Sarah Hanson, Dolls And Daydreams –

Dolls And Daydreams