Felt Pickle Pattern

My new "Pickles The Elephant" sewing pattern just came out this week! Elephants usually go wild for peanuts but you can guess what this elephant likes. So I figure if your sewing up Pickles the Elephant, she might need some pickles as well. Here's the free tutorial and you can print the PDF version here.

Supplies Needed: 

4" x 6" rectangles of green felt, a lighter green embroidery floss, a sewing machine or needle and thread, and some fiberfill

Instructions:

Start by cutting 4 of the pickle pieces from the felt.

Pin two pieces together and sew from the center of the top to the center of the bottom. Repeat this step for the remaining two pieces. This stitching can be done by machine or hand.

Next join the two sets together. Do this by inning two of the un-sewn sides together and then the remaining un-sewn sides together. Make sure all four of the top pieces are at the top of the pickle and the same for the four bottom pieces.

Sew the two sides just as you did in the previous step. This time leave a 2 1/2" gap in the middle of one of the seams. This will be for turning.

Clip the edges of the felt every 1/4" and then turn the pickle inside out. fill the pickle with fiberfill. Hand stitch the opening closed.

With the green embroidery floss, tie a knot in the end of the thread and start at the top of the pickle. Send the needle through, leaving the knot and loose threads exposed. Stitch up and down down the side of the pickle until you get to the bottom center. Turn your needle around and stitch up and down back up to the top. Continue these stitches all the way around the pickle. Once your stitching has finished, bring the needle up through the top center again. Tie a knot and trim the excess floss. Be sure to leave about 1/4" of floss for the stem.

Have fun!

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New Patterns Peek

I've ben so busy with Quilt Market prep and Holiday newsletters that  haven't had time to tell you about my two new sewing patterns. Yikes! I am so excited about them. I have two new patterns and they are shipping now. First is Pickles the Elephant. 

Most elephants are crazy for peanuts but this little guy is crazy for pickles. Pickles stands about 8 inches tall. If you want to make pickles of Pickles you can find a free PDF pattern at my blog.

Next are my Little Ditty bags. A Ditty bag by definition is a bag used mostly by sailors to hold small items such as sewing supplies. Now I couldn't just make a plain ditty bag....This pattern includes all four styles; a cupcake, a toad still, a turtle, and a crab. They stand about 5 inches tall and are great for holding gifts, jewelry, sewing supplies, and more.

 I just wish I could hand you these little guys through the computer so you could hold them. If you're coming to market I am in booth 1467, you can hold them there. :)

Have a great day,

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