STUFFED FEEJEE

I made my FeeJee mermaid last night and it didn't take to long at all. To get a plushy done in an evening is not something I'm used to. It was very hard for me to not go crazy and embellish this guy. I'm pretty happy how he turned out. I was still able to pay attention to details without doing so much hand stitching. I think he still looks like I made it, he looks like my illustration and seems to have a story to tell, which I strive for. I think he'd be funny hung on a plaque like a real fish...like a real dead stuffed fish.:D He measures 14"H x 4"W.

FEEJEE IN COLOR

So I think this is what he'll look like. I just have to figure out how to do the scales with out sewing on each individual scale on.

NOT FEEJEE MERMAID AGAIN!

Yes...again! I know, I keep going coming back to this character. I can't help it. I've officially painted, sculpted, or sewn a FeeJee Mermaid 5 or 6 times in the last 10 years. It's about every other year I get drawn back to this creature. I always seem to find a little more information about him every time too. This time I found a great article at the Museum of Hoaxes website.
I chose do another FeeJee Mermaid because I've been trying to come up with a character I could do simple enough and complete in an evening. I tend to get carried away with detailing and the complexity of my plush, I love a challenge. But I've been trying to create a plushy that is simple but still looks like I created it. Plus this guy shows my sense of humor as well as interest in weird stuff. Cute and odd, the perfect combo.

A DRESS IN A COUPLE HOURS

This dress is made from Butterick pattern 4386. It is super fast. You can easily get one made in an evening. I had to do a little altering. I made the darts bigger in the back because it wasn't hanging right. I can't remember who makes the print but it's super cute and springy. I thought my squirrel head would looke really good with this dress.

ORLA KIELY

After about two months of walking past the Orla Kiely display at Target I caved in and bought some stuff. I kept telling myself I just don't need more "stuff" even though I loved what I saw. I know a lot of people are taking the tablecloths and towels and reworking them. So I decided I need a new tote bag and since I can't afford a real Orla Kiely bag I'd make one myself. I live in the midwest and the Orla Kiely stuff isn't exactly flying off the shelves. Which is a good thing for me, more for me!
I used the two set dishtowels that come in blue and white flowers. I had some great orangey velvety material that I used on the bottom and a brown cotton woven strap. I did use a fair amount of interfacing as well as a heavy canvas that is fused to the blue lining. I'm not a fan of what I call "droopy bags", I like a bit of structure to my bags. That way everything stays nice and neat inside. I also added two areas for pockets on either side on the inside. It measures 12" x 14". Of course now I'm thinking of turning a table cloth into a skirt. I keep coming up with new sewing projects when I really need to get back to my plushies.