Island Batik

April Island Batik and Funky Friends Factory Project

This month’s Island Batik ambassador project is a little different. The Funky Friends Factory sponsored the challenge. We were asked to choose a critter we wanted to make. Since I don’t normally make stuffed animals I was not quite sure which one to choose. Because I’m fascinated with hedgehogs, I decided to go with their Hannah Hedgehog pattern. Stick around because I can’t wait to show you my April Island Batik and Funky Friends Factory project.

Fun Fact: Hedgehogs do not live in the wild in the United States.

Hedgehogcare101.com

After getting the pattern it was time to choose fabrics for my critter. Not an easy choice when I have so many gorgeous Island Batiks to choose from. I decided to bring out my bold side and go with some bright colors, purple, pink and green. The purple and pinks are both from their Blenders line. the purple is Dandelion – Wisteria and the pink is Dandelion – Bubble Gum. That glorious lime green is from a gorgeous line called Proud Peacock that I made a quilt with last summer.

Disclosure: The products in this post were generously provided by Island Batik, Funky Friends Factory, Aurifil Thread and Schmetz Needles.

Getting Ready to Sew

The pattern was easy to download and came with detailed and easy-to-follow instructions. I particularly liked that the template pieces were clearly marked. That was extremely helpful to a newbie stuffed animal maker like myself.

I cut out all of the templates, did my tracing and cut out all of the shapes. Easy as pie!

Sewing

To sew her I used Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles.

After all of the shapes were cut out it was time to start sewing. Again, this is where the templates were helpful. There were pattern marking so it made it easy to know where to start and stop sewing.

In addition, the Funky Friends Factory has a blog post with assembly instructions. I found myself heading to that article a few times. I’m a visual learner so the photos in the tutorial were extremely helpful.

A Bit More About My April Island Batik and Funky Friends Factory Project
Here’s Henrietta first trip into the woods

When my critter was done I realized she did not feel like a Hannah (the pattern name) to me. I decided to name her Henrietta. I’m not sure why, but to me it fits her personality.

Henrietta checking out my daffodils

You may have noticed that I used buttons for her eyes. I decided to do that because she will not be gifted to a child. I will be keeping her for my sewing studio. The other thing you can’t miss is her sweet little ear. I messed her right one up and did not notice until I was ready to sew her closed. The ear stayed because I think it gives her a bit more character. Like in nature, not everything is perfect.

Henrietta is ready for the camera in my YouTube sewing studio!

Henrietta will be staying in my studio and if you watch my YouTube videos she will probably make an appearance.

9 Comments

  1. Gail Renna

    April 8, 2022 at 4:34 PM

    Great blog. I loved the clarity of your steps, and how you kept her special ear. It makes her unique.

    1. createwithclaudia_7j76hs

      April 12, 2022 at 7:33 AM

      Thanks Gail!

  2. Jennifer Thomas

    April 10, 2022 at 12:35 PM

    Henrettia is super cute! I love her name and her little foray into the woods. Have a great day!

    1. createwithclaudia_7j76hs

      April 12, 2022 at 7:32 AM

      Thanks! It was fun to take the pictures!

    1. createwithclaudia_7j76hs

      April 12, 2022 at 7:32 AM

      Thanks so much! This was a fun challenge!

  3. Sandra Starley

    April 13, 2022 at 12:27 AM

    She’s cute. I think her different ears give her more charm.

    1. createwithclaudia_7j76hs

      April 13, 2022 at 11:08 AM

      Thanks! I love looking at her when I’m in my sewing room.

  4. Brenda @ Songbird Designs

    April 16, 2022 at 5:47 PM

    So cute!! I think this is one of my favorites. I had a hard time choosing a pattern!! I love Henrietta and her ear. After all, we are all unique in our own special way!!

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