Bubbles (Dizzy Dolphin)

Island Batik's June Challenge is co-sponsored by Funky Friends Factory. 

I chose Dizzy Dolphin.

Bubbles!

Let's start from the beginning.

I downloaded and printed the pattern. I chose a light and a dark fabric from an older Island Batik collection, called Exuberance. I had used this collection to make Trevor (the quilt with dimples).

2nd fabric in 1st column, 8th fabric in the 2nd column

The dots gave the impression of playful bubbles.

Pattern and Fabrics

The step by step directions were clear and the pattern was easy to make. I used Schmetz 80/12 Microtex needle for all the machine stitching.

In the process - Marked the Eye

The swish of the tail

The fins and the tail were stuffed first and set aside. Hobbs had provided (in addition to all the batting) a bag of polyester bonded fibers for this exact purpose.

Stuffing for Toys, by Hobbs

It may not seem like it, by the Dolphin needed a lot of stuffing. Slowly, first easing into the farthest corners and then adding some more, till I could stuff no more.

Stuffing

I used a larger black circle and a smaller green circle to make the eye and stitched with Black Aurifil thread in 12wt wool.

And here she is. 

Completed!

She is cute and look at all those bubbles she is blowing. Hence I have named her Bubbles :-) even though Pauline calls her Dizzy Dolphin.

Paul decided to model with Bubbles.

Paul & Bubbles

A few more shots trying to capture the different angles.

Atop the mailbox

Deep Sea Diving

Resting in the Pool

So fun!

Many thanks to Island Batik,  Funky Friends Factory, Hobbs Batting, Schmetz needles and Aurifil Thread for supplying product to make this project.

In other news, I completed the Green blocks for the Rain Scrap Challenge (May). 

Green RSC Blocks for May

June is Orange, said Angela. I have already chosen the fabrics. Look at these yummy Island Batiks.

Orange Fabrics for June

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the side bar.

Bluey Boy - Funky Friends Factory Challenge

It was a beautiful day and I took Bluey Boy for a walk. 

Bluey posing for the camera

The April challenge is sponsored by Funky Friends Factory, who provided each of the Island Batik ambassadors a free pattern of their choice.  

It was a difficult choice because all of these patterns are so cute. I chose the Digger/Dixie Dachshund. The difference in two options was the tail. I could choose a short upright tail or a longer downward one.

I chose the short tail version, because it would be easier to photograph. Besides I can just picture the cute little tail wagging for me :-)

Let's start at the beginning. I chose Aqua Blender for the body and a dark blue contrasting fabric for tails, ears and footpads.

The head and the ears

Although the pattern may seem intimidating, Pauline provides step by step detailed instructions with pictures for every step. 

The tail

Coming together

I used Schmetz Microtex 80/12 needle in my machine. Lots of pins were a must to keep little pieces in their proper place. 

Pins and Needles

It was joyful to see the little guy come together, bit by bit. 

Button eyes

I used charcoal buttons for eyes. I added the nose in advance, deviating from the pattern.

 

I used Crafter's Choice Polyfil to stuff this baby. If practice makes you perfect, I am only one step away from completely imperfect. Because I've done this only once before when I made Gertie Gecko. 

Almost there!

And here he is - meet Bluey Boy!

The tail!!!

Imperfectly Perfect

My stitching is far from neat and the project is not perfect. 

But Bluey is an entirely different story. He is absolutely perfect and I love him.

I immediately took a few pictures.

Bluey at the door

Guarding the Door or Asking to go out?

Next morning, it was time for a proper photoshoot.  Paul served as not only the photographer but also the Creative Director behind these pictures. 

Using Island Batik Ribbon as a leash

Well Done!

Bluey examining the output

Ok, you have done the deed. Are you done sniffing? Good. No need to taste it.

The leash and the poop (Twix) were Paul's ideas. But that is where he drew the line. 

Bluey is my dog and I had to clean up after him.

Yes, I clean up after my dog

Do you see his ear flapping in the breeze? Oh my goodness, so stinking cute :-D

Who is a good boy?

Such a good dog! I am so proud of you, Bluey Boy!

Good Bluey Boy!

This was such a fun project. Thanks to Funky Friends Factory, Bluey has brought me joy and I would have never attempted it if it wasn't for the challenge. I highly recommend that you consider making a toy from Funky Friends Factory.

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar. 

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Angela has announced the Rainbow Scrap Challenge color for April - Yellow. Looks like nature agrees.

Forsythias in Bloom

Here are my yellow scraps, all Island Batik. I will be working on my Hexie blocks. 

Island Batik Scraps :-)

I will be sharing with Angela's Linky Party on Saturday. But you don't have to wait to share your thoughts with me. 

Gertie is Naughty

The Island Batik April Challenge is to make a Soft Toy.  

This challenge is generously sponsored by Pauline McArthur of Funky Friends Factory.

Since I had Island Batik (gecko is their logo) on my mind, I chose to make Gertie, the Gecko.  

The instructions are well-written. Video guidance for newbie toy makers is available at the Funky Friends Factory blog.

The pattern

I used bright yellow and bright blue from Island Batik Foundations. Schmetz 90/14 needle worked well. 

The Body

The hind legs

The Flat Gecko - Ready to Fill

One Paw at a time

Is she moulting?

I used Polyfill to stuff the toy. It was tricky to fill the curvy tail.  Made a quick run to the local sewing store to get yellow buttons. They are a bit larger than I wanted...but they will do.

As soon as I was done making the eyes, Gertie began exploring her new surroundings.  From the cutting mat, she leapt on to the design wall and then on to the couch.

The newborn Gertie

Climbing the design wall

On the Couch, with Paul

Of course, Paul was taking a nap, his favorite quilt (The Invisible Sun) close by.  But he was happy to pet Gertie and she seemed to be happy on his belly. I totally get it. If I was a gecko, I would be very happy there :-)

Aah to be Paul's pet :-)

But she did not stay there for too long. Last week, I had to attend a conference out of town. As I stepped out, I saw Gertie on the front path, dressed up in a snazzy yellow ribbon around her neck. 

All dressed up???

What are you up to missy, I asked. She looked at me with her big googly eyes, imploring me to take her with me.  When I ordered her to get back inside, she jumped on to the car's windshield. 

Gertie is ready to travel

I decided she needed an outing and so she came with me to the conference in Philadelphia. I stayed at the Marriott in downtown Philly. My room was on the 17th floor.

View - looking outside

View - looking inside

Gertie happily occupied the second bed in my room. But in the morning she was up bright and early. I found her on my keyboard - naughty as ever.

Well, good morning to you too!

For now, Gertie is exhausted from her travels and is taking a nap. Should she try any new antics, you can read about them here. 

I had a great time at the conference, meeting colleagues and learning about new developments in Passenger Rail.  The carpet at the Marriott was so beautiful that I took several pictures.

Gorgeous Chandeliers

Orange Peel?

Quilty Inspiration

Happy Me Selfie

April is pink, said Angela. As soon as I returned, I dived into pinks. 

Medium Pinks

Light Pinks

Dark Pinks

I am sure this will be fun, as soon as I can find some order out of this chaos.  Will be sharing with Angela's RSC 2022 Linky Party. 

I also completed a quilt. Unfortunately, I can show only so much. The pattern will be published in July 2022. But here is a sneak peek.

A new finish - sneak peek!!!

But I can show you the Island Batik Celestials 10" Square Pack I acquired recently.

What have you been up to? Did you go somewhere, make something or just acquired new stuff? Do share.

I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties. See full list on the sidebar.