Wednesday 20 November 2013

Monster Monster ~ Happy or Sad

Monster with two faces... happy and sad ~ Threading My Way

Isn't he cute!!! Meet, Monster Monster. Happy on one side...


Monster with two faces... happy and sad ~ Threading My Way

and sad on the other. That's right, he doesn't have a back as such. Instead he has two fronts, making him a good toy to help children express their feelings. 

His eyes are a little wonky, but I rather think that adds to his appeal. The pattern provides perfectly formed pupils and shows how to cut and sew them, so they won't be wonky. 

Monster Monster ~Threading My Way

Monster Monster stands 8" tall and I've made him with bright, fun colours. He doesn't take much fabric and can easily be made from scraps. 

Why do we tend to make Monsters male? I don't know, but Monster Monster just seems male to me.

Monster Monster ~Threading My Way

To make Monster Monster, I've used a pattern by My Funny Buddy. The pattern is detailed, easy to follow and has photos for every step. I've added extra reinforcing to make sure he doesn't come undone, no matter what rough and tumble he gets up to with his new owner...
  • 2nd row of stitching close to the 1st on all seams
  • extra stitching to attach arms and horns
  • topstitching along head and body seam
  • edge stitching around body

Two sided monster ~ Threading My Way

It's amazing the amount of stuffing one little monster requires!!! By the looks of it, I could have added more, or perhaps I've forgotten to notch or snip some seams, although I'm sure I did them all. Maybe the extra edge stitching has caused the puckering??? Whatever the reason, I don't think the new owner will even notice.

Monster Monster has been made to help a child who has been affected by parental substance abuse. Every year Meet Me At Mikes runs Softies for Mirabel, a handmade toy drive. Toys can be knitted, crocheted or sewn. More details over at Meet Me At Mikes. They are accepting toys until 30th November.

Two sided monster ~ Threading My Way

Thanks, Erin, for the fabric used to make Monster Monster's body. It's just perfect to go with the bright colours on the rest of him. I still have most of it left, but sadly, Monster Monster is going to be an only child. Toy making is not my forte! Making horns and arms is as fiddly as making dolls' clothes... not hard, just time consuming. And making sure nothing will come undone adds another level.

Mind you, now that Monster Monster is finished and sitting on my desk watching me, I could be tempted. It won't be this year, though. I have a Christmas list I'm working my way through and Sandra is keeping me on task.

I'll be adding photos of Monster Monster to the 140+ projects in the Softies, Dolls & Toys link party, here at Threading My Way. If you've made any toys, I'd love you to add them to the collection.

... Pam

12 comments:

  1. What a great cause! The Monster is very friendly and not scary at all. I love the fact the Monster has two sides - happy and sad. Teaching little people about emotions and helping them unpack what makes them feel one way or another is super important. Good on ya!

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  2. Oh he is adorable I didn't see anything wrong I think you're over critical.

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  3. What a great idea Pam, I am sure he will be hugged to bits :)

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  4. Pam he is gorgeous! I love the two sides, such a great idea for small kids to help express how they feel. Even though Monster is a boy, the fabrics and colours you've used make him perfect for a gift for a boy or girl. I know both my girls would love him!

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  5. Great idea! I agree these would make nice gifts for small children! You are so creative and crafty. I also really love the colors you used on this one shown here.
    Stopping by from “We Made That Linky”. Following you via Bloglovin and Twitter. Looking forward to reading more.
    Have a great day :)

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  6. I love it!! The wonky eyes are really super cute! What a fun toy for a great cause :)

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  7. I love it! I love how colorful it is too! It will be very well loved.

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  8. That is the most adorable monster I've ever seen. Love that he has two faces.

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  9. I'm adding this to my "must make" list. I love his wonky eyes! What a fun idea for a charity.
    http://xoxograndma.blogspot.com

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  10. Adorable! I love the idea of 2 fronts to help a child express their feelings!

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  11. Oh he is just gorgeous! I could see any child being thrilled to own him

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