Amy Butler Little Stitches for Little Ones Entry #1: Happy Elephant Pull Toy

Amy Butler Little Stitches for Little Ones
Entry #1: Happy Elephant Pull Toy

Name: Katie
Project: Happy Elephant Pull Toy

An elephant never forgets and there's no forgetting this Elephant Pull Toy which reader, Katie, submitted. Jump below for details...

Explain how Amy Butler inspired this entry.:
Sometimes I think the fabric at the chain stores hasn't changed since I used to go there as a kid with my mom. The selection kills my DIY spirit. But Amy Butler's fabric makes me think, "Oh boy, what else can I make?!" I also love her use of gray as a neutral. Perfect elephant color!

How did you make your project and what items did you use?:
I made this little plush elephant with a pattern I designed myself. Eyes are embroidered. Wheels are poplar dowels (from Lowes) that I rubbed with organic food grade flaxseed oil.

Fabric is from Crafty Planet in Minneapolis (awesome store!) Cotton twine stitched into foot seams holds elephant in place.

More Little Stitches for Little Ones: Link to All Entries

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Comments (9)

Adorable! My 11 month old would go bonkers for that. So cute.

posted by pennycarnival on September 16th 2008 at 5:18am
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Amazing!!! You need to start selling these on Etsy!!!

posted by tartanfrog on September 16th 2008 at 5:28am
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Ys, so super cute! Is the clock handmade too? It is precious!
http://xobeau.blogspot.com

posted by xoBeau on September 16th 2008 at 5:44am
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I LOVE that vase, and "flowers". Was that handmade or bought?

posted by shel on September 16th 2008 at 6:01am
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Hey, thanks for the wonderful comments! Yes, the clock is handmade. I stretched fabric across a wood frame I made, then stuck a craft store clock mechanism behind it, then sewed on buttons. The wood "flowers" are handmade, too. Weird leftover wood balls and bits and dowels that I painted.

Thank you!
Katie
matsutake.etsy.com

posted by matsutake on September 16th 2008 at 6:26am
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do the little loops around the dowels allow the elephant to stay up when you roll the toy? or does he fall forward? It's darling and I love it, but I'm confused if it's actually a toy or just decor?

posted by buzzybee on September 18th 2008 at 12:36am
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Yes, it stays upright really well when you roll it. It's more of a push-along-with-your-hand toy rather than a pull toy because I didn't attach a string to pull it, but it's definitely a toy (but still great on a shelf if you want). Thanks!

posted by matsutake on September 18th 2008 at 4:08am
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Matsutake, that clock is fierce cute, do you have any more pictures of it? Is it ok if I weebabystuff.com it and your instructions?

posted by lilybeezkneez on September 23rd 2008 at 6:33pm
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Lilybeezkneez,

Thank you for the compliment! Yes, you may post pics and instructions at weebabystuff.com. I can send you more pics if you like (a pic of the back so you can see how it comes together) and better instructions.

Email me at matsutakeshop(at)yahoo.com

posted by matsutake on September 26th 2008 at 3:55am
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