Minky Whale

クジラのぬいぐるみ作りました。

もっすごい柔らかい、毛が長めのミンキー（って日本語でも言う？ニットでできてるフェイクファー）は、なでだしたら止まらないのよ。

でも毛が長いので、型を切ったあとは部屋中毛の残骸ですごいことになりました。

I made a whale softie. 

The pattern is Jersey Stuffed Animal 134 12/16 from Burdasyle. I got it as a free download earlier this year but looks like it may have been a limited time offer. It is now sold for $5.99.

The pattern called for jersey, velour, or sweatshirting, but I chose minky instead. The fabric, both the blue and the white, are long hair minky with some texture. It is called embossed Luxe Cuddle from Shannon Fabrics. Oh my, this fabric is so so soft. I kind of want this as my coat lining. Will it be too hot? The longer pile makes this really feel luxurious, but the longer pile also means huge mess when you cut it out. The Man of the House walked in and asked if I murdered an animal.

Fins. I used a walking foot for construction.

The pattern called for embroiderying the eyelashes. However, because of the long pile, I opted for an applique. I ironed on the Wonder Under on a piece of felt, cut out the eyelashes, ironed it on, then satin stitched around the edge. Not the perfect, professional looking satin stitches, but long pile hides the detail so not fussed about it.

Eyelashes and fins on.

It actually turned out to be smaller than I dreamed it to be. (No fault of the pattern.) But if I ever want to make it again and want to make it bigger, I can just print the pattern pieces large.

I really like how it turned out. I love the design and proportion. I think it's very simple but effective.

Well, now I have to vacuum all the fur bits that are flying around and tumbling on the floor.