Two weeks ago I gave away 12 bags of fabric.
I’ve been collecting fabric for 10 years and in that time my sewing interests have shifted and shifted again. In 2005 I didn’t have any fabric at all. Hearing that I was beginning to learn to sew, my mother-in-law gave me a pile of fabric she’d had in her basement to get me started. After some initial experiments, I started collecting wool for toys, then quilting cottons and linens for birds, then fleece for toys. Boxes began to accumulate.
I sew upstairs in a corner of our bedroom, but in November I’ll be moving my “studio” downstairs to front room of our house. We are putting French doors up and making some shelving and, for the first time, I will have a room that’s all my own.
In preparation I went through my entire stash and gave most of it away, only keeping what I love and what I use now. Somehow, this purge led me to think about creating a patchwork elephant.
Until now I’d never bought a jelly roll. They’re so pretty, but it was hard to justify with all that fabric sitting around. Now that I have less, I bought one and cut it into 2.5″ squares to make patchwork.
I’m working on a second elephant, this time in bright Kona solids. Jelly rolls make it so easy. Everything coordinates and all you have to do is cut the strips into squares.
The pattern for this elephant will be available soon. Friday is my goal. And I’m collaborating with a lovely online fabric shop to offer pattern customers a discount on a jelly roll (or two) to go with it. Yes! So get ready. Patchwork elephants are seriously fun.
This is adorable! I can’t wait for the pattern!
Thank you so much!
Our 26 year old son loves elephants….I don’t think he is too old for a patchwork buddy!:)
Will you have a pattern adaptation for an up-raised trunk? The folks I want to make this for are ONLY into elephants with up-curled trunks. Thanks!
I hadn’t planned on it and I’m not sure I’ll have time, but that is a great idea because I know that elephant collectors are very particular about these things.
That’s adorable Abby, elephants are very popular. I have a friend who collects them and she have over 500!
Your elephant is darling, Abby! And I love the idea of giving away fabric to justify buying more fabric. You enabler, you!
Ha! Totally.
What a cute pattern! I love the look of patchwork on little toys. Adds a very sweet touch.
Congrats on your first jelly roll purchase. They sure do make things easier. Next time you need 2 1/2″ squares and are looking for even less cutting, take a look at mini charm packs. They’re already cut to 2 1/2″! Such a time saver and a great way to get all of a fabric collection without spending much.
Good point, Jessica! So tempting.
This is gorgeous! I’d love to make one for my as yet unborn niece or nephew. Parents are elephant mad. Looking forward to the pattern being released
Super! I’ve been a bit busy with some projects over the last few days and look forward to finishing the last bits of this pattern very soon!
I love this! Definitely have to make one for my Goddaughter! I love your choice of fabric as well, where is it from?
Did you ever post the elephant pattern?
Yes, it’s in my shop: http://whileshenaps.com/product-category/pdf-sewing-patterns
Where can I find the pattern for this guy?
Hi, It’s in my shop which is linked to in the navigation bar at the top of my site. Thank you!