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Pattern in Progress

September 2, 2015

I’m working on a new pattern for a little owl. This will actually be my first print pattern! It’ll be a two-sided card and should be ready in a few months. I wanted this owl to be a project you could make in an hour and hold in the palm of your hand – a perfect little Christmas or birthday gift for a boy or girl, child or adult – and something you can make from two fat quarters or a few precious scraps.

I’m still working on the finished samples, but I though I’d show you some in-progress steps. First, the sketch. I made this about a month ago.

Owl sketch

I mostly remained faithful to this initial idea, although the curved forehead proved to be too tedious for a quick and easy sewing experience and I changed the eye from embroidered sleepy eyes to plastic safety eyes.

Next, trying out body shapes. Each iteration is subtly different from the one before. I tweaked the darts quite a bit.

Owl pattern prototypes

And then some prototypes. I did these in color to help me see where things should be dark or light, patterned or solid. These use so little fabric it’s really not a problem to use prints rather than muslin for prototypes.

owl prototypes sewn

This morning I worked on the first of several samples. The print is a lovely  piece of vintage fabric (maybe from the 40’s?) given to me by a friend.

owl eyes

wings

owl unstuffed

I love this final stage. I have so many pretty fabric combinations picked out for more samples.

After a summer spent working on all sorts of projects for other companies – freelance writing and teaching online classes – I’m thrilled to be working on my own projects again. I cleaned my desk and cleared my inbox. I’m ready for fall.

Filed Under: Abby Glassenberg Design Patterns, Sew With Me, Studio Updates

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Comments

  1. Sara says

    September 2, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    So cute! A lovely project for the Autumn and for everyone. I love how he can be customised with different fabrics. I think your owl is shaping up very nicely. Can’t wait to see a finished one. It’s a plus how he can stand up too.

  2. Michele Rickitt says

    September 3, 2015 at 4:07 am

    That’s so cute, I love it!

  3. CarolineB says

    September 3, 2015 at 4:52 am

    While I always find your blog an interesting and informative read, these are the posts I love the best, the ones with your sewing projects. He’s very cute and I like the idea of it being a quick make, always satisfying!

  4. dolores says

    September 3, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Ah…small softies that can tuck in your pocket or bag….sweeeet!:)

  5. Cathy says

    September 3, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    So cute! Would make a nice pin cushion for a sewist.

    • Abby says

      September 3, 2015 at 1:54 pm

      Oh true!!

    • Marianne says

      September 17, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      Yes, weighted on the bottom with sand!

  6. Emily says

    September 4, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Those are really cute! I’m thinking they could even make little Christmas ornaments.

  7. Cucicucicoo: Ecological Living says

    September 5, 2015 at 2:00 am

    So cute! I love to see behind the scenes of other designers and creators! Your process is so much different than mine (designing garments), so it’s really interesting to me! 🙂 Lisa

    • Abby says

      September 5, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      Process is so interesting to me, too. Watching the iterations and edits! I love stop-motion videos that show the stages of how something is made.

  8. Sara says

    September 5, 2015 at 7:30 am

    I’m intrigued by the card idea, but how will they get the pattern pieces? Are they nested on the back of the card?

    • Abby says

      September 5, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      That’s the plan as of now. They’re small and will overlap.

  9. Lisa Winer says

    September 5, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    as a painter, it is interesting for me to see how a pattern for a 3-dimensional creation evolves!

    • Abby says

      September 5, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      I’m so glad to hear that, Lisa. I always like to see the stages before the final stage.

  10. Helen says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:22 am

    This is so cute.. I get excited each Wednesday when I receive your newsletter. I can’t wait to read all the helpful information, articles etc…
    But, as another commentor said, my favorite part is to see your cute softies each week. My 10 year old daughter is interested in learning to sew but she loses interest quickly so I am taking it slow in teaching her because I do not want to push her. I think this little owl might be just the thing to inspire her a bit. Looking forward to when you finish it!

    I appreciate all the work you do to support, inform and inspire us crafters!

    • Abby says

      September 16, 2015 at 4:15 pm

      Thank you, Helen!

  11. Megz says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:23 am

    I”ve enjoyed making your patterns. And it’s so fun to see the creative process and developement. Thank you for sharing.

  12. Nancy S says

    September 16, 2015 at 11:24 am

    What a great pattern! I love making small things from scrap fabrics. Can’t wait for the final design.

  13. susan sobon says

    September 16, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    aww i dont even really care for owls and this is adorable

  14. dianna says

    September 16, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    oh oh hootie cutie….hope the pattern is availabe soon . a niece is decorating her baby nursery in owls !! if you need a tester i am ready

    • Abby says

      September 16, 2015 at 4:12 pm

      Thanks Dianna!

  15. Maeve Croly says

    September 16, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    I love this little owl, what a lovely present.
    .

  16. Amy says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    It’s adorable – and it’s really interesting to see your process. I’ve been separated from my sewing machine for a month now because of moving and I’m ready for fall too now!

  17. Laurie Sharp says

    September 18, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Thank you for sharing your process, Abby. As a designer myself, it is great to see that other pattern designers go through some of the same steps; starting with an idea, adjusting it and making of countless prototypes. It can be challenging but so much fun! Your little owl makes me smile!

  18. iHanna says

    September 19, 2015 at 5:50 am

    Awww, he is so so cute, and I’m not just saying that because I collect owls. I wanna make him!

    Well done Abby!

  19. Judy Ruhland says

    September 19, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Is the new owl Stella? Is it possible to make the arms so they do not wrap? …and not do the tiny one? (so tiny)?
    The picture taken from above looks like the arms (wings) are not as long. Finished size?
    I love the owl pattern. You are an amazing artist.
    Thanks in advance.
    Judy

    • Abby says

      September 19, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      Hi Judy, I’m a little confused on your questions. The new owl is not the same as my other pattern for Stella the Owl. This one does not have Velcro on the wings and there is no tiny owl as part of this pattern. The finished one will be about 7 inches tall, but the pattern is not ready yet. I hope that helps a little!

Welcome! I'm Abby Glassenberg and I'm glad you're here. While She Naps is a blog about designing and sewing stuffed animals and running a creative business.
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