Guess what? The final Six Months of Softies pattern is here! Look at this wonderful assortment of softies, each one designed by a different indie designer.
Being a part of this club has been a great experience, both as a designer and as a participating member. I've sewn five of the six patterns and I learned something new from each one. I made Wendi's elephant, Jen's whale, Paloma's owl girl, my horse, and Pauline's seagull (see below). This is my first experience with a subscription pattern club and it was
terrific. It's made me begin thinking about other pattern clubs I could
create or be a part of.
I've been eagerly awaiting the sixth pattern because it's designed by Pauline of Funky Friends Factory. I think Pauline is an incredibly talented soft toy designer. I wrote about her and how her business has developed here. Her patterns are very cleverly constructed so that they are easy to sew, but also very sophisticated with a professional-level finish.
Pauline's contribution is Sandy the Seagull. I sewed Sandy on Friday afternoon. It took about two hours from start to finish and I love my seagull!
Besides being adorable, this pattern is so well-designed. See the seam that runs down the center?
It's the last thing you sew. The bird is left open from the bottom of the beak to the tail until the very last step, and then you close it all up. Why is this awesome? All the little parts that can be fiddly to get under the machine needle are wide open and easy to get at. Betz White's Flurry and Fluff Polar Bears uses this same construction method and I think it's pretty brilliant.
There are plenty of markings on the templates. The pieces all fit together nicely. And the art is good. I love the big feet and prominent beak, the color change on the wings, and the broad tail. It's a great pattern for great toy.
If you'd like to join Six Months of Softies it's not too late. In fact, it's kinda nice to know just what you're getting, isn't it? You get all the patterns right away. I think you'll really like them.
