I've had this cute, very soft fabric for years...
It has funny little acorn faces and yellow dots. 
But before his fitting, I had to remove about 4 inches of stitching down his back to fix his right arm which, I discovered, was slightly off kilter. Thus his entire arm joint had to be replaced in order to move that arm only 1/2" lower.
Afterwards, I was able to get the vest to fit properly.
I am making him a back pack using an old straw hat.
Civil War bone buttons are used for his vest.
Afterwards, I was able to get the vest to fit properly.
Tomorrow, I will give him whiskers, a derby, and an ascot.
Then he and I will fill that back-pack with something yummy.
OH! He needs a tail! I nearly forgot...
I am simply loving following this process! His charming personality is already speaking to me. What fun!!!
ReplyDeleteHI! I have used many of the Upholstery fabrics you sent me on vests and jackets for other creatures. There is a red one with a bird motif, I just can't bring myself to cutting into, until I have a creature large to encompass the entire design. Thanks again for all those great goods you sent me!
DeleteJeri, this has been a fascinating process to watch. You have a gift at bringing life to these adorable creatures....a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of personality....while at the same time retaining their species' specific characteristics. I am truly in awe!! Thanks for sharing. Will check in on the auction on Saturday. Happy Fall to Hopalong Hollow!
ReplyDeleteBev, I envision a forest full of these creatures filling my studio, I am going to accomplish that over the winter months.
DeleteYes, please visit the sale, It starts at 10:00 on Saturday morning. I think you may see some art you would really like, there are some wonderful artists participating.
Your attention to detail is what makes all the difference! Can't wait to see him all finished. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteI always seem to choose art-forms that require tremendous detail, I guess that is how I see the world..
DeleteHe is going to be a charmer, for sure!
SIMPLY adorable. And I love the photo with the bunny feet in the background...teeeheeeee
ReplyDeleteThose are mighty big feet, he needed them to hold up his portly tummy!
DeleteThis has been such fun, seeing him come to life. Your work is exquisite.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend ~ FlowerLady
And now, he HAS come to life and is staring at me across from the table with those big brown eyes.... I am sure he wants a carrot.
DeleteYou are amazing!! :)))))
ReplyDeleteMelody, Don't know if I'm amazing, but I am a stickler for detail and a lover of rabbits!
DeleteI agree-you are amazing!
ReplyDeleteDo you make the patterns for the clothing sort of from the animal pattern-before it's stuffed?
Oh my word, Jeri-I'm typing and to the right of the comment box is your hilarious painting of the animals dancing! I'm just laughing-it's so cute!!! You made my day! What better praise for an artist-than to make people happy!! You do it! :)
Debra, I make the clothing patterns after the animal is stuffed; everyone turns out to be a different size than the previous bunny, so I always need to make a new pattern. I use paper towels for the patterns, because they are so much like cloth, you can really fit them to the body.
DeleteGlad I made you laugh!
Beautiful work, Jeri
ReplyDeleteThe vest fabric is perfect for the as yet to be named bunnie. I think you might be winning over a lot of us to think about crafting creatures. Your process is a lot of fun to read about. :)
May, I knew that fabric would come in handy one day.. I still have at least 2 more yards.
DeleteOh Jeri, this story becomes more and more delightful. The fabric and buttons you've chosen are perfect for the little vest. To give this bunny a tiny straw backpack is an endearing bit of whimsy. Taking the time to make the "shoulder" adjustment must have required skill and patience, but clearly, the results are great.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for your kindness in sharing this process. xo
Frances, I love those buttons. You have no idea how many of my straw hats have been re-purposed as bonnets, baskets and back-packs.
DeleteI hated having to re-adjust the arm-joints because separating the locked-in-joints requires 2 pair of pliers and a lot of maneuvering. I should have done it right the first time, a mistake I paid for in time and effort.
Dear Jeri, I truly appreciate your taking time for this reply. I am a great fan of old buttons, and always like to have a look for them when I am in the UK. Over here, I just keep on saving buttons from my own worn out clothes, and every now and then treat myself to a sweet shop on the East Side called Tender Buttons. You probably know of it.
DeleteAgain, bravo to you for re-doing the bunny. I am quite impressed. xo
Frances, I was so thrilled when I purchased an old sewing basket off EBAY which was FULL of fabulous buttons. Most of them were pearl, bone and Bakelite. The original owner must have been a button lover like us. Never heard of Tender Buttons, but I am so grateful that people don't throw away buttons, they just pass them on to the next collector.
DeleteLove the fabric...The buttons are perfect..
ReplyDeleteMissy, I just knew that fabric would find a perfect use one day.
DeleteI just love his vest !! I am sure he does too !
ReplyDeletePamela, He is so proud of his vest that he is about to burst those buttons!
DeleteThis is what I love about your imagination. A back pack fashioned from a straw hat. I don't know if that would even enter my mind.. I love this fabric Jeri, and the vest is so sweet. You are a stitch magician! It fits him perfect, and I love his belly. Beautiful work my dear friend.
ReplyDeletefondly,
Penny
Penny, You know how it is when you need something "right away" and are unable to find it... you just make it. I have been amazed at how pliable and workable old straw hats are in sewing. If I can't find a basket small enough for a mouse, (and we both know mice need very small baskets) I just make one!
DeleteSo handsome in his vest!
ReplyDelete