Mixing It Up: A Soft Toy Review

Mixing it up a little this week with a review of a soft toy rather than clothes. And I didn’t sew over the weekend, so I’m going back into the vault for a favorite!

I love making toys, and of course, I have a little thing about owls. Ok, let’s be honest—a big thing!

If you haven’t seen Lil Pip in action at markets around Melbourne (and please come and visit me if you are local!), I sell toys as well as clothes. I like to have items at different price points, and these little baby owl ribbon tag toys are certainly popular. Actually, I can’t keep up with the demand. I try to make about 20-30 for each market in all different colors and fabric designs.

Dolls and Daydreams Baby Owl Ribbon Tag

This pattern is wonderful to use up your favorite fabric remnants (I just can’t say scraps) and let your creativity go with different combinations.

I’ve made a lot of soft toys, and I would classify this as a beginner pattern. If you haven’t made anything before, this is a great way to start. If you love giving handmade baby gifts, how adorable would it be to add a matching little owl to your burp clothes, bibs, or blankets?

Plus, the beautiful Sarah—the designer behind Dolls and Daydreams (Blog and Facebook)—is one pattern designer who is thrilled when you add your own creativity to an item. Check out what Cook You Some Noodles did with modifying the pattern—cute! And Binky Roo Designs – Dolls and Crafts (Facebook) created these variations. I think I need to try something uniquely Lil Pip too.

This isn’t a hard pattern. The most difficult thing is the size, and it can take some adjustment working with little pieces! I like to do a triple stitch on all the seams to make sure they stay together. I expect these little cuties get a bit of a workout with their owners. You don’t have to do hand embroidery if you aren’t a stitcher (I’m not!). If you need advice, there is lots available on the blog—embroidery, blush cheeks, flowers, and more!

Now, don’t let anyone tell you that owls are out. They aren’t! Take a look in any store—they are still around! And besides, aren’t they just the cutest?

For a cute addition, why not consider adding a rattle or squeaker toy inside the owl? For those living in Australia, I like these soft little rattles or these little ball rattles.

Please check out Sarah’s other patterns (Blog and Facebook). Just this week, she is releasing a new double pattern—Captain Hook and the Crocodile. Yay! I love Sarah’s patterns. Seriously, I wish I had her imagination and skills to come up with so many wonderful toys. No, I haven’t been paid for this post—I just admire talent!

Will I make this again? Absolutely. These are a must on my market stall and just perfect little new baby gifts for my friends.

Will I make this to sell for Lil Pip? I already do!

Pattern

Dolls and Daydreams Baby Owl Ribbon Tag

Fabric

Homespun cotton for the face, quilter’s cotton or thrifted vintage cotton for the body, felt for the outer eyes and forehead, ribbon wings, and embroidery details.

Difficulty

1-10 scale (1 being easy, 10 hard): 2 or 3 if you are used to making toys, and 4 or 5 if this is your first time!

Time

I usually have a big production line going with these guys (seriously, I cut out 70 bodies at the beginning of the year!). Probably about 30 minutes to one hour, all-inclusive.

Combine different colors and fabrics for a unique look each time!