Thursday, February 18, 2016

Meet Master Finley and Miss Fiona

It was a warm August morning last year when I was sitting outside by the pool drinking coffee with my husband when I got the idea to make these cute animals.  I had my kindle with me and was reading some blogs.  I don't recall where I first saw these stuffed animals, but as soon as I saw them, I knew I wanted to make them.
Introducing Master Finley and Miss Fiona


I found the pattern on Alicia Paulson's blog Posie gets Cozy. You can purchase the digital PDF pattern directly from Alicia or you can purchase a kit with everything included.  I purchased just the pattern. 

I had so much fun researching all the items needed to make these little creatures.  I found the Liberty Tana Lawn fabric on ebay but I wasn't sure if there was enough fabric for the pattern pieces.  Alicia was kind enough to send me the PDF pattern without any payment to see if the pattern would fit the fabric.  I though this was so kind of her.  It fit, and I immediately paid her for the pattern.  She was most gracious to help me.

The bodies are made from wool felt which I purchased online at Prairie Woolens. The body is made from Smokey Marble Felt PW 1121 which I bought in the 12 x 18 size.  I bought two pieces of this felt; one for Miss Fiona and one for Master Finley. 

For Master Finley's sweater, I used some fingering weight wool I had left over and followed this pattern I found at Purl Soho.  I made his pants from some sports weight wool.  I just made up the pattern myself.  I threaded some leather string around the waistband and hung this charm.

I cut out Miss Fiona's dress according to the pattern but the I finished it off a little different.  The neckline has an actual facing which I threaded the elastic thread through it.  I also added the lace trim to the hem and sleeves.

The pattern for the shawl was a simple knitted oblong shape.  I wanted a bit more flair so I crocheted her a shawl out of some leftover Noro sock yarn.  I added the buttons and finished off Miss Fiona's look with a little teddy bear necklace.

 
 The fabric was purchased from etsy seller  Miss Elany. I bought four diferent Liberty Lawn fabrics and the shipping was very reasonable at $4.50. I used one of the fabrics for the ear linings and Master Finley's tie and one for Miss Fiona's dress. I used Evergreen wool felt PW 146  in a 9 x 12 size for the boots.  One piece of felt this size will make two pairs of boots. 


 
I gave these to my grandchildren as one of their Christmas gifts.  I packaged them in a clear plastic bag and tied with a bright ribbon.  I found the long, clear pastic bags from the deli at my Persian market (they were nice enough to give me two bags).  The children won't be playing with these toys but instead they will add decor to their rooms. 

I had never made anything like this before and it was really so much fun to see these little animals take shape.  I sat at the kitchen table and stitched each evening.  I enjoy doing the blanket stitch and have it mastered but my other embroidery skills are lacking.

When I placed my order for the fabric and the wool felt, I bought enough of each to make four animals total.  I still have another set of wool felt and fabric to make  Miss Maggie Rabbit.*

To recap, here is what you will need:
1.  Wool felt (one color for body and one color for boots)
2.  Stuffing for the body
3.  Embroidery thread to match body, boots and to embroider face
4.  Liberty Tana Lawn fabric (or fabric of your choice)
5.  Yarn scraps for shawl, sweater and pants

*I purchased the pattern for Miss Maggie Rabbit and followed the directions except for the ears.  I cut out some mice ears free hand to make Master Finley and Miss Fiona

I spent about $40.00 total for the supplies to make four of these little creatures.  The bulk of the money was spent for the beautiful, fine liberty fabric.  I've never seen such fine cotton fabric.  Next time, I am going to get a new needle for my sewing machine when I make the dress.  It took me one whole afternoon to finish this dress!

On Alicia's blog she sells some fancy tongs to use to stuff the arms and legs.  I found that the handle of a small wooden spoon works great to secure the stuffing in the arms and legs.  Next time, I may make a gathered skirt for Miss Maggie topped off with a hand knitted sweater.  The fun part is that you can use your imagination and make up your own ideas on how to dress and embellish these little animals.

I'm linking up with Amy over at Five on Friday. She is having a fabulous give away, so please drop by and see her wonderful blog.  I would love to hear from you if you have a chance.  If you have made these I'd love for you to leave a link in the comment section below.  And, if you haven't made these, please feel free to comment, too.

Wishing you the best,

Pat

I'm joining in with the following link parties:

49 comments:

  1. Master Finley and Mis Fiona!!! Just lovely. Your grandchildren are adorable ♥

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  2. They are beautiful. I bet your grandchildren will treasure them. Love your material choices as well. Have a lovely weekend :) Barbara

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  3. Hi Pat, these wee animals are really gorgeous, good for you, making them. Have a good week.

    Diana

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  4. Pat, they are beautiful! I do love the clothes most of all, they bring Master Finley and Miss Fiona to life so well, and I am sure they are going to be treasured possessions in your grandchildren's rooms for many years to come xx

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  5. Oh Par they are gorgeous. Totally envious of your patience and skill. It must have been wonderful watching them come to life and firm their own characteristics. Beautiful. Lucky children

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  6. Oh Pat these are wonderful! All the colours and fabrics look great. You'll have to go into business and sell them. I bet your grandchildren were thrilled to bits. x

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  7. They are both lovely, you used loads of different skills.

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  8. How clever you are to make the lovely rabbits and dress them too. It looks as if your granchildren really love them:)

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  9. Those "dolls" are adorable. You are quite talented to have designed some of the accessories on your own.

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  10. They are absolutely gorgeous, I bet your grandchildren were delighted with them. You grandchildren are very cute too. Have a lovely weekend xx

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  11. Those are so darn cute! It's great that you could research, gather, and create them for your grands! Have a wonderful weekend.

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  12. Oh, Pat, Master Finley and Miss Fiona are incredibly cute and your very cute grandchildren obviously love them. Their clothes are really beautiful and all the little details are amazing. I like especially Master Finley's sweater.
    Thank you for sharing and have a lovely weekend! xx

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  13. They are sweet. I'm with you, no need for special tools for stuffing things. I use a chopstick.

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  14. Fantastic and i love them! your sweet grandchildren clearly love them too! You are so talented to make them and their cute outfits!
    Wishing you a happy weekend!

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  15. Aw they are as cute as can be I your grandchildren are so sweet and you can see they love them. Have a great weekend. :)

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  16. Clever of you to make these adorable stuffed animals. You've put so much thought into making the clothes for them. Your grandchildren will treasure them.

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  17. Pat, I have just scrolled back and enjoyed reading about your trip to Budapest and then about your Valentine cookies. I enjoyed making a Miss Maggie Rabbit after purchasing a pattern from Alicia, and I like the blanket stitch, too :) I very much admire your Master Finley and Miss Fiona. Wishing you and yours well xx

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  18. They are a wonderful and beautiful pair!! I am sure that Fiona and Finley will be treasured for many many years! I would love to make some, but I have too many other things to do right now, some day though! Thank you so much for joining in the anniversary of Five On Friday, I really do appreciate it so much! Have a good weekend! xx

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  19. How I envy those of you who can sew. Love-love-love those darling little lace-up boots.

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  20. Fiona and Finley are gorgeous, you are SO clever!
    I'm sure your grandchildren will treasure them for years to come.

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  21. How cute! I wondered if you knitted that tiny little sweater. It looks like they were a hit!
    Hugs
    Kay

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  22. Loving Fiona and Finley how sweet are they but not as much as those other two. Lovely photos of your grandchildren. Happy crafty weekend,
    Angela x

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  23. Ooooooh my goodness... you did an amazing job on those two! I made one Maggie Rabbit and adore her. Your grandchildren are VERY lucky to get one of those from you! I have the kit to make a fox one but haven't started yet.. I need to get cracking on it. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  24. Love your mice Pat, I would never be able to pull them off!
    Your grandkids are just so cute.
    Have a great week!
    Hugs,
    Michelle

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  25. Oh they are so clever and gorgeous (and so are your grandchildren)! Love from Mirjam.

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  26. Hope your grandchildren treasure them for years to come. I adore Master Finley's jumper.

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  27. You did a wonderful job on these beautiful mice! I've sen this pattern a few times, and every time it's such fun to see what everyone has dressed them in. I love the little knit sweater on Finley. You sound like you had such fun making them!
    Wendy

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  28. They are both so adorable and make wonderful, heirloom presents. I have two of her patterns and have yet to make them because I am not that great with sewing. I just ordered the crochet sheep pattern she just put out on her blog, I can't wait to get it.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  29. Oohhh Master Finlay and Miss Fiona are beautiful. All the details make them so special. I'm sure your grandchildren will always treasure them and they will become family heirlooms. Think that pattern will have to join my list of things to make!

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  30. Oh they are seriously cute and what a fabulous photo of your grandchildren too!

    have a great weekend!

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  31. omg how cute are they! bet they went down a treat! brilliant makes xx

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  32. Aren't they lovely, Pat, you did a great job on those mice. I love his cardigan and her crochet shawl. I'm sure they'll be treasured possessions. Xx

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  33. What fabulous creatures! Such a lot of work and attention to detail. The children look charmed by them. I bet they will be very much loved and played with.

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  34. Those are so gorgeous Pat. What a lot of work you put into making them....I'm certain they will be treasured.
    Hugs,
    Annie x

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  35. Ooo they are adorable! Well done you and what a great keepsake xx

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  36. Wow! These are great Pat. I'm sure your grandchildren will treasure them. Great post. Seeing these reminds me I really should finish my dolls that I started last year.
    Barbara xx

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  37. These are so cute! well done on making them.

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  38. Awwwwww! These are absolutely gorgeous and worth all the trouble you went to. I love them. I have some Liberty fabrics and use them sparingly.
    That picture of your littlies with them is super.
    Hugs
    xx

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  39. Master Finley's jumper is my favourite part, it's just fabulous. Both are beautiful though of course!

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  40. Hi Pat, a late Friday Smiles from me... wow what fabulous fabric animals, I just love these far better that the new plastic toys...super cute outfits too, beautiful work Have a super week Robyn

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  41. They are absolutely adorable, I imagine the children are thrilled with them.

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  42. These are so wonderful, Pat! The little clothes are so special, too. I'm sure they will be treasured heirlooms! Your little grands are adorable, too. xx Karen

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  43. So cute, love them and Liberty lawn what could be better

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  44. They are absolutely adorable!! I love their outfits - way too cute!

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  45. The felt mice are absolutely adorable and so is the picture of your grandchildren Pat.

    Hugs Diane

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  46. These are so so cute, I love how individual you've made them, their own little characters shine out. I absolutely adore the photo with the children.

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  47. So sweet and ispy some Liberty fabric there.
    Such lovely children too.
    Jo

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  48. Finley and Fiona are fun ad looks like the Grandchildren like them.

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