Publications
The gift includes a story book and a sprinkle of gold dust for an extra bit of fairytale magic, all packed in a reusable box.
You Will Need
- template
- remnant of off-white cotton fabric for the head
- navy and off-white striped cotton
- strip of tulle or lace for neck frill
- matching coloured sewing thread
- black sewing thread
- gold metallic thread
- decorative buttons
- small strip of ribbon tape for cuffs
- red string for neck bow
- polyester toy stuffing
- craft glue
- gold glitter
To Make
NOTE The limbs, head and body are all worked separately and then joined to the body afterwards by hand. You may want to work a double row of stitches to make sure the limbs are secure. Sew all pieces with right sides facing.
1 Enlarge the template pieces to the required size. Cut out the face pieces from the plain fabric and all the other pieces from the striped fabric.
2 Start by sewing the limbs together, leaving a small opening in each for the stuffing to be inserted. Turn though to the right side and insert the stuffing. Use a knitting needle to push the stuffing into the feet and hands. Close the opening.
3 Now sew the body and head sections, leaving an opening in each for the stuffing to be inserted. Stuff the head and body pieces firmly and close the openings. Attach first the head and then the limbs to the body.
4 Working in a matching coloured thread, work a row of gathering stitches along the top edge of the tulle. Pull in the gathering stitches carefully, place the frill around the neck of mouse and continue pulling in the gathering stitches until the frill sits tightly around the neck. Secure the threads neatly. Tie a piece of red string around the neck and make a bow.
5 Work overcast stitches in the gold thread around the outer edge of each ear and attach the ears to the sides of the head. Referring to the photo and using the gold thread, work small stitches at the tip of the face for the nose. Create whiskers using the gold thread. Embroider eyes on each side of the head with the black thread. Sew small running stitches using the gold thread at the end of the feet to resemble toes. If you prefer, use gold beads instead of working the embroidery detail. Sew decorative buttons down the centre of the body.
BOX FOR DOLL
You Will Need
- rectangular box, large enough to fold the mouse into
- gold and white spray paint
- photocopied book pages
- spray glue
- illustration and frame
- gold dust
- story book
- ribbon and embroidery thread
To Make
1 Decorate the outside of the box with the spray paint and line the inside of the box with the photocopied book pages. Paste them in place with spray glue.
2 Add an illustrated image in a frame to the inside of the box. Add a sprinkle of gold dust before placing the mouse inside. Add a storybook before closing the lid. Tie a ribbon and embroidery thread around the box to secure.
Tag Draw a frame around a black-and-white image from a book. Punch a hole on the top and thread embroidery thread through.
Words and image: Ideas magazine
