Meet Penelope (the Platypus)

This month the Island Batik Ambassador challenge that was hosted by Lumin Fabrics and Funky Friends Factory was to challenge us to make a Funky Friend from their extensive lineup of options. If you have never visited their website, you should look them up at Funky Friends Factory | Soft toys you'll love to sew!

My initial thoughts

Going into each challenge I actually give thought to what the challenge is and the "purpose" for the end product. Many of my quilts are donated to local organizations for either silent auctions, or to be used as comfort/care quilts. I also have learned through this experience that I had become very much a creature of habit. I did what I was comfortable with. Making a stuffed animal (as well as another upcoming challenge) is nothing I have ever tried or probably every would.

What would Penelope's purpose be? This I was struggling with. Where would Penelope end up? Who would she probably be given to? My answer came to me when working in my sewing studio. I have 2 ceiling fans that are always on especially during this time of year. Cutting paper patterns and keeping instructions from being blown around can be a challenge. Penelope was about to become MY (I never make things for me) pattern weight combination pin cushion!!!! After all the instructions to create here have already been blown out of order multiple times just while planning.

The Pattern

The pattern is available via download, so it was instantly available from Funky Friends. Having never made a stuffed animal before I have to admit the instructions were very clear and easy to follow! Everything was labeled well and there was no confusion.

Fabric Choices

I knew I wanted something colorful. I wanted something that was going be fun to look at and just made me smile. I spent some time laying out different combinations and narrowed it down to three options and then left them overnight. The next morning when I walked into my sewing room it was obvious that this was the one I liked the most. After all a girl has to feel beautiful in their own skin :)

It was so easy to cut the pieces with the pattern just as it was written. Pattern pieces were cut and now it is time to give Penelope some shape. Just like with l my projects I start with a new needle. Someone once told me it is important to set yourself up for success from the start and I think this is one of those important steps for setting myself up for success. I prep my fabric, service my machine, so why not also give myself the correct needle for every project!

Filling Penelope

Traditionally I would have used batting, however Penelope had a purpose and that was to be a pattern weight/pin cushion so traditional batting was not going to work. In a workshop years about we made thread cathers and the weighted side of those were filled with crushed walnuts so that was my go to option. If you have never used them, they are great in that they are crushed so fine that when used as a pin cushion they will keep your pins nice and sharp and prevent dulling. They can be found at most craft stores, pet supply stores and of course Amazon.

A Platypus is born!

I would like to introduce the newest member of the Kimberlys Quilts, Quilting studion tool family - Penelope! Right now she is enjoying a little sunshie on a rock in the garden before she takes on the important job of being my new pattern weight and pin cushion! I hope she enjoys the sunshine because her life of leisure is about to end!

I do want to point out that Penelope is blind on purpose. I did have eyes for her, but when I put her to use the hard eyes were not something I wanted on something that was going to be a pin cushion, so I made the conscious decision not to include them since they did not fit her purpose.

Thank you Funky Friends

This challenge truly was getting me out of my comfort zone and made me try something I would not have traditionally! I enjoyed bringing her to life and look forward to trying other patterns that will provide Penelope with some friends. I would highly suggest trying one of their patterns! Well written, easy to follow, and everything came together perfectly!