Is she not the most adorable little creature ever???? Ellie was constructed using this pattern by Ruby Jean's Closet. Actually, I purchased the complete combo pattern package, which includes the instructions for making Ellie, her diapers, hair bows, wardrobe, and travel case! You cannot beat this deal or the quality of this pattern! I had never made a stuffed animal or doll before completing this project and I was initially very nervous, but this pattern walks you through every step. The instructions are perfectly clear and provide excellent tips on how to sew around the little curves and points of the pattern to get great results. Ellie is professionally designed...all raw edges are hidden inside and the trunk and eyes are attached from the inside before sewing Ellie shut. The hardest part of completing Ellie is sewing the front and back together and attaching the trunk. Sewing the front and back of Ellie together is not exactly difficult but rather time consuming, as you want to proceed slowly. But the time is well worth it! The trunk is difficult to attach simply because of the small area you have to work through, but once you get started, it is actually pretty easy.
I did not have time to make the traveling case, but I plan to because it is too adorable not to make! I did make some clothing though. I made three diapers, three hair bows, and two dresses.
The instructions for Ellie's wardrobe are also very clear and easy to follow. The most difficult thing about making them is that they are small, which means the sewing and turning is a little more intricate but not to fear! (By the way, there are many more pattern pieces included in Ellie's wardrobe-bib, pants, pj's, overalls, bloomers, etc.) Everything closes with Velcro, which makes it easy for little hands to put on and remove. Notice, I made the bows to coordinate with her dresses and diapers. :)
And the outfits are an excellent fit for Ellie! :)
Seriously, how can you not fall instantly in love with her???? My niece seemed pretty amazed when she opened it on Christmas day. I think she did not know what to think about it at first, especially the removable diapers, which of course she wanted me to "change" as soon as she opened her. :) I think she will have lots of fun with Ellie over the years. I can't wait to make my littlest niece one for her birthday.
For the above Ellie, I used this linen fabric for the body and some pastel pink broadcloth for the contrasting ears. I only purchased half a yard of the linen fabric and probably used less than half of that amount. The contrasting ear fabric requires scrap pieces. So Ellie can be constructed using minimal fabric. I bought this bag of stuffing, which was more than enough (I have well over half of it still left).
I used black shank buttons for her eyes, which worked really well. I made her diapers out of premium cotton broadcloth and her dresses out of quilting cotton. I had most of the supplies laying around for Ellie, except for the eye buttons, linen fabric, and stuffing.
I had so much fun making Ellie and cannot wait to make another one or to add to my niece's wardrobe collection! See this is really a great gift, as you can continue to add to it! Once I make the traveling case, I will be sure to share my review of the pattern as well.
Some advice for making Ellie: 1) copy all the markings on the pattern to your fabric pieces- this makes things so much easier; 2) take your time-the end results are worth it; 3) line things up properly-the nose, ears, and eyes; 4) use strong, quality thread for attaching the nose and eyes; 5) and most importantly have fun! Honestly, all of this advice is provided in the instructions. Just follow them and you will do great!
Hurry on over to Ruby Jean's Closet to get your Ellie pattern today. And be sure to check out their other adorable patterns. They specialize in girl's clothing patterns and I have bought several of these myself. :)
Happy Sewing! :)
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