Let’s start with the foundation quilt. There has been a missing ingredient – something just wasn’t gelling for me. The goal is super simple, a scrap quilt with fleamarket vibes but sturdy enough to really use. I love pulling out random scraps and not thinking much about the composition of the blocks. It’s definitely driven by chance. But some element of texture or color or something was missing. The scraps from making circus animals were the answer – yarn dyes.
I love the mix of yarn dyes and vintage prints. and the washed yarn dyes have a super soft feel. They are a combination of linen and cotton that’s just right. Robert Kaufman – Essex Yarn Dyed – PS this is not an affiliate situation – it’s been a favorite for years.
I gave the quilt a solid chunk of time this week – ironing and stitching on auto pilot. I can see the finish line from here and it will get a couple more chunks this weekend. Still not sure about the size- something throw-ish probably.
the next sewing pattern – sneak peek
To date, all my sewing patterns have seam allowance included in the pattern. The Circus Elephant will not and here’s why: It works better that way. The elephant (as well as the other circus animals) are not gusseted.
The construction is simple so the pieces are cut together and stay together. In the case of birds and owls it’s very important that the edges of the fabric match repeatedly so perfect seam allowance is key. For the circus animals the silhouette is everything so I focus on everybody getting a perfect seam line. The resulting dolls have had 100 % accuracy and it’s faster.
What’s the best way to add allowance? It is a fact that some people just magically have an internal ¼ inch seam allowance. They can just cut. For most of us I think it’s a best practice to measure – make little dots every inch or so to guide cutting. I find it easiest and super quick to use a little paper with a ¼ inch mark. It takes very little time and makes a perfect result.
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- mark the dots
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- cut the piece
other elephant rag doll supplies
*This post contains affiliate links – meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through the link – affiliate links are below and marked with an *asterisks
It really helps to have a turning tube for the trunk. You can use a big straw and chopstick or get a set- *this is the set I have. If you haven’t tried turning tubes check out how they work here.
And disappearing markers for marking the seam line – there are lots of different options- I like all of these. I came to disappearing markers late in life and I’m totally sold on them- so much smoother than a pencil or tailor’s pencil and you get a nice clear line.
*mark be gone – I love the dual option – air and water soluble
*leonis – super handy size and some to give to friends
*sewline air erase – I love this pen – the only downside is it does disappear on its own- but if you’re working quickly it’s great. It was my first and it’s still my favorite.
And fabric- I used Robert Kaufman – Essex Yarn Dyed- Graphite for the body- you can find it in lots of shops. Thrifted clothes are a great source of fabric too. 1/4 yard gets it done but I would get 1/2 yard.
And the elephant uses about 2 and 1/2 ounces of wool stuffing.
the october creative spark
You may recall that there is a new creative prompt every month in the stitch club community. This October prompt was “potion”. I love everything about Pam Q’s hand stitched interpretation.
What does potion inspire for you?
And are you ready to make a dancing circus elephant? How do you add your seam allowance? Let us know in the comments and happy October.
PS – I keep thinking that I’ve had my last bouquet of the season and I keep being wrong. The flowers just keep coming.
I love the new circus elephant! Looking forward to ordering the pattern!
I use the Simple Seam Wheel (sold by Jenn Kingwell). It it so easy to add seam allowances, and works best for curved seams. The pattern pieces are cut using card board or plastic and the seam wheel folows the edge of the pattern piece. You use a #7 mechanical pencil to “trace” the pattern piece. Tracing your fabric pieces on top of sand paper board is also helpful, so your fabric doesn’t move around.
Thanks Karla – that is new to me- what a great tip!!
So I have been painting a 1/4’ish stripe on my left thumbnail. Have been meaning to take a photo for stitch club. I use nail polish and just make on stripe from cuticle to edge. Then I line that up with edge of fabric as I sew. Super lazy or maybe genius? No one has asked me yet why I only have this one stripe of polish on one nail. Looking forward forward to the Elephant pattern. Oh, and I have that dual pen and like it well enough. But I did ruin an elegant doll face with it once. It was dyed with avocado and instead of washing out, it bled and stained. So I be proceed with caution now.
I vote genius on the nail polish line – I love that idea. And yes- always test markers on your fabrics. One of the things i love about the pink one is how fine and pen like the line is- not bleedy.
I didn’t like working with small pieces of fabric and trying to sew within the seam allowance on small toys. I now cut a template of each piece ( I usually end up making more than one of a design) and draw around this using a Frixion pen – which irons off. Before marking I iron both pieces of fabric together – right sides facing – mark around the template, pin the pieces together then sew on the marked line. I cut the seam allowance after I’ve sewn. My grandchildren are constantly making your lucky fish using this method, using the sewing machine, as they get an accurate shape, especially the ‘mouth and tail points’ of the fish, they usually embellish the fish once stuffed. This method works especially well for long thin limbs – if really thin I often sew a turning thread into the closed end of the limb – it can be carefully cut away once turned through.
Absolutely- tracing the line makes a huge difference in accuracy and cutting after sewing does work well! I’m so glad to hear your little folks are having fun with the fish ❤️
I do my seams the same way, sew first, on mared line, then cut. I’m almost dancing with impatience waiting for the elephant.
Once the scrap quilt is finished with the blocks trimmed, do you then sew the blocks together as usual and then use batting and another backing like a regular quilt?
Yup- just like a regular quilt. I’m planning on super light batting for a coverlet sort of weight.
Thank you so much for sharing my “potion bottle”, Ann! So incredibly kind of you! And absolutely love your quilt – look forward to seeing the finished project!
Thank you Pam! It’s so cool! I especially love the little mushrooms.
I love the flat metal 14 in 1 measuring gauges. I give them away as little gifts to other sewers.
That’s a great gift idea Sally!
I’ve been yearning for that circus elephant! Please let us have it soon! Thank you so much.
I am waiting, WAITING, for the elephant! For fabric markers, I stumbled on Frixon markers. I gave some to my kids who never took to them, so I got them back. They’re erasable pens that disappear with the touch of an iron and come in a rainbow of colors.
Perhaps the adorable elephant pattern could come with the 1/4″ seam allowance included!? Easy for us infrequent sewers so we don’t have to worry about inaccurate pieces not fitting together..?
And, B, I love the quilt, I want to make one, too, but have been *waiting* for the right inspiration to come along! Perhaps I have it now!
Hi Valerie- I think beginners will find this method easiest – there is no matching at all! You cut the pieces together and sew your accurately marked seam line without ever separating them- no chance for error
To mark seam allowances, I use 1/4 inch masking tape. It can take a little time to place around the pattern, but it does insure the correct measurements. It can easily be removed, or left on for extra strength. Elephants are my favorite animals so I can’t wait to have a new friend around the house!!
Thats a great idea- and super easy to see as you sew!
Love, love, love the happy cat pattern. Made several. So adorable with Halloween decor! Thank you for the pattern. I sent a picture to you via email. Thank you again. Oh and I LOVE the quilt!