Yup!
Meet Elsie the chicken, or ‘chook’ as my friend might say! Elsie – well, not Elise in particular – but a chicken toy of sorts was going to be a gift for my friend Elina way back in June when we were invited to her summer garden party.
We were so looking forward to going and spending a lovely afternoon in Oxford at a quintessential English garden party. I even had plans on a rose-print tea dress, but the date was usurped by my daughter’s own birthday celebrations and so, in the end, we missed out on what looked to be such a gorgeous event.
Whilst flicking through the photos of the party on Facebook, I clocked a great picture of Elsie the (real) chicken in Elina’s garden. Fabulous reference! Just because we didn’t go, didn’t mean I couldn’t still send her a chicken!
And so armed with my copy of Tilda’s Crafting Springtime Gifts, (The self same book that inspired my Tilda bunnies!) a small pile of linen and a big bag of stuffing, I set to work.
A fiddly little thing to put together but nonetheless hugely rewarding. I love that you sew around the shapes before cutting them out, with a small seam allowance. Makes for much more accuracy. There was still lots of hand sewing, however, which, once I’d relaxed about it and told myself I had all the time in the world, was actually enjoyable. And in case I haven’t mentioned it in a while…. I love linen! I love the way it moulds and feels and creates something that feels instantly nostalgic!
I’m so glad that real Elsie is white because it’s so difficult finding a light brown linen! She started to look like a duck at one point but of course, her ‘tiara’ and ‘wobbly bits’ under the chin are all she needs to confirm her identity, hey?! I should have used red really, for her contrasting details but the orange linen looked far too good to ignore… artistic license and all that!
I do hope that Elina will like her. I hope too that Elsie arrives before she notices this post too! I’m just far too impatient these days!
OMGosh!! That is the cutest thing!!! I love it!!!!
Thanks Stacy
That is fantastic! Well done – love the wallace & gromit feel to it!
Thanks so much Joanne. I didn’t think of that but you are right, it is a bit W&G!
So cute! And she has a little outfit, adorable!
Thanks Jayne. Turning the straps on those dungarees was a mare, I can tell you!
Elsie is too cute.
Thanks Mrs C x
Oh my, this is the cutest chicken ever seen.
Awww…. thanks Sigrid
Now that really makes my Boy’s felt penguin pale into insignificance. And using linen is inspired. That’s a great chook you have there!
Thanks Felicity. I’ve no doubt your felt penguin is indeed a treasured one! I can defo vouch for working with linen though. I can’t get enough of it!
I love it! I have never tried to make anything like that before. You have inspired me to try! Oh my, my to do list is growing to the point of being overwhelming. LOL
Thanks Shirley. There are so many gorgeous Tilda designs out there. Just do a Google and see all the lovely bunnies, dolls and gifts. I know I should really be concentrating on making more clothes but making these from time to tim is such a wonderful distraction!
I’ll have to check them out. I have 3 kids that each have their own favorite little things they love. They would make wonderful birthday or Christmas gifts. Are stuffed animals difficult to make? Is it similar to sewing clothing or is it a whole new thing itself?
Elsie made me smile and laugh out loud first thing this morning! I LOVE her. Thanks for starting my day out right!!!! SO CUTE!
Beth
Always my pleasure to know that I made someone smile! Thanks Beth x
This is great; I’m sure Elina will love it! I wonder if her ‘real’ Elsie will? =D
Thank you gonerustic! Elina did indeed love her. I think Elsie is a bit suspicious! http://ooobop.com/2012/08/10/elsie-approves-kind-of/;-)
Just. Too. Cute.
Thank you
Oh my goodness I love it! A vintage treasure feel for sure!
Thanks Stacey. Linen… oh …. linen!!! x
THAT. IS. FREAKING. AWESOME!! ^__^
ha ha….. I thought you might like her! x
It’s adorable!
Thanks JSD! x
Love it, thank you Janene!!!
xx
You are more than welcome Elina. I think Elsie brought a lot of smiles to the people on here too! xxxx
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