Who would have thought my first exploration in doll making would involve an amphibian! This guy originated with a pattern from Ann Wood Handmade. She featured this project in a holiday email, and I felt like my life needed this rather judgemental-looking frog.
I’ve sewn simple stuffed “dolls” before, but I have never ventured into anything with arms and legs. Yikes! He was slow-stitched using recycled fabric scraps, threads, and buttons, and sports a cozy scrap wool felt scarf. I sourced most of the supplies at Scrap Creative Reuse, and maybe spent a total of $6 to make him.
Frog Work in Progress
Frog in the Studio
A scrap of floral fabric was used for the body, and I repurposed some old buttons for eyes. The embroidery threads and stuffing were leftover from an old project. Other supplies included dressmakers pins, an embroidery needle, a scissors, and a wood tapestry needle for turning the arms and legs right-side-out.
I admit that it took me a bit to get into the project. At the outset it felt pretty straightforward, but as I worked, it became much scarier than I imagined and I had to set it down for a few weeks. Once I collected my nerve once more and moved into the rhythm of slow stitching, the project became easier and enjoyable.
In the end, I learned that taking shortcuts in construction is unwise (one leg was subjected to the seam ripper). I also discovered that inserting stuffing, hiding knots and finishing seams are art forms of their own.
This guy enjoyed the holidays seated on our mantle and acted as our Judgmental Amphibian on the Shelf. He has since made himself a rock chair in my studio where he provides amphibian critiques.
