The Year, in Brief

Set of plush bug toys
Photo courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine
Mushroom Family Set
Photo courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine
Bunny and Carrot Plush Toy
Photo courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine
Halloween Cat Plush Toy

Sweet plush dog with a tartan coat and spotty lead

Green Fairy Doll
Photo courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine

A Simply Sewing Roundup

Here you’ll find a round up of some of my favourite recent sewing projects for Simply Sewing magazine! I hope some of you have enjoyed making them. I always love to see your makes on social media – so please tag me if you’d like to show off your special toys! Find me @thewhistlingcowgirl on Instagram!

Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 92)
Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 84)

Linen Deer Toy from issue 86

Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 91)

Linen koala toy from issue 90


Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 89)

Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 80)


Image courtesy of Simply Sewing magazine (issue 83)
Plush Fox from issue 76

Four New Toy Patterns to Show You!

I seem to have a little backlog of Simply Sewing patterns that I haven’t shared here! So here they are. There’s a dinosaur, a swan, a lion and the latest, out now, a polar bear! Post your makes on social media if you feel like sharing them! I’d love to see. You should still be able to download the templates that you need to make the toys. Just follow this link:
http://www.simplysewingmag.com/category/downloads/

Fun Dinosaur Toy
Graceful Swan Toy, Issue 59
Felt Crown Detail
Issue 60, Simply Sewing
Lion Toy
Polar Bear Toy. Issue 61, Simply Sewing

My Latest Toy Sewing Patterns are here!

I’ve been busy creating more toy sewing patterns for Simply Sewing! For issue 56 I created one of my favourite ever designs, the lovely, pink alpaca below and the team styled it so beautifully! I’ve used Shannon fabrics for this project; a smooth ivory plush and a cuddly, shaggier pile pale pink. You’ll need some different coloured wools and a scrap of a favourite fabric for the coat. Happy sewing! The templates are available to download at www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads

And issue 57 is out now too, featuring Emily the Elephant! Buy your magazine from all good newsagents or, again, you can download the templates from the Simply Sewing website. For this project I’ve used a pretty floral cotton duck fabric, with purple wool felt for the ears. Wool felt is ideal as it is washable, softer and far more durable than craft felt. I hope you enjoy making these latest toys! Remember to please tag me on social media if you’d like to show off your makes!

Meet Emily the Elephant!
I know you!
Hey, that’s me!

Simply Sewing, issue 54, Sew a Cat in a Dress!

This is also out on the shelves now, issue 54 of Simply Sewing magazine. In it you’ll find your project details for ‘Pretty in Pink’, a delightful kitty in a pink Liberty floral dress and felt collar with fluffy white pom poms. Make her in these colours or customise her from your existing stash, or in your favourite colours. Tag me on Instagram @thewhistlingcowgirl, Twitter @whistlincowgirl or post on my The Whistling Cowgirl Facebook if you have one you have made and want to show her off!

In LPQ issue 72, a Bunny Doorstop Project to sew!

My latest project for Love Patchwork and Quilting is this adorable bunny doorstop! He’s made from a light caramel coloured plush fabric and has Liberty fabric appliqued details, as well as a fluffy wool pom pom tail….not seen in the picture here! Inside the bunny’s bottom there are baking beans to add some weight, so he can easily hold open your door. There’s also a Liberty fabric and felt carrot for an emergency snack. Issue 72 has all the step by step instructions you need to make him, plus the templates. So what are you waiting for!? This little rabbit will really make a spring statement in your home!

LPQ Bunny Doorstop Sewing Project
LPQ #72

Simply Sewing Toy Lamb Project

My first project for Simply Sewing magazine appears in issue 53, on sale on the 21st February! This is an easy to sew project, just make sure to take your time sewing, as stretchy lamb fleece plush can be tricky to sew. The lamb also has a sweet little bow tie, which I have sewn using Liberty Betsy tana lawn cotton fabric, in shades of turquoise and green. It’s so pretty! Do tag me on social media if you make your own little lamb for Spring! Happy sewing!

Counting Sheep!
Step by step instructions….
There he is, sneaking onto the front cover….

New! Lavender Giraffes!

Hello there Cowgirls! I have a number of new designs planned for this Spring…and these lavender sachet giraffes are the first to launch. The first one has just been sold online in my Etsy shop and more are on their way! It’s always so nice to create something new and to know that someone, somewhere, has fallen in love with it and decided they must have it. I really like these giraffes, with their cheery fabric and wool felt manes and tails and have enjoyed making them. I’ll post more pictures when there are more giraffes to show you!

Add a delicious scent to your clothes in a drawer, or pop one of these cuties into your pillow to help you drift into a deep and relaxing sleep….

Chronicle Christmas Fair, Saturday 15th December…that’s tomorrow!

It’s the Chronicle Christmas Market tomorrow, Saturday 15th December, and although we’re expecting some less than hospitable weather, we’re hoping you’ll come and have a look around at the lovely crafts, sample the delicious local foodstuffs and enjoy the festive atmosphere! We’re there from 9am-6pm, so do take a moment from the high street madness to pay us a visit! I shall be there with my sweet little friends, who are all looking for brand new homes for Christmas! 

Pretty Kitty Sewing Project in Love Patchwork and Quilting Magazine….Make Yours!

In issue 65 of Love Patchwork and Quilting you will find the templates and all the instructions you’ll need to make my pretty kitty soft plush toy! I’d love to see your makes, so do post them to Instagram or Twitter and let me see them! Tag me, thewhistlingcowgirl, so I can see them! You have a choice of two designs, either standing or sitting, and you can use up fabric scraps to make the adorable little flower collars. Here’s a couple of pictures of the ones I made for the magazine. I really loved making them and I hope you do too!