elaine - Elaine Heigl Designs

Create a Cherished Heirloom: Simplicity 8155 Bear Pattern with Repurposed Clothing and Unique Embroidery

Hi there! I’d like to share one of my designs for Simplicity patterns: Simplicity 8155. This bear pattern is designed to be a forever bear, a cherished family heirloom to be passed down through generations.

Finding Hidden Treasures to Build Your Bear

There are many possibilities to make a truly special one-of-a-kind bear. Repurposing clothing or blankets filled with memories can add a unique touch.

On a shopping adventure I found many great possibilities to repurpose at thrift and consignment shops!

I selected a tweedy, chunky sweater for one bear. A perfect fit for this bear body pattern!

Here’s a close-up of a bear made from that thrift shop sweater!

Adding Heirloom Details

To make your bear even more special, consider adding heirloom details. Machine embroidery is a great way to add beautiful, easy-to-sew accents. Handcrafted embroidery or fabric pens also work wonderfully for adding personalized messages or blessings. Let your creativity shine and make each bear uniquely yours!

Sew for smiles.

MAKE APPLIQUÉ PATCHES WITH PAPER BACKED FUSIBLE WEB

by elaine

Paper backed fusible web is an easy and accessible way to add detailing to any sewn project. Once you try out this product, you may want to decorate everything!

Paper backed fusible web is available in three weights: heavy, medium and light. Test and experiment with each weight to get a feel for each. Heavy weight was used for this demo.

Paper backed fusible web is sold by the yard or prepackaged. Detailed instructions and recommendations are included.

Here are some tips and a preview of the application process for you to check out. So easy!

TRACE

Place paper backed fusible web over graphic rough (glue) side up. Use a pencil to trace graphic

FUSE

Place paperbacked fusible web, glue side facing back of the fabric. Fabric should be larger than fusible web. Fuse with a hot iron. Let cool.

CUT OUT

Cut out using small sharp scissors for precision.

REMOVE PAPER BACKING

Sometimes a pin or needle helps start to lift the paper away.

Make sure glue is adhered to the fabric. If some glue remains on the paper, touch up with a hot iron again so the glue completely adheres to the fabric.

Sometimes the process of removing the paper from the fabric may rough up an edge. You can trim that edge if it is acceptable for your design.

FUSE AND FINISH

Fuse on appliqué using a damp presser cloth and a hot iron.

You can finish an appliqué with many decorative stitch styles.

SOME TIPS:

Test this product on your fabric first.

A tightly woven fabric is the easiest to work with.

Since fuse is best using an iron on a high temperature setting, use a presser cloth to protect synthetic fabrics.

Create fun patches for your fashion, accessories and doll clothes. Express the unique you!

CUSTOMIZE 18” DOLL TEES

by elaine

To make an 18” doll t-shirt unique, add a personal or customized touch with an iron-on transfer. Consider your personal photos and artwork for transfer possibilities, or use the graphics provided at the bottom of this post.

There are two types of printable iron-on-transfers available at the sewing and office supply stores.

The “for dark fabric” iron-on-transfer is a paper backed opaque white film that you print upon. For best results, use graphics or photography that can be cut out as a frame. These transfers actually can be used on dark or light fabric.

The “for light fabric” iron on transfer is a paper backed clear thin film that you print upon. The transfer is applied to fabric with the graphic face down, so graphic images with words need to be printed in reverse. Cut out the transfer loosely around the graphic.

Complete instructions for printing and applying transfers to fabric are included in the package. With a little practice, your results will be perfect. One assist is to use a pin or needle to help separate the transfer film from the backing.

If you would like to use the graphics shown in the photos, click the artwork below to view and print. Print out is sized to fit 18” doll t-shirts. You also can use these graphics to gauge the size for your own artwork.

Have fun making unique customized wearables for your dolls! SaveSave

SaveSave

SEW UP SOME BESTIES!

by elaine

Have fun styling and sewing take-everywhere-friends for someone dear to your heart. Make these besties with Simplicity pattern 9440.

The clothing for these dolls is so easy to make. Perfect for a shared project with a young stitcher. For additional creativity, 18″ doll clothing patterns can be adjusted to fit these boys and girls. Have fun being a fashion designer!

Some fabric prints were designed especially for these doll friends. They can be viewed and purchased at the print-on-demand site Spoonflower.com.

Sew fun! Sew playthings! Elaine

STITCH UP BABY’S FIRST LOVIE DOLL

by elaine

This sweet 17″ doll is designed to be a first doll for an infant. This lovie goes from day to night with a little mask with sleeping eyes. A perfect prop to start good bedtime habits with a lovie, story and a lullaby.

Make this huggable doll from a cut&sew fabric fat quarter panel of organic cotton knit or fleece. Make simple clothing as your child grows and is ready to learn to dress up their bedtime friend. Pick up some free wardrobe patterns on this site!

Yarn braids, bangs or Pom Pom ponytails are fun add-ons too!

Sew sweet! E