Monday 31 January 2011

Mamma Matryoshka

say hi to Mamma Matryoshka!
And now to her alter-ego...the buxom brunette!
yep...they are one and the same! I've wanted to make a plushie matryoshka for a long time, but never seemed to get round to it!
It was really easy hand-sewing and i hand pieced the sections using paper templates. If you'd like to make one too...download the template piece here.

You'll need six pattern pieces and you sew them up with whatever details you like...see the blonde half below. Cut the material pieces larger than your paper template because you'll need to wrap the seam allowance around the paper piece.
Pink the edges of the details like the face piece etc, so that your outer seam allowances are one piece of fabric thick (where possible)...it'll make your hand sewing much easier.
Add a little face at this point! Smiley of course!
Then iron the seam allowances around the paper templates. Snip into the curves where necessary to make it fit neatly round your paper pieces. (the middle piece below is right side out to show you how it'll look.)
Make a running stitch around the edges to hold the material in place. Keep knots to the right side as you'll be pulling this out at the end.
This is the brunette side at the same stage...
haha! giant cone-head!. Then simply put the pieces right sides together and sew the side seams (careful not to catch the paper in your stitches - just catch the material!). I made each half first and then joined them together with one big seam. Leave a little space at the base and turn it right side out. Remove all your running stitches and the paper should just drop out.
Then stuff and slip stitch the opening closed. This really isn't her best side, but it lets you see the bottom seam.
Then add assorted bows and buttons as required!
lol...i could use her as a giant pin-cushion if i can't think of anything else!

6 comments:

lyds said...

She's beautiful, er...I mean they're beautiful! Looks just like her name and I thought she'd make a good pin cushion too.
PS I little bigger with a weight in the bottom would make a good door stop!!
Love them both! M xox

Unknown said...

Hi! I just discovered your blog through Burda Style and I got so excited to find another sewing blog from NI!! I live in Belfast and have started sewing, so it's nice to find other folk out there close to home that are interested in the same thing. I also spotted a craft that you did using a pic of Whitehead - that's where my parents live :)

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

These matryoshkas are very cute!! :)

KirstenK said...

So nice...thanks for sharing

Amanda said...

Love it! You were featured today on my blog - Today's Top 20! Love if you could stop by!
Amanda
www.todaystoptwenty.blogspot.com

Brigitte said...

ohhh, these matryoshkas are so cute,thank you for sharing

lg
Brigitte