Being asked to make a Funky Friends Factory softie for April was a fun challenge! I found some colorful pink fabrics from my Island Batik Ambassador Box from January and decided to make Slowpoke Sloth for my project. I thought a pink sloth would make a sweet gift for my little grand daughter Juliette, and if I liked making them, I know of several other people who would enjoy such a cute stuffed toy!
Hello cutie! I chose Fuschia solid for the body and this softer pink for the accent. In the past I have embroidered eyes, or used felt, but for this one, the look of the safety eyes really makes the face I think! I bought a dozen sets in different colors so I can see a rainbow of sloths in my future!
Slowpoke Sloth is a fairly easy pattern to make. The snout is just a little fiddly to deal with, but other than that it was smooth sailing! You do have to stuff the arms and legs separately, so you do have to hand sew five little seams after stuffing, but that goes quickly. The nose is appliqued on and this time I remembered how to do the buttonhole stitch! Just a couple of embroidery stitches and the mouth is done, and you have a finished sloth! I was glad for the extra help of the online tutorial since I couldn't figure out how to do the mough, but it was really easy. I like using batik for these because you get such nice smooth seams and a crisp looking finish. My advice for stuffing is to use plenty - then add a bit more to make them nice and full!
She has velcro on her hands and feet so she can "hang out" on various poles and branches! (oops, I spy some stray stuffing strands that I should have brushed off)
And she sits quite nicely, too! You can see how the velcro is attached in this picture. She has the cutest little bum and tummy! So round and cuddly :)
We went out for a little swing on the back patio! I think she enjoyed spending some time outdoors, it was a beautiful evening.
When she spotted the buds on the Crab Apple tree, she decided she needed a little snack! Thanks to Pauline McArthur for providing us with patterns for this challenge - go check out her Funky Friends Factory to see all the cute patterns she has available - and there are videos and step by steps online to help you if you are nervous about trying one. They are so fun! And don't forget that Island Batik has so many lovely fabrics to make them with! And don't forget the Aurifil thread and Schmetz needles - got to have those as well! I used bright pink in 50 wt and a size 12 needle for this project.
