Thursday, June 2, 2011

The no.2 Pencil Softie -- TUTORIAL!

There's something about oversized or undersized objects that just tickles me... and today's project is certainly no exception!


So... just how oversized IS the pencil softie?
......


Here it is with its regular-sized counterpart!
Hee hee!

Want to make one?
C'mon, you know you want to!


What You Need:
Fleece
(scraps will do! I chose classic pencil yellow, grey, black, tan, and pink)
Sewing Machine
Polyester Stuffing
Needle and Thread

STEP ONE:
Cut your fleece as follows:
yellow: 9"x5"
grey: 2"x5"
pink: 1.5"x5" + a 2" circle
black: small scraps
tan: (see step two!)


STEP TWO: Cut your tan piece. Begin by folding your yellow piece in half, long sides together. You will fold your tan fleece and place it next to the folded yellow piece, with the fold at an angle and cutting at an angle. This does not make sense, I know, until you look at the next photo!


Basically, it is a diamond with its angled sides the same length as your folded yellow piece -- 2 1/2"!



STEP THREE: Topstitch a black scrap to the end of your tan piece to create the lead tip. I cut a curve on one end and sewed along the edge of the curve a scant 1/4" from the edge, then trimmed the angled edges to size. Do not cut away the tan fabric from the back side of your lead tip.



STEP FOUR: If desired, stitch a "no.2" on your yellow rectangle. I used my free-motion foot to "write" it, then cut away the excess with finely pointed scissors. You could also choose to embroider it on once your pencil is completed, using black yarn.

Also attach your grey rectangle, right sides together, using a 1/4" seam allowance.



STEP FIVE: Sew one long side of your pink rectangle to your pink circle, gently matching the curve of the circle as you go and using a scant 1/4" seam allowance. Remember to start and stop 1/4" from the edge of your rectangle.



This is what it should look like when you turn it right side out.



STEP SIX: Sew the other long edge of your eraser's rectangle right sides together to your grey piece, gently pulling the eraser piece around in front of your sewing machine foot as you go -- as shown.



STEP SIX: Attach the tip of your pencil. Line up the edges together for the first half of the tan piece, then stop at the midpoint (with your needle down), lift your presser foot, and turn the tan piece to match the edges of the second half. Put your presser foot back down and sew to the edge.



STEP SEVEN: Finish sewing the pencil together! Line up the straight edges of your eraser and start sewing, matching up the seams as you go. Leave a space about the width between my fingers, as shown in the photo. Then start sewing again, all the way to the point.



STEP EIGHT: Turn your pencil right side out and stuff it firmly with polyester stuffing. Sew together the opening using a whipstitch.



You're done!!

14 comments:

Anna said...

ah care! I love it, that is so cool. My kids would just freak out if they saw it. :)

Caroline @ Artfully Caroline said...

Another homerun Care!.. I think this will be in the teacher's goodie bag this year :)

Thanks for the great ideas as always

Cláudia de Jesus Pinheiro said...

Show!!! Obrigada!!!
Me visite também!
http:varaldeartesanatos.blogspot.com

Beijos!

Cammie said...

That is so fun! I could have used this last week with my preschool gift. I'll need to remember it for next year!

Tiffany said...

You come up with the greatest things. :)

VickiT said...

Oh my gosh! THIS is just adorable! NOW I have something to use to keep score while playing Angry Birds. LOL

Thank you so much. AWESOME JOB!

Anna M. said...

That is really cute. Though I think it would be even cuter if it had a face, but that's just me.

Melissa said...

This would be so awesome as an end of year teacher gift to your child's favorite teacher. Thank you!

Angelina @ April Violet said...

Very cool! I am a huge fleece lover so I have plenty around to try this out!

::little projects in style:: said...

how fun! :)

Lisa said...

How fun! This is pretty cool

Gabi Cooper said...

I love it! Have been wanting to find one of those big pencils to hang on a wall in the school room at our house but couldn't find just what I wanted. Now I have! This is perfect; thanks!

Karren said...

I'm tempted to make it even bigger...like a bolster pillow for my grandson's bed. He loves to read in bed. This would be a great neck & back support. Thanks! Love your ideas!

Unknown said...

Thanks! I think I may look back on that tutorial one day and cringe but it’s a good start!

Zia
Heard about 7.3 Injector