Sunday, October 7

Pindsvin, the next chapter


Are you familiar with Pindsvin? Pindsvin is a brave Danish Hedgehog who travels by teacup. I made a Pindsvin embroidery pattern a couple of years ago (and spotted quite a few other animals starting to use a teacup as way of traveling after that...)  and since then Pindsvin has developed into a real character.

drawing of Pindsvin (not the pattern!)

Yesterday I was 'playing' with some felt and made not very elaborate try outs of a tiny mitten and a tiny shoe. Then I thought it would be fun to have a 'real' Pindsvin to dress and make things for and to keep me company while I sew and embroider. And maybe it would be even more fun to have other crafty folk making things for Pindsvin (more about that later)


So this morning I started making a Pindsvin stuffy based on a pattern in Hillary Lang's book called Wee Wonderfuls 24 Dolls to Sew and Love. To be honest, I bought this book last year I think and wasn't expecting to use it soon but there you go..


My Pindsvin is roughly based on the bears Melvin and Marian. The ears will be smaller and placed on the side of the head rather than near the top. The snout and nose will be adjusted (still flat though) and obviously Pindsvin will need clothing fit for a sailing Hedgehog! I also need to figure out how to do this quills...

I didn't have enough felt in one colour so I had to do his legs in a different colour and his body is made of a quite nasty acrylic felt (I really need to stock up on quality felt!). So far it hasn't been too difficult making my Pindsvin. The instructions in the book were easy to follow. I traced the pattern pieces onto tracing paper which was a breeze because they were the right size so I didn't need to enlarge or anything. I always find that a bit off putting to be honest and craft book publishers should really make every effort to print pattern pieces to size.

Back to the idea of making stuff for Pindsvin...if you are particularly good at a craft then I would be thrilled if you could make something for Pindsvin. I already have an offer for a knitted scarf so that's covered. ;) Other possible items: an apple (maybe needle felted), a map or a lantern (thank you Georgia for those suggestions!), clothing, a little book, a blanket, travel items. It has to be '3D' so no flat apples etc.! I can't offer you money but the idea is that I will feature your item here on the blog and if you have a blog or a shop related to what you made for Pindsvin then I will not fail to mention that as well.  It's all just for fun and there is no hurry. As you can see Pindsvin isn't finished yet so I'm thinking of starting these features from early 2013. Send me an email at nicole@followthewhitebunny.com with your idea (so I can check if it fits Pindsvin's image) a link to stuff you make and an idea about when you think you can have your item finished. Don't start just yet because naturally the items should be the right size and I will need to inform you about Pindsvin's measurements first...Wouldn't it be fun to have a photo of Pindsvin a year from now with all the fabulous handmade goodies he 'collected' from all over the world?

20 comments:

  1. This is a very cute idea Nicole. Looking forwards to seeing how Pindsvin turns out ;-)Maybe he needs something from Ireland? ;-)

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    1. That's a great idea! Country-specific items are brilliant too :D

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  2. Oh my goodness, I'm silly excited about knitting little Pindsvin a stripey scarf! He's looking adorable already - I can't wait to see how this project moves along with little accessories from all over. What a wonderful idea!

    I can have the scarf done anytime you're ready for it, but of course will wait to hear more about his size requirements and whatnot. Need to make sure it's the right size to keep him nice and warm! :)

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    1. I'm also v excited: this will be so much fun! I will send you a 'Pindsvin' fact sheet soon :)

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    1. Thanks! I've got you signed up for a Pindsvin Quilt with stars! :)

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  4. This is very cute Nicole! I would be happy to make Pindsvin something. How about a camera?

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    1. A camera sounds great, one of those 'old fashioned' ones would be perfect! :)

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  5. I was going to say quilt, but it looks like you have one already... Maybe a navy sailing jacket, with gold trim?

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    1. Mmm Navy Jacket yes, not sure if the gold trim would suit his Northern European Sober style ;) Isn't a jacket really hard to make?

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    2. I dunno... I'm making one now using a template I got from Mimi Kirchner (my sister bought THIS doll: http://mimikirchner.com/blog/archives/2012/09/another-little-girl-fox/); I bought Mimi's friend Kitty pattern for a doll and the clothes. I've got all but the sleeves and the collar on now (so far, so good). I'll post to my Flickr (and Mimi's Flickr group) when done!

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    3. Those are sweet! Love the plaid fabric btw. Naturally I'd LOVE a jacket of some kind for Pindsvin and I'll keep an eye out for your photos! :)

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  6. I've got some leather scraps in fun colours. How about a little bag or suitcase? I would be happy to make one for him.

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    1. He certainly needs something to carry all his stuff in! :)

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  7. Oh cutie, I think I could make his teacup ;o) Great project, Nicole!

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    1. I was actually thinking to use a real ceramic teacup (a very large one!) for him?!? Pindsvin is about 10" high so I hope to find one that fits him. Maybe you could do something typically German like one of those German pretzels? Let me know! :)

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  8. Hey I was gonna say quilt too, I could do the needle felted apple if you like? x

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    1. sounds fab! Send me an email, I can't identify you because of your 'opaque' profile :)

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  9. What a lovely idea! What to make...can I offer something knitted? Perhaps a hat, little bag or a picnic/travel blanket?

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    1. A knitted little something would be perfect (because I can't knit!) maybe a 'beanie' style hat or mittens? Send me an email so I can send you the Pindsvin Factsheet as soon as I know all the measurements etc. :)

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