I am so excited for today's post!
Today, I'm sharing my Urban Jungle Animal Doll as a part of the Petit à Petit "Welcome to the Jungle" pattern tour. Celina, of Petit à Petit + Family, just released the coolest and cutest doll patterns (and clothes!) and to celebrate...I got to join the jungle tour along several other talented women! There are so many different options so we are showing off a few of them so you can find inspiration and find time to make one yourself, just in time for holiday gifts!
Meet Olive the Oriole bird...

When I first saw Celina's Urban Jungle Animal Dolls I fell in love with April's fox, then I saw the panda and knew Henry would want him! And then, out of nowhere Henry peaked over my shoulder to investigate what I was looking at. The oos and ahhs ensued...which, of course brought Violet over too...I quickly realized that I had accidentally let the "cat out of the bag" on a potential Christmas gift idea.
Boo.
A few days later Celina asked me if I wanted to be a part of the tour. I thought about attempting, still, to make something in secret, but then I was having a tough time deciding on what to make after hearing them ooh and ahh over all of the dolls and they seemingly didn't really have a favorite. I tried to get hints from them, but in the end I just asked...
I'm glad I did because, somewhat surprisingly to me, they both loved the bird! I think it was the wings that won them over...

I don't at all blame them!
The bird, it was decided, wasn't going to be just any bird...but it'd be an Oriole bird!

It's a funny thing, the things that become important to you, the things that you hold on to.
The Oriole bird, the bird of Baltimore (go O's!), the bird of Maryland. A bird, that isn't often seen though it's revered by many.

The Oriole bird means a lot to these kids (and to my husband), because it represents the Maryland that's in their blood. And now that we no longer live in Maryland, and must tolerate the many many Yankee fans around (sorry if you are a fan! ;) ) that symbol seems all the more important and special.
So, an Oriole bird is what we decided...but then of course, I couldn't help but take a few liberties to make this a special Oriole bird...

I am not new to making dolls and stuffed animals. I've made many, many before. Stuffed animals are actually some of the first things I sewed when I began sewing 10 or so years ago...stuffed animals for my soon to be nephews and for our friend's new babies...Dolls and stuffed animals are some of my most favorite things to make in fact!
I love making them firstly because...who doesn't love a beautiful handmade doll? Secondly, the possibilities are endless in the making. From fabrics to colors to faces to...
Celina's doll patterns make the possibilities even more endless with a large variety of animals, eyes and even clothes to dress them up in!
When I make dolls or stuffed animals I particularly love to play with texture...
The body and head is made of a random bit of gold specked herringbone wool that I had in my stash...

The red breast...a scrap of beautiful upholstery fabric from my stash...The arms, velvet (from Halloween), the legs, pinwale corduroy (from my Farrow)

Each and every element gives a new texture to touch and hold and cuddle. Each and every piece of fabric making for a one of a kind, completely unique doll! That's why making dolls is a favorite!
I'm also pretty smitten with these gold flecks and herringbone!

And these fierce eyes!

And don't get me started on the tail!

I should say also, that making dolls is one of my favorite things because there is so much satisfaction when you see the smiles on the faces that get those handmade dolls!



The way handmade dolls are used to fuel their imagination...


And, in Olive the Oriole's case, the way their imagination can take flight and allow a bird with felt wings to soar...

And soar...

Imagination and smiles, make a makers heart happy don't they!
What a fun doll this was to make! There are already requests for different dolls...a unicorn seems to be on the top of the list currently. Bravo to Celina for making such a wonderful pattern filled with so many options and instructions that are clear and easy to follow and very well detailed. My kids, and many others it seems, particularly love the giant size of this doll, it is super fun!
If you want to see all of the different doll options from bird, to panda to lion and more...and, of course want to grab your own copy as well, you can find that all here!
To celebrate the tour, there is also a fantastic giveaway happening on Instagram, Head over to enter to win this great prize package!
– The Urban Jungle Animal Doll pattern bundle (this includes 15 animals + the Basic Clothing).
– All of the Petit à Petit patterns.
– $25 Gift Card to Chalk and Notch Patterns
– 1 pattern of your choice from Paisley Roots
– 1 yard of Christmas fabric from Emily of Enjoyful Makes
Also make sure your following along with the full tour...you are sure to be inspired!
Dec. 6th: Made by Sara | Chalk and Notch
Dec. 7th: Little Cumquat
Dec. 8th: Buzzmills | My Cozy Co | Gaafmachine
Dec. 9th: Paisey Roots | Lily & Woody | Little Seren
Dec. 10th: Sewing Like Mad | Just Add Fabric | Enjoyful Makes

Enjoy and Happy Holidays and happy making!