Another Monkey

From the first "we're pregnant" I was chomping at the bit to make this gift for my brother's daughter Sweet Pea. If you have read this blog for any length of time, you have read about my beloved Lady Monkey. According to the standards outlined in The Velvetine Rabbit, Lady Monkey was is "real."

Obviously, there is no other first gift to be had! 

When I spotted this outfit at Target, it was all decided. A matched set was in order.

I used my favorite Molly Monkey pattern with several modifications. First off, I reduced the size to 75%. I also freezer paper stenciled the face to better match the bib.

 I hate the way my hand stitching looks so I made some sleeves to cover that up on the arms. I used my new ruffle foot to make the ruffle. It was a challenge, but I am satisfied with how it turned out.

Maybe I went a little too big on the ears? (The better to hear you with my dear!) I only wish I had put some plastic bag inside to make them crinkle. Oh well.  The flower is to match the bib and to cover up how lopsided I sewed her head. I used some pink polyester fabric-the kind that might line a skirt. I cut it into four circles for the petals and then seared the edges with a flame. Instead of a button for the center, I used a bit of white fleece. The original Lady Monkey still has real button eyes that have been safely in place for.... a long time, but I didn't want to take any chances. (We were living dangerously in the 70's, huh? LOL)

I also made the tail long and skinny like my Lady Monkey. (The better to swing you with my dear.) The last intentional modification is the sewn on shoes.  How about that wide legged stance? Not sure what I was thinking while sewing. It does help her sit nicely though.

Let's just say she's a dancer.  Of course, there is no way to predict which toy will become the most favorite of all, but I think this one might just have a fighting chance.

Did you have a toy that was "real"?