How I made Berlita Bunny

I've been thinking of making a bunny toy for some time, and a few weeks ago I finally got around to doing it. I made a bunny a few years ago, and although she's now a very well-loved bun, I felt the urge to create another.

As it was a few years since I'd made my first bunny I thought i'd make things simple by using the tried-and-tested pattern (for the body, at least) first.

However, I did design a brand-new head pattern for this bunny though which took a lot of trial and error. I started by modelling a plasticine head, then divided it into sections by lightly scoring lines which would be the seams.

I then laid tracing paper onto the head and traced the scored lines, then cut the paper sections out; these were the basis for the pattern.

I then made a series of felt heads until I achieved the shape I wanted. This tried my patience a lot and wasn't easy! But eventually Berlita's head took on the form which I was looking for.

This was the hard work over. Now I had a pattern for the body and head that I could follow, so the rest was relatively plain sailing. I used some very nice black wool felt coat fabric, which was easy to work with as it doesn't fray - a real benefit when you're working with small fiddly bits!

Although I did use Vilene iron-on heavyweight interfacing on all the pieces to give it that bit more stability.
I covered a couple of buttons with black satin for her eyes, which are ok although they do protrude a little more than i'd like.

I also invested in some new needles - some extra long upholstery ones for attaching the arms and legs, and some curved ones for attaching the head - useful for getting the needle into such a tight corner (although the curved needles I got were a little thick for the felt I was using, but would be fine on woven material I think).

I embroidered Berlita's features before I stuffed her face, and I also planned and wrote down what order I would sew the pieces, because this is the area I always tend to mess up! Like sewing up a seam that I was meant to leave open... my seam ripper is very well-used, unfortunately!

I designed the pattern for her little dress and made it up in a blue and white polka-dot polyester satin moire that i've had for years, and which I only use for very special occasions because one day it'll be gone!

Berlita Bunny isn't going anywhere- I spent too long making her to want to give her up - but I may make her some cousins who will be up for adoption (hahaha! I mean up for sale in my Etsy shop....) when I can get around to making them!

Please tell me what you think to Berlita!