If you ever wanted to make your own stuffed versions of Red and Gobo Fraggle, just look for Butterick Fraggle Rock Patterns! It may be tough to find them, because they were released in 1986 (with a 1985 copyright). These actually look much better than the plush toys released by Tomy in the 1980s. What's nice is that Red and Gobo are not clones here. They do have different facial features, in addition to different costumes.
So what will you need to build these?
Styrofoam Balls to use for the construction of the eyes? This does not sound very durable to me. I guess these Fraggles are really meant to be decorations, not toys. When I saw this pattern as a kid, I thought they'd suggest Ping Pong balls for the eyes. I do like that "Ostrich-Like Feather Plumes" are to be used to make the hair.
Wow, this looks really complicated and frustrating. If you can make something like this, I have great respect for you.
Butterick also made Sprocket the dog. He also really looks fantastic! I wonder what you need to build him?
Ooooh, more Ostrich feathers! Nice! Sadly, it looks like Butterick does not have the patience to teach us how to make a collar for Sprocket, as they instruct us to go and buy one at the store. Is that laziness, or are they just realistic?
I wonder how many hours (or days, or months) it would take to make Sprocket?
I've never tried to make these, and don't know anyone that has. It looks like it takes some serious sewing skills and quite a bit of patience!
Wow! That Sprocket does look really good.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Eric! Thanks for your comments here!
ReplyDeleteYeah, they look very involved. I think my aunt could probably make these. She used to make and sell Teddy Bears in addition to other little critters. She can also draw and paint. I did not inherit any of that talent! :-(
ReplyDeleteTokyoMagic!: You got the journalism talent! It's always good to have a "crafty" family member with sewing "skillz." :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dan!
ReplyDeleteYou are quite welcome, TokyoMagic!
ReplyDeleteThis is neat. Any chance seeing the whole patterns one day?
ReplyDeleteHey Kevin Williams! The patterns are rather large and flimsy, so that is tricky. I do plan on revisiting Fraggle Rock, so we'll see what happens...
ReplyDeleteI made the Sprocket pattern and with a few modifications I turned it into a puppet. It is definitely an advanced pattern. He took me two and a half months. It's at least a month and a half of work as a plushie. It needs at least a dozen feathers. I'd recommend handsewing because faux fur is hard on machines. Use loctite liquid control for glue, because otherwise it'll take ages to dry or will be too runny.
ReplyDeleteWow, very cool, Stephanie!
ReplyDelete