Within my own church, there are 5 ladies (including myself) who are expecting babies in the next 5 months. Add to this a number of friends with babies who are turning 1 very soon and it all got me thinking about making more baby/toddler-friendly softies. With this in mind I picked up some polar fleece and I must say - this is great stuff! So soft, stretchy and they’re available in numerous gelati-inspired colours. Why I’ve never used this stuff before . . .

I sketched up an original pattern, influenced by Japanese softies, and came up with a little creature that I must admit I’ve really fallen in love with. I don’t have a name for him yet. He is intended for the soon-to-arrive baby boy of a a good friend.

He is made of polar fleece, tartan flannel, a fun Japanese print, and wool felt (no loose embellishments). I made him a little felt duckie as well. Why the very long arms, you ask? Well, to cuddle his duckie of course!

I really, really like this little creature and I will definitely make many more. And below is my attempt at making one of Carly’s Mini-Moopy Bunnies. She’s actually not so mini - about 50cm tall from top of ears to toes. I made her for a special little girl who’s turned 1. The polar fleece makes her super cuddly. The pattern is definitely worth a try - I got to use up some fabric scraps and was the least stressful softie I’ve put together so far.