Way back in the mists of time (June of this year), Island Batik put out a call to ambassadors for folks to make Funky Friends Factory samples. I wasn’t too excited – I don’t do stuffed animals often – until I looked at the list, and saw that they had dachshunds. I sent a hysterical email off to Elizabeth at Island Batik, begging to make the dachshund stuffed toys, offering to make both versions. My fabric arrived the next week.
The biggest challenge was that the fabric was from the upcoming Boho line, and I wasn’t able to share on social media until now. Sad face.
The pattern was very easy to understand. I hadn’t used eyes before, but there are lots of helpful tutorials on the Funky Friends Factory website.
All of the pieces looked scary when piled up on my cutting table.
It was very exciting to see things coming together.
Lots of pins were used in the making of these doggies.
I used some Island Batik ribbon from fabric bundles as the collars. My proudest innovation was getting actual dog tags to hang from their collars, in place of labels.
Aren’t they adorable? Their noses are made from felted cashmere, given to my by my good friend Jackie.
Digger was finished first. I don’t think I will ever get such a fab photo again.
I was very pleased with my finished toys. I brought them in to work to have the resident doll maker evaluate them for me. I got an “A”, even though one of my doxies has a bit of a lazy eye. It’s from inbreeding.
If you are interested in making stuffed toys, check out Funky Friends Factory. Their patterns are good – easy to understand with a lot of online support. And the toys finish at a nice huggable size.
The week I made these, I had a very special houseguest. Arnold belongs to one of the owners of Gotham Quilts. He and Oscar spent their time mostly ignoring each other, to my disappointment. I was hoping for wild ass playtime. Both boys were intensely interested in the stuffed dachshunds. They had to make do with the commercial toys. Poor doggies. 
Here is Arnold from a more flattering angle. This is one of the 3 seconds that he held still during his visit.
As a former Dachshounds ‘big sister’, I love your toys!!!! Your tags are ingenious and perfect for the pair. Jackie’s nose felted cashmere is just right. Wow, Jen, what a fabulous project. Thanks for sharing them now.
The doggies are ADORABLE… both real and stuffed!
Cute dachshounds, and a fun post to read, which had me giggling. Love the dog tag idea, it’s brilliant! I’m not a big fan of making stuffed toys, but you made this one look like fun!
I so love your dacshounds.
The dog tag idea was perfect and your blog reminded me I could blog about my groundhog. Dog sleepovers are never predictable, but always interesting.
Awww, Arnold!! You look like you are posing! I love doxies and Oscar isn’t sure he likes you playing with that toy. And Dixie and Digger are TOO cute. If Oscar and Arnold are your muses (and we all know they are – well, Oscar for sure), you hit the target. And I adore the name tags!!! Happy Happy Monday! ~smile~ Roseanne
Great job, so cute and colorful.
Oh – they are sew very cute!!!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
Your dachshunds are super cute! I LOVE the dog tags!!! Such a clever idea.
Your stuffies are adorable! Funky Friends patterns are amazing. So many fun designs. I love your doggie tag idea. So brilliant.
Thanks!