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Annnik Feb 25, 2007

Hi All!!  I just have to make a giraffe, don't know why, but I MUST!

I can't seem to get my head around the pattern.  Any help will be appreciated.  So far I've only sketched out the side, not the actual pattern, but the side of the giraffe.  When I make patterns, I like to "wing-it" alot and have it in my head before I sketch out the pattern.  After making my first bear, they all come out about the same and not as hard as the first pattern.  This is not coming to mind very easy. 

I'm thinking I'll need LOTS of pieces for this feller.  The body is what I'm having trouble with.  I'm not asking for a pattern or a link to one, just some one to push me in the right direction!!      Has any one made a girafffe??  Should I make the legs separate like a teddy?  If I do, that would make the whole thing much, MUCH easier, but my goofy head keeps wanting the legs to be a part of the body and the underside gusset or piece is what is troubling me.

I don't think my question is coming out very well!!

Can any one decipher my problem and give me alittle push??

THANKS!!

Bearalive Feb 25, 2007

Well...I think that it has to be, the inner legs, like you said , a gusset. The top part , or  outside of the body, are two parts,  including the outer legs. One piece for each side of body,  left and right and the under body ( or belly ) and inner legs part will be  two parts too. I do not know if I am of ANY help! I hope You can understand what I am saying and can picture it in your mind.  I think what  actually will be the hard part,  is the head. There I think , is where the pattern gets "complicated"! ,
Bear hugs and Golly smiles.
Gladys

Daphne Feb 25, 2007

Hi Ann,
I've had visions of making a giraffe and even bought some giraffe patterend synthetic fur by Tissavel for the project but haven't had the time to work the pattern through on paper.

Gladys is on the right track, I think. I have studied manufactured stuffed giraffes and come up with a few ideas. All did indeed have a right and left side and a belly gusset that included the inner leg. Some had the gusset running all the way up to the chin. Others had it end at the chest. Some had a chin gussett, others a head gusset.

You can Google "plush giraffe" and come up with images of many. Because of the short pile fur you'll be able to see the seams and get an idea of how they were designed. Here are a few:

   

toadbriar Feb 26, 2007

Yes - body silhouette pieces, left and right side, with legs, neck, head.
And a belly gusset that has the legs also.

To make him stand up with legs straight up & down, cut out a football-shaped
dart from where each leg joins the body on the gusset piece (not the side pieces!)
This sort of dart:

You can do his mane as fringe in the seam of the back of his neck. I'd do a face gusset, too,
cause they have wide foreheads. I'd try to find a way to do really prominent eyelashes, too -
giraffes have marvelous eyelashes 

Annnik Feb 26, 2007

Wow!  You guys are all great.  I'm so glad my babbling wasn't as babbling as I thought!   

I was even thinking of 2 side pieces, a center belly gusset, and 4 inner legs.  The belly gusset going up to shape the chest area.  I think  having 4 inner legs is what was throwing me off.  2 inner-belly-gusset-legs may get me going in the right direction!! 

I actually think I have a handle on the head!  But then again, I won't be possitive until I put it all down, then sew it all up.

Daphne, love those pics!!  They help a lot!  and so cute, too!

Thanks again, this is the best place for help and guidance on bears and such!!   

millie Feb 26, 2007

I have a book with instructions for making other animals.  I think it has a giraffe in it.  I have not used the patterns, but I have looked at them to give me an idea how to get started.  I was making a buffalo.  It did help answer some of my questions on a few of the harder parts.  If you are interested, I can scan the giraffe pages and send them to you.  Just let me know.

Annnik Feb 26, 2007

Millie, what a kind offer!!  That would be great and very helpfull.

But don't go out of your way!  I'm not in any type of hurry.  (I don't have the materials to make it yet, just trying to make the pattern first .)  Just whenever you might have time, email me or PM me.