Patchwork horse love

As you can probably see, I've been in softie mode with my crafting lately. Of all the softies I've made this year (and I have two more to show you, once they've reached their recipients), this one might be my favorite. The pattern is Patchwork Horse from More Softies Only a Mother Could Love, and it was created by Abby Glassenberg (who has a book coming out! yay!). I'm not sure what it is about this pattern that I love so much: The patchwork body, the articulated button legs, the torn-fabric mane... Everything about it is just so...sophisticated.

I followed the pattern pretty much exactly. I put some flax seed in the bottom of the feet to help the horse balance. I used Kona cotton in Bone for the solid, and I like how the flax shows through at the bottom of the legs. It kind of looks like hooves to me. I think I may have gotten a little overzealous with the fabric tearing, resulting in a tail and mane that are a little too thick. Chalk that up to the learning curve...

I made this little guy for a coworker of mine who needed a little extra TLC at the time. Also, secretly, I was hoping she'd keep him at the office because I loved him so much. Alas, something about him reminded her of a similar stuffed horse she had as a kid, so I had to say goodbye to the horsie so she could take him home to her own bed. I am a little sad that I don't get to see him every day, but also happy that he's being so so loved. I guess I'll just have to make another one...!