Monday, April 6, 2009

Mel! the Amazing Stuffed Dog and Drummer

I got an email a while back from my brother and sister-in-law with an entreaty to make my nephew, Angelo (1.75 yrs), a stuffed dog of his favorite tv character. This dog, Mel, is a drummer on the Noggin tv show Jack's Big Music Show. (Nope- I hadn't heard of it either.)



Cute, huh? Apparently, not only has the show been off the air for a few years, but Noggin (not the highest budget station) never even made any show-themed products for resale. My sis sent me some pics and a video or two and wondered if it was even possible...

Uhm... sure? I mean... it can't be that hard, right? (Bear in mind, I've never made a stuffed animal.) So I get on the internet, make some sketches and order some fabric samples, and start patterning...


Moog! Cute nose!


A paw in action...


A pile of appendages... (hehe... say that 10 times fast...)


O.M.G. This could be fun...


Ahahahhahhahaahaaa! Ok, that was probably the funniest part! Also because sewing his butt closed on the machine didn't even work and I had to sew it by hand. There's something about creating a stuffed animal that feel sort of... wrong? That's not the right word... but... uncanny. It has so much character so early on in the process. Anyway, here's the finished product!

How'd I do? Not bad, right?

I brought Mel down to Baltimore this past weekend to present to Angelo. It was such a hit! That kid is CRAZY for Mel! He's just starting to be able to understand abstract concepts and it's so funny to watch him: any time he started drumming on something, or there was music with a beat, he was like "drum! Mel! Mel Mel Mel Mel!" and then ran around the room looking for the stuffed animal. Mind, the dog is only a few inches shorter than he is. ADORABLE. I make gifts for each of the nephews (total count: 4) at each holiday, but because I don't get to hang out with them that much, I'm usually shooting in the dark as to what they will and won't like. So this was an especially great opportunity to try to cement myself in Angelo's memory. One can only hope? Maybe someone got some photos of him with the dog...

Ok, that's done. Next?

9 comments:

Jen said...

Oh my gosh, so cute! Very nice job! If you ever wanted to make another one and sell it please let me know--my 2 year old daughter LOVES Mel. I'm very impressed, nice work :-)
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Hi, I googled jack's big music show stuffed animals and got to your posting. My son will be 1 and loves Mel too! I was wondering if you would ever make another one and sell it?? please let me know, your Mel looks awesome!! my e-mail is nicoleahanlon@hotmail.com please let me know!! I actually live in baltimore too Thanks!!
Nicole

Anonymous said...

Your nephew is so lucky! I have another Mel-obsessed toddler here, and was just looking on the internet for a stuffed Mel. No such luck. Yours is SO cute.

Baby T's Mommy said...

Are you willing to sell the Pattern, i am seeing that the body and appendages are pretty easy but i cannot work out the head.
laranoelle2007@gmail.com

Jennifer Walker said...

My daughter loves this show. It is the only one she will watch. Your Mel is adorable! Would you be willing to make another one???

Megan said...

Hi there! Your Mel is adorable!! If you do decide to make some more and sell them please let me know!! I am VERY interested!! Great work!! Here is my email if you decide you are going to make more to sell!! keziah136@hotmail.com
Megan

lara said...

Can you Email me your pattern please! I see how to make body but the head is baffling me lol

Laranoelle2007@gmail.com

HPWalsh said...

Your Mel looks great!!!!!
I would love to have your pattern or buy one if you are making them. My granddaughter loves Mel and Jacks Big Music Show. It really makes me sad it isnt still being produced. But at least we have the reruns!!! Please email me at hpwmed@aol.com

M said...

WOW! That is the best Mel ive seen! The homemade ones on Etsy just dont do...are you making any more to sell/or are willing to make one to sell? My daughters bday is coming up and she is in love with this show! mallorieemmy@gmail.com