Today I am show casing some of the really cute custom Funky Friends Factory toys made by Stephanie of Fleece Menagerie, a home based business based in New Jersey, USA offering custom made Funky Friends Factory softies for sale.
When I asked Stephanie what she most enjoyed about making her handmade custom toys, her answer made me laugh!
“The best part about making stuffed animals, besides picking out the fabrics which is lots of fun, is having stuffed animals around ALL the time
even though I am supposed to be a grown up!”
(I second that, Stephanie!!!)
Stephanie told me she chose the name Fleece Menagerie as it was one of the first names she came up with and my friends liked it, so it stuck! I think it’s a great name for Stephanie’s business as she makes a HUGE selection of home made stuffed animals!
Stephanie uses mostly fleece fabric for her custom toys and sometimes adds some cotton prints, flannel, or corduroy as an accent fabric. She has also created custom heirloom animals from outgrown baby clothes or other sentimental clothing items too.
Stephanie really has a talent for giving her toys such cute facial expressions – you just want to pick them up and give them a cuddle! 🙂
I had to ask if she has a favourite Funky Friends Factory Toy Sewing Pattern or one she likes to sew the best? Stephanie said it was hard to choose as she loves all of the patterns she’s got BUT her ‘more-favoured’ ones are Ellie the Elephant, Horsey Horse, Timmy T-Rex, and Puppy Dog Pete. Look how cute Stephanie’s custom stuffed plush puppy dog Pete looks!!!!
I love the way that Stephanie takes my Funky Friends Factory toy sewing patterns and creates her own quirky characters with them! This is my Horsey/Unicorn Toy Sewing Pattern turned into a donkey!
And this is Stephanie’s version of my Kitty CAT Kate Toy Sewing Pattern – I LOVE the 2 different coloured eyes!!!!!!
You can see more of Stephanie’s Funky Friends on her Fleece Menagerie Blog. If you would like a fleece toy for yourself or as a gift for a friend you can contact Stephanie via her Facebook Page to find out how to get a custom toy made for you!
It is always wonderful for me to see people enjoying my toy sewing patterns and it is very special for me to see a fellow home sewer like me, creating a home-based craft business doing something they love.
Over the years Stephanie has been a great supporter of my Funky Friends Factory pattern business. She respects my copyright by crediting my toy designs in her listings, blog and product labels. Thanks Stephanie!!!! I am very proud to feature her as a Funky Friends toy maker and highly recommend her gorgeous custom made toys.
I’d love to know what you think of Stephanie’s Funky Friends, I think they’re ALL amazing!!!
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Till next time,
Happy Sewing,
Pauline
Stephanie is truly amazing. The stuffed animals she makes from the Funky Friends patterns are super adorable, but she is also extremely talented at making custom plushies from no pattern at all. Just look at the bearded dragon plushie she made for me! After my real life bearded dragon, it is probably my favourite thing that I own!
Pauline, I love your patterns! They have so much character and are absolutely wonderful!
Hey Steven, I am ALWAYS amazed by Stephanie’s originality! It’s a pleasure, Stephanie – credit where credit is due! 🙂 AND thanks for your lovely comments JM,Stephanie’s custom toys are just brilliant!!! 😀
I have bought several of Stephanie’s fleece creations, including the irresistible cat pictured above, and I think they are all stellar. She even did a custom guinea pig for one of my best friends. Not only is the product incredible, but she’s also very professional when it comes to running her business. I highly recommend her.
I love Kittie Kate. She is adorable. The perfect companion for my sewing room!
Your toys look amazing. I wish I could sew as well as you! 🙂