Bonaparte

Theresia Cookson’s cute and cuddly Bonaparte is no Napoleon. He’s a happy little hound clad in cheese cutter cap and cosy scarf, not medals and a menacing expression. And world domination? Just not his thing!

- Theresia Cookson

MATERIALS

-50cm (5⁄8yd) brown wool (body)

-Fat eighth olive green wool (hat and scarf)

-18cm (7in) square of multicoloured floral print fabric (ear lining)

-Scrap of black homespun (nose)

-Scrap of cream felt (eyes)

-Two black 6mm (1⁄4in) half-round beads (eyes) – see Note

-DMC Stranded Embroidery Cotton in Black (310), Black Brown (3371) and to match the brown wool

-Chenille needle

-Fibre fill

-Stuffing tool or chopstick

-All-purpose glue

-Thin cardboard and HB pencil

-Water-erasable fabric marking pen 

-Sewing machine with 1⁄4in foot

-General sewing supplies

Stitches used: Backstitch, primitive straight stitch, running stitch, whipstitch

Finished size: 41cm (16in)

Note: Read all the instructions before starting the project. A seam allowance of 6mm (1⁄4in) is included throughout. It is recommended that fabrics be 100% wool or 100% cotton (as required). The cotton should be pre-washed and well ironed. Requirements are based on fabric 112cm (44in) wide. Use a smaller than normal stitch length on your sewing machine for sewing the dog as this makes the seams stronger and smoother. If your dog is to be handled, stuff it very firmly, particularly through the neck.

IMPORTANT: If Bonaparte is made for a child under the age of three, do not use beads on your project as they could work loose and become a choking hazard. Appliqué or satin stitch the pupils instead.

PREPARATION