Mollie Makes Toucan Keyring Kit

Regular readers will know that every month I challenge myself to make the Mollie Makes magazine cover gift. I’ve subscribed since it first came out and ~~have~~ had a drawer full of unopened kits – but no more! I’ve been making more time for grown up crafting and I love to make the kits and hopefully try something new.

The Toucan Keyring Kit from Issue 94 was pretty cute and I knew I would make it. I love working with felt! Designed by Manuela Trani from nuvolinahandmade.etsy.com the kit contained a variety of felt, matching embroidery thread, gold faux leather fabric, a loop for the keyring, stuffing and a needle.

I like to think I’m pretty good at following a pattern but I found the instructions were poor for this craft. The template was printed back to front with a few labels missing, and a few of the steps were omitted. I couldn’t make the gorgeous gold faux leather stretch to all the pieces I needed so had to raid my stash to make the keyring loop. I shouldn’t moan as I’m sure there was a strict word count!

Despite the poor instructions I loved making my little toucan. I haven’t felt great this week so yesterday I stuck the fan on, watched Staircase on Netflix and stitched. I haven’t done mindful stitching for a while and it was bliss to see it come together in my hands. I added a brad for the eye but otherwise followed the pattern.

He’s bright and colourful and I’m going to hang him on my handbag when I start my new job on Monday. I love a handmade touch!