We just got back from a fantastic family vacation at Sea World and I have so many fun things to share! I made adorable whale outfits for the kids and stuffed whales to match. I had left over fabric and a vision for the girls to have little purses to match their outfits. I did a quick Google search and tried to find a pattern or example of a whale purse, but got nothing so I had to figure it out on my own.
I used a whale graphic I found online, enlarged it to the size I wanted and cut out coordinating fabric.
Next, I used iron-on fusible fleece and cut out the whale shape. I ironed it on to the wrong side of the lining. I originally used the fleece on both sides of the lining, but after several failed attempts I decided to only use it on one side.
I sewed everything together, added a zipper to the bottom and turned it all right side out.
This was the hardest part, that little tail gave me such a headache. I had to start over at least twice because the fabric kept ripping when I turned it out.
I added a cute button eye and smile. These cute whales got a little girly touch with a pretty bow.
They aren’t perfect, but they are so bright and cheery I love them!
My vision, while a little crazy had a purpose. I didn’t want to spend our entire vacation telling our kids “no” every time they asked for something. I wanted them to be able to have fun and take home treasures from our trip, but I wanted to avoid the gimmes. The girls got these cute whale coin purses and Parker got a tool box wallet (hubby thought a whale was a bit much). We gave each of them $10 to spend on our second day at Sea World. They could use it on anything they wanted, but once it was gone no more stuff. Surprisingly this worked really well, we explained it to them, walked them through a gift shop to show them what was inside and had them tuck their wallets away. It wasn’t until we were leaving the park and passed the gift shop that they finally wanted to spend their money.
Aubrey picked out a pink sparkly stingray, Piper wanted a dolphin and Parker insisted on the simple plastic turtle. They all had a great time and love their treasures from Sea World.
I’m plan to link up to these great parties:
Life with Lucy says
Super cute! I love the whale fabric you used! Can't wait to see the matching outfits you made! Thanks for sharing!
Cheryl @ Sew Can Do says
These are just too cute! Great idea & love how you lined them with the whale fabric too. Would love for you to link this up to my Craftastic party:)
UKZoe says
In September I am travelling to a gypsy community in Romania to teach their sewing class some projects they can make to sell at their local markets.
I think this project will definitely be in the file that I take.
Tanya @ Greetings From the Asylum says
This coin purse is so cute! My little girl would love to have one. My favorite part is the zipper in the tummy! Thanks for sharing with I'm Topsy Turvy!
CarrieCae says
Cute! Do you think you just need larger seam allowances? I am always skimping on mine and have to remind myself to make them bigger!
Mariah says
CarrieCae, great point! I did finally cut the pattern a little bigger so I could make the seam allowance bigger. I also made some stuffed whales and made the tail a little shorter and wider on those which seamed to help. If I were going to make these again I would do the same thing to make it a little easier to work with. 🙂
radn@HouseonAshwelllane says
super adorable!
Amber Branconier says
these are the cutest!
Anne says
These are just gorgeous! Thanks so much!
April says
These are SO ADORABLE! And I love the whimsical fabric!
Ladybird Ln says
Oh my goodness, could these get any cuter? I have always wanted to go to sea world, sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for the Show Off!
Carlee
http://www.ladybirdln.com
Sweet Peas and Bumblebees says
What a super cute idea…my kiddos would love these! BTW, I'm your newest follower and would love if you would stop by and follow us back if you also like our blog! =)
I would LOVE if you would add this project to our What I Made Wednesday Linky Party…today is the last day!
Also, enter for a chance to win a homemade hair bow!!!
Briana @ Sweet Peas and Bumblebees
sweetpeasandbb.blogspot.com
Rachel at Sun Scholars says
Oh my gosh, these are SOOOO cute! I love them! T I would LOVE to have you share this at my For the Kids Link Party! Stop on by and join the fun!
http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/05/for-kids-friday-11.html
Stephanie says
This is SUPER cute! I will definitely have to try it! 🙂
Wendy@Craft Goodies says
These are SO cute! And what a a great idea with the money, brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing this at my party. I might have to borrow this idea for our next trip to Sea World-
Thanks again,
Wendy
M says
Those are so cute! What a great idea for kids. Love it!
Cheryl @ Sew Can Do says
You've been featured at today's Craftastic Monday party. Stop by & grab a Featured On Sew Can Do button:)
Ashley says
sooo DARLING!!!! totally love love love
Wendy@Craft Goodies says
Just wanted to let you know I'm featuring these cuties tomorrow! Thans again for linking them-
Wendy
Michele says
Love them! Oh, all the possibilities – they are endless! Thank you for sharing. xoxo michele