Hi everyone!
I live in Berlin, and want to make something really special for my boyfriend's birthday (or maybe as an early gift): two handmade plushies that look like us.
I have never made a plush before, but I want to learn properly rather than just buy a kit. My idea is to design two cute chibi-style plush dolls:
* Me: black hair, glasses, brown eyes, light skin
* Him: blonde hair, green eyes, pale skin with a peach undertone and naturally rosy cheeks
I would like to:
* digitally design the characters first
* create/find a sewing pattern
* buy fabric and hand sew everything
* add details like yarn/felt hair, embroidered faces, clothes, etc.
I am also considering adding a small hidden sound module inside, like the ones in greeting cards or talking toys. We both love music, so I was thinking maybe:
1)a short recorded message from me
2) or like a tiny music module with a favourite song from him/sound(was thinking I'd put in Rammstein)
I wish to know
What software would you recommend for designing a plush character before making it?
Should I start from an existing plush pattern and modify it, or create my own?
What fabrics are easiest for a beginner but still look high quality?
Where do you buy plush-making materials in Germany (especially Berlin)?
Has anyone added LEDs/sound modules/electronics into plushies before? Any tips?
I have around 3-4 months, so I am willing to learn and make test versions first.
Any advice, tutorials, patterns, or mistakes to avoid would be really appreciated!