Book Mark Directions - Pussycat

Make this book mark for a stocking stuffer or a token gift for a friend who loves to read. It's quick, it's easy and it's cute...definitely my kind of project. Enjoy!

Materials:

8” x 4” piece of wool felt for book mark

4” x 6” piece of wool felt for cat

Felt scraps for eyes and tail

Embroidery floss

Pattern

(PLEASE NOTE: I did not decide to add a tail to the cat until I was finished with the book mark. Let's just say the tail is an "aftermarket" addition! The pattern is correct but the pictures below show a couple of steps out of order and the tail is not included in the photo of the cut out pieces. Follow the written directions and you'll be just fine!) 

[1] Copy pattern and cut out pieces of felt; 2 book mark pieces, 2 cat pieces, 2 eyes, and 1 tail.

[2] Transfer fish design to front book mark. Stem stitch design using 6 strands of embroidery floss.

[3] Pin front to back of book mark so fish design is on the outside. Referring to pattern, blanket stitch the sides of the main part of the book mark using 6 strands of floss. Use running stitch and 3 strands of embroidery floss to sew together the top portion of the book mark.

[4] Position eyes to cat front and using 2 strands of embroidery floss, blanket stitch in place. Transfer facial features and legs to cat. Refer to pattern and photos. For specific stitches: satin stitch irises with 3 strands of floss, satin stitch nose with 3 strands of floss, stem stitch mouth with 6 strands of floss, straight stitch whiskers with 3 strands of floss, French knot follicles with 3 strands floss, and stem stitch legs with 6 strands of floss.

[5] On the back, attach tail to back with a blanket stitch and 3 strands of floss.

[6] Using the pattern as a guide, and with wrong sides together, stitch front to back using 3 strands floss and a blanket stitch. (Note: Stitch the top part of the cat’s face and head together between the stars on the pattern. Leave the bottom open.)

[7] Slip the book mark into the cat’s head as shown on the pattern. The running stitch on the book mark should be covered completely, with only the blanket stitch showing. Pin in place.

[8] Continue blanket stitching the front and back together. When you reach the book mark, blanket stitch across the front only, do not go all the way through to the back. Finish attaching the front to the back.