DIY Wool Felt Owl Earbud Case | Free Pattern

The Secret to World Peace

I have this theory that is possibly so absurd that it could prove true. I think creative hobbies and activities like gardening, quilting, knitting, painting, woodworking, (and so on) can transform the world. Not necessarily for the end product (which may or may not be awesome) but for the contentment that comes with the work.

The same way we know gardening is excellent therapy (as we discussed here with Stephanie’s very moving story), the simple act of dreaming up a project and working on it step-by-step is so satisfying—for lack of a better word, that it changes a person. The words sound too corny, but relaxing and meditative come to mind.

Those of us who have a hard time simply sitting still tend to get criticized for our seemingly distracted ways, but I think it’s natural and just how we’re wired. I can’t sit still to save my life but give me something to sew or embroider while I’m sitting in a group and suddenly I can listen and focus. It seems the hands need to be busy to keep the mind clear.

All of this is my way of saying, if you haven’t got a creative hobby, get one! Or several. Once gardening season slows down, I always get out the handwork supplies and have a project on the go throughout the cold weather months. There’s something very calming about the ritual and sometimes the outcome is pretty sweet too.

Today’s project is an owl ear bud case. It’s both cute and functional, preventing my ear buds from getting damaged in my purse.

Supplies

• Wool felt | Not synthetic or acrylic.
  Look for it at online Waldorf-inspired shops, Etsy, and this pure wool felt at Amazon. I use the thin stuff which is 1mm (1/16″) thick.
• Embroidery floss and yarn.
• Embroidery needle
• Scissors

This post on my DIY Wool Felt Phone Case provides more details about recommended supplies (and what to avoid).

Make Your Owl

The owl has 3 main pieces: the grey back, the white belly pouch, and the grey head (backed with white felt).

The head is only partially stitched on to form an open-able flap revealing the ear buds in the belly pouch.

If you want to make a similar owl, this is the basic pattern (below). I ended up going without wings but I’ll leave that executive decision to you.

Copy what I did or pick your own colours. If it looks good to you, it’s good! That’s the royal rule of creativity.

You’ll need to print 5 copies of the pattern. The cutting instructions are on the printout.

Sewing Instructions

A. Start with 3 sections.
1. Back of owl (grey) including body and head.
2. Head (grey front and white backing). Sew these 2 pieces together.
3. Pouch (white).

B. Complete each of the 3 sections before joining them together. 
-add any decorative stitches you want to the back and pouch.
-attach the eyes, beak, and ear inserts to the head.

C. Stitch it all together.
-attach the pouch to the back by stitching around all sides of the pouch except the top (where the ear buds get inserted).
-attach the head by stitching across the top only.

That’s it!

Increase the Herd

Here’s a few tips.

• You can make any animal or theme you like (of course). The thing to keep in mind is, the wool felt is in solid colours and it’s easiest to work with fairly basic designs.
• To make the cardinal (bird) in the next photo, I converted a photo of a cardinal into black and white (using Photoshop Elements).
• I cut out the 3 pieces (red body, black piece, and yellow beak). Everything is sewn onto a piece of background felt. You could also make two and sew them together to make an ornament.
• Use clear quilting thread where you want invisible stitches.

And remember, there’s a whole range of things you can make including broaches, pillows, bookmarks, book covers, phone cases, wall hangings, toys and dolls….

I hope you’ll give it a try. Or dive into some other hobby that brings you the same kind of contentment.

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~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛

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