Here is my little DOVELY dove. For fabric I have used cotton patchwork fabric but you may wish to use something special like embroidered doily, or vintage sheets or fabric. As you need to turn it out it's best that the fabric is not too thick or stiff. Also a fabric that frays badly may not be so good. The lace I have used is also cotton. I was lucky enough to have a lot of this one left over from our shop. Broiderie englaise lace would also be good or again, you could cut up old doilies or bunched up ribbon.The pattern.
You may copy this one or draw your own. Make a cardboard or plastic template.
Fold your fabric right sides together and draw around the template. If you are making more than one make sur you leave enough room between them for the seam allowance.
I find sewing them in groups is easier as there is more fabric to hold onto as you manoeuvre it under the needle sewing along the drawn line. No need to be too fussy. Start at one side of the tail end and finish at the opposite side leaving the tail open.
Cut around the stitched dove about 1/4 of an inch or a bit less. I then like to nick the seam allowance all the way around to make it smoother when turned out.
Turn out the dove using something pointed to push the beak out as well as possible. I like to use a bamboo skewer.
Stuff the dove starting with just enough to fill the head so you can more easily push the stuffing into the beak using the skewer or similar, then continue stuffing till nice and chubby and firm.
You will find as you are stuffing the dove that the tail seam allowance will get turned in. This is as you want it to be for making the tail. Fill to the seam allowance.
Gather your tail and wing lace of choice. I am now outside since it is all hand work now.
For the tail my piece of lace is 5 in, 13cm, long. 
Fold it up like a fan so that it is just wide enough to fit in the tail opening.
Ease the lace into the tail opening and secure with w pin the hand stitch in place with tiny running stitch in matching thread.
The lace for the wings is 4in, 10cm. I fold in the ends then just pleat it once into a little fan-like shape.
Like so.
Pin to the side do dove where you like the look then stitch in place. I do a couple of rows of stitches 1cm apart to hold the wing flatter.
Repeat on the other side, viewing from the top to set the in line.
The ribbon I used for hanging the dove came from the dollar store. Using a large needle with eye that will take the ribbon. Above the wings should be balanced about right. Thread the ribbon through the back of the dove as pictured, or you may rather sew the ribbon on.
Taddaahh!! Your DOVELY DOVE is complete. I hope you enjoy making them.
You may copy this one or draw your own. Make a cardboard or plastic template.Fold your fabric right sides together and draw around the template. If you are making more than one make sur you leave enough room between them for the seam allowance.I find sewing them in groups is easier as there is more fabric to hold onto as you manoeuvre it under the needle sewing along the drawn line. No need to be too fussy. Start at one side of the tail end and finish at the opposite side leaving the tail open.Cut around the stitched dove about 1/4 of an inch or a bit less. I then like to nick the seam allowance all the way around to make it smoother when turned out.Turn out the dove using something pointed to push the beak out as well as possible. I like to use a bamboo skewer.Stuff the dove starting with just enough to fill the head so you can more easily push the stuffing into the beak using the skewer or similar, then continue stuffing till nice and chubby and firm.You will find as you are stuffing the dove that the tail seam allowance will get turned in. This is as you want it to be for making the tail. Fill to the seam allowance.Gather your tail and wing lace of choice. I am now outside since it is all hand work now.For the tail my piece of lace is 5 in, 13cm, long. Fold it up like a fan so that it is just wide enough to fit in the tail opening.Ease the lace into the tail opening and secure with w pin the hand stitch in place with tiny running stitch in matching thread.The lace for the wings is 4in, 10cm. I fold in the ends then just pleat it once into a little fan-like shape.Like so.Pin to the side do dove where you like the look then stitch in place. I do a couple of rows of stitches 1cm apart to hold the wing flatter.Repeat on the other side, viewing from the top to set the in line.The ribbon I used for hanging the dove came from the dollar store. Using a large needle with eye that will take the ribbon. Above the wings should be balanced about right. Thread the ribbon through the back of the dove as pictured, or you may rather sew the ribbon on.Taddaahh!! Your DOVELY DOVE is complete. I hope you enjoy making them. Many blessings, Trills.
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