Quilted stuffed zebra

I picked up a 1980's sewing book (now out of print) at the second hand store that contained a plethora of cute children's toy patterns. The first one I tackled was this quilted toy zebra.

Finished quilted zebra

Overall, the pattern was straightforward. The one flaw was that the book did not say to attach the pieces in the reverse order for the other side. I was trying to sew together two right-sided zebras before I realized I had to redo the body for a third time.

I thought this might be an item I could sell on Etsy, but it took a very long time to complete. Each quilted square has the stripes running in a different direction (vertical, horizontal, on the bias). The mane and tail are also hand sewn using embroidery thread. That was the real time suck!

Also, this is not a toy for small children, especially with the button eyes and mane/tail that can be easily pulled out. The instructions said to loop the mane, no knots. I added some glue onto the loops to secure them afterwards. If you love him as much as I do, I have this adorable fellow available (one time only) on Etsy.

Close up of stuffed zebra ears and head.