Aikido Monster Plushie (lots of pictures!)

[cutemonster]

This little plushie was inspired by my friend who practices Aikido. Aikido, for those who don't know, is a type of Japanese martial art. What really inspired me to make this plushie was the outfit that is commonly worn by aikidoka (people who practice aikido) which is a white top, uwagi, and a pair of loose dark blue or black pants called hakama. I love the way that hakama look when someone gets flipped or thrown and the pants fan out and show the motion of the person (see picture below XD)



Anyways, on to the plushie!



He is just a bit shy of being two inches tall and is made of felt with cotton clothes. I looked at some instructions for the hakama but pretty much freehanded the entire outfit. The hakama were probably the most complicated thing I have ever sewn in my life (and it didn't help that they are only about an inch tall) but I wanted them to be as accurate as possible. They have the proper number of pleats, 7, and are worn in the proper style. He is holding a staff type weapon called a jo that is made from a craft dowel that I cut to length and painted.

Detail of the hakama


Back view


Scale reference photo (sorry it's a bit fuzzy, camera couldn't decide what to focus on  )


An unintended, but very awesome, result of the way the pants fit the little guy is that he can actually stand on his own!


Design sketch


I started work on him having absolutely now clue how he would turn out but I'm super happy with the way he turned out and he is now standing guard over my desk
Hope everyone enjoys

[magdalena_011]

Gosh, I love this little monster. I've recently had a brief flirtation with aikido myself, and am beyond awe at how small it is. I really like the details on the hakama, and I wish I could sew something like this.

You've inspired me to try my hand in sewing. Now to see how that turns out.........

[susanab]

i also love her--she has a lot of personality-sweetness!

[SiFi Mom]

Wow, I think you've captured the real outfit so well.  He's very cute.

[cutemonster]

Wow! Thanks for all the great feedback guys

And magdalena_011, I'm so happy that I've inspired someone to try their hand at sewing ^_^ If you make something please post it cause I'd love to see and if you ever want any advice or tips please message me