Investigating Existing CAT 2 Investigating Existing Products

Find and select 3 existing products (plush toys) that you find inspirational. Analyse and annotate (write about) each design, writing in full sentences and in detail. You will need to comment on: Textiles/fabrics used: e.g. Cotton, Denim, Jersey, Canvas, Calico, Felt, Fleece, Flannelette Do the textiles used have a pattern?: e.g. Polka Dot, Striped, Geometric, Floral, Checked Texture of the textiles used: e.g. Rough, Smooth, Soft, Spikey, Scratchy, silky, Furry Describe colours used: e.g. Angry Red, Pastel pink, Deep Purple, Sunset Orange, Daffodil Yellow Is the plush toy based on something in particular?: e.g. Cartoon Character, Film Character, Clown, Animal, Food Why you find the plush toy inspirational, and how it could influence your design ideas: e.g. you may choose a toy because you like the way its mouth has been sewn, and may wish to do something similar on your final plush toy design. Target Market (what age group of children does the toy suit): e.g. Toddlers, Babies, 5-6 Years Decorative techniques/embellishment: e.g. Embroidery, Buttons, Beads, Sequins, Applique Any other features: e.g. zips, hair, glass eyes, clothing, teeth

(Embroidery, Applique & Embellishment) Decorative Techniques (Embroidery, Applique & Embellishment)

Embroidery Examples Continued…… Embroidery thread used to create facial features. Continued……

Embroidery thread used to create detailed facial features. various decorations. Embroidery thread used to create raised lettering.

Applique Examples Fabric pieces sewn on to other fabric!

Can you spot the Embroidery & Applique?

Other forms of Embellishment Sequins Zips Glass Eyes Beads Buttons

Annotated Plush Toy Example: I have chosen this existing product because I rather like the idea of creating a large head for a plush toy. I also like the fact that you can interact with this toy by opening and closing its mouth. The plush toy has a messy head of hair made from strands of rich brown wool. The individual strands make the hair look more realistic. Overall, the toy looks like it would be soft to the touch. The fabrics used can be described as a plain skin coloured Jersey, and a plain pastel pink Felt. The eyes and eyebrows have been embroidered on using black embroidery thread. This technique makes the eyes in particular stand out! The rosy pink cheeks have been attached using the decorative technique Applique, they give the plush toy a more friendly appearance. The teeth have been attached individually to make them appear more life-like. This plush toy would appeal to most children! The nose and ears however, could be a possible choking hazard if torn off. Some children may also be put of by the mouth, as it could be viewed as being slightly creepy/scary.

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND IMAGES OF INTERESTING PLUSH TOYS, YOU MAY USE THE IMAGES ON THE NEXT TWO SLIDES.