DIY: Stuffed Animal Blanket

Today's DIY is in response to a request I received from a friend who is expecting her first child in the coming weeks.
She and her husband have two adorable little pugs. So of course she was wanting a pug headed blanket.
I have to admit I was a bit intimidated with this project but was happy to have the challenge. It ended up being pretty simple.

Step 1:
Gather your supplies.
*animal of your choice
*fleece (or other soft fabric) I used a fleece remnant from Jo-Ann's
*sewing supplies

Step 2: Cut your fabric. I didn't have a specific size in mind. It's around 12x12. Size doesn't really matter. You can make yours as big or small as you like. Just make sure you cut two pieces of the same size.

(I died a little when I cut this little guy in half)

Step 3: Cut your animal. I cut mine as low as possible without cutting into the tail or legs. You want it as long as possible. Trust me. It is much easier to sew on to the blanket later on.
Dump out all of the silicone beads. You won't need them. Save them though. I'll have another DIY later where we will use these.

Step 4: Save the tail from the cut dog. Decide where you want the tail and cut a small slit into the fleece. Stuff the tail in and sew it on. (sorry the pictures are terrible, poor lighting). Please comment if this doesn't make sense.

Step 5: With right sides together sew around ALMOST the entire piece. Leave around two inches on each side of the top corner open. This is where you will attach the dog's head.

Step 6: Fold under the raw edges on the un-sewn corner. Shove the cut edge of the dog into the open corner. Now pin like crazy. You will want to make sure that it is pinned securely so the little booger doesn't move around while you are sewing him together. Sew your little guy together. I topstitched it together once, removed the pins and topstitched it again. Remember, the head will most likely be the part that will be pulled on the most. Make sure it is secure. Stitch it three or four times if needed.