Hi, I’m Pauline McArthur, the soft toy designer behind the Funky Friends Factory.

Actually, No, it all began with

a BABY…

…well, LOTS and LOTS of BABIES it seems!

I began making  ‘baby-safe bunnies’ for all my friends’ newborn babies with sewn on faces and no chewable, choke-able bits. They were so popular that I moved on to mass-production (that’s where the ‘factory’ bit comes from!)

My husband’s favorite TV couch was taken over by soft toys!!!  To keep him happy I designed him his very own toy dog. We were living in a tiny apartment and couldn’t have a real puppy so I created a substitute based on the neighbours’ puppy.

Jake the Jack Russell was born and the Funky Friends were TWO! Jake was designed with movable joints so he could sit, stand and cock his head to one side. He’s really cute but rather complicated! I’m rather impatient and prefer things that don’t take forever to make.

That’s why I’ve made sure all my other patterns are as easy as possible!!!


I’ve been sewing and knitting my own toys and dolls since I was a kid, but it took until my 30s (OK, mid-30s) to realize that you’re never too old to do what you love! I’ve always worked in the optometry field (which pays the bills) but my passion is sewing. If there’s one thing I’d love to do all day, it would be to sew….

I am so excited - JUST THIS YEAR (2011) – I have finally taken the leap of faith and opened a lttle shop in the Old Petrie Town!

So if you are in Brisbane – come and check out

the Funky Friends Factory Shop – opening hours and directions.

Over the years it’s been a great joy for me to see other people get enjoyment from my creations!

I hope you’ll enjoy my little critters as much as I do.

Happy sewing!
Pauline

Pauline McArthur
FUNKY FRIENDS FACTORY

P.S: Visit the Funky Friends  GALLERY » to see the Funky Friends made up in all sorts of fantastic materials. If you’d like to show off your new Funky Friends you can email me a photo or post your photo on the Funky Friends Factory Facebook page.

P.P.S: Visit the Funky Friends FEEDBACK Page » to read what others are saying about the Funky Friends Factory Patterns and Kits.