Remote Project: Sewing Stuffies for Survival

Project Summary

Each winter Henry Vilas Zoo volunteers transform our supply of event shirts into stuffed animals that raise money for conservation and draw attention to fabric waste and the power of creative upcycling.

Sewing Stuffies for Survival is an award-winning program and HVZ's largest remote volunteer project. We're so happy to include volunteers throughout Dane County and Wisconsin who want to give back, but for whom time, distance, physical limitation and/or weather would otherwise be a barrier to volunteering.

Responsibilities

Sew at least one stuffie comprised mostly of HVZ-provided shirts
Brew up a hot beverage and use this as the best excuse ever to hunker down in your craft room during the cold months
Finally dig into those random bits of fabric and doo-dads that you've been swearing you're going to use someday

Volunteering For All

This project is remote, and all construction work is done outside of Henry Vilas Zoo. Volunteers receive a window when they can come pick up their supplies at the HVZ Guest Services building. Volunteers can set their own schedules as they work on their stuffies at home. We only ask that they have their stuffie(s) turned in by the due date - Friday May 1, 2026. During the sewing time, we will host a Zoom meeting for sewers to meet each other, ask questions and share ideas.

We highly encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to lend their creativity and perspective to this project. We would love to have stuffies that represent the community available on HVZ Pride Night (see The Pattern).

We also highly encourage our neurodivergent and/or differently abled volunteers to participate and create stuffed animals that speak to all members of the community.

The Patterns

This year volunteers can choose from two different patterns, both created by Choly Knight of Sew Desu Ne.

Both of these patterns require the use of magnets. While not in the original pattern, we've made the choice to add magnets to the insides of the front otter paws, and somewhere inside the fish. Allowing finished stuffies to be paired together.

Option 1: Otter
- This pattern is recommended for sewers who have some experience under their belts already. While the sewing techniques included aren't necessarily difficult, the pattern is. It requires a meticulous read through at least once. Testers recommended printing out instructions and highlighting carefully.
Option 2: Fish
- This pattern is a beginner pattern designed for any skill level. It can be as basic or as intricate as the sewer wants. We added it this year because we have so many amazing crafters who are learning and growing. We wanted to be able to include them all.

Requirements & Skills

Time Commitment

Volunteers have three months to complete the project from the time of pick-up to the time of drop-off.

The time on each stuffie ranges greatly by the experience of the volunteer, the pattern chosen and the amount of details volunteers would like to include.

December Applications go up on the website
Late January Shirt pick-up at Henry Vilas Zoo Guest Services
Mid March Optional Zoom check-in (so we can get advice and share ideas!)
Friday, May 1st, Projects Due at Henry Vilas Zoo Guest Services
Early May Stuffies go on sale for Henry Vilas Zoo Pride Night!

What volunteers provide

What HVZ provides

Digital instructions and pattern
Shirts - they are new shirts that have never been worn and been pre-washed. Fabric is cotton and poly-cotton, but ranges in texture from fairly firm to more stretchy. Volunteers choose their shirts at pick-up. It is first-come, first-served.
Online support from the HVZ Volunteer Coordinator and HVZ Staff
Access to HVZ Volunteer Updates - sent bi-weekly with information on volunteer opportunities, animal news and upcoming events
Discounts at our Gift Shop and Glacier Grille for the duration of the project

FAQs

Can you mail me the supplies? We are unable to mail shirts or instructions. All HVZ-provided supplies must be picked up in person.
What about when I finish? Can I mail my finished stuffies back to you? Yes! That, we're equipped to do. You can mail your finished stuffies to 702 S. Randall Ave., Madison, WI, 53715, Attn: Volunteer Central.
I have fabric at home. Can I just start now? While we appreciate your enthusiasm, we ask that you hold off until you can sign up and pick up your shirts. We ask that 90% of the finished stuffie is made of HVZ shirts.
Can I make more than one stuffie? Yes! As long as we have the shirts available, and you're willing.
What if I can't do this? That's okay. We do have volunteers, who, for reasons due to time or skill decide that this is not right for them in the middle of the project. You are welcome to bring back any unused shirts. This will not affect your ability to volunteer with us for anything in the future.
I love my stuffie! Can I adopt my own? Yes! All sewing volunteers and HVZ staff will have the opportunity for early adoption near the end of the project.

"My grandson and I had such a fun time constructing our stuffies this year! I did the hard stuff, and he put on the decorations. We can't wait for next year's pattern!"

Jean, Sewing Stuffies for Survival Volunteer