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Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 12, 2012.

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NEW HURRICANE RELIEF OPTION BELOW! Caterpillow is the great new toy sensation that is a pillow, a blanket AND a friend!

    I began developing Caterpillow in February, my first prototype was complete by May and work began on the current prototype (the one in the video). I've been working with children for several years now. When I was 16 I began tutoring 3rd graders in Math and English, and for the past year and a half I've worked at a recreational center with kids before and after school. When I thought up Caterpillow, I knew the kids would love it!

Caterpillow enjoying some fine literature.
Caterpillow enjoying some fine literature.

And so the work began. Before I knew it Autumn was upon us, and I needed to act quickly. Here's my basic, personal video showing off the Caterpillow. It gets the idea across as cutely as possible, using stop animation. The Caterpillow in the video is only the second prototype, so the final product should be even more cute and cuddly! (I know, hard to believe.)

Caterpillow showing off his wings in a king size bed.
Caterpillow showing off his wings in a king size bed.

I am currently working with a contract cutting and sewing company (Stuffington Bear Factory) in Arizona to develop the finalized product. Although going with an American company is more expensive, the quality will be much higher, and should enable me to get backers their Caterpillows by the holidays. With $3,000 I will have enough to fill a minimum order with them.

Here's a side shot of the Caterpillow prototype.
Here's a side shot of the Caterpillow prototype.

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One of the biggest challenges thus far was making my design into a reality. I started by drawing many sketches and thinking of the different possibilities. I then picked up a pillow, some fabric, and a needle and thread and began making my very own prototype! I brought this prototype to a friend that is a master puppeteer; she loved the idea and helped make a much cuter version. With my Caterpillow in hand I knew I needed to raise funds. Where better than kickstarter?
Another challenge I've been faced with is making sure I can get high quality fabric for the right price. I've shopped around, and am going with a premium "whisper" fleece. This fabric is high quality and super soft and cuddly.
The challenges that remain are logistical. Once funded I will need to finish placing my order and travel to the manufacturing site to package and ship the kickstarter orders. I believe that the orders will be filled before the holiday season, however an extremely large quantity of orders would make this more difficult. Although not impossible :)

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41
Backers
$3,169
pledged of $3,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Oct 11, 2012 - Nov 12, 2012 (32 days)

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  • Pledge $5 or more

    2 backers

    For $5 you will receive a thank you email, and your name on the Caterpillow Founder's Wall on our website.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $15 or more

    3 backers

    For $15 you will receive an official certificate of membership to the Caterpillow Club as well as everything above.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $65 or more

    2 backers

    Buy a Caterpillow for a foster kid affected by hurricane sandy! Everybody is in need of some caterlove these days, but especially some of those kids in the Northeast. Maybe your kids are grown up, or maybe you don't have kids; This options allows everyone to share some Caterpillow love.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
    Ships within the US only
  • Pledge $65 or more

    20 backers

    For only $65 you get a full-sized, limited edition Caterpillow (suitable for children or adults) along with the previous rewards. A few dollars for shipping may apply.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
    Add $10 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $99 or more

    3 backers

    For $99 you will receive the complete Caterpillow package. Includes everything listed above as well as a Caterpillow pillowcase, and sticker set.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
    Add $10 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $250 or more

    3 backers

    For $250 We'll embroider your Caterpillow with any name you like. This option also comes with a HUGE "producers" thank you on our website as well as a custom video thank you from Caterpillow himself! This comes with all the previous options.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
    Add $10 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $500 or more

    0 backers

    For $500 you get to design your very own custom Caterpillow. Choose your fabric, color, and embroidery options. This option comes with everything above!

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
    Add $10 to ship outside the US