Hand Stitched Felt TARDIS

This project started more than a year ago as a birthday present for Sam. I had planned to keep it a surprise by only working on it on Sunday Crafternoons when he wasn't around. When his birthday did arrive though, I was less than half done. I decided to show him what I had so far and keep working on it. So much for the surprise.

I'm proud to announce that finally, six month later, he's got his very own handmade to scale TARDIS! I thought I would make a little photo journal of how it all came together.

I used the proportions from a TARDIS picture  I found online to make a paper template (yes, I'm that kind of a geek) and cut them out of felt. I also cut some solid pieces for the back and whipstitched around each little square with a fine black thread to create a perspective effect.

The next step was to add bars in the windows, and a small 'POLICE BOX' rectangle at the top. I added another layer of blue felt to give it some depth. Then I repeated this three more times to make the other sides.

As you can see, I also added the little door plaque to the front panel to make it more official. Next, I needed to design a roof. I taped together another paper template to make sure my angles would work, and then cut four triangles out of felt. The TARDIS has many tiers on its roof, so I cut some extra felt to layer on top and give it some depth. With that, I was ready to sew the whole thing together.

It's even bigger on the inside than on the outside at this point!
How's that for a realistic Time And Relative Dimensions In Space machine?

I made a cardboard structure for the inside so that it would maintain its shape, and last of all I sewed a light on top. (This is actually the second light I made. The first one was round and just didn't look right.)

When it was ready, I took it on a trip to some barren landscapes (neighbour's front yard) for some photos.

 Here it is now in its new home on Sam's desk with its Dalek painting companion piece:

I wish my time lord much luck and happiness on his travels. May he save the world just in the nick of time, every time.