Cover Image Property of PUBLISHER
This image property of Publisher,
scanned from my private collection
TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • Equipment
  • Methods and Techniques
  • PROJECTS:
    • Mouse
    • Alien
    • Chicken
    • Basket
    • Carrot
    • Pear
    • Orange
    • Tomato
    • Apple
    • Lettuce
    • Snake
    • Russian Doll
    • Mole
    • Elephant
    • Pig
    • Chinese Ball
    • Cat
    • Rabbit Snuggler
    • Tiny Teddy
  • Useful Stitches

Title: Soft Toys: Cut Out and Sew Your Own Original Toys
Author: Sara Gerlings
Publication Date: TPB:2012
Publisher: Design Originals, East Petersburg, PA
Page Count: 48
Book Dimensions(ht. x w.): 11" x 9"
ISBN: 9781574215014

PATTERN RATING:Star Rating Patterns are gridded for easier resizing. They have the A-B-C method of markings for construction. The rest of the markings are minimal. If a pattern piece gets lost from the herd, good luck trying to figure out which pattern it's supposed to go with two years later when you sweep it out from under the cutting table. Seam allowance is not on the pattern - a serious pet peeve of mine. The made up toys have enough detail to make them recognizable for what they are with the possible exception of the alien. I like the coiled snake - you don't see them coiled like this hardly ever, and the Russian doll looks like a nesting doll - in fact, I think the pattern could be easily adapted to this. You don't get photos of the finished toys except for the small thumbprint photos on the back cover and those shown on the front.

INSTRUCTION RATING:Star Rating Instructions are well broken down and illustrated to aid the novice sewer.

SUMMARY- The elephant's nose points down instead of up for elephant snobs' information. I found most of the toys appealing if a little simple. The Elephant and the Pig are the most sophisticated(have gussets). It would have cost exactly nothing to mark the patterns with all necessary info, so I'm a little annoyed with the designer despite the appeal of the finished projects. Your mileage, of course, may vary.

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