Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals [Bargain Price] [Spiral-bound]

Therese Laskey (Author), Laurie Frankel (Photographer), Leah Kramer (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 13, 2007

Stirred by the Japanese craze for plush toys called 'softies,' veteran crafter Therese Laskey commissioned acclaimed artists from around the world to create projects to share. From Japan to Israel to Chile to Texas, each artist brings a wicked sense of fun to the 25 cute, weird, edgy, or artful creations offered here: a cupcake pincushion; delicate snow bunnies; a peculiar robot; and many more quirky creatures. Cheeky photos, easy instructions, and ready-to-use pattern sheets make it a cinch to whip up these irresistible gifts. Best of all, a folder at back holds the patterns while spiral binding makes for craft-friendly use.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'There are so many different kinds of crafts, and, just when you think you've seen them all, a global movement like softies comes along and gives you a whole new road to explore.' Leah Kramer, craftster.org

About the Author

Therese Laskey is a crafter living in Brooklyn, New York.

Laurie Frankel is a photographer based in San Francisco.

Leah Kramer is the founder of craftster.org, a Web site CBS calls, "a cross between Martha Stewart and an urban hipster."

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 120 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811856526
• ASIN: B0030EG0BQ
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,084,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What "Plush You!" Should Have Been., January 4, 2008

By 

Genevieve Hayes (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals (Spiral-bound)

"Softies" is everything that the similarly themed Plush You!: Lovable Misfit Toys to Sew and Stuff should have been. This book provides a range of soft toy patterns (mostly sewn, although one is crocheted and two are needle felted) from an array of soft toy artists with detailed instructions on how to make them (the problem with "Plush You!" was that the instructions and patterns were omitted). The patterns were designed by artists from all around the world, although many of them seem to be in the "cute" style that is commonly associated with Japanese craft books, even those designed by non-Japanese (not that there's anything wrong with that - I am particularly fond of Japanese-style crafts).

The best thing about this book is that it is incredibly user friendly. It is spiral bound, and rather than having the patterns printed on the pages of the book (forcing the user to either photocopy or trace them, which can often result in the book being damaged), the patterns are printed on loose pieces of paper which are enclosed in a big envelope at the back of the book.

Given the range of patterns in this book, it is likely that you will find at least one toy that you would like to make, which, as far as I'm concerned, makes this book good value.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dog Pattern Needs Work, December 1, 2009

By 

P. Kessler - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals (Spiral-bound)

This book is so cute. I give it a 5 stars for content, photography, ease of use, etc. But, after completing one project, the Portuguese Plaid Dog, I am not impressed. The neck gusset is completely the wrong size for the dog, and the under-gusset for the legs does not match the outer body - seems about 20% too large. The top head gusset is enormously wide and about 1 cm too long. Also, the lettered markings on the patterns do not match up correctly. I am an experienced hand-stitcher, and I have made several soft toys with gussets for my children, but this dog had me stumped. I have redrawn my own patterns to get it to fit together properly. It's a shame, because this dog is the cutest thing ever, with a clever use of color and fabric. The other items in the book seem far easier! Just curious if anyone else has made the dog?

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Craft Book, November 13, 2007

By 

Kerrin A. Vitali "Viteen" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals (Spiral-bound)

My 10 yo daughter and I love this book. She has already made the treeling, the lonely dollop, and the green cross. The directions are well written and easy to follow. The projects are all super-cute. Be sure to order yourself some wool blend felt from Colonial Crafts - so much better than craft felt.