Steampunk Softies: Scientifically-Minded Dolls from a Past That Never Was [Paperback]

Sarah Skeate (Author), Nicola Tedman (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 21, 2011

A wonderful combination of Victorian aesthetic and modern crafting, these eight adorable stuffed creations make perfect gifts or accessories for the thousands of dedicated steampunk fans.

Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman offer crafters an array of charmingly raffish characters inside Steampunk Softies: 8 Scientifically Minded Dolls From a Past That Never Was. Even if you're unfamiliar with the term "steampunk," chances are you've already discovered it through the works of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Tim Burton, Mary Shelley, or Lemony Snicket. Steampunk is an artistic movement that includes stories involving steam-powered versions of modern technology in a fictionalized Victorian setting.

Staying true to steampunk style, Skeate and Tedman's inventive Steampunk Softies feature prominent science fiction and fantasy elements, as well as anachronistic inventions and props. In addition, many have dual roles that add practicality to their punk existence--the Lady makes an excellent paperweight, while the Illusionist's cloak doubles as a screen cleaner. 

Despite their meticulous detailing, Steampunk Softies are simple enough for even a sewing novice to construct. A short biography accompanies each softie, providing a background story for each character. Also included are a complete list of supplies, illustrated step-by-step blueprints, and a handy, back-of-the-book reference section that provides tips on aging and distressing project materials.

Venture full steam ahead into your next crafting project with Steampunk Softies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

If you are at all keen on fantasy and science fiction then you will have noticed that there is a new sub-genre around - steampunk. Think a Victorian era that never quite existed a la H G Wells, Jules Verne, Philip Pullman or Stephen Hunt and you have it in a nutshell. Inside this book are several models constructed from felt and many other things in a style that will be familiar to anybody who owns these author's other collaboration Zombie Felties (also reviewed on this site). Meet sinister illusionist Tompion Zeitgeist with his mesmerizing eyes, or Floyd Fastnkight the explorer who is ready for anything. Then there is Charity Storm with her own wings, and Minerva Dupine who is every inch the Victorian lady detective. If you like steampunk you will be familiar with all these character types, and now you can make eight of them for yourself. This is an attractively presented book with its cream pages delicately bordered with images such as cogs and top hats, and each model has full instructions complete with rather small but informative print, a long list of what you need (all sorts of bits and pieces but nothing expensive) and some useful drawn staged diagrams. There is a full page photo of the finished product along with small photos showing it from all angles as well as a handy line drawing pointing out various features. This is a great book for anybody who likes making things and reading steampunk novels (such as this reviewer) and has the added appeal of being different to any other book about making dolls. Note please that although they can be described as such they are not playthings for children being possessed, like all self-respecting steampunk folk, of sharp parts. Lots of fun.-Myshelf.com Create the best-ever steampunk character dolls from one book. They're great-looking projects, but easy enough for novices. All the characters share key steampunk characteristics and are rooted in a past that never quite existed. Clear blueprints and step-by-step are supplied for every character.-Machine Knitting Monthly --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Sarah Skeate, is an illustrator with a steampunk fetish who just happens to work in publishing.

Nicola Tedman is a model maker for theater and television.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing; Original edition (June 21, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1449406009
• ISBN-13: 978-1449406004
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 7.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #241,888 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Needlepoint
  • #66 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Toys & Models > Stuffed Animals

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cute little steampunk characters! July 5, 2011

By CuteEverythingcom TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Do you know about Steampunk? Steampunk is an elaborate arts and crafts movement creating art based on the never world of Victorian times powered by steam but with our technology. It typically incorporates elements like gears and clockwork, tophats and waist coats, goggles and gas masks, and locomotives and airships. Some authors whose writings are associated with Steampunk are Mary Shelley, Jules Verne and Lemony Snicket with his Series of Unfortunate Events series.

Steampunk Softies presents plushies that tap into the steampunk zeitgeist. Steampunk Softies has pages which look "aged" and the plushies are set up in interesting settings that assist in providing the reader with the appropriate feel for each one. The authors give you the know-how to craft your very own little characters, each with a fascinating story of their very own. There are helpful tips on assembling, along with advice on how to do things like age the fabric to give the authentic steampunk look.

Every softie has complete instructions with an illustration for each step. Steampunk Softies starts with the simplest softies and moves towards the more complex and detailed ones. My children were quite taken with Minerva Dupine whose magnifying glass monacle is the perfect accessory for her profession as a detective. It helps her to find stolen items, from "husbands to jewelry". Geronimo Bore boasts a drill arm that he uses to "prospect" all kinds of rocks and metals. Fathomless Tilt wears an "oversized diver's helmet" from which his sweet little face peers out of. There are eight interesting characters altogether in Steampunk Softies, a delightful book for fans of the movement, as well as people who love to make soft toys!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable and clever little steampunk dolls July 1, 2011

By Shala Kerrigan TOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Steampunk Softies is by the same authors as Zombie Felties, Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman.

Softies are a bit bigger than felties, but use a lot of the same techniques for construction, and can be hand sewn.

The book starts with an introduction to the materials that are used to construct the dolls, as well as some fantastic tutorials for aging and distressing the fabrics.

The dolls are just wonderful. Most stand about 6 inches high, and the props and construction methods are very clever. The materials are for the most part, very easy to find, and some of the supplies are things you might normally throw away. The diminutive scale of the dolls makes them perfect for small scraps of fabric and leather. Mini brads, scraps of leather, plastic from deli containers, beads, buttons and toy compasses are all used in the detail of these lovely little dolls.

The dolls themselves are fantastic. Fantastic in the literal sense that they are creative fantasies. A little undersea manikin looks like he mutated or was genetically created to live in the water, Floyd Fastknight explores the world with a compass for an eye and a case of maps. Chasity Storm is dressed in a cloud of lace and has wings that are reminiscent of the very first airplanes.

All the patterns are in the back of the book and full size, you trace them from the book on to a sheet of paper to cut out the parts for the dolls. Some of the dolls are very simple, the biggest challenge is the scale. Some are a lot more complex. These are not playthings, they are lovely little works of art. The techniques and the accessories used in making them can inspire your own characters and creations very easily.

My son is a big steampunk fan, and he was absolutely charmed by this book. My daughter, who is the serious doll maker in the family loved the techniques and pattern ideas.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed but worth it! December 21, 2011

By Doug & Sara

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

While not as simple construction as their other book "Zombie Felties", the instructions are well thought out & concise enough for beginners to follow comfortably yet still challenge a hardened 'tried-it-all-and-have-tshirt's' crafter.