Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love [Hardcover]

Hillary Lang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2010

Super cute! Darling! How adorable is that?! Welcome to the world of Wee Wonderfuls. In this charming collection, acclaimed toymaker and popular blogger Hillary Lang presents a captivating gang of 24 huggable, lovable creatures to sew—from classics like Margot, a topsy-turvy doll, and the button-jointed teddy bear Bjorn Bjornson, to irresistible Evelyn, a wool felt inchworm decked out in mod glasses and a kerchief, and Koji, a fiercely cute spiked softie monster. There’s something for everyone here—from kids to grown-ups and from beginning sewers to advanced dollmakers. Each pattern includes clear illustrations and pattern templates to ensure perfect results.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Hillary Lang is the creator of the blog Wee Wonderfuls (weewonderfuls.typepad.com) as well as the online shop through which she sells doll and embroidery patterns. She has contributed to numerous books, including Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts (STC Craft) and Softies. Her work has been featured in the magazines BUST and Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion, and on the websites Daily Candy Chicago and Craftzine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book (August 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584798580
• ISBN-13: 978-1584798583
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best make-your-own toy book I've seen, July 20, 2010

By 

Suz in Seattle (Seattle, of course!) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love (Hardcover)

If you only own one toy making book, Wee Wonderfuls should be that book.

I can't remember the last time I had a craft book in which almost every project was something that went on my "must make" list. There is a nice mix of hand-sewn and machine-sewn dolls and toys. From a cute felt inchworm (complete with kerchief and glasses) to a ribbon-haired dolly, each project is clearly designed to enchant and delight.The only thing that could have made this book better is for it to have been ring-bound so that it would easily lie flat as you work. But that's a minor nit.

At first glance it may look like a few of the dolls get a little bit repetative. But in reality - each doll introduces you to a different technique. If you read this book end-to-end, you'll find that you can combine techniques from different toys to create your own unique dolls. I especially love the myriad of toy/doll hair ideas (yarn, felt, quilted, fun fur...buns, pony tails, pigtails etc).

There are plenty of toys for boys and girls (topsy turvy dolls with lovely go-out/stay-home dresses, corderoy dinosaur/monster with felt spikes, and even some spoon puppets!) and a nice variety of techniques.

The best thing - is that this IS a book that beginning sewists can use. There is a "how to" section at the back and Hillary emphasizes that little wonky bits don't matter on toys - they're still cute. The photography is bright and inspirational...but shows close enough detail for you to understand the construction. The pattern pieces at the end are well laid out and labeled, the instructions are clear with illustrations to help on more complicated areas. The how-to section is useful...and I like that the author provides commentary on why she takes the steps or goes in the order that she does for her creations.

I hope Wee Wonderfuls becomes part of your craft book collection!

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wee wonderfuls was my first blog crush, July 20, 2010

By 

Valerie Goates (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love (Hardcover)

When I discovered craft blogs 4 years ago, Hillary Lang's [...] was my first blog crush. I've purchased and sewn several of her patterns, was pleased as punch to see the pending book announcement, and so excited to get the e-mail this week that her books were shipping a bit earlier than expected. I'm a big fan of Hillary's, appreciating her writing and aesthetic, so I was expecting to love this book (bought one for me and one for my mum). I can be quite critical of craft books, however: many seem to just be riding on an artist or blogger's niche fame and don't really offer anything new. But _this book does not disappoint_.

24 Dolls just came today, so I haven't actually sewn any of the projects, but I have sewn her patterns before and they're usually well tested. I particularly appreciate this book because:
(1) The photography is excellent. Not only is it design-gorgeous, but each view of a project shows useful aspects that help the reader in recreating or appreciating the toy's details.
(2) The illustrated instructions are very clear. Extras like color-contrasted stitch lines and measurements will keep me from making first-timer mistakes.
(3) There is an excellent mix of projects. Gender, detail, fabric type, size, and play use are varied. I could recognize each as uniquely Hillary's, but they are different from each other and from her previously shared or published patterns.
(4) The extensive "Wee Wonderfuls Basics" section at the end covering materials, methods, and expert hints is worth the price of purchase itself. It's clear enough for beginners and thorough enough for toy-maker-aholics such as myself.
(5) Although the instructions themselves are direct, each is headed with Hillary's own trademark best-friend commentary. She is so in love with these dolls; how can I help but share her enthusiasm? I do like a friend to "project" with, and am glad to have her along.

I am very happy.
(and so are my August-birthday nieces...hmmm...which doll to start on first??)

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Wee Wonderfuls, August 5, 2010

By 

jam - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love (Hardcover)

I love Wee Wonderfuls' blog so I was anxious to see the book. I was not disappointed. The little people in the book are so cute it was hard to decide which to make first. I went with the Sleepover pals; they turned out so cute and my granddaughter loves them. The directions and illustrations are great and easy to follow. One of the best things is that I will be able to make most of the creations without going out and having to buy new supplies; I'm able to use little bits and pieces that I have in my sewing room. I'm anxious to start on the the little pixie, she is so sweet. I think I will keep her for myself.