Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals (Spiral-bound)

~ (Author), Laurie Frankel (Photographer), Leah Kramer (Introduction) "This bunny is a perfect project for a beginner..." (more)
Key Phrases: high sew, black eye circles, felting needle, Static Guard (more...)

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

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 120 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811856526
• ISBN-13: 978-0811856522
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,461 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 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)

"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.

6 of 6 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)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything's so cute!, November 24, 2007

By	P. M. Garcia ""Stitch Enthusiast"" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love this book. It's nice to make something besides the usual teddy bears. My favorites are the ice cream sandwich and the treeling. My boyfriend really likes the tooth. This is the book for you if you want more than the usual patterns out there. You will have fun with the patterns and enjoy making each softie your own by changing the facial features or adding embellishments. I like every single softie in this book, and I'm pretty picky! I highly recommend this book!