Softies. Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals

Customer Reviews

various difficulties on a great range of cute!

2008-06-24
I bought this book after making about half a dozen sock monsters.....I went straight in the for the hard stuff (Double Scoop, Ice cream cone). This particular guy was a bit difficult to completely sew by hand...but it can be done. This book will challenge and impress you.

beautiful book

2008-03-18
first it's beautifully designed. the softies are varied and interesting.
i am very happy with this choice of book

CAN"T WAIT

2008-02-19
I don't actually own this book as of yet, but I can not wait!! Right now I am hooked on "Aranzi Aronzo Cute Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff)" by Aranzi Aronzo and Rui Munakata. I am sure that my niece and new nephew appricate getting a custom doll every time I visit!! These books are so great not only for what they have to offer but they inspire soooo much in the imagination. I have created my own patterns too. It is easy once you see how simple everything is constructed.... but still the books are sooo worth it since everything in them are SOO CUTE!!

Cute stuff

2008-01-28
I bought this book after seeing the bunnies; thought they'd be cute for my nieces for Easter. My husband looked at the book and wants me to make the whale (without the bird on its head) and the robot. I'd love to try the needle-felting projects and there are a few others that I'm sure I'll make. I am an advanced beginner sewer and I think I could make all but the most complex of the projects (the adorable plaid dog).

What "Plush You!" Should Have Been.

2008-01-04
"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.

Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals

2007-12-23
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.

Everything's so cute!

2007-11-24
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!

Terrific Craft Book

2007-11-13
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.

Softies:Simple Instruction for 25 Plush pals

2007-11-11
I love this book!! It has both the colourful images and the simple & easy instruction on how to make the plush toys...and its so wonderful that the book come with the templates. Its so easy and convenient to use.

Strange Projects

2007-11-08
I thought the projects would be more interesting to make in this book. I guess I found them kind of silly and they really did not appeal to me.
Why would anyone want to make a felt ice cream sandwich, a green tea bag, a tooth with a crown, or a lonely dollop? Maybe I'm too old for this book. There were only four projects I liked and they were the little felt dresses along with a tiny white felted bear, the felted bunny and the felt flowered pincusion. Sorry I couldn't rate it better I really wanted to like it. On the positive side the book's format is quite lovely and all the photography is great.