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If you want to make soft
toys and don’t know where to start this book would be
a good place. It contains patterns for twelve toys with contemporary
style and appeal, and is very suitable for beginners. So suitable
in fact that it reminded me of my beloved Learn To Sew book
I had as a child. I did indeed learn to sew with it, and can
imagine a child being able to make up the projects in here
too. It is equally suitable for a beginner adult, and only
uses the most basic of tools; you can even opt to sew the
toys by hand if you don’t own a machine. The list of
what you need explains why you need each item and before you
begin there is a section entitled Techniques. Here you can
learn some basic skills such as stuffing your toy, sewing
up, turning small parts right side out, darts and drawing
patterns on fabric.
This is a well laid out, large format book which helps if
you are new to sewing. Each project contains a large, full-page
photograph of the item plus several steps with diagrams. These
are very beginner friendly as they are simple, clear drawings
with good use of color for clarity. It is easy for even a
total beginner to see what to do as things like stitching,
darts, where to stuff etc are clearly marked out. Each toy
has its own personality and fun patterned fabrics have been
used as well as plain; all the toys are made from cotton and
felt and have a bright, modern look. Toys include an owl,
pig, puppy, koala, Halloween monster and a quartet of seaside
friends comprised of a seahorse, crab, pirate and mermaid.
Turn to the back for all the patterns, full sized and marked
so you know where to place arms, legs etc. These are simple
to trace and cut out, and the finished item will be something
anybody can be proud of. Lots of books purport to be for beginners
but this one truly is – you really can learn to sew
from it.
If you cannot find a good range of sewing materials locally
try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
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