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 comprising of 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.
