Bird Is The Word: A Cuddly Fleece Bird Softie

This is Doopy Bird.  At least that's what my kids have named him.  He's cute and weird and handmade so he deserves a fun name for sure.  

For Christmas I wanted to focus less on buying and more on making, so I made fleece plush toys for each of my kids.  I was a bit short on time to completely design 3 new patterns from scratch, so I finally broke open some softie pattern books I'd bought ages ago and still never used (aka typical craft hoarder scenario).  This fleece bird was one of them. His actual pattern name is Bitty Bird, but I think I prefer Doopy myself.

He's from the book, Fleece for Kids by Mary Emery Vollertsen.  I bought the book when I was new to sewing and just starting with fleece.  Fleece is the ideal fabric for making plush toys and for sewing beginners by the way.  8 yrs later I'm finally using it and no longer a beginner, but it was just what I needed in the holiday hurry.  There are a number of cute soft toys like dinosaurs, birds and a bee puppet included, plus lots of hats and tops. I liked it because it came with paper patterns, not the usual "here's a line drawing, now try to magically scale this up on your printer.  That was the the big plus of the book.  The second plus is a good sized section with technique info on smocking, tucking, fabric sculpting and appliqués.

The big minus?  Those handy paper patterns only applied to the toys in the book, not any of the clothes heavily featured, which was the main reason I wanted it in the first place. Showing a bunch of cute tops and hats, but then in the instructions saying "find a basic garment pattern" and then just some minor steps to embellish it with was a bit of a let down. As was the fact that said embellishments were for a single size.  Even if you found the ideal pattern to do the adorable smocked coat and bonnet, her measurements for the smocked bit were for newborn size only.  Not very helpful.

However, Doopy Bird was a pretty quick sew.  I made him in an afternoon.  The pattern and instructions were basic and easy to follow and it would be simple to change his look with different colors, prints and eyes.  He's got some fun tassel-y top and tail feathers that really make him interesting.  I'd definitely make him again.  

Right now, he's enjoying hanging around, being a fun bird and chilling out with my doopy kids.  Since he sewed up so fast, it gave me time to draft my other two softies, which will be coming up soon.

Craft It Now Book Launch & Giveaway!

It's been a while since I've done an installment of Craft Book Corner and today I've got an extra special book to share.  Not only is it hot off the presses, but yours truly is also in it! It's called Craft It Now: 75+ Simple Handmade Projects:

This is the ideal book for when you feel like crafting, but don't want to take on something big or time-consuming.  Enjoyable, relaxing crafts for all skill levels:

You can find my Plush Chocolate Bunny project on pages 22-23.

My little guy even got a mention on the back cover:

There are over 75 fun & other fast crafty projects included in the book.  There's a bit of everything: sewing, crochet, polymer clay, paper, jewelry and loads of other crafty themes. 

All project patterns & templates are included in the book, as well as some basic sewing, crochet & knitting techniques and their US & UK terms.

It's a great book for someone new to crafting, someone who likes to try different things or just pick up some new ideas for favorite types of crafts:

I'm really proud to included and thrilled that I can finally tell you about it now that it's out.  It's a great feeling to walk in a bookstore, pull a book off the shelf and see my name in it:

You can buy Craft It Now in bookstores like Barnes and Noble, from online craft shops and on Amazon.

As a contributing author I got a few bonus copies that I've given to family members, but I have one more left....so how about a....

Giveaway to a Sew Can Do reader!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

   

Craft Book Corner: Pom-Poms! 25 Awesomely Fluffy Projects Review

It's time for a new Craft Book Corner!  This latest book is one that's hot off the presses and is all about a fun & fluffy craft: pom-poms.  I'm giving you a little sneak peek and review so you'll have the scoop on it before it even hits the bookstore shelves.  You'll be "in the know" on the newest craft book coming out!

Today's Book:  

Pom-Poms! 25 Awesomely Fluffy Projects by Sarah Goldschadt and Lexi Walters Wright, a new craft book coming out October 1, 2013.

Why I'm Sharing It: 

Quirk Books sent me an advanced copy to review.  I tried out some of the things I learned as well as made one of the projects, this little pom-pom hedgehog paper weight:

What's it about?

As the name says, this book is about all things pom-pom: 25 crafty projects using pom-poms as well as unexpected ways to make them. And not just the usual yarn types, but also those fluffy tissue paper party poms, those made with felt, fabric & more.

What makes it helpful?

I really liked that the book shared numerous methods to make pom-poms, beyond techniques I knew, and explained why to chose one over another, depending on the look, materials and size desired.  I also liked that they gave ideas for materials that you might not think to use for pom-poms, like t-shirts, tulle, tinsel, even rubber bands.  Here are a few I made using standard yarn, as well as chunky variegated yarn, embroidery floss & baker's twine:

What's the format?

The book starts out with the 25 various projects - some wearables, some accessories, some decorations.  There are a few "seen before" ideas like the knit hat, wreath & brooch, but others are more unique like a t-shirt pom rug, rubber band pom ring and tinsel pom cake toppers.  Then it heads into Pom-Pom 101 which shows the various ways to make pom-poms, materials, wrapping & trimming styles and some good newbie crafter info like basic hand sewing stitches & how to transfer patterns.  

I'd have preferred the Pom-Pom 101 section be in the front of the book, before the projects, which is the usually format for craft books.  I like to learn what to do first and then delve into the projects instead of having to flip around for those details. However, I understand that the projects are the eye candy and that's what most browsers want to see first when flipping through a book on the shelf.

Extra info: 

I think my favorite part of the book was the ways to make different patterns, aka wrapping styles, in your pom-poms: a marled look, polka dots, even a sectioned beach ball.  It really expands the looks you can make.  I had a lot of fun trying them out.  Here are a few of the varying styles I was able to make just by changing the wrap style of two colors of yarn:

From left: Polka Dots, Mrs. Speckles, Beach Ball

Usefulness Score: 

This is a nice book for any crafter to have and is kid-friendly too (extra points in my opinion). I really like that everything pom-pom can be found in this book, so it's a great reference. I've found random tutorials or projects here & there online and had mixed final results, but nothing has been as helpful or complete.  It's literally a bible of pom-pom knowledge.

Back cover Pom-poms!

And it gives you all the skills to come up with your own unique projects based on what you've learned.  It would be great for someone new to crafting too - you don't need to have any prior craft knowledge to be able to make some fun pom-pom projects. Definitely a good gift idea too.  You can find even more info about the book Pom-Poms! HERE.

I was not financially compensated for this post.  I was sent a copy of this book to review. The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience. 

Sew Darn Sweet: A Mouse from The Brambly Hedge Pattern Book

How about a little mouse for the house?  I promise this one is sweet and will not eat you out of house and home.  

I made him using an enchanting pattern book I stumbled upon awhile ago in my craft book collecting travels.  Since this month I've been all about patterns, it seemed like the ideal choice for a new Craft Book Corner.  

The idea behind it is to share some of the books in my craft book library.  Some teach particular techniques, some have themed projects, others have solid background info worth knowing.  Why keep them hidden on the shelf when you could go check them out too?

Now let's get to the pattern book goods!

Today's Book: 

The Brambly Hedge Pattern Book by Sue Dolman.  This particular book is one that's just as much fun to look at as it is to use. 

Why I'm Sharing It: 
I found this pattern book in a secondhand book store while on vacation two years ago.  I'm a sucker for anything involving woodland animals and these little mice looked so charming all dressed up that I had to get it.  I mean, a little mouse with a bustle & flower hat or wearing a 3 piece suit?  That's awesome!

It was only after buying this pattern book that I discovered the actual Brambly Hedge books these soft toys are based on.  Brambly Hedge was a book series by Jill Barklem in the early 1980's and all about the adventures of a few mouse families living in a hedge.  It appears there were also some Cosgrove Hall claymation-style programs & collectible items too - much like The Wind In the Willows, which our family adores.  I love when the worlds of sewing, kid's stuff & literature collide:)

What's it about?
Just like the title says, this book provides patterns and detailed instructions for making 5 of The Brambly Hedge mouse characters: Wilfred Toadflax, Primrose Woodmouse, Mrs. Apple, Dusty Dogwood and Poppy Eyebright.   Each character has its own method of construction and specific clothing and accessories.  I started with Wilfred Toadflax since he seemed the least complicated.

What's the format?
The book starts with general instructions for making the the elements like hands, feet & heads that will be the same for each character.  Then there's a separate chapter for each mouse that gives a specific materials list, pattern pieces, illustrated assembly instructions and how-to's for making accessories like hats, toys and baskets.

I made a few small changes from the book instructions.  I wanted to use stuff I had on hand for my first attempt, so I used some anti-pill fleece instead of faux fur for the head:

And some solid red knit instead of striped for the shirt:

I also tried to do machine sewing as much as I could.  It's kind of implied you're hand stitching for everything, but my hand sewing can sometimes look sloppy, especially when trying to work with tiny pieces, so I machine stitched most of the clothing and body bits and hand sewed for attaching things like the head to the body.

I was too lazy to make a mini sling-shot for him, but knowing my kids it would have been lost or broken with the first 5 minutes so it's just as well I didn't bother.  

What makes it helpful?
Because these are small toys, all the pattern pieces are to scale, so it's really easy to trace them and get started.  My biggest pet peeve of patterns in sewing books are the ones that say "scale up X%" instead of providing properly sized patterns.  Scaling from a book is never as easy as just increasing and printing and usually results in bits getting cut off or warping. Ugh, it's seriously the worst - it totally delays getting to the good bit, which is the sewing!

Extra info:
They don't recommend making these for babies/toddlers due to the materials, but for older children these are fine as toys.  It's nice that they're somewhat posable thanks to some clever pipe cleaners inside the arms, paws & feet.  My mouse looks a little different from the book since he's less furry, but he was my first attempt.  I'd probably go the faux fur route on future mice so they are more like the book illustrations, but it just shows you can do a variety of looks with the designs.  And either way, he can rock my vintage 80's Fisher Price Woodsey Log House like nobody's business!

The projects in this book get full marks for cuteness & the techniques to achieve them are simple enough for a beginner, it just takes a little time and patience to put them together. And it's just plain fun to look at.  One day I'll get to making the other 4 mice so we can give them some adventures of our own.  Heck, maybe I'll go for broke and do a full cottage (check out the handmade one by Pillis Mini from Germany - beyond wow).

Now were enjoying this little guy and reading about his adventures.  I find these old school projects & books so much more enjoyable than all the pre-fab merchandise that's associated with anything slightly popular these days.  And the kids feel like these things are special and don't get bored with them as quickly either.

Book Score: 

I'm also sharing this with my FAVE LINK PARTIES.

Click HERE to check them out!

I purchased this book for myself, with my own funds.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience. 

Craft Book Corner: The Sewing, Stitch & Textile Bible

Today I'm excited to share the very first installment of my new feature, Craft Book Corner. The idea behind it is to share some of the books in my craft book library.  Some teach particular techniques, some have themed projects, others have solid background info worth knowing.  Why keep them hidden on the shelf when you could go check them out too?

Today's Book: The Sewing, Stitch & Textile Bible by Lorna Knight.   

The Sewing Stitch & Textile Bible is published by Krause Publications.  © 2007 Quarto, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Why I'm Sharing It: 
I find so much in the sewing world is idly mentioned with the assumption everyone knows what it means.  Most of us tend to avoid things we don't know because they sound complicated or think they'll require more experience than we have to figure out.  Is it any wonder so many people give up when they first start sewing?  But this book truly helps demystify nearly every sewing term/technique you could come across and gives you the knowledge to tackle it.

What's it about?
Like the name says, this book is a guide to techniques, materials and all things sewing related.  It's only about an inch thick, but it covers EVERYTHING.  It doesn't matter if you've got 25 yrs of experience or just bought your very first sewing machine, this book has handy sewing info for everyone.

• What's the difference between sharps and betweens when choosing needles?  
• When to use fabric like cotton lawn or tricks for sewing chiffon?  
• Want to pick up techniques like how to join lace or welt seams for things like jeans?  

It's all in there.  The book is only one inch thick, but it covers hundreds of things and is in a really easy to read layout - I read it cover to cover when I first got it and it's my go-to reference guide.

What makes it helpful?
Real photos, step-by-step illustrations and the all important explanation/description for each and every item covered.  

It's clearly written and without a tone that could be patronizing to someone with experience or above someone just started out. If only all the sewing books were like this!  

I really wish I could share some of the great inside pics of the book, but I don't want to get into any potential trouble with any copyright issues (a very prickly topic).  SO, instead, I'll try to describe what makes it a great book.

What's the format?
The book is outlined in main sections and each breaks down into more specific categories. For instance:

• The Stitch Directory then falls into hand, machine, serger and decorative stitches.  Each stitch shares a real finished photo, explains when to use it, shows how to do it and gives tips like the best notions for each.  
• Even specialty techniques like smocking, sewing sequins and cut work (open embroidery) are covered.  All the fancy stitches and handwork you could ever want to see are included and explained with step by step illustrations.
• The Textile Directory shows swatches of each fabric, handy descriptions and tips for project use, cutting and sewing suggestions like types of needles, thread and seams that work best.  I SO wanted to share pics of everything, but 

Extra info: 
It also covers helpful extras like fabric prep, laundry care and a glossary.  Most importantly (well, to me anyway), it tells you why and when you should use things.  So often a pattern says "Make a welt seam" or "Use ladder stitch" and 1. assumes you know exactly how to do that and 2. doesn't tell you why this is used.  Now you can find it all out with minimal effort.  

Usefulness Score: 

Definitely one to check out if you sew or ever wanted to sew!

I purchased this book for myself, with my own funds.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.