1 comments about Adorable Sock Dolls to Make & Love.

1. I checked this book out from the library and within 2 days have decided to purchase it. This book is beautifully illustrated with color photos and has large print, easy to read instructions. (I do agree that the projects seem to run together.) The term "dolls" is misleading, as they include everything from zoo/farm animals to clowns and snowmen. The book offers baby-friendly instructions, but I am disappointed that most of the photos only show the dolls with "over 3 years" eyes and noses. I do appreciate the tips, stitching illustrations (although some of these are confusing for a true beginner), and the essential/important information underlined for clarity.

   I have to admit that I have not actually tried any of the projects, but I have already made a shopping list for 6 of them. I think those with a crafty streak will find that these sock dolls give store-bought beany babies a run for their money! I look forward to giving them as gifts.

No comments about Costumed Teddy Bears: 14 Patterns for Bears in Body Suits (Creative Crafters).

1 comments about Easy-to-Make Stuffed Dinosaurs (Dover Needlework).

1. This book contains several patterns for dinosaurs, including an arrow-headed beast and a prehistoric fish. The book assumes you have a basic knowledge of sewings, IE, right-side-together, seem allowances and so forth, and in fact, some experiance is favourable. The book dives right away into patterns and instructions. Some patterns are delightfully simple, like the brachiasaur, while others, like the triceratops, can be hard to follow. It's a fun book that will help show you how to piece together a dinosaur, and has plenty of potential for expanding. The only catch is it's niche; it can be too hard for beginers, and experianced critter crafters will think the designs simplistict. For the latter, this book can be used as a springboard for your own ideas and patterns.

1 comments about Classic Teddy Bear Designs-Heirlooms to Make & Dress.

1. This would have to be the best value for money, beginners book on bear making that has been published in the last 10 or more years. The author has written this for the home sewer and doesn't assume that there is a teddy bear supplies shop just up the road where you can buy those expensive specialty items like joint sets, mohair fur, etc. Everything you need can be found at home in the sewing cupboard, at the local sewing shop or general store; eg: like buttons for joints, teddy jumpers/sweaters out of socks.

   There are numerous bear patterns of various sizes; eg: dad, mum & baby; both jointed and unjointed, along with clothes patterns for just about all of them! Estelle also explains how to customise the clothes patterns for different bears and garments; eg making a shirt into a coat. I still use this book if I want to dress bears from other patterns. For example I compare the bear that I'm making with Estelles bear pattern pieces; ie leg to leg for trousers, body to body for dresses or jump suits, etc; and when I find one that is similar I use the clothes pattern that fits Estelle's bear as a base clothes pattern for the bear I am making.

   The bear patterns themselves are excellent for beginners as all the bears a quite chubby (makes for great cuddling!), so are easier to sew, to turn inside out and to stuff - no narrow nooks and crannies to make for difficult stuffing. Some of the head patterns don't have a full head insert ie down to the nose, again making for easy sewing and more chance of a "nice muzzle/nose" for a beginner.

   Virtually all the bears in the book are made from something other than mohair, either synthetic fur, felt, coat fabric, etc, so you get a pretty good idea of what your bear will ACTUALLY look like. Mohair is gorgeous, but is often deceptive as it is usually a woven fabric, which doesn't stretch, so if you use synthetic fur, felt or coat fabric, for example, you end up with a very different bear to the mohair one you are hoping to reproduce.

   (I have a 1980ish edition of this book around which this review is written. PLEASE NOTE: there may be changes to the later edition SO the comments in the following paragraph may not be correct for this more recent edition.) Full colour books are the norm these days, so it is disappointing there aren't MORE of the gorgeous colour photos - although there are still plenty of black and white ones. There is quite alot of text, (including the usual "teddy bear" history), which comes under logical headings so it is generally easy to find info on subject. All the patterns are on pages of the book - great - no misplaced pattern inserts.

   This is a value for money book - lots of bear patterns with clothes patterns and how to do's. You won't make a Stieff reproduction, but you will get lots of practise with the numerous options this book offers.

4 comments about Creating Miniature Teddy Bears (International Artists' Designs).

1. This was an excellent book. For beginners and experienced teddy bear makers. There are many helpful tips and tricks. Lots of great suggestions for locating supplies. It is an imagination jump-starter. A great reference tool, and a must have. I highly recommend this book.



2. The patterns included with this book are completely useless. They look as though they were drawn by hand with no regard as to whether the pieces would actually fit together. Making a bear with these pattern pieces would be impossible.



3. I have to disagree with the previous reviewer, and ask whether or not that reviewer actually tried making the pattern. I have made three of these splendid bears, and they came out beautifully. This is a wonderful selection of different, appealing bear styles, you are sure to find many that you love and wish to make. The instructions are easy to follow. The ideas you get from this book will serve as a springboard to designing your own if you wish. An excellent book for anyone interested in making miniature bears!!



4. I gave up on the price of this book coming down and made the plunge and purchased a copy. As a bear desingner and crafter for over twenty five years I can say for sure that this book has priceless ideas and creative bear projects for anyone who would like to create with a pattern or to use a pattern as a jumping off point for your own creativity. I can recommend this book without hesitation and will use it from time to time for inspiration or for a pattern from the experts.

4 comments about Cloth Dolls : How to Make Them.

1. This book is one of the most complete for cloth doll making that I have found. Covers choosing the cloth, hair, faces, clothing, patterns, you name it. Anyone who loves cloth dollmaking needs to have this book. Excellent!!



2. This exciting book shows uncomplicated rag dolls a child can make and sophisticated dolls that will challenge experienced dollmakers -- and everything in between. Complete doll patterns including clothing. Tips, embellishments and secrets are shared by well-known dollmakers. Beautiful color photographs as well as clear drawings/black & white sketches. Among the 10 patterns given are Dirk,a flag-bearing American Revolutionary boy doll, the Princess Bride and Anne of Green Gables. If you're going to buy just one book on doll-making, this is the one to purchase. Great comprehensive book!



3. This is an excellent book for those who would like to learn more about the craft. Ms. Gorley is an excellent writer, teacher and the diretions/drawings are super helpful even for the novice.

   She covers the basics and takes it from there. What is nice in additon to the lovely photographs are the drawings and sketches included.

   Highly recommend this pulication for your doll making library.




4. Excellent teaching, photography, examples!!

   A must for all doll makers of all levels!

   Worth every penny and then some!

5 comments about Kath Dalmeny's World of Knitted Toys.

1. Even if you are a beginner, you will love knitting these cute animals and the kids who play with them will have a great time. Great pictures of each animal. The explanations can be difficult but are pretty straightforward.

   I highly recommend this book to all parents who are tired of Barbie Dolls! And my mother-in-law loves being able to knit for her grand kids something other than sweaters.




2. Jungle, Safari, Outback, North Pole... there is a whole zoo of animals to knit here, and cute little people to match, in various costumes. My only regret is that I only have so much spare time in which to make these, and I want to start everything at once! Patterns are rated for difficulty, and great pictures/diagrams.



3. Finally, a book of toy knitting patterns for the advanced beginner!

   If you know how to cast on and bind off, and increase and decrease using any old method, you can make everything in this book.

   Unlike Debbie Bliss' books, the patterns do NOT require: 1) knitting in the round so no circular needles needed, 2) knitting on double-pointed needles, 3) knowledge of intarsia, 4) knowledge of short row shaping, 5) yarn overs, provisional cast-on, button-hole or lace making, or any other intermediate techniques.

   All you need is two needles, yarn, and a needle for sewing up the pieces.

   Thankfully, there aren't a zillion pieces in each pattern, weird gussets or anything requiring charts. The toys knit up fast in 1 or 2 evenings, so there is almost instant gratification.




4. This book contains adorable patterns that are easy to follow. It is very well written and has greta pictures. The fish pattern is the cutest, but there also are numerous outback animals and undersea animals included. If you can do the basics of knitting, you will love it!



5. i think the book is great and have made toys from the book world of knitted toys they are great toys to knit

1 comments about Making Teddy Bears in Miniature.

1. Angela Bullock's book was not up to standard for members of our bear making club. The bear patterns are not well defined and this book, although it explains the basics of bear making, shows miniature, finished articles, that are not particulary well made. The bears in the book look as though they were made by first-time bear makers.
   Having said all this, it would be a good book for beginners and people not looking for a very professional finish.

No comments about Constructing Teddy and His Friends.

1 comments about The Encyclopedia of Teddy-Bear Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques.

1. This is the best technical book that I've found for teddy bear making instructions. All the photographs throughout the book are in color with several to a page. Every single step is clearly photographed along with a sidebar that gives the equipment that is used for that step.
   
   Tools and equipment are photographed together on a page to show the real life size differences. Stitches are diagrammed and photographed as they are being done. Materials are photographed side by side so that the reader can see the differences. Stuffing is discussed with photos and the pros and cons of each type such as polyester, plastic pellets, kapok, steel shot, and wood wool.
   
   Assembling and jointing techniques are taught and all varieties are photographed step by step. Teddy features such as eyes and nose placement are taught and photos of the different varieties are shown as well as tips for successful teddy bear faces.
   
   There is a section on making miniature bears and the differences between miniature bears and larger bears that need to be taken into account. Teddy bear clothes, hats and accessories are shown with patterns to use.
   
   At the end of the book is a 27 page inspirational gallery of work from some of the leading teddy bear artists today. There are also three bear patterns and a miniature bear pattern that can be copied on a machine and printed out to use.
   
   This book is a delight to use. The photos are great and the bears are charming. I highly recommend it!