Cover Image Property of PUBLISHER
This image property of Publisher,
scanned from my private collection
TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • Basic Instructions
  • In the Hedgerow:
    • Fox
    • Rabbit
      Baby Rabbit
      Carrot
    • Hedgehog
      Baby Hedgehog
    • Robin
      Robin Ornament
    • Bumblebee
    • Butterfly
      Making a Mobile
  • Amongst the Woodlands:
    • Squirrel
      Chestnut
    • Badger
    • Owl
      Owlett
    • Mouse
      Baby Mouse
    • Toadstool
  • Along the Riverbank:
    • Otter
      Fish
    • Swan
    • Duck
      Duckling Finger Puppet
      Egg
    • Kingfisher
      Bulrush/Cattail
    • Dragonfly
  • Patterns
  • Resources
  • Blogging
  • About the Author

Title: Countryside Softies: 28 Handmade Wool Creatures to Stitch
Author: Amy Adams
Publication Date: TPB:2011
Publisher: Stash Books, Lafayette, CA
Page Count: 142
Book Dimensions(ht. x w.): 9 1/2" x 7 1/2"
ISBN: 9781607052159

PATTERN RATING:Star Rating There is a nice variety of patterns but with a minimum of markings. They are all full-size and not in the ditch, so photocopying them should be fairly painless. Seam allowances are included, but not marked on the pattern pieces. They have a rustic look with button joints and lots of blanket stitching in their construction.

INSTRUCTION RATING:Star Rating Instructions are broken down by body parts, then in steps, and there are some photos to help the crafter. A complete novice may have a little difficulty with some of the more complex projects, but overall I believe just about anyone could pick up and use this book.

SUMMARY- I'm typically not a fan of visible stitching on a soft toy - probably because I associate it strongly with weak seams. It also happens to be used a lot on stuffies that are not designed to look like anything that ever occurred in nature, which is another bias of mine(impressionist art leaves me cold, and I believe strongly that Norman Rockwell was an ARTIST!). That all said, I still found the softies in this book charming and well made, with plenty of personality and the ability to recognize what it is supposed to represent. Using old felted wools really ups the appeal of these toys and the button joints gives them an old world charisma. There is nothing generic here, but nothing so complicated that any sewer with basic skills can't handle. I was pleased to find this book.

The designer has a website: http://www.lucykatecrafts.co.uk/ .

Anyone with more information about this publication can contact me through My Contact Page.