Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals

by Therese Laskey, Leah Kramer (Foreword by), Laurie Frankel (Photographer)

Stirred by the Japanese craze for plush toys called "softies," veteran crafter Therese Laskey commissioned acclaimedartists from around the world to create projects to share. From Japan to Israel to Chile to Texas, each artist brings a wicked sense of fun to the 25 cute, weird, edgy, or artful creations offered here: a cupcake pincushion; delicate snow bunnies; a peculiar robot; and many more quirky creatures. Cheeky photos, easy instructions, and ready-to-use pattern sheets make it a cinch to whip up these irresistible gifts. Best of all, a folder at back holds the patterns while spiral binding makes for craft-friendly use.

Genres: Crafts, Sewing, Nonfiction, Reference, How To

120 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2007

Reviews

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book out of curiosity. Me, the person who had to turn to her crafty cousins to make her sewing homework back in high school. I thought, what the heck, as long as I can still use my sewing machine, I'll do it. There was something about hand sewing that scared the stitches out of me. I was delightfully surprised that when push comes to shove and an hour of trying to use a sewing machine to make a simple dot of an eyeball didn't work, I relented and started hand sewing. It felt great! I mean, obviously there were skewed lines and all, but I did it and it was refreshing. I can see why some movie stars crochet or knit in movie sets while waiting-it calms and soothes. Anyway, I made two softies from this book and one was a tweaked design that I meshed with my own design. The projects range from easy to challenging. The ones I did took a short while to do. Recommended!

[Laura Gembolis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this at a used bookstore. So I don't have the patterns. I still think that I can manage the Ms. Green Tea Bag and the treeling (which I'll alter to make a rose bush). Cute projects. Good jumping off point. I haven't started yet, but it gives me some good ideas for starting.

I don't think that I'll figure out the ice cream cone quite yet. Which is a pity, because I kind of wanted to make an ice cream cone.

Maybe because I don't have the patterns, I see this as an inspirational book. But I'm not sure I'd make some of the projects Most I'd alter a bit - like I said - good for jumping off with other projects.

[Jocelynne Broderick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute stuffies! I'd make the tree, but I think that's all. I had hoped another reviewer's note that the book included "poo" would prove to be untrue, but no. There is a poo, and not only that, he's lonely cuz he stinks. That's his little backstory. :/

I think I've seen some of these in other books too, that's annoying. It's like the people shopped their designs to a bunch of publishers, or one publisher put it in several different books. What's this world coming to when there aren't enough softies to full books without repeats? Tsk tsk.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book is so much decadent, sewing fun! I have made four or five or the sweet felted creations you will find within the pages of this adorable book and Therese Laskey's instructions are fabulous. She not only gives you instruction on sewing stitches from the simple to the complex, but includes easy to use patterns for each of the felt "softies" or stuffed creatures that inhabit the pages of the book. Don't miss out if you are a crafter or seamstress/seamster!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several really cute projects, and a few that are just bizarre. Haven't had the chance to make any yet, but they are rated by how easy they are, and my daughter is eager for summer to come. We're going to try every project except for one...the lonely dollop of poo. (Blech! Who wants that as a stuffed toy?)

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because the whale and the tree on the front cover are stinkin adorable. I haven't made any of the projects yet, but I like to peruse it from time to time. Some books are just good for that.

[Jessietaylortanner]

Meh. There were a couple that I would like to make, but most were too weird (even for me) and it even includes a pile of poo softie. Seriously. If it hadn't been a $4 buy on Amazon I might be pissed that I bought it- I will use it for the couple that are cute, but don't recommend it.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the book...currently making some projects for Christmas gifs. The softies are all cute & can be easily changed & personalized by using different fabrics & embellishments. Helps to have some sewing knowledge, as there are not detailed instuctions or pictures.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some nice designs in here, some of which are quite unique. Lots of animals and other objects, like trees, teeth, and even a poo! Each with eyes and personality! It also comes with the patterns on separate sheets. You just have to cut them out. Nice!

[Seana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the fun and easy stuff in this book, plus it comes with removable pattern pages for easy copying.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book to teach myself how to make some fun stuffed things. I have many ideas in my head for making my own versions of softies so I figured I should do some research.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This arrived as part of my Amazon order about an hour ago and I already read all of the pictures. I can't wait to make some softies. It's going to be amazing, I bet.

[Kristin B · Rating 5 out of 5]

enough ideas to make a sewer's fingers bleed...

[ereeese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute things for Nina's Bday! Project 4862;)

[melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love handmade toys. these are easy to do and super cute.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began to make the adorable ice cream sandwich in this book. Good details, comes with templates.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I luv this book not only because I'm in it... but because it showcases various craft styles, techniques and softies. Images are beautiful, instructions easy to follow, ring binding is perfect.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOOOOO not literature, but still a book I read, and some great, doable ideas!

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

These patterns are kind of random, but there are a couple that are really cute. The instructions are excellent - I think even a beginner could follow them and turn out a successful project.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable softies. I love books like this for inspiration and ideas.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only problem with this book is I'd rather make the softies than read anything new.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of unusual but east patterns for making your own sewn toys.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

gorgeous book and soooo good to have full size patterns