I'm going to return to the horse and revise. But the other day I checked out a few vintage craft books from the local library and I couldn't resist sewing through some more patterns. I have checked these books out many times, especially four or five years ago when I was first beginning to sew toys. It is great to look at them again with different eyes now.
The Big Book of Soft Toys by Mabs Tyler was a favorite then and is still a favorite. First of all, I love the name Mabs. People often call me Abs, so I feel a special affinity. Like so many great craft books, this was originally published in 1972.
And there are some adorable patterns in here.
Cary has sewn up some beautiful versions of many of these including the donkey and camel, the penguin,the giraffe, the tiger, and the polar bear. Adorable!
I am interested in ways to make pattern drafting very simple. I was drawn to the bunny on the cover because it is just three simple pieces – a side body, an underbody and a head gusset. I think this design could work for any crouching animal.
Very cool. Drafting patterns like this could be a great workshop.
The designs look so cute! I have a brilliant crafting book from the 70’s I found it in a second handstore & had to snap it up as it’s so original!
much congrats about the australian mag!
(and whew! are you finally done with the big deadline?)
oh I love this book! I always thought the rabbit’s expression was just so dear–I do like it better in gray though!
Ahh yes, my favorite book;) Her patterns are really amazing to work from, and I really enjoy giving them a bit of new life!
Ah, my primary school teacher used that book and I loved it so much that I pestered my mother to buy it for me from Hamley’s toy shop when I was 8! It is still a favourite 30 years on… The joys of making with felt! Thanks for flagging this book up it really deserves all the recognition it can get!