Softies are fun no matter what, but they are even more fun when they’re interactive. Yesterday I sewed one of my Squeaky Snakes from super-soft minky with a bright pink felt tongue. I love the coiled shape, but the pattern actually includes three snake shapes: a basic straight snake a curvy snake and this coiled…
2 Great Sources of Supplies for Making Stuffed Animals
I realize that designing and sewing a stuffed animal may be a new sort of project for many people. If you sew at all you probably already have much of what you'll need to get started and, as I point out in the trailer, you can make beautiful softies from humble materials. But there are…
Ten Tips for Starting an Art Collection
Charlie and I began dating in the summer of 2000. A few months into our relationship we went to an art show, the annual School of the Museum of Fine Arts student and faculty sale, and bought a piece of art together. It was $300 and we split the cost. We’d fallen in love…
See What People are Saying about Stuffed Animals
Where to Buy Wool Felt for Softies and Some Studio Glimpses
As copies of my book are beginning to make their way out into the world I'm going to periodically share some of my favorite sources for the fabrics and supplies you might want to play with while working your way through the projects. First up, a material I used every single day: wool felt. I…
Month 2 of Six Months of Softies: Join the Club!
Today is the release of the second pattern in Six Months of Softies! This month we're making an adorable whale designed by the amazing Jen Gubicza of Zooguu. Photo via Zooguu. I love this picture so much. That was totally me as a teenager. This whale is easy and fun to make and Jen gives…
My New Book – Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction
I don't like the big reveal. I like to share my ideas and my projects with you as I work them through and to give you a sense of the creative struggles and triumphs of my day to day work. From time to time I work on a project that I need to keep pretty…
Awesome Handmade Toys: Weird Bug Lady
The post is part of an occasional series called "Awesome Handmade Toys." These posts feature toy makers whose work I think is particularly fresh and inventive. You can see previous posts in the series here. I also pin toys to my Inspiring Softies pinboard on a regular basis if you're looking for more inspiration. +++++…
A Go-To Baby Gift
I remember so clearly opening the pink and yellow blankie my aunt crocheted for Stella, our middle daughter, when she was born. Knowing how much work went into selecting the yarn and stitching that blanket made us feel so loved. Babies end up getting tons of gifts in their first year and it can end…
March Wrap-Up
March has been a great month! I love softies and there's always so much to learn and see in the softie-making world. This month we explored: designing cut-and-sew softies on Spoonflower taking an indie plush business to the next level with Monster Factory using one of my favorite softie-making tools, the ball point awl….
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