This week I've been creating a pair of plush ducks. The boy has a little necktie. I watched this video to learn how to tie a tie (I have three girls, you know). The girl will have a big pink bow on top of her head. I think a kerchief would also look great on…
How to Become an Expert: Be Persistant
I’m in the car shuttling kids from one place to another when I’m suddenly struck with an idea for a brilliant design. I can see it so clearly in my mind’s eye and I become totally consumed with developing it and making it come to life. Duck prototype on my desk today. The rest of…
Preztel Pincushion Tutorial
This clever pretzel is actually a pincushion with white pinheads for salt! It’s easy to make and is a fun addition to any sewing room. Let’s get started. Fold the strip lengthwise. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, stitch down the long side, leaving a 2 inch opening halfway down. Stitch the short sides, curving…
Can We Talk?
Thank you! I've gotten many, many responses and I'm really excited to speak to you all! I'm afraid I'm going to close out the form now so that I don't get too overwhelmed. Thank you so much, everyone! Best, Abby —- I'm doing some research and I need to talk to you. If you read…
2012 Year in Review
Today I’m taking a moment to look back at what I’ve accomplished in 2012. Overall this has been a busy, productive and positive year and for that I’m very grateful. In 2012 I did a bunch of writing and a whole lot of designing, made connections with new people in the industry, taught classes, made…
Awesome Handmade Toys: Doinky Doodles
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. In…
How to Repair a Stuffed Animal: Replacing Paw Pads
This post is part of “Animal Hospital: Intensive Care for the Intensely Loved,” an occasional series in which I show you how to make common repairs on your child’s favorite stuffed animal. See the first post here. From straightforward fixes, like sewing up a burst seam, to more complex repairs, like replacing paw pads and…
Two Essential Tricks for Sewing Thick Fabrics
Today I I have two great little tips for you that will make sewing softies from plush fabrics easier. Have you ever sat down at the sewing machine with a softie piece pinned and ready to sew only to find that you can hardly fit it under the presser foot? I love to use faux…
Giraffe Sewing Pattern Coming Soon!
Here's what I've been working on this week: a giraffe! I love giraffes and there aren't very many sewing patterns for them so I thought I'd jump in and make one. This guy is of the "sit up and have tea at your tea party" variety. He's got a bag of polly pellets in his…
Gift Guide for Softie Makers
Got a sofite maker, or an aspiring softie maker, on your gift list this year? Here are my top picks of awesome things anyone who sews toys would love. These are the books, fabrics, tools, and supplies that I've handpicked this year because I know they're high-quality and will ignite creativity. And you know what?…
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