Make Your Own Toys

With this book, you can learn how to sew amusing toys using materials you probably have laying around your house. Author Sue Haven teaches you how, with a bit of creativity and some unwanted clothes or scrap fabric, you can create unique, hand-stitched toys.

This book starts out by suggesting different ideas and sources for fabric to use to make home-made toys along with giving us a list of sewing supplies you will need. There is a section that teaches you some project essentials which includes how to prepare the pattern templates, instruction for cutting out the fabric using the patterns, and also an explanation of some common sewing terms used in this book. There are also sections which teaches techniques you will use while making toys; tips on how to stuff toys; and also some sewing basics which covers pinning, starting and ending stitches, different hand stitches to use, and how to attach buttons.

I will be honest... The first pages I usually flip to when it comes to craft books is the specific project instructions! In this book, you will find directions to make 22 different stuffed toys of all shape and sizes. You can make different bears, monkeys, spacemen, bunnies, and many more creatures using old sweaters, t-shirts, socks, and other fabric sources.

Along with the step-by-step directions for each project, you will find a wonderful colored photo of the completed project. There is also a listing of the materials needed and illustrations that help guide you through the toy making steps. You will find hand-drawn pattern pieces for each project in the back of the book. The author suggests how much to enlarge the pattern before you use it, but she also encourages you to experiment by making toys using different sizes.

If you love toys and recycling, I suggest you check out this book. If you enjoy sewing or are just getting started with sewing, this book would make a great addition to your craft library. The projects are easy enough for a beginner to make yet unique enough for an experienced sewer to enjoy.