Children's books and book reviews - reading resource for kids, teachers, librarians, parents

Parenting book reviews and books for educators, teachers, and librarians





*Softies Only a Mother Could Love: Lovable Friends for You to Sew, Knit, or Crochet* by Jess Redman and Meg Leder, editors
   
Softies Only a Mother Could Love: Lovable Friends for You to Sew, Knit, or Crochet
by Jess Redman and Meg Leder, editors
Perigee Trade 144 pages February 2009 Paperback    

Guaranteed, you have never seen a bunny like Blossom, a house like Henny, or a giraffe like Hector. Created using scraps of fabric and a simple pattern, these three Softies look nothing like you’d expect. Blossom Bunny is tubular in shape with no limbs or tail. Henny House has half a smile, a window on her roof, and a rickrack headband. And, like all twenty-one Softies in this book, Hector Giraffe is an unexpected mix of colors and patterns.

To make the creations from Softies Only a Mother Could Love, enlarge and photocopy the patterns inside and follow the step-by-step instructions. For more help, readers can turn to details about finished size (in centimeters and inches), tools needed to complete the project, or the materials suggestion list.

Those looking to make an easy Softie can start with Arno Cat and progress to Kangaroo. Arno can be made with a needle and thread, while Softies like Kangaroo or Mamma Bear require a sewing machine. For those looking for a Softie to knit, there’s Bunny; for people who want to create something a little funny, try the Mad Dog Softie.

Editors Jess Redman and Meg Leder have included each crafter’s website address, a glossary of terms that starts with a definition of backstitch and ends with a definition of whipstitch, and some “Before you Start” tips, such as prewashing and ironing all fabrics before beginning.

The nice thing about Softies is that they can all look different. Alter Plurbit’s eye size or make Lizard out of purple and yellow material instead of brown and white, and you’ll have created a unique Softie of your very own.

 
Parenting book reviews and books for educators, teachers, and librarians

click here to browse children's board book reviews
click here to browse children's picture book reviews
click here to browse young readers book reviews
click here to browse young readers book reviews
click here to browse young adult book reviews
click here to browse parenting book reviews
 
web reviews
  Tanya Boudreau/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book  






For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews,
visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)