How to Sew Little Felt Animals: Bears, Rabbits, Squirrels and Other Woodland Creatures

Description

For over thirty years Sue Quinn has designed gorgeous little felt animals that appeal to both adult collectors and children. Now she would like to share her master secrets. Colourful, strong and easy to use, felt is the perfect material to make this collection of charming classic woodland animals. Follow the clear step-by-step instructions to create a group of endearing little creatures that you will want to make and keep.

Sue has been designing and making teddy bears and other animals since childhood. After moving to Scotland she developed her range and sold to small shops in the area. She named the business Dormouse Designs, as one of her first creatures was a small felt mouse called Timothy. Her collectible bears are now so sought-after that Sue's work can be found in teddy bear museums in Britain, Japan and collections worldwide. Sue lives in Kilbarchan, Scotland.

April 2015 This magazine very nearly didn't happen. Everything was going well until I received a preview of Sue Quinn's new book. I just couldn't put it down. It's a forest fiesta; a woodland wonderland... I just had to try making one of the gorgeous patterns it contains. First I wanted to make a rabbit - I have a soft spot for rabbits; but then Mrs Mole was asking me to make her too, with her beautiful pink duster coat... and who could resist the squirrel's bushy tail or the cute baby bear cuddled up with his own tiny ted... Turn just a few pages of Little Felt Animals and your fingers will be twitching to pick up the scissors, needle and thread. Each creature has a little family and every one of them can be dressed in their very own wardrobe. There are beautiful photo illustrations throughout, clear step by step instructions and, for anyone new to the art of making soft sculpture figures, easy to follow basic techniques. All the animals and quite a few accessories are make from felt or wool felt which means no frayed edges - a blessing for anyone sewing! * Teddy Bear Times * June 2015 For each animal you will find a detailed colour photo of the finished animals and a brief note from the author regarding character personality, costuming and possible fabric choices. Each project starts with a material list and a copy of the pattern. The patterns are 3/4 size in the book and will need to be increased 133%. (I think the size increase is a matter of personal preference, you could make the pattern larger or smaller for miniatures or standard sized plush animals.) The author includes detailed step-by-step instructions for each part of the process. There are also descriptive colour photographs to accompany each step. The book begins with information on materials and basic techniques. These include stitches, filling and shaping, sewing features and pattern transfer. These animals are jointed with cotter joints and there are detailed instructions for installing the joint system. (I did not have any joints on hand, so I did not joint my Mole when I made him). Instructions in this book are clear and easy to follow. My favourite character in the book is the Mole, and it did not take long to make this little guy. I am more comfortable sewing by hand, so probably 80% of my project was sewn by hand. I find it easier than fighting a machine on small curves, and I do not have the masterful technique of the author when it comes to machine stitching. This book is probably best for those with some sewing experience if you are going to be installing the joints. There are some intermediate techniques for hidden seams and finishing of the facial features. Beginners should not be afraid to try making these adorable animals. The instructions are very well written and detailed. Overall, I adore this book. These animals and their outfits are really something special. * Renee Everhart * June 2015 Squuueeee!! Okay I love this book! I couldn't wait to open it to see what was inside and I really wasn't disappointed! All of the techniques are explained as well as instructions how to make each of the animals and each of their outfits. You learn how to make rabbits, squirrels, bear, moles & mice I love the fact that each of the animals is made into a different personality with the clothes that you make. There isn't a single one of the animals that I wouldn't want to make. They are all beautiful! This book would be a fantastic present for someone. The animals themselves would make even better presents. They are just sooo cute! The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The materials that are used are easy to purchase. Even the sewing techniques fully explained with clear and easy to follow pictures. I couldn't recommend this book highly enough! * Crochet Addict UK * June 2015 Make woodland creatures out of felt and dress them. Make them posable, the subject of their own adventures and stories. Collect them, give them as gifts, use them as ornaments or playthings. All you need is felt, a bit of sewing know-how and some imagination. The author has sold her collectable felt toys all over the world, and looking at the photos it is easy to see why they are so popular. They have the polished look of simplicity but character, with their neat features and perfectly scaled clothing. There is a list at the beginning telling you what you need, with helpful captions on why this item has been chosen and what you are going to use it for. None of this is too pricey or hard to source and there is a fair bit of hand sewing with just a plain straight stitch sewing machine used at times. There is advice on basics like needle threading, how to do some simple stitches, filling, adding features and using cotter pins, so if you are new to toy making (or even pretty new to sewing) you can have a go. The rest of the book is divided into five parts for the animals and their clothing. These are bears, squirrels, mice, rabbits and moles. I like the large photo showing what each toy looks like before dressing so you can get a good look at it, and each project has plenty of staged photos with captions. Each set of creatures is engaged in a particular task, so you can make suitable clothes for gardening squirrels, rabbits going to school, bears going to bed, playful mice and moles off to market. The toys are posed with various props but instructions are not given for these - not a major problem as it is obvious what the focus of the book is. There are instructions for accessories such as bags, a blanket, toy teddy etc and suggestions for display. The only alloy in all this excellence is the fact that you require a computer and printer or photocopier in order to enlarge the patterns. A section at the back with them all full sized would have made the book larger, but more instantly accessible. Other than that this is one of the best books I have seen on making professional looking small scale toys out of felt. * Myshelf.com * July 2015 Skilled and experienced bear-maker Sue, presents this collection of small woodland creatures to stitch in felt. Templates and step-by-step instructions, together with Sue's tips and hints, will ensure both beginner and the more experienced can not only create entire families of bears, rabbits, squirrels, moles or mice but their outfits and accessories too. This delightful book is excellent value for money and a must-have for all who love to sew for the young-at-heart of all ages. * East Kent Embroiderer's Guild * July 2015 For over thirty years Sue Quinn has designed gorgeous little felt animals that appeal to both adult collectors and children. Now she would like to share her master secrets and show that these creatures are not only playthings but something you can treasure forever. Colourful and easy to use, felt is the perfect material to make this collection of charming woodland animals. Follow the clear step-by-step instructions to create a group of endearing little creatures that you will want to make and keep. * SEWING WORLD * August 2015 Sue Quinn has designed gorgeous little felt animals for over 30 years and we can produce felt using a knitting machine! She includes clear detailed instructions, full size templates and gives away masses of trade secrets. If you've nimble fingers, add it to your wish list. * Machine Knitting Monthly * August 2015 Summer school is over, time to get crafty! One of my favorite craft books of 2015 came out earlier this month, How to Sew Little Felt Animals by Sue Quinn. These animals honestly look like they came out of a craft store, they are really cute and detailed, and I love their little outfits. All of the patterns for the different animals are completely separate, which makes them all look unique, and the step-by-step instructions, written and visual, will appeal to any and all beginners. * http://kickassbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk * August 2015 For over thirty years Sue Quinn has designed gorgeous little felt animals that appeal to both adult collectors and children. Now she would like to share her master secrets and show these creatures are not only playthings but something you can treasure forever. Colourful and easy to use, felt is the perfect material to make this collection of charming woodland animals. Follow the clear step by step instructions to create a group of endearing little creatures that you will want to make and keep * SEWING WORLD *