Review: Countryside Softies

As I’m sure you know if you read this blog, softies are not something that you see me make. But it doesn’t meant I don’t want to! I have long admired the crafters that can create cute little creatures for their kids (and themselves). When I first heard about Countryside Softies (back around Christmas I think) I just had a feeling I would need to own it. With a cover like this, how could I not! I remember reading so long ago on Amy’s blog about the softies that went missing on their way to the US from the UK and their eventual safe arrival. I am so happy that they all arrived safely, because this is such an adorable book.

The book starts out with an introduction to the craft of making softies and the supplies you need. Amy talks about using old wool clothing that has been felted to create the fuzzy creatures. I’ve never felted wool, so the instructions and information were great! It all sounds so easy, now to just find some wool sweaters next time I’m thrifting. I really love the little mushrooms that are used indicate the pattern’s difficulty level. I think most of you will find that even the 3 mushroom “slightly tricky” rating will be rather easy to do after taking the time to read through the instructions.

I think perhaps what I most appreciate about this book is the large section on creating a softie. All of the basics are all in one spot, easy to find and refer to. From cutting out your pieces, to assembling them, adding weight and a base, it’s all explained in easy to understand terms. There’s a section for adding beaks and snouts, eyes, mouths, ears wings, feet, tails – everything you need! There are also lots of great tips through out the entire book. The directions are really very easy to understand and I know just what is being described when I read them. I feel like I can make these without getting frustrated along the way.

While there are so many amazing animals and “accessories” in this book, the one that captured my heart was the otter. I had really hoped to make him before this post, but time got away from me. I did find some wool in my sewing room that is destined for this little guy, so hopefully in the coming weeks I can sew him up and share. The blog tour so far has been wonderful. Be sure to check out all the posts and enter for a chance to win a copy of this book at each blog. Blue Nickel Studios had a great interview with Amy; Syko made the dragonfly pattern from the book; I Heart Linen made some mushrooms. If you do make this cute little otter, there is a free companion pattern over at Whip Up!

On to the best part, thanks to Stash Books I will choose one lucky commenter to win this {slightly thumbed through} copy of the book. Be sure to leave your comment by Sunday. I will close comments once a winner has been chosen and send the book shortly there after. Please be sure to leave your email or check back to see if I need you to contact me for an address. Good luck!

• April 18: Whip Up
• April 19: Bari J
• April 20: Blue Nickel Studios
• April 21: Fat Quarterly
• April 22: Ric-Rac
• April 23: Syko
• April 24: Lucykate Crafts (the author)
• April 25: Treefall Design
• April 26: I Heart Linen
• April 27: The Sometimes Crafter (me)
• April 28: Plush You
• April 29: Allsorts

Comments are now closed! Congratulations to lucky #7, Marie! Thanks to everyone else for stopping in and leaving a comment. I wish you the best of luck in the drawings on the other blogs in this tour!