Reviewed by annieb123 on
Gingermelon's Embroidered Animals is a tutorial crafting book by Shelly Down. Due out 2nd July 2019 from Sewandso, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
This book is full of whimsical, attractive, high quality heirloom soft sculpture dolls and accessories which can be used and loved (not just looked at in a cabinet). The introduction (17% of the page content) covers materials and techniques, along with basic construction techniques and diagrams. The following tutorial chapters refine the basic doll with different animal features and accessories. Each of the dolls has face embroidery features as well as coordinating clothing. The dolls are made to the same measurements, so the coordinating outfits are mix-and-match, allowing for a huge number of alternatives.
The instructions are clear and concise with good construction diagrams and supplies lists, making the content accessible even for beginning crafters. I was impressed to see that the designer is generous enough to allow her designs to be created and gifted or sold as finished dolls (with creator credit of course) which makes me want to create several of these dolls and clothes to donate to a local crisis shelter. The dolls' faces are all integral, no loose pieces to give choking hazards. They're just beautifully designed and well made.
The book also includes tutorials for accessories for the dolls (see baby lion doll on the center cover). It will give hours of crafting fun and a lovely finished doll for enjoying or gifting. All of the tutorials include full size patterns. I did not finish any of the dolls, but did several pieces of clothing and found no errors in the patterns; everything went together well.
Five stars. Beautiful book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 10 June, 2019: Reviewed