Description

A uniquely styled collection of sewing patterns for 16 inch felt animals toys, featuring seven unpublished patterns of characterful animal dolls as well as their detailed clothing. Author Claire Bowman, has created a collection of heirloom toy sewing patterns based around the theme of Apple Blossom Wood, the fictional village where they live. All of the characters have back stories which are reflected in their outfits, really bringing their personalities to life. Bertie bear, Chester the fox and a female fox, Eli and Elisha Elephants who have made Apple Blossom Wood their home after escaping the circus, Emma and Byron the highland cows who live in the manor house and Chester fox and his partner. The animals and their outfits are all machine sewn but Claire also explains how to hand sew them so readers can choose their preferred method. The body construction is the same for all the characters, so the clothes are interchangeable. The instructions for the outfits will be in a separate 'wardrobe' section and will include trousers, shirts, jackets, waistcoat, coat, dresses, dress jackets, a flat cap and a pair of bloomers. There are full-size templates for all the animals and their outfits for readers to trace and get sewing immediately. The design of the clothing is very detailed and involves tailoring techniques used in full sized dressmaking, offering a fun challenge to sewers. The designs have a 1920/30s aesthetic which nods to the fashions worn in Peaky Blinders, an international TV hit. As well as the patterns and sewing instructions for all seven animals there are detailed step-by-step instructions and photography for their detailed outfits which really bring their characters to life making this a delightful collection of heirloom toys to treasure. AUTHOR: Claire Bowman is an talented designer with lots of experience in doll making. The Apple Blossom Wood Theme is her creation and she is currently showcasing it at the major UK craft shows.