…they’re frighteningly adorable, and they’re about to conquer the world of kids’ crafts! Influenced by the popularity of Japanese animé, video-game culture, and urban illustration and design, lovable plush monsters have become a big new phenomenon. Yet they’re so simple to sew that kids can do it—as long as they have this book, the only one of its kind created just for children. Just take fabric, a needle and thread, and stuffing to make one of a dozen cute, odd, and irresistible projects: creatures fashioned from old clothes, sporting Velcro faces (change expressions everyday!), and that even do double duty as mp3 player covers, backpacks, and pillows. Sidebars offer amusing information about the critters’ names, skills, and tastes. Not only will kids have fun, they’ll learn how to work with patterns and master basic hand and machine sewing skills. And, because encouraging creativity is so important, the guide suggests variations so children can make one-of-a-kind creations.
Featuring the illustrations and monster designs of John Murphy, author of Stupid Sock Creatures!

Take this plush and STUFF IT!

Plush You! invites you into a world of more than 100 lovable–in a three eyes, ten arms, USO (unidentified stuffing object) sort of way–handmade toys to sew and stuff. Soon you, too, will be a softie when you fall for:

* Wiggle, the Sweater-Wearing Tooth, who lives next to your sweet tooth and hides from his arch enemy…toothpaste.
* Foxley Bagel, whose best friend is a fish who thinks Foxley is also a vegan. But, Foxley keeps a few secrets in his tail.
* The Cockeyed Sock Monkeys who have perfect vision–in one eye–and never take it off of you.

Packed with inspiration from more than 90 plush artists from around the world, and complete with step-by-step instructions for making 15 unique projects, Plush You! will inspire you to replicate these quirky creations or invent one of your own.

You might be too old for stuffed animals, but you’re never too old for a plushie. Create your own social circle of irresistibly charming, wickedly funny imaginary friends.

About the Author
Kristen Rask opened Schmancy, a hip and fun toy store in a trendy Seattle neighborhood, in 2004. She’s always been fascinated with vinyl toys and has most recently fallen for the magic of plush. Plush You! is the result of Kristen’s annual plush show of the same name that showcases plush toys from more than 100 emerging international plush artists in a side-by-side battle of style and charm.

Kristen loves her cats, craft nights with friends and enjoys making all kinds of stuff including button rings, plush pins and, of course, plush toys.

“Here are Paul and Judy. They can do lots of things. You can do lots of things, too.” Pat the Bunny is the original interactive, multimedia experience for kids. Virtually unchanged since its introduction in 1940, the kind tone and sweet illustrations in this classic recall a bygone era, while the simple language and large print invite kids to get interested in the written word as an invitation to thought and action. Each page shows Paul or Judy involved in an activity–playing peekaboo, smelling flowers, and, of course, patting the bunny–and then guides the reader to do the same. On the pages are a scrap of cloth with Paul hiding underneath (peekaboo), fuzzy fabric (the bunny), scented paper (the flowers), and five other now-famous features that invite a child to play with the book. As one of the bestselling children’s books of all time, Pat the Bunny has become a tradition passed from one generation to the next to instill a love of books and reading. This gift set includes the book and a soft, baby-safe velour bunny toy that is loyal to the quirky bunny illustration in the book. Baby will love to take bunny along when the book has to go back on the shelf. (From birth) –Katherine Ferguson

Review
Golden Touch and Feel Books are irresistible first books for toddlers. They contain things to touch, things to move, things to smell, and hidden surprises to peek at. Dorothy Kunhardt’s Pat the Bunny, published in 1940, is one of the bestselling children’s books of all time. Its companions in this set, Pat the Cat and Pat the Puppy, were written and illustrated by Dorothy Kunhardt’s daughter, Edith. These three books make a perfect gift–already boxed and ready for wrapping! — Golden –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

A follow-up to our book, Softies, this kit features patterns and instructions for creating 15 outrageously cute plush toys, including 10 brand-new projects and all the ingredients for making a delicious felt Party Cake!

Includes:
24-page instructional booklet
15 folded project cards with finished photographs and step-by-step instructions
8 pattern sheets
2 skeins of embroidery floss
Two 6-1/2 x 13 in. pieces of felt for one project
Needle

About the Author
THERESE LASKEY is a crafter living in Brooklyn, New York. She is the author or “Softies” by Chronicle Books. She also has an upcoming book on Zakka, a Japanese fashion and home design trend, which will release in Autumn 2008 by Stewart, Tabori, and Chang.

“There are so many different kinds of crafts, and, just when you think you’ve seen them all, a global movement like softies comes along and gives you a whole new road to explore.” Leah Kramer, craftster.org