OK - can’t help but start with this fun fact… Guess what is under cover-girl Goldilocks’ skirt? The 3 bears! Oh be-still my crafty heart…
To say that the projects in this book are to-die-for cute and gorgeous and surprising SO WELL crafted is an understatement. Jill’s talents are immense and we are so excited to share this new release from StashBooks with you!
We asked Jill a few (notion!!) specific questions in anticipation of this post and know you will enjoy her responses as much as we did!
Details about the giveaways are towards the end of the post!
SB: What kind of stuffing do you use?
JH: I always use clean, carded eco-wool from achildsdream.com. I prefer natural fibers and the warmth and weight of a toy stuffed with wool.
SB: Do you have a favorite notion? (please don’t pick a seam ripper!)
JH: My hemostats and stuffing forks! A proper stuffing job can be quite time-consuming – but can truly make the difference in the final appearance of a toy or doll. I use my hemostats to turn doll and toy parts and for placing stuffing in hard-to-reach areas. I use my stuffing forks to really pack the stuffing and bind the wool fibers to each other.
SB: Do you let your children ‘play’ with the toys or are you using them as home decor?
JH: Absolutely for play! I wouldn’t be making their toys if they didn’t play with them! At this point in time, my oldest daughter (now 9 years old) mainly uses her dolls to dress and sew doll clothes for. But my other two daughters (4 and 7 years old) heavily play with their handmade toys. I’ve had to re-attach an arm or two, but otherwise, despite the obvious signs of “love”, their toys have held up well.
SB: Do you work with mainly felts or cottons or both?
JH: I use both cotton fabrics and 100% wool felt – it depends on the project And for yarn, I often choose wool. It’s durable and easy to work with.
SB: What is your favorite project from the book?
JH: Believe it or not, my favorite project is Cottontail (a bunny) – one of the easiest projects in the book! I had a very clear image of the other projects, but the bunny design took me months to choose! I contemplated a doll-like “dress-able” bunny, with long arms and legs. I also sketched several rabbit toys with a more mid-century look and playful expression. Finally, I decided on a simple, classic look with the bunny sitting up on its haunches, not only reminiscent of a “velveteen rabbit”, but also my own beloved pet rabbit from years ago – she used to sit on her haunches next to my chair, ears down, front legs up, begging for attention, a snack, or a scratch on her soft head. I am happy with the final toy design!
The giveaway – To enter to win a copy of Storybook Toys, leave a comment here telling us if you have ever made a child’s’ toy and if not; do you want to now?! All winners will be announced on 11/14/12. The winner will be drawn at random from the comments section and will be notified by email. Our winner’s name will also be listed here as an update to this post. *Note: Only entrants with U.S addresses are eligible to win the actual book. Winners with addresses outside the U.S. will win the e-book version.
11/16/12 UPDATE: our winner is Ros McKee – Congratulations!
I am in the middle of designing and knitting a stuffed dog. Admittedly I’m making him for myself, not a child, but he’d make a good toy. I love stuffed toys in general and would love to win this book!
Oh my gosh! That is the most adorable looking book! I could use this very much to make things for my 3 Grandchildren who are all young enough to want to play with these.
I’ve made a number of toys in the past, most of them being stuffed type toys.
I’ve made 2 1/2 foot tall Raggedy Ann Dolls and Bunnies with movable arms and legs as well as Teddy bears, also with moveable arms and legs.
i’ve only made some stuffed balls and cubes, but have been searching for patterns….these look positively adorable!!!
I have made a couple but they are never as gorgeous as those… They are impeccable!
I have made many childhood toys – always an admirer of fairy book characters – but only machine embroidered and appliqued them – never making a stuffed one. Oh – how fun!! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome book. I really would love them sitting in my sewing room – making my happy place even happier.
I am fairly new to sewing. I have made dolls and animals, but they were crocheted. I am really enjoying sewing, so this is the next step for me!
Wow, sew many cute toys. I’ve made a few stuffed monsters, but would luv the challenge of making one of Jill’s dolls.
I have made toys for my children but now they have their own children! I’d love to make my grandson one of these cute toys (or maybe one for myself
)!
I have made teddy bears! Fun to do!
I have never made a toy, but I’d love to! They are so cute. I have several friends who are expecting babies and it would be so fun to make a little toy for each of them.
Oh my goodness! I would break out the stuffing to make some of these toys for my young grandchildren if I won this book. I have made puppets in the past but these toys are to die for!
I am a new grandma and I could have a lot of fun with that book!
Não fiz brinquedos de tecidos ou pelúcia,mas brinquei com um monte que ganhava das minhas tias costureiras e tricoteiras.Tenho uma foto com um coelho” correndo”,ele era estendido como em um galope,saudade…Obrigada por oferta,poderia fazer para meus netos…Tenho um casal.
tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com
I have not made a toy before, but I have one on my list to make my daughter this Christmas. Now, I REALLY want to make those Little Red Riding Hood Puppets pictured above!!
Toys are just plain fun. Dolls and their clothes are my favorites to make. Isn’t felt fun?
Oh, those patterns are gorgeous!! I *do* make toys… they’re so much fun!
I love toys. That elephant is so cute, but that Humpty Dumpty is just adorable. Thanks for the giveaway!
When my Daughter was small, I made her 3 different sizes of sculpted dools…the ones that look like Cabbage Patch dolls. Made her a medium sized suitcase full of clothes too.She still has tem all too…plus crocheted blankets for em too.
Would loooove this book, and will make toys for our Grandgirlie’s now. Thanks for chance to win your Drawing!
I have made Raggedy Ann and Andy and also Cabbage Patch style dolls. They were such fun to make and well loved by my daughters when they were little. That was 25 years ago and now I would like to make some more toys like that cute bunny.
I love making stuffies and all kinds of childrens things! Cant wait to check out this book!
I saw a picture of the book cover featuring Goldilocks on another blog and just had to know about her and the book. So precious & adorable! I want to make one for my daughter. And the bunny I love, I would probably make one for my sister, she loved the story of the velveteen rabbit when we were growing up. I was happy to ready the bunny is “easy” as I haven’t made stuffed toys before.
I made my granddaughter an elephant out of yo-yos, but I could not keep the strings holding it all together to keep from breaking, so I still have it. No stuffed toys, but now I want to, they are so cute!!!
I’ve made so many knitted toys for my kids over the years but these are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win!
The truth is that I haven’t made too many, as this is a totally new hobby for me! However, I have already done a small whale and an owl
wow, this book is really something I’d like to have… I am searching the patterns to make the granny/wolf in the same puppet and this seems to have it!
I made a doll and two rabbits for my little two year girl!
I’ve never made any toys but I’d love to make Jill’s rabbit!
Yes. I made fabrics toys for my son
What amazing toys! I’ve sewn a few stuffies in the last few years and really enjoy the process. That bunny is gorgeous – I had a small felt rabbit along those lines when I was a kid, but it wasn’t nearly as cuddly looking as this one.
I have 5 Grand childrens that are 3 and under. One other is 7, 4 of them are girls and they would love the doll. I would love to make them some toys. Thank for the giveaway.
I made a doll we named “Soldier Daddy” when my eldest grandson was 2 years old as his Dad was away serving in the Australian Army. It was dressed in camoflauge uniform, brown hair & brown eyes just like his Dad’s. He loved it and still has it on a shelf in his room even though he is now a teenager. I have made lots of little cloth girl dolls but that was Soldier Daddy was the most loved I think! Thanks for the chance to enter the giveaway.
Ofcourse, I have made stuffed animals to my little girls
Thanks for the great givaway!
I love making stuffed toys. I just finished a giant squid (6 feet long!) for a project but I really like working small (with felt) and making toys from socks and gloves.
This book looks FABULOUS. I love that bunny and the donkey. If I’m not lucky enough to win it, it’s going on my christmas wish list.
Yes! I made quite a few dolls when my daughter was little, and she’s 33 now! The toys and dolls in this book are wonderful and I’d love to make them!
I love doing dolls (Tilda dolls are very popular in Europe) but I’ve never tried to make a kids’ toy before. However, I’ve made a couple of knitted bears. I am really looking forward to this book to be released, it’s been in my amazon wishlist for two weeks or so now. Thanks for the chance to win!
Ha, the only stuffed toy I made was a sock monkey, but I am interested in making other toys. These are so cute.
I have not made a child’s toy yet. I started to make a scrappy bear, but never finished it. I would love love love to make the little rabbit. It does remind me so much of the velveteen rabbit. I could see myself giving that project to lots of mommy-to-bes
HI! WHAT AN ADORABLE-LOOKING BOOK!
YES, I MADE A HUMPTY-DUMPTY, A GRAY FELT MOUSE, A RAGGEDY ANN DOLL, A FELT RABBIT AND WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A FEW MORE. THANKS FOR SHARING!
My mother made dolls for all her grandchildren, but I never have. I was thinking of giving it a try now that I have a girl granddaughter myself. I have plenty of time since she is just 10 months old! I sure would like to give these cute dolls a try!
Oh, this looks like so much fun! I LOVE Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. These would make great Christmas gifts for my little nieces and nephew!
I have made some teddy bears but never a stuffed doll, Goldi Locks looks just precious and I would love to give this book a good home.
I just finished my first stuffed toy and want to make more.
I’ve made a simple stuffed cat, but I would love to learn to make more. I adore the bunny and the pony.
YES! I love making doll clothes, especially! I want to make that Humpty Dumpty doll!!
i love making toys! i have only made softies before- i love that rabbit!
I haven’t made children’s toy, but I LOVE the humpty dumpty and pink elephant!! I really hope I’m the winner!!!
I made some toys with yo-yos. I really llike that Humpty Dumpty!! Would love to win this book. I would make some toys for my younger sister who is blind. She would love them.
Thanks for the chance to win.
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yes, I made a monkey once upon a time. I loved it a whole lot more than the child did. Would love to make some of these toys in the book.
I’ve made a ton of cloth dolls and quilted stick horses and beanie babies in my time…Funny it’s been a few weeks now, I was thinking I should start making some again…but I’ve lost my patterns. This book has encouraged me to go in search and dig a little deeper to see if I can locate the patterns. On the other hand, it might be nice to work on something New…
Thanks for the chance!
I’m smitten… these toys are adorable and super charming! I’d love to make the bunny, and humpy too. thanks for the chance
I’ve been watching for the release date for two months now! Excited that your book is almost here. I have never made a child’s toy, but your book inspires me to.
I’ve followed Jill’s blog Bybido and have been counting down the days until release. I’m so excited for it! I’m an avid clothing sewer, but never made toys. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try.
So cute!:) i want to try making the toys!
I have made only one stuffed rabbit and I’ve been waiting for this book to be published! I love the bunny and that elephant! thank you so much for the chance to win a copy!
I have not made any kids toys but would love to make some of these for my 3 girls! Thank you for the oppurtunity to win this book!
I have made knitting toys
I’ve made half dozen dolls in the past two years and I like the process more and more each time. Thanks for a chance at this great looking book
Am I too late to enter for the give-away? Anyway, it looks like a real treasure and I would love to try the patterns, who wouldn’ t !? Greetings from a Dutch fan.
A long, long time ago I made a sock monkey for my son. He had a lot of fun with it, and it was so durable, my daughter played with it when she was born 6 years later! Those were the best memories!
I’ve made a small, fully articulated teddy bear from a kit. I’ve also made some dolls from Gail Wilson kits.
I am half-way through making my first stuffed children’s toy…. a pink elephant. I would LOVE to win this gorgeous book!
I’ve never made a doll, but one of my best friends made me one. I’ve always loved that doll. I’d love to be able to make one of my own.
Forgot to mention that I love making dolls, stuffed animals, knitting, sewing etc. ! It brings me joy and happiness!
I have made a couple rag dolls but would love to make some more toys! thanks for the review and giveaway!
This looks like the cutest book! I have not made any stuffed toys but for sure would love it give it a go! thanks!
I’ve made a few softies and a doll from Wee Wonderfuls, but goodness she would LOVE that cottontail rabbit!!! Thanks for the giveaway! The book looks great!
i recently started making toys for my children. this book looks great and i cannot wait to own a copy. thanks for the giveaway
I’ve made a few, mostly knitted: an alien, a giraffe, a few blankies with bunny heads. I’ve also sewn a bear blankie and a mermaid doll. Toys are so fun to make!
I have made many toys for my children. I love to make them dress up accessories like cloaks and crowns, and wooden toys are loads of fun to make. But three years ago while pregnant with my first little girl I “found” handmade dolls… a world of possibilities opened up creatively! I was smitten! I would love to get a copy of this book, it looks awesome!
I have made baby toys and lots of clothes and costumes. I would LOVE to win this book!!! It has been on my wish list since I knew it was coming out!
Yes I have made dolls and toys. I’ve followed Jill’s blog and was super excited tend to see her book!
Thank for the opportunity.
I have made soft toys for my daughter — monster, elephant, and now a new doll! I love making them! I would absolutely be thrilled to win this book.
Yes, I’ve crocheted some, but I’m sewing more and I’ve wanted one of the patterns in this book since before I knew there was going to be one!
I love making children’s toys! I started making them for my daughter when she was around 2 and I have never really stopped!
Such a beautiful book. I have made my children felt food and they love playing with it! I need this book so I can make them more amazing toys!
I have made a Waldorf doll and Owie Dolls for my kids…they get played with daily, which I love! I would love this book!
I made some felt food and knitted a few other little things. This is an amazing looking book that I would love to own! Thanks!
My gosh! This looks like an amazing book. I love making toys, especially for children who have nothing. This would be a great book to make things from.
I made a few dolls and a couple of rabbits over the years, nothing recently though. However I must say I’ve been wanting for a long time a doll like the ones Jill make, and would love to try making one!
I love making toys! Just finished making a big burly viking doll for my nephew.
Yes, I’ve made lots of children’s toys! The first I made for my own child, was a purple and blue horse out of two velvety facecloths when I was pregnant with my son. I love what’s in the new book! Pink elephant, Humpty, pony, dolls, all so very cute!!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Sandie
I have made toysfor my children before. And now, after seeing this post I will be making them some more
I’ve never known how to sew well enough to make toys, but oh gosh how I’d love to! New Year’s Resolution–make something on the level of adorableness presented in this post!
I love making toys for my son, because his eyes light up with every new toy I make for him, and he carries the toys around for days, announcing that Mommy made it for him. The first toy I sewed for him was for his first birthday, a chestnut boy from his favorite story book: http://howsew.blogspot.com/2010/12/kippkopp.html. I drafted the pattern myself. I sewed another story book character, a bear, and later a dog, too. He loves all of them dearly.
Before my daughter was born, I decided that I must sew her first doll myself. I was secretly hoping that no one would give her a doll before she got her first one from me. I figured, since she wouldn’t be able to hold a regular doll for a while, I’d make her ones that could be used as rattles or stroller toys as well. I used red, white, and black colors — colors that newborns and infants supposedly can see easily — and that look on her face when I gave them to her, priceless. That’s what keeps me wanting to sew more and more and more toys.
I have been reading Jill’s blog for a while, and I am happy to see that her book came out. I love her dolls; they are so pretty! I have been planning to sew a proper doll for my daughter’s first birthday, from Jill’s book.
I have a new great niece – Molly – who I’ve already made a quilt for. Now I want to use the remainder of the material to make a stuffed toy – most likely an elephant. I have never before wanted to make toys but this new little light in our lives has got me itchy to do so.
I had little time when my own kids were young to make them toys but did manage to knit them jumpers! Now though Im having great fun with my 4 yr old grandson who asks me to ‘build’ him things……..caterpillars, fish, whatever ……….he has a wonderful imagination and seeing me stitch now comes with ideas for me to ‘build’ lol
I wonder if a girl would ask me to ‘make’?
Interesting that I use the term ‘making ‘and he’s opted for the word ‘build’!
Thats ‘nurture’ out the window me thinks !!
I’ve not had a lot of experience making stuffed toys in the past but this book makes me think it’s not too late to start. “Storybook Toys” gives life to the classic fairy tales and would make a great addition to my crafting library. Thanx for the chance to win this fabulous book.
i actually took a class and made a couple of stuffed toys BEFORE my child was born. Funnily enough those were the 2 stuffed toys she immediately gravitated to!
now shes 5 and begging me to make her some more!
My 3 year old daughter wants a “Dorothy doll to sleep with” (Wizard of Oz), so I’m hoping to get something made for Christmas. This book looks wonderful!
I’ve not done this type of sewing in years but these are just too cute! My grandkids are in for a fabulous surprise when I get my hands on this book!
I read the blog of the author of this book and have followed along in her book/toy-making journey for a year now. I LOVE HER. And I KNOW I would LOVE her book! PLease, please,PLEASE me me me!!!
Pretty, pretty please?!?
When my four children were little, I would spend hours making them stuffed animals, blocks, soft toys, etc. There are now adults with young families of their own, and slyly asking if I still have the old patterns of the toys they fondly remember. I would love an up-dated and modern collection of such wonderful gift treasures!
I have made rag dolls in the past but it has been a long time since I’ve made anything three dimensional. I’m feeling inspired by Jill’s lovely toys! Thanks for the chance to win.
I used to make toys for my nieces and nephews but since having my own children I have not. My youngest is four so now seems like a good time to start again. Thanks for the chance to win the book, it looks amazing!
I have made a couple ride-on stick horses, but would love, love, love to make some of these precious toys! Lonnie
I’ve been sewing (and sometimes designing) children’s toys for years, but now I’m sewing for grandchildren, and it is such a joy! This book looks like a real winner. Thanks for the opportunity to win it. Good luck, everyone! P.S. I love Stash!!
I am stalking the mailbox waiting for my copy to arrive! I love making children’s toys! I especially love when they want to watch and or learn. I carry my “work” wherever I go and usually end up with a “small” audience. If I win I will be sure to share this book with the local library!!
I have made my children several small animals and dolls over the years. Things we have designed together and items I have bought as patterns. Heart-made gifts are always the best!
With two new grandchildren, i need to make several stuffed toys. This book would be great!
I recently made a sock monkey for my granddaughter and that was not the first toy I have made. I look forward to having wonderful directions for making more. thanks.
I have made some dolls in the past but I would love to make some of the gorgeous softies that Jill has in her beautiful book.
yes, I’ve sewn many dolls and plush toys- they’re one of my favorite things to make! This book looks amazing, I’ll be crossing my fingers!
my daughter and I made stuffed dogs for the grandma’s for christmas last year. they were not perfect, but definitely well-loved!
I’v made cloth dolls and their dresses for my sisters.