A soft toy session on a summer’s day

One Stitch at a Time: The Complete Toymaking Kit By Gen West (Black Dog Books, RRP $25) Reviewed by Lisa Myers

This kit, for ages seven and up, consists of a small book and a sew- ing box containing enough fabric and stuffing to make one soft toy.

The book is divided into four chapters, covering basic techniques, with explanations on the extra equipment needed and techniques required; patterns for a cat, mouse, dog, rabbit, bear and clothes for your animals; step-bystep diagrams to take you through the soft-toy making procedure and my favourite section, mix and match. This one is a series of suggestions to dress your toy in all manner of ensembles, hairbands, necklace, wings, cape and sandals.

Each page in this section is split into three and you use them as flaps to have a fun time changing the clothes on the soft toy by turning over a flap. I thought it was a fun way to encourage creativity.

One of the superb things about this book is the quality of the instructions and the range of suggestions of toys to make after the supplied fabric has been used.

My seven-year-old daughter and I made a rabbit first up. We didn’t use the supplies, preferring to use materials we had at hand. Adding the clothes will be another fun afternoon.

While this book is intended for younger creative children it lends itself to having an adult giving some guidance. Having a sewing machine, while not essential, certainly speeds up the process.