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Every project features clear step-by-step instructions accompanied by beautiful, full-color photographs and cut-out patterns; and an explanatory section covers the basic stitches and techniques used. Everything is hand-sewn and requires only felt and a needle-and-thread. Simple enough for crafters ranging in age from about 10 years old to adult, the book is sure to please anyone who loves creating cute things from felt.
Laura of Kodansha America LLC was nice enough to send me a copy of "Felt Friends from Japan by Naomi Tabatha", to review. We are so lucky to get this book. I think we can all sympathize with the unthinkable horrors that are happening in Japan and I know that all the Japanese people are in all our thoughts and prayers. To have a happy part of Japan is an honor and I hope the author is in a safe place away from the turmoil. The projects are totally adorable and I plan on making several items for my baby grandson. Meet Rika the Rabbit, Pao the Elephant, Miki the Monkey, and a whole host of easy-to-make, super-cute Japanese characters. All you need is a needle, thread, and some brightly colored felt to bring these new friends to life! I love the rabbit since Easter is near and the black cat I will call Oscar. The badges in the book are a delight and would make awesome rewards for children when they achieve a goal. Many of the patterns are full sized or you can scan the patterns and enlarge the image in a computer photo editing program or have them photocopied larger if that is what you need. The pictures are so darling and the instructions are clear. Many of us have bought Japanese books and because they were in Japanese we created by pictures. All children and teens love pocket friends and my 12 year old already asked for the Monkey. I think you will love this book! It clear and exact from it pictures to its instructions.
This book includes 86 easy-to-make toys and accessories in felt. 32 pages are devoted to full-color pages of photographs of the toys and accessories, with the emphasis on cute animal characters. All toys and accessories have a Japanese cute sensibility, and are reminiscent in style of the type of character goods that were popular in Japan in the 1960s and 1970s when the author was a child. The remaining 32 pages give easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for each project. Patterns for every project are included. All projects are hand sewn and are made with just felt and needle and thread. The instructions are simple enough to be followed by anyone from about age 10 upwards, and there is an explanatory page of basic stitches used in the book. In Japan the book is popular with female readers and has been reprinted five times.
A Word of Welcome from Naomi Tabatha
When I was growing up, my mother was always stitching away at something. Seeing her at work on her creations was my introduction to the world of handicrafts. Until recently, sewing was an everyday activity in most households. But somewhere along the way we stopped making and started buying. It seems to me that most people have forgotten how to make things, which is a shame, because there's nothing to compare with the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something yourself, or the happy smile on a loved one's face when they receive a homemade gift you've spent hours making. What I want to share with you through this book is the joy of creating. I hope I can convey to you the warmth that comes from making something yourself with love and care.
All the toys and accessories in this book are made of felt and they can all be made by hand. If you think a project looks too challenging, just give it a try anyway and start sewing. As long as you take it one careful stitch at a time, you shouldn't have any problems, even if you're a beginner. Don't worry about making mistakes! Just have a go. I'm sure your creations will become your best frien
Anonymous
Posted January 25, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Felt Friends from Japan is a treasure trove of delightful felt projects--86 in all--including not just adorable soft toys, but also coin purses, bags, cell phone holders, badges, and flowers. Author Naomi Tabatha has gone for a retro feel, capturing the style she remembers from her childhood in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s. Here are Mini-mascot Buddies like Mom and Baby Kitty Cats, Little Elephants, Cheeky Monkey, Croaky Frog, Droopy-eared Dog, and Cuddly Koala; Soft Toys like Brown Bear, Rika the Rabbit, ...