Gingermelon's Embroidered Animals: Heirloom animal dolls to sew, embellish and treasure

I know this book has. been out for a while, and I know there are outstanding reviews. So it's hard to add anything to all that. But I had to jump in the pool of happy buyers because it truly is a little work of art! Not only are the characters adorable, but the clothing is SO cute! There are some sorta short-cuts to sewing that at least makes it easier. (VERY important!) I've seen the techniques in Japanese doll sewing books and always wondered why U.S. designers didn't try and make their pieces easier to sew. (At the least for small dolls, although the technique is the same for larger dolls clothes.) It might use up a tad more fabric, but it cuts so much time off the sewing process and keeps you from having your sewing machine eat your fabric. So this way of sewing if worth a ton! I don't know if I'll ever get good enough to embroider the adorable faces. But that's okay. I have to focus on the clothing because really, Shelly is a genius! There's a darling piece that is a raglan sleeve design. Most people string elastic through the collar area, but Shelly created a band instead so the fabric gathers most lovely into the band. It's really pretty and much more professional. Also, the overalls. Specifically the pant leg part. SO much faster and easier. (I won't give it away.) And then a cute top that is all one piece instead of having shoulder seams then trying to pull those thick pieces through. The possibilities for creativity are endless and the frosting on top of the cake is the fact that the pieces are correct as they are. So no increasing with a copier! My only disappointment is there is not a dog included. Lots of other animals like cat, deer, bear, mouse, elephant, fox, deer, lamb, unicorn and lion. But no dog. That's kinda a big deal for us dog lovers. So I'll have to put my creative cap on and come up with a face that looks like a dog. Other than that, the book is perfect and I'm kinda sorry it took me so long to buy it! Good going, Shelly! xx

Outstanding book on how to make adorable embroidered stuffed animals! I love this book. Very well made, easy to follow, great patterns, very useful.

beautiful book. very inspiring pictures. all patterns full size so no bother there.

I love, love this book,, the pictures, wonderful step by step directions, many pictures on how to make each doll, and she even recommend items to use that really help. Eleven dolls makes it hard to decide which one to do first. I love the embroider ideas, and the construction for the clothing. Full size patterns included.

Like all of Shelly‘s patterns these are absolutely a joy to make and so unique!! Very easy to follow instructions and certainly meant for all sewing levels. If you are a beginner do not be swayed into thinking you can’t accomplish one of these dolls. She makes the pattern so easy to follow and so many pictures to show you how to construct the dolls that you will have no problem if you take your time. I recommend her other books as well “my felt doll’ is awesome as well and GINGERMELON in Etsy also has tons of patterns and everything you need to make these beautiful dolls and their clothes!! I have a binder of gingermelon patterns and have made many and they have all turned out adorable and were very enjoyable to make!

Love the animals. Patterns clear

The dolls are easy for me to make. I have made 3 so far. The cloths for dolls I have made once and the book dose not have the instructions for the cloths layer out clearly. I do enjoy the book and would recommend making them.

I’m just starting to teach myself to sew and got this book to make adorable animals. The first attempt was rough but that was mainly figuring things out and my own learning curve. The book itself had good directions and excellent pictures. Would definitely recommend for someone with less experience, but might not be as useful for an experienced sewer who wants more patterns or a challenge.

Gostei da revista é bem como eu gostaria que fosse amei

Thus has got to be the most beautiful book I have ever seen. It is full of tips, clear instructions, loads of full sized patterns, ideas and so many beautiful colourful pictures of animals to make. There is a lot more to this book than i expected. It is definitely worth every penny. Now I'm off to find 'Shelly Down's insta and follow her :)

Love everything about this book. A delight to look through

Looks great, easy to read & understand, arrived very fast...can't wait to get started....

جميع الدمى جميله متشوقه للبدء