Jill Hamor has created 16 toy projects all inspired by vintage doll patterns from the 1940s. She studied photographs of old designs and toy patterns as well as images of toys of the era on vintage greeting cards and in children's picture books to get a good feel for the shapes and the look, and then applied them to her own dolls, softies, pillows, puppets and a little girl's first handbag. The book includes an overview of general tools, techniques and embroidery stitches used in the projects; in-depth guidelines for faces and hair; and detailed, step-by-step instructions for eight dolls and eight softies. Jill has included projects that only take a few hours to complete as well as others that require a more significant investment of time and effort. Each project includes suggestions for personalising the toy and tips for involving children in their construction-making it a wonderful resource for passing your crafting skills and interest on to the next generation. All patterns are provided full size on pages in the book and in a tear-out pattern sheet inside the back cover. Australian Homespun Magazine, 3/5/13 Storybook Toys by Jill Hamor is absolutely amazing! Possibly my favourite inspirational sewing-related book I've had the pleasure to read. I honestly don't think I've paged through a book so much and read, and re-read the same pages. I'm not a doll maker by any means, I'm pretty much an exclusive quilter - but this book has inspired me so much!The book comes with full-scale pattern pages at the back of the book as well as a pull-out section of patterns, which I really, really appreciate. It's a brilliant book if you fancy trying your hand at doll-making or soft toys. I really love the classic character toys featured in the book, everything from Marionette puppets (which totally remind me of the fabulous puppets in The Sound Of Music!), Humpty Dumpty, Roly-Poly Duck and Little Red Riding Hood puppets. Lots of the inspiration for the book was from vintage patterns of the 1940's and I love the nostalgic feel, so think this book is pretty perfect if you ask me :-) There's also tons of information at the front of the book on the doll-making process with in depth hair how-to's, tips on embroidering the face and what stuffing to use etc. Messy Jesse Crafts, June 9, 2014
