First, let me say, in the interest of honest disclosure, that I received an advance, review copy of this book from the publisher, at no cost to me.Having gotten that little bit of required business out of the way, I must say this is one of the most fun books I've read in a long time!

Socks Appeal, 16 Fun and Funky Friends Sewn From Socks, by Brenna Maloney is amazingly fun to read, even if you never make any of the projects in the book. Ms. Maloney takes a lighthearted approach to socks and making sock creatures, pokes fun at her own creative skills and will have you won over to her way of thinking about "The Wearing of the Socks" by the end of the book.

Every doll maker is familiar with the old sock monkey, this book is filled with everything but monkeys. The color photographs are large and clear, and match up with the step-by-step directions to make each project easy to understand. In fact, there are so many photos that I was able to read every word in the book in just over an hour. What a fun hour!

The book is divided into three sections, based on difficulty; Easy-Peasy, projects for beginners and children; Look Ma, No Hands!, projects for intermediates; and Pass the Excedrin, more challenging projects. There are patterns included, a page of hand stitching how-tos, and some basic sewing instructions. If you have ever hemmed a skirt, you can handle the projects in this book, no special sewing skills are needed.

Socks Appeal is not in book stores yet, it will be published in June, 2010. But it can be pre-ordered, or suggest that your local library order it.




Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls
Ebook with patterns and instructions to make 5 cloth dolls as well as chapters on general doll making techniques.The book includes 21 inch Lalena Doll, 21 inch David Doll, Bear Dolls, 9 inch Destiny Doll and 15 inch Annie Doll, all together in one handy book. 53 pages.Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls