How to Sew Little Felt Animals

Sue has been designing and making teddy bears and other animals since childhood. After moving to Scotland she developed her range and sold to small shops in the area. She named the business Dormouse Designs, as one of her first creatures was a small felt mouse called Timothy. Her collectible bears are now so sought-after that Sue's work can be found in teddy bear museums in Britain, Japan and collections worldwide. Sue lives in Kilbarchan, Scotland.

April 2015This magazine very nearly didn't happen. Everything was going well until I received a preview of Sue Quinn's new book. I just couldn't put it down. It's a forest fiesta; a woodland wonderland... I just had to try making one of the gorgeous patterns it contains. First I wanted to make a rabbit - I have a soft spot for rabbits; but then Mrs Mole was asking me to make her too, with her beautiful pink duster coat... and who could resist the squirrel's bushy tail or the cute baby bear cuddled up with his own tiny ted... Turn just a few pages of Little Felt Animals and your fingers will be twitching to pick up the scissors, needle and thread. Each creature has a little family and every one of them can be dressed in their very own wardrobe. There are beautiful photo illustrations throughout, clear step by step instructions and, for anyone new to the art of making soft sculpture figures, easy to follow basic techniques. All the animals and quite a few accessories are make from felt or wool felt which means no frayed edges - a blessing for anyone sewing!