Flip Dolls & Other Toys Review and Giveaway!

Hello Everyone!

We recently received a copy of Laura Wilson's book, Flip Dolls & Other Toys that Zip, Stack, Hide, Grab & Go, here at Feeling Stitchy and it is super fun! There are a variety of patterns included in the book for projects ranging from easy to advanced sewing skills. There were so many dolls I wanted to try making, but I had to decrease the list, although I hope to eventually try all the patterns.

The items in the book are organized into four different sections of projects: Zip & Stack, Hide, Seek & Go, Show & Tell, Flip & Turn. The projects reflect each section in which they have been included.  There is a darling watch with an embroidered face in the Show & Tell section that I think would be great for helping young ones learn how to tell time. The Hide, Seek & Go patterns are good for those sneaky little squirrels who like to keep tiny treasures in secret places. There are so many wonderful projects included in this book, that it is difficult to pick favorites.

I highly recommend a close reading of the first 25-pages of the book as it includes techniques, supplies, and all the necessary details for completing the projects in the book. My most favorite part of the book is a history of flip dolls included in this introductory section. I did find that the book had a short section on how to add embroidery to a doll or pillow, but it was lacking in detail, specifically the hiding of knots. Because embroidery is the last to go on the exterior of the project, it would have been nice to have a few more detailed instructions or tips and techniques for that.

Each project comes with a supply list, in addition to difficulty levels, and necessary skills to complete the project. As you can see in the photo below, the Secret Message flip pillow is at a moderate difficulty level and requires the use of embroidery. 

I tried two different patterns, one each from the Hide, Seek & Go and Flip & Turn sections. Gulp the Whale, of the hide and seek toys, quickly caught my eye. Once assembled, items can be put inside Gulp. It's super adorable. 

When it came to the Flip & Turn projects, I had difficulty choosing between the Circus Flip Doll with a bearded lady and conjoined twins or the bat and vampire. Being that I was still wishing it was Halloween, I went for the vampire/bat. I read each project thoroughly, then made sure to go through each step accordingly. An element of the assembly process that I really appreciate, is that there are periodic, "check your stitches," reminders that ensure a completely assembled final product.

I started to make the Secret messages pillow, but had some difficulty with the final stitches. This was my only challenge with the book. Occasionally, there were sketches of the assembly process, but not for each step. For some reason I just couldn't get the final assembly to work, no matter how many different ways I tried. I think if I had a photo, it would have helped greatly by providing that visual to go with the description.

Overall this book is darling and the projects are quite fun. I still have a few more patterns I would like to try. In particular, the alligator on the cover of the book. I really think he is adorable. With the holidays looming, I think this book would be great as a gift, in addition to anything made from the book. 

In that spirit of giving, we'll be giving away one copy of the book to a very lucky Feeling Stitchy reader! Our sincerest apologies to our international readers, this giveaway is limited to readers in the U.S. 

We have a random winner! 

Dagan - I still have most of my dolls from my childhood, but my cow Baa is one of my nearest and dearest. 

Our Feeling Stitchy editor will be emailing the winner with all the details!

Thank you to everyone who entered and thank you to Lark Crafts for the book! 

Hope you all have a very happy Tuesday!