Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Critter Bags: From Stuff Stashers to Beach Bags to Pillowcases

By Mary Link

A purse that's a pig? A pouch that's a penguin? Who could resist these cuddly creatures? Especially when you can make them in a day or less! Mary Link shows you how to turn simple squares of fabric into crazy creatures that hold everything from toys to sleepover gear. Play with bright fabrics and soft materials like fleece - children of all ages will love them! Use the basic pattern to create almost any creature by changing the size and facial features. Try making one. You won't quit until you have a whole zoo.

• Language: English
• Publisher: C&T Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 1, 2007
• ISBN: 9781607053415

Mary Link

Mary Link loves kids and crafting. A former elementary school teacher and an avid quilter, Mary enjoys combining sewing, appliqué, and soft sculpture to make useful items with an untamed flair. Mary lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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Text copyright © 2007 by Mary Link

Photography copyright © 2007 by C&T Publishing, Inc.

Illustrations copyright © 2007 by Mary Link & C&T Publishing

Publisher: Amy Marson

Editorial Director: Gailen Runge

Acquisitions Editor: Jan Grigsby

Editor: Kesel Wilson

Technical Editors: Wendy Mathson, Nanette Zeller, and Carolyn Aune

Copyeditor/Proofreader: Wordfirm Inc.

Book Designer/Cover Designer: Kristy Zacharias

Junior Designer: Kiera Lofgreen

Illustrators: Wendy Mathson and Mary Link

Production Coordinators: Kerry Graham and Zinnia Heinzmann

Photography by C&T Publishing, Inc., unless otherwise noted

Published by C&T Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the sweet memories of my mother, MaryAnn Brouns Pfahl.

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my dearest gratitude for my very supportive family: Mike, for unending encouragement; Jack, for computer skills and teenage humor; Max, for artistic input and the honesty only a child can give; Nate, for keeping me on my toes (as toddlers tend to do)—someday you’ll show me where you hid those duck feet.

In addition, sincere thanks to Dad, Kathy, Pat, Jackie, Joe, Chris, Sarah, Matt, and Teresa. I feel very lucky to have you all in my life.

Thank you also to all of my supportive friends: especially Amy, for all the input and insight, and Laura, who didn’t like my cat noses and made me change them.

C&T Publishing, you guys are great!

Introduction

There is something truly satisfying about starting and finishing a handmade project in less than a day. It’s better still when you can add a bit of your own personality to it, and it’s the absolute sweetest if you can giggle a little while you work.

I hope that this book offers you exactly this satisfaction. I have enjoyed the hours spent sewing my own fabric zoo, and I hope you do, too. My first project was a giant, body-sized crocodile pillow cover. It’s now been mended many times from all the kid-versus-croc wrestling matches (yikes!). I still marvel at the process as a little square of fabric evolves into a bunny or even changes midway from one critter into another.

All of these projects can be made in less than a weekend—some in just an hour or two. What a great use of fanciful fabric and a fun way of adding personality to everyday objects! In addition, each project is useful in a multitude of ways. These projects can be used for everything—from holding toys or sunglasses to toting sleepover gear.

The basic construction of all of these crazy creatures is very similar; they are all cases or sacks of various sizes. To make your creatures fun and unique, be sure to check out the essential Adding Personality section, which covers face construction. It is here that