Hi guys, Welcome to Ric Rac...if you are visiting for the first time as you follow the book tour then please make yourself at home. We are all pretty nice around here, a bit odd at times but in a good way . 
A little while ago I got an email from Amy Adams asking if I would like to take part in 'blog tour' of her book, Countryside Softies.... what you guys need to know is that I am a huge fan of Amy's work and more than a little bit envious of her talent. Amy has such a distinct style and her softies have such personality's. 
Sometimes as you trawl the internet you might chance upon a link of link of a link ...this has happened to me and in my mind I think - Oh thats Lucykate's !!! Thats how distinct her style is...
I was sent a digital copy of the book, and while reading a book from the computer is not my natural state (we librarians like the actual turning of paper) I have to say as I scrolled I still got that excited feeling and a few little gasps as I went through. The owls and the fox on the cover are my absolute favourites.
A little while ago I got an email from Amy Adams asking if I would like to take part in 'blog tour' of her book, Countryside Softies.... what you guys need to know is that I am a huge fan of Amy's work and more than a little bit envious of her talent. Amy has such a distinct style and her softies have such personality's. Sometimes as you trawl the internet you might chance upon a link of link of a link ...this has happened to me and in my mind I think - Oh thats Lucykate's !!! Thats how distinct her style is...I was sent a digital copy of the book, and while reading a book from the computer is not my natural state (we librarians like the actual turning of paper) I have to say as I scrolled I still got that excited feeling and a few little gasps as I went through. The owls and the fox on the cover are my absolute favourites.
Amy has created 28 unique fabric softies that can easily be sewn by hand or machine. Using cast-off woollens Amy's toys are soft and warm and they embrace all levels of ability - a little bit of wonkiness just adds character and personality !In fact the softies are all graded according to how difficult they are .
Look, Lets be honest Amy is a dead-set superstar and her toys are just gorgeous. The book takes you through the whole process of felting your wool and making your softie, and adding the cute embellishments to bring them to life.
So yes, here is another book destined to be bought and added to my shelf but you don't have to buy one . The people at Stash Books have a copy of Countryside Softies to give away...in fact jump on board the book tour - as they are giving one away at each stop.
Isn't this guys awesome ? Amy posted this pattern for his little pond over on Whip-up at the start of the blog tour....
Look, Lets be honest Amy is a dead-set superstar and her toys are just gorgeous. The book takes you through the whole process of felting your wool and making your softie, and adding the cute embellishments to bring them to life.
So yes, here is another book destined to be bought and added to my shelf but you don't have to buy one . The people at Stash Books have a copy of Countryside Softies to give away...in fact jump on board the book tour - as they are giving one away at each stop.
Isn't this guys awesome ? Amy posted this pattern for his little pond over on Whip-up at the start of the blog tour....If you want to jump on the tour..here are the rest of the dates- go and visit everyone.
April 23 - Syko
April 24 - Lucykate crafts - Amy herself
April 25 - Treefall designs
April 26 - I heart linen
April 27 - Sometimes crafter
April 28 - Plush you
April 30 - Allsorts
If you would like to win a copy of the book, just leave a comment and tell me which animal you would like to see as a softie - I'll close the giveaway on Sunday evening....and the winner will be chosen by the random number thingo...
(and Amy, that fox just kills me)
oh wow that is so cute. You're right they're so individual and distinctive. I really want to work more with softies and I'm wondering for those of you who do a lot of softies, what percent wool/flannel do you use? And where do you purchase it?
ReplyDeletethe fox, hands down. I have a soft spot for foxes, they remind me of my grandad, he used to have an urban vixen visit the garden and he would set up all kinds of tests for her to do for her to get to the food, she was a smartie and fun to watch. Sadly she was found dead at the end of the garden the same week my grandad passed away :o(.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fab book!
p.s. I would like to see a horse softie.
ReplyDeleteI'd like a cow. A reminder of the dairy farm I grew up on.
ReplyDeleteBut the fox is super cute!
For me a tortoise as when I was a girl we had one as a pet, all I remember is it used to escape out of its pen every day! I bet my Dad wasn't too pleased searching the neighbourhood for it.
ReplyDeleteI just love that fox softie, he looks quite a character, BUT I would like to see a dragon softie, that would be great.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a wolf softie...can never find a decent pattern for one :(
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win the book for my Sister as she bought a copy for me (my first ever sewing book!) and i've already made the mice, owls and rabbits...i know she'd enjoy making the little critters!
The otter is just crying out to live with me! SO adorable! Can't wait to own the book... :)
ReplyDeleteTassie devil because it reminds me of my teenage daughter. Cute to look at, but if you get too close she may rip your arm off!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter all & thanks or the chance to win.
I just love that fox !! How gorgeous. My children however are just mad for ladybugs & I'm sure Amy would make gorgeous bugs as well.. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletei'd love a little lamb softie or a cute pig!
ReplyDeleteI just love Amy's book and love the critters in it. I would love to win a copy! My favorite animals for softies are bunnies (I just made a couple recently!), squirrels, beavers, and pigs! They're all so adorable! :-)
ReplyDeletethat fox has a personality, that's obvious from a mile a way...and I suspect it's not all sugar and spice- I am sensing quite a bit of cheekiness and quirkiness.
ReplyDeleteNever been on a blog book tour before, I don't really get it, but that's okay.
Also, I am not a librarian, but do quite like paper myself! I always thought I would be too loud to be let look after a library...but then I met you, and you know what? I reckon they would have let me in ;)!
I was so excited when you said there was an owl in the book. No one has shown a picture of the owl. I think softies should be cute animals so maybe a deer would be nice.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the fox. :)
ReplyDeletesnowdance1@gmail.com
Are we voting?!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the Fox.
I don't make toys but I want that fox!
Congratulations in being involved !
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a fantastic book and I think we all love the fox .
I'd love to see a snail as a softie or a big ugly cane toad!
ReplyDeleteI think hippos make really cute softies... or a flamingo?
ReplyDeleteHow about a tassie tiger!
ReplyDeleteI really cant go past that fox!
ReplyDeleteit makes a brilliant cover photo.
I love Amy's designs, and to see them in proper page-turning format instead of scrolling down a computer screen would be terrific. I'd love to see a Cavalier King Charles spaniel softie; it would be SO cute (and wouldn't poo in the back yard or dig holes)
ReplyDeleteHi Jodie - that book looks fab - I'll have to try and get my hands on one. I'd love to see a crocodile as a softie (if fact I'm playing around with a few design ideas myself)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a Badger - both because I am a graduate of the Univ of WI and because they are so cool. :)
ReplyDeleteLinda
I have to make that adorably wonky fox!! I love owl softies in general, but would love to make a capybara softie! Will have to desing that one myself I think though :)
ReplyDeleteI love the fox, but I'm gonna have to go with... Pug?
ReplyDeleteThe character in the faces is just amazing!!
the fox is killiing me......!
ReplyDeletethe vote in my house is for a dragon or unicorn softie.....
Dx
The owls are just too gorgeous. But then so is everything else. How cute is the fishing bear? I think the fox might have my vote though. His expression is priceless.
ReplyDeleteProbably a cow softy.........that fox is just amazing....such attitude!
ReplyDeleteThat darn fishing pond is so cute! I can't wait to make one of my own.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a softie pig. I'm into farms lately.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh please oh please oh please pic me!
ReplyDeleteThe fox makes me laugh so much - because they are supposed to be all clever and sly - but this guy isn't quite that slick. Love him!
ReplyDeleteJust love the softies! I would love to see a badger softie, given the british theme to the animals.
ReplyDeleteVery cute softies!!
ReplyDeleteI think I would like to see a meerkat softy, they are so cute when they stand.
Best wishes for Amy and for you.
I remember trying to make a rather large Raccoon once - so I think I'd like to see a Raccoon softie for sure.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous book - hope you get your page turner soon.
I'd love to see a badger softie. It would be so cute.
ReplyDeleteI think a possum would be a cute softie with a big brush tail. Love the cover of the book.
ReplyDeleteMy girls would just go crazy over those!! I know I would be one busy sewer! lol I would love to see chickens or ducks... and being new to the Pacific NW, we are big fans of bald eagles so I think that would make a great softie too!!
ReplyDeleteThat fox is just too much, how adorable..!! Hmm, I love caterpillars, is that an animal or an insect, is it an invertebrate even?? Whatever, I love softie caterpillars...
ReplyDeleteLizzie
xxx
I love the style of these softies, they are so different to others I have seen. I would love to see a rabbit softie!
ReplyDeleteI'd like a decent black sheep - and it would be even better if it was a puppet softie, spot the kindy teacher ;)
ReplyDeleteThen again, maybe having a green sheep would be kinda handy too?
I think I will definitely be adding this book to the wish list!
Hmm, I'm a bit partial to tortoises too and my daughter would love a seahorse. Great review thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat fox is truly the acest. As for what I would like to see on of you clever softie-maker types come up with? How about a sloth? Hmmmm?
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a chicken. I think they are just so cute with their big bums.
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for softie bunnies. It IS Easter after all! A variation on the fluffy kind is good - bunnies can have attitude too you know!
ReplyDeleteEasy. penguin. the most entertaining animal ever.
ReplyDeleteHi Jodie, As the chances of me winning are slim I just logged on and bought a copy of Amy's book. The fox is just it and a bit......love him! Unlike his real life counterparts! Linda :)
ReplyDeleteHmm, I like the unusual - maybe a platypus or a skunk. Yes, I like those.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see amy do a deer or a skunk. Quite different animals not sure why I thought of those two!
ReplyDeletedxx
Hello, I would love to see a penguin softie.
ReplyDeleteHappy days.
bev.xoxo
this book looks amazing, its so adorable. altough its been done many times i love rabbit softies in any form.
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway.
Rachael
I'd like to see a platypus softie, the book looks awsome. she really is a rock star!
ReplyDeleteI love Amy's Raccoon, it is so cute! I would like to see a bear in her style, too.
ReplyDeleteMy son's favorite animal is the echidna. He feels it doesn't get the press it deserves so I would love to see a softie echidna pattern! I'd love to win the book as well.
ReplyDeleteLove the fox so cute!!;) A sheep would look cute too. As I often think a girl can never have too many crafty books.. Thanks for the chance to win one.
ReplyDeleteI am loving the fox! Kinda crazy like me. ;-) Thank you for the chance win!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a hippo! Just love Mr Fox, the cover guy.
ReplyDeleteThe owl, definitely.
ReplyDeleteI think the fox is right at the top of the list - sooooo sweet! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteHow about a bilby or a wombat?
ReplyDeleteI do love the fox but the little guy by the pond just has to be made for my little one. Thanks for the great give away Jodie!
ReplyDeleteAfternoon! I'd like to see an Alpaca as you hardly ever see cuddly ones, the ones we own (real)are too spitty, so a hand sewn one would be lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a giraffe. This book is full of cute critters! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question - I would love to see a fat hippo with lots of personality :D Thank you for the giveaway - my fingers are crossed :)
ReplyDeleteYou do a beautiful works.
ReplyDeleteI congratulate them.
Have a good day
Josefina
A cow would be adorable! These are too cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat about an armadillo!
ReplyDeleteI love birds, so besides the owl and robin, any others would be a delight! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHm, which animals... In real life, I like cows and chickens but that Fox kills me. A raccoon could be pretty rakish though. This book looks so fun!
ReplyDeleteLove her book... would love to win it! Currently I am fixated on needle felted mousies and rabbits so would pick them!
ReplyDeletean owl I'm totally addicted to owls.fingers crossed:)
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I hadn't heard about this book until I found the tour today and now I'm in love! I think I most want to make that pointy-nosed fellow. Is he a weasel? I don't know but he's wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI love the Badger that Amy has done, but if I was going to wish for another it would be sloth or an elephant, or how about a narwhal!
ReplyDeleteAh, I love that fox! Hmm, I'd like to see a sheep...
ReplyDeleteI'm all over that Fox -- I'd like to see a lemur (so would my son, who is lemur obsessed!). Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a cute book. I love the fishing bear! Thank you for the chance to win :-)
ReplyDeleteOtters are my favorite animal, so that'd be my first pick-I think my son would prefer a tiger though!
ReplyDeleteMamanadroit@gmail (dot) com
i agree a badger.... i look forward to discovering these critters first hand. thank you
ReplyDeleteI would love a bichon frise...something that captures the playful personality of the breed. I have yet to see a stuffed bichon that accurately depicts this most wonderful dog! And yes, I do have a bichon!
ReplyDeleteI heart the Fox on the cover. What a great event. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love birds. Especially owls. But I think a lion would be cool. A zebra or an elephant would both be cool. I've been following Lucykate for a long time. Thanks for the chance at winning her book!!
ReplyDeletemiranda2553(at)yahoo.com
These designs are awesome! Thanks for a chance to win the book. I love moose softies....
ReplyDeleteI love bunnies, so it would have to be a rabbit!
ReplyDeleteHer book looks wonderful! I would love a polar bear or an elk.
ReplyDeleteThat fox is just adorable, but seing your post, Iæ'm thinking that he might enjoy his own little pond too - I'm all for combining patterns ;-)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get hold of this book!
ReplyDeleteLove the fox but would like to see a badger too.
Its always cats that I love to see!!! These are so cute and that pond...
ReplyDeleteI adore all the animals I've seen so far from ths book. They are just too stinkin' cute. My absolute favorite so far is the hedgehog. Adorable!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a Llama softie. I bet that would be super cute too.
Thank you for the chance to win this book. It is defintely a book that's needed to have on hand. I'm sure my Granddaughter would have a blast looking through the book telling me which one to make.
I think you're pretty awesome; I guess we all need people who inspire us.
ReplyDeleteAn owl; I have an owl collection started when I was a "Brown Owl" back in the ol' days! I know you said they're in the book; I just want to see them!
I would love an owl. Owls have always been my favourites.
ReplyDeleteThe fox is adorable, but I'd like a duck softie.
ReplyDeleteThe fox makes my heart skip. I love the wonkiness of them. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI love her softie critters, so are so fun.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a pet book, maybe cats and dogs and different varieties.
Debbie
Oh the fox! He is just as cute from the back as he is from the front.
ReplyDeletewhat about a frog? This book looks great!
ReplyDeleteI can picture my garden with these critters all over it. They are so cute.
ReplyDeleteEverything in this book is soooo cute and sweet.
ReplyDeleteOhh Jodie they are so cute. Love the otter fishing in particular - the look on his/her face is priceless.
ReplyDeleteI into turtles at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the fox!!!
ReplyDeleteI've always had a thing for pandas, but that's another story.....
ReplyDeleteI love Amy's fox, but would also like to see a skunk or a squirrel. I love Amy's work she is so talented.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't a skunk be fun?
ReplyDeleteI agree Jodie, that fox is to die for. I love love love it.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
I'd love the book for the hedgehogs for sure!
ReplyDeleteI love raccoons and think they would be really a cute softie!
ReplyDeleteEvin5 at aol dot com
I would love to see a cute little bat softie for halloween! I am not that prepared and would be making it on October 30th, but it would be super cute for sure :)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so sweet. I love all the animals I saw in the preview. I would love to see either a deer, an elephant or a giraffe. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteramona_murray at comcast dot net.
I'd love an otter!!!
ReplyDeleteI have to make the hedgehog!!! I love it. Jodi B.
ReplyDeleteJBuckmister@q.com
I love these cute little animals. The fox is amazing.
ReplyDeletehard to pick a favorite - the fox or the otter? Hmmmm. Would be happy to make either
ReplyDeleteOh, this book is so high on my wish list. My family is kind of into birds at the moment. I allready have Amy's peacock pattern, and would love to give the swan and the owl a go. I read somewhere that she has an unpublished penguin pattern, and hope to see that published one day. Is there a beaver in the book? That would also be cool.
ReplyDeleteI love that fox too!! Reminds me of Wile E. Coyote having just walked off a cliff!!!
ReplyDeleteA cat would be good... in fact, we once had a wonky cat!!
I would love to see a dachshund. I have 4 of them! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of this book. The designs are so gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteLove that fox too! I'd like to see a platypus - just cause we went to Healesville Sanctuary yesterday, so cute.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing! I was wondering what to do with all the cast offs from my recycled hoodie range. I'm just going to HAVE to buy the book if I don't win! You have just cost me more money Jodie! I'd love to see a elephant, rabbit, bear... Oh I can't decide!
ReplyDeleteA lamb for sure. Lots of scope with colour and texture when upcycling old jumpers.
ReplyDeleteOH, have to say that bear fishing is pretty fantastic, what a delightful book & yay for hand stitching softies, i get a bit nervous using the machine on tiny bits i'm more confident to do by hand. Love Posie
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a softie ringtail possum, personally.
ReplyDeleteI just love this book, what a pleasure to have a chance to win it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a raccoon, I think. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love Mr. Fox. Maybe I will win? Ooh, I do hope so!
ReplyDeleteI would love to make some of these softies. I think a Llama would be cute.
ReplyDeleteI'd like a stoat as a softly as they are such interesting little members of the weasel family.
ReplyDeleteThis looks a great book!
ReplyDeleteI love the pond pattern!
fab book, would love to be included in the giveaway x
ReplyDeleteI would like to see a Greyhound dog softie.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a Norfolk Terrier softie so I could make one for my brother - his much adored dog is one. Thanks for the chance to win this super book!
ReplyDeleteThe expression on that fox's face cracks me up. I would like to see endangered species, such as snow leopard and Rhino in a softie, just imagine the expression one could create on a Rhino's face!
ReplyDelete