Mimi Puppy project featured in Make & Sew Toys magazine

Make & Sew Toys, Issue 16, July 2022

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Adorable book with easy instructions. I am not very savvy at sewing so despite being fairly simple it was above my skill level lol. But this book has projects that would be super fun too do together with young girls that are learning to sew. I highly recommend it.

NetGalley, Richelle Rodarte

This is a great book if you want to get into the world of making animal dolls and wardrobes of clothes for them. Not only are the dolls great to make for yourself they also make wonderful gifts.

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Blackberry Garden

Tutorials demonstrate finishing touches like basic crochet, hand stitching (whip stitch applique, whip, ladder, running, tacking, daisy, satin, back and blanket stitches) how to sew on a button and snap fastener. This beautiful collection of handmade dolls is sure to be cherished for years to come!

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Handmade by Deb Blog, November 2020

A new craft series from White Owl books will bring some colour to your designs. Quilters will enjoy the practical projects in Modern Rainbow Patchwork Quilts, Sewing Animal Dolls is fun for needlework enthusiasts and Seasonal Plant Dyes is a guide to colouring fabrics the environmentally friendly way using plants and flowers.

Woman's Weekly, June 2020

Featured in the Inspiring Books column for

Simply Sewing magazine, July 2020

Featured in

Sew Magazine, July 2020

I find this book enchanting and immediately wanted to create my own characters. I love the fact that the patterns are full size so there is no messing around trying to redraw or print bigger. I can see that making this cast of animal dolls will make a super present for a child or even me! The possibilities for dressing the dolls are endless, depending on the material chosen and each one will look different depending on the faces you embroider. Nice clear instructions and inspiring pictures. Just lovely.

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Amazon Customer, Jayne

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I need to learn how to sew better. Books like this definitely help. Info laid out nicely and easy to digest. Not overwhelming.

NetGalley, Kim Reed

Excellent collection of instructions and patterns for a cute set of animal dolls that are family heirloom-worthy. Very well described instructions make everything clear and concise. It gives you all the information you need to create the entire set. Designed for a fairly experienced sewist who has some crochet experience as well.

NetGalley, KriisGaia Sadler

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A wonder book I feel will suit beginnings but also people with some experience of sewing. The instructions are clear and easy, written in plain English and aren’t confusing. There are great illustrations to help you step by step, a great book for the novice or experienced crafter with really cute animals.

NetGalley, Tara Keating

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The instructions are clear and the animals made very cute. I loved this. A great addition to my craft library.

NetGalley, Rebecca B

The animals are rather cute, and there are not many current books in this area. Worth picking up if the topic is of interest.

NetGalley, Mary Aileen Buss

The dolls in this book are really cute. The instructions are very through and easy to follow.. they should be great patterns for skilled and beginner sewists. I really like that there are patterns for clothes and accessories.

NetGalley, Sheryl Hedervare

As featured in

Bookseller Buyers Guide

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I truly enjoyed this book. Even an amateur like myself was able to benefit from this.

NetGalley, Brittney Star

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book that is perfect for those who love to make stuffed animals as a hobby or for kids. Filled with great ideas and awesome instructions!

NetGalley, Kimberly Chidsey

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I would like to thank Pen & Sword for granting my wish to review this gorgeous book by Tina O'Rourke. I was especially drawn to the title because of the mixed media clothes the animals were wearing. Having had the chance to read through the book, I can only say that I am not disappointed. Tina O'Rourke adds sections explaining the basics and lists for all materials, making this book suitable even for beginners. The patterns are in the back of the book, but each animal has step by step photo instructions too. The novice sewist learns many new techniques, while the experienced seamstress will be delighted by the breeze through, well planned out patterns. The animals are quirky and unique and each one has a very personal character. A delightful book.

NetGalley, Nicole Addie

I loved this book! The step by step instructions is clear and easy to follow. There is also a tutorial section at the end to help with the crochet details. The range of toys animals from Daisy Dog to Ben and betty Bear and the accessories to make are very good. Little children will play with these dolls for hours and the adults will have lots of fun making the toys for their children and grandchildren. Beware! These toys will become family favourites.

NetGalley, Colette Brennan

This book is lovely. The animals dolls are simple but so stylish. I loved the patterns and the wardrobes of different outfits for the characters. The instructions are simple and easy to follow, and all the patterns could be easily adapted and changed to suit your own tastes.

NetGalley, jc Cross

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sewing Animal Dolls by Tina O’Rourke is an amazing book! Tina shows the reader her animal dolls and tells a little story with each. The book goes into great detail showing the reader exactly how to replicate the dolls, their clothing and accessories and even teaches how to make rugs and beds for the dolls. This book is very readable and easy to follow with material lists, step by step instructions and pictures. Tina makes sure you have all of the essential information so that you can succeed in making these dolls. I love this book and will treasure it for years to come!

NetGalley, Rachel Dial

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful, whimsical toys. You can see on the cover the style of the dolls in this book, in their pastel tones, long limbed and serene faces.
The book has in depth instructions for making every animal from head to toe, even basic crochet instructions for the hat and scarf of one of the little friends. You can choose your own materials or take inspiration from those in the book. Every step is photographed and explained.
At the back you can find photocopiable pattern pieces for all the parts you need to make each doll.
Happy sewing!

NetGalley, Katie Smith