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Steampunk Softies: Scientifically-Minded Dolls from a Past That Never Was
Victorian aesthetic and modern crafting come together in this guide with patterns for eight fantastical stuffies—perfect gifts for steampunk fans.
Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman offer crafters an array of charmingly raffish characters inside Steampunk 8 Scientifically Minded Dolls From a Past That Never Was . Even if you're unfamiliar with the term “steampunk,” chances are you've already discovered it through the works of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Tim Burton, Mary Shelley, or Lemony Snicket. Steampunk is an artistic movement that includes stories involving steam-powered versions of modern technology in a fictionalized futuristic Victorian setting.
Staying true to steampunk style, Skeate and Tedman's inventive Steampunk Softies feature prominent science fiction and fantasy elements, as well as anachronistic inventions and props. In addition, many have dual roles that add practicality to their punk existence—the Lady makes an excellent paperweight, while the Illusionist's cloak doubles as a screen cleaner.
Despite their meticulous detailing, Steampunk Softies are simple enough for even a sewing novice to construct. A short biography accompanies each softie, providing a background story for each character. Also included are a complete list of supplies, illustrated step-by-step blueprints, and a handy, back-of-the-book reference section that provides tips on aging and distressing project materials. Venture full steam ahead into your next crafting project with Steampunk Softies.
Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman offer crafters an array of charmingly raffish characters inside Steampunk 8 Scientifically Minded Dolls From a Past That Never Was . Even if you're unfamiliar with the term “steampunk,” chances are you've already discovered it through the works of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Tim Burton, Mary Shelley, or Lemony Snicket. Steampunk is an artistic movement that includes stories involving steam-powered versions of modern technology in a fictionalized futuristic Victorian setting.
Staying true to steampunk style, Skeate and Tedman's inventive Steampunk Softies feature prominent science fiction and fantasy elements, as well as anachronistic inventions and props. In addition, many have dual roles that add practicality to their punk existence—the Lady makes an excellent paperweight, while the Illusionist's cloak doubles as a screen cleaner.
Despite their meticulous detailing, Steampunk Softies are simple enough for even a sewing novice to construct. A short biography accompanies each softie, providing a background story for each character. Also included are a complete list of supplies, illustrated step-by-step blueprints, and a handy, back-of-the-book reference section that provides tips on aging and distressing project materials. Venture full steam ahead into your next crafting project with Steampunk Softies.
80 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2011
3 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 3, 2012
A friend bought me this for Christmas. I've read through it twice and the steampunk dolls look awesome but the list of things I need for each doll and the accompanying instructions quite frankly scares the crap out of me. Saying that, I'm looking forward to attempting making them.
September 12, 2017
Gorgeous creations, but the usefulness of these patterns is greatly impacted by the ridiculously long lists of materials needed. The materials and equipment list for "Floyd Fastknight" is 45 items long!
December 29, 2020
Cute designs but more complicated than I think I could ever do.
May 12, 2025
interesting take on soft "dolls"....
May 21, 2011
Steampunk is pushing into more and more areas. While crafting has long been a pillar of community activities, I have thus far encountered little regarding toys. Maybe because comparatively few of us actually have children or children who still want toys.
Anyway, I hold in my hands a book which tackles exactly this thus far white spot on the Steampunk map: Toys.
The book in question: Steampunk Softies: Scientifically-Minded Dolls from a Past That Never Was.
This is not a real review. In order to review Steampunk Softies, I should first make one of the characters. I will post a full review once I had the time to make one.
Steampunk Softies is a thin tome on how to create eight unique steampunk characters as soft toys. Where shall I begin. Everything about this little book is so great.
Every little character has her or his little history, each one is beautifully detailed and each one is easy enough to stitch together. You do not need to be an accomplished tinkerer, toymaker or seamstress to assemble one of the softies.
The instructions are also given via neat little illustrations guiding you through every step of the process of creating a steampunk softie. For each character, a detailed list of the required parts is given, which can be quite lengthy, let me tell you. But fear not! The authors also make it quite clear that their instructions are only guidelines. If you do not have all the parts for their version of the softies, never mind! Be creative and create your own version of the respective Steampunk Softie Character.
The book also provides various techniques for ageing fabrics to give the steampunk softies the kind of look you would expect from a toy coming to you from Victorian times.
And you can gradually improve your skills by working through the book. The softies are, according to the authors, roughly ordered by complexity. Tompion Zeitgeist is really easy, Ferris Scapula is more of a challenge.
All in all, I think Steampunk Softies: Scientifically-Minded Dolls from a Past That Never Was is a wonderful little book and the characters in there are the perfect way to introduce Steampunk to your children. This, obviously, is quite a bonus in my eyes and I hope I get round to making a Steampunk Softie for my son.
Anyway, I hold in my hands a book which tackles exactly this thus far white spot on the Steampunk map: Toys.
The book in question: Steampunk Softies: Scientifically-Minded Dolls from a Past That Never Was.
This is not a real review. In order to review Steampunk Softies, I should first make one of the characters. I will post a full review once I had the time to make one.
Steampunk Softies is a thin tome on how to create eight unique steampunk characters as soft toys. Where shall I begin. Everything about this little book is so great.
Every little character has her or his little history, each one is beautifully detailed and each one is easy enough to stitch together. You do not need to be an accomplished tinkerer, toymaker or seamstress to assemble one of the softies.
The instructions are also given via neat little illustrations guiding you through every step of the process of creating a steampunk softie. For each character, a detailed list of the required parts is given, which can be quite lengthy, let me tell you. But fear not! The authors also make it quite clear that their instructions are only guidelines. If you do not have all the parts for their version of the softies, never mind! Be creative and create your own version of the respective Steampunk Softie Character.
The book also provides various techniques for ageing fabrics to give the steampunk softies the kind of look you would expect from a toy coming to you from Victorian times.
And you can gradually improve your skills by working through the book. The softies are, according to the authors, roughly ordered by complexity. Tompion Zeitgeist is really easy, Ferris Scapula is more of a challenge.
All in all, I think Steampunk Softies: Scientifically-Minded Dolls from a Past That Never Was is a wonderful little book and the characters in there are the perfect way to introduce Steampunk to your children. This, obviously, is quite a bonus in my eyes and I hope I get round to making a Steampunk Softie for my son.
July 1, 2011
Steampunk Softies is by the same authors as Zombie Felties, Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman.
Softies are a bit bigger than felties, but use a lot of the same techniques for construction, and can be hand sewn.
The book starts with an introduction to the materials that are used to construct the dolls, as well as some fantastic tutorials for aging and distressing the fabrics.
The dolls are just wonderful. Most stand about 6 inches high, and the props and construction methods are very clever. The materials are for the most part, very easy to find, and some of the supplies are things you might normally throw away. The diminutive scale of the dolls makes them perfect for small scraps of fabric and leather. Mini brads, scraps of leather, plastic from deli containers, beads, buttons and toy compasses are all used in the detail of these lovely little dolls.
The dolls themselves are fantastic. Fantastic in the literal sense that they are creative fantasies. A little undersea manikin looks like he mutated or was genetically created to live in the water, Floyd Fastknight explores the world with a compass for an eye and a case of maps. Chasity Storm is dressed in a cloud of lace and has wings that are reminiscent of the very first airplanes.
All the patterns are in the back of the book and full size, you trace them from the book on to a sheet of paper to cut out the parts for the dolls. Some of the dolls are very simple, the biggest challenge is the scale. Some are a lot more complex. These are not playthings, they are lovely little works of art. The techniques and the accessories used in making them can inspire your own characters and creations very easily.
My son is a big steampunk fan, and he was absolutely charmed by this book. My daughter, who is the serious doll maker in the family loved the techniques and pattern ideas.
Softies are a bit bigger than felties, but use a lot of the same techniques for construction, and can be hand sewn.
The book starts with an introduction to the materials that are used to construct the dolls, as well as some fantastic tutorials for aging and distressing the fabrics.
The dolls are just wonderful. Most stand about 6 inches high, and the props and construction methods are very clever. The materials are for the most part, very easy to find, and some of the supplies are things you might normally throw away. The diminutive scale of the dolls makes them perfect for small scraps of fabric and leather. Mini brads, scraps of leather, plastic from deli containers, beads, buttons and toy compasses are all used in the detail of these lovely little dolls.
The dolls themselves are fantastic. Fantastic in the literal sense that they are creative fantasies. A little undersea manikin looks like he mutated or was genetically created to live in the water, Floyd Fastknight explores the world with a compass for an eye and a case of maps. Chasity Storm is dressed in a cloud of lace and has wings that are reminiscent of the very first airplanes.
All the patterns are in the back of the book and full size, you trace them from the book on to a sheet of paper to cut out the parts for the dolls. Some of the dolls are very simple, the biggest challenge is the scale. Some are a lot more complex. These are not playthings, they are lovely little works of art. The techniques and the accessories used in making them can inspire your own characters and creations very easily.
My son is a big steampunk fan, and he was absolutely charmed by this book. My daughter, who is the serious doll maker in the family loved the techniques and pattern ideas.
August 11, 2016
Here are eight cool new pals for you to make. There are plenty of color photos and illustrations for making these strange beings, and instructions for aging fabrics are included. The cuteness factor of your finished products will depend on all the nifty gadgetry, gears, and geegaws that you're able to scrounge up.
The hoarders are right - never throw anything away!
The hoarders are right - never throw anything away!
January 12, 2012
I love the aesthetic, but unfortunately these creations aren't mine to make. The supply lists feature wool and leather, which unless I can get my hands on remnants to repurpose, I won't use, and at this time I'm unaware of any synthetics that would properly mimic the look.
The tips and how-to's on how to age fabric were nice and helpful though. Anyone interested in steampunk and crafting will like this.
The tips and how-to's on how to age fabric were nice and helpful though. Anyone interested in steampunk and crafting will like this.
June 18, 2011
Although the dolls are a little less realistic looking than I like, the designs and instructions certainly provide inspiration for the creative. Love the information on techniques to "age" fabrics & ideas for types of bits & pieces that could go into making theses or similar adorable figures. Instructions are super clear and detailed. A fun little book.
October 8, 2011
I am using this to do a teen program here at my library in January. These are great, quick crafts for kids, and I highly recommend this book. Some of the objects for the crafts might be a little difficult to come by, but with some quick thinking, substitutes can be found!
May 27, 2011
Check out my review at:
http://sheknitswhensheshouldbewriting...
http://sheknitswhensheshouldbewriting...
October 10, 2011
Wonderful creations...wish I was a better seamstress
July 30, 2011
This book is super inventive and interesting BUT the crafts are way too hard. They are for like a super advanced crafted. There are like a million supplies for each one.
April 4, 2012
Fun craft ideas, possibly for work.
July 15, 2012
"scientifically midned dolls from a past that never was" Absolutely adorable and totally creative.
February 28, 2013
Good for inspiration, but the projects are nigh impossible to replicate exactly
July 22, 2014
Interesting. Very well crafted. Many photos with instructions.
July 13, 2014
The final products were cool, but there were like a million steps and I'm not into steampunk enough to dive into these projects. I did like the section on how to age fabric.
October 31, 2014
It was cute, but I think they're way too sophisticated to base a library program on. Too bad.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews