Flip Books Giveaway!

I am participating in a Flip Dolls Pattern Hop and book giveaway.  I had to make something from the book, and I get to offer you a chance to win the a copy of Flip Dolls and Other Toys, by Laura Wilson .

Things have been maddeningly busy over here (baby bump, moving to new house, tax crunch,  keeping up with Pink Cheeks business).  So, I was ho-hum about starting something new.  However this book put a spark in me.  I love grabby catches and tricks when it comes to homemade toys, but I am a self-taught sewist, so I can't wrap my brain around some techniques just by looking at them.  At the same time, patterns usually make me want to hide in the corner of the room in the fetal position.  These patterns are simple, but they carry a lot of punch, and offer you a lot you can expand on.  I stuck with Laura's template and instructions (full size templates are conveniently located here [which is a genius idea, no?]), but after making one and learning how it works, I know I can use my own shape next time (which makes my heart a flutter with possibility).

I wanted to make something special for my son.  He is majorly into super heroes, and knights and dragons (which is also a flip doll pattern in the book).  I stuck with the super hero though because I wanted to use up the last of my Japanese car fabric for the alter ego's "regular guy" outfit.  The Super Hero I named Thunder Bolt. Thunder because he can control the weather and Bolt because he can run super fast.  There he is above, sensing danger and thinking "Oh no!" right before he decides that this "Sounds like a job for Thunder Bolt". 

This step reminded me of birth!

     My kid was all over me while I was making this.  When he found out I was making it for him, his eyes got wide and he ran over exclaiming "Thank you, Mommy!" and gave me a kiss.  This made my heart melt into a puddle and also filled me with guilt.  He sees me make so many things that go into boxes and then head out to other kids and babies.  He's so neglected!  I'll fix that (you're next Dragon/Knight doll). 

      It's so satisfying to learn new techniques.  I think it must make all sorts of connections in the brain which then lift up creative blocks even in non-related areas of art.  I've read this before, but it's easy to forget.  

     When I had it all sewn together, ready to turn right-side-out, I could not fathom it turning out right.  I was certain I misread the instructions or made a mistake along the way, but sure enough it came out properly and flipped like a dream!

Thunder Bolt is on some major mission here involving a rubber band tight rope.

This book is fun, guys, and full of all the tricks you need.  If you'd like to try your chance at winning your own free copy, tell me what your Super Hero power you wish you could have in the comments below.  I'll choose a winner at random one week from today.  Good luck!!