As the author of many craft books, Judy Ann Sadler has this time focused her attention on using fleece fabric to create simple, attractive garments and toys. Containing great ideas for homemade gifts or group craft projects, this book has basic patterns that require no sewing as well as more advanced ones involving appliqué and embroidery.

All the necessary materials for the projects are listed first – fleece, fabric markers, pins, needles, thread, embroidery floss, and fabric glue. Following are instructions for threading a needle and basic sewing stitches. Stitching instructions are accompanied by step-by-step coloured diagrams – mandatory for children who’ve never sewn before.

For each of the 20 projects there is a coloured photograph of the finished item, a “You Will Need” section for the required supplies, and a numbered sequence of directions for cutting, marking, pinning, and sewing or gluing the fleece into the desired shape. The colour diagrams clearly indicate the placement of the needle and the layers and positioning of the fabric. For some projects the author suggests other ideas to enhance or alter the final product.

Page layouts are clear, balanced, and colourful and the crafts are both attractive and practical. Children can make a variety of garments, hats, scarves, and soft beanbag toys (toy patterns are included in the back of the book), as well as functional blankets and cushions. More advanced crafters can follow the directions for learning appliqué techniques and creating tassels and other decorations. Despite a few small safety issues noted by the author, these projects are kid-friendly and Sadler’s new book will serve well in any library’s craft section.