MCT

By Karen Gaudette
The Seattle Times

With a little plush and pluck, it seems you can anthropomorphize just about anything.

Witness the curious, yet somehow endearing, collection of creatures featured in "Plush You! Lovable Misfit Toys to Sew and Stuff" (North Light Books, $19.95).

The new book by Kristen Rask features a menagerie of cuddly, whimsical creatures stitched together from felt, boiled wool, corduroy and other materials by craftsfolk around the globe.

Lift the cover and be transported to a world where a plush oyster pops from a toaster that can only be described as snuggly. A fuzzy orange construction cone smiles serenely from its page, as does a bowl of ice cream, its accompanying spoon and a pair of friendly ice-cream sandwiches.

Many creations come with sewing instructions, interviews with the artist or tips on plush making.