The 20 projects included here are easy to make and readily customised with personal details and keepsakes, they range from the everyday and accessible to the slightly more elaborate for the committed steampunker.

Steampunk Softies offers a charmingly raffish cast of characters for you to make, ranging from the sinister Doctor to the adventurous Aviatrix, and the alluring Lady to the grubbily authentic Prospector. All share key steampunk characteristics - they're firmly rooted in a past that never quite existed (the past of Jules Verne, Philip Pullman, and countless romantic fantasy games), and they have the accessories and accoutrements that make the steampunk genre such a delight for enthusiasts. Despite all their meticulous detailings, all the Softies are simple enough for even a sewing novice to make, with clear blueprints and step-by-step illustrated instructions supplied for every character. And many have dual roles to add a little practicality to their punk existence - the Lady makes an excellent paperweight, for example, while the Illusionist's cloak doubles as a screen cleaner. You'll soon find that you're creating your own fantasy scenarios around these little creatures' intriguing personalities as well as crafting your own special characters. Go on - get sewing and unleash your inner steampunk!