Nuigurumi

Nuigurumi literally means 'sew and wrap' in Japanese - but refers to rag dolls and stuffed animals!

This lens will contain links to things nuigurumi! Be sure to check out my other lens Making Soft Toys for lots of other links about making dolls and toys!

Nuigurumi Explained

some definitions online!

MK Carroll: She defines it as 'sew and wrap' - and gives some amigurumi definitions too!

How to get the books

You can find books on nuigurumi at Amazon Japan - but it is much easier to get them at Kitty Craft or at certain sellers on Ebay because of foreign exchange rates! I'll link those shops below.

The other great resource (although you have to convert here) is Aranzi Aranzo's site (he has wonderful characters!) Which is also linked below!

Other terms to search for would be 'mascot' (tiny felt toys) and 'softie' patterns!

Sources for books and patterns

Kitty-Craft Japanese Zakka and Sewing books: Check back often - she has great books and MAGAZINES that run more than once a year! These are the pictures you've been seeing in Flickr and on blogs! Own a book or collect all you can!
Aranzi Aranzo: This site is partially in English, partially in Japanese. It is the work of the great Aranzi Aranzo - whose cartoon characters are much loved in Japan (and in the rest of the world too!) Links to books, and also to merchandise here!

Nuigurumi Shops

those strange toys out there

Whether they are monster dolls, or just a little strange - you've seen them out there. I'll link to some of the shops that are selling unique and different nuigurumi toys.

Designer Plush at Kidrobot: Check out the hamburger doll, strange squid and the cute murakami dolls at this pop site.
Monster Dolls: so very strange - so strange, you might think they are cute :o) check them out.
Ugly Dolls: I guess these guys have really made an impact - I saw them in a local bookstore last month. Mass-manufactured toys.