Book Description
Debbie Bliss, author of the enormously popular Baby Knits, New Baby Knits, and Kids' Country Knits, presents instructions for more than 30 irresistible soft toys-- from pigs to cuddly teddy bears to dolls, sheep, and even a kangaroo.Beginning and advanced knitters alike will enjoy these easy-to-knit projects, many of which can be created in a matter of hours. Clear instructions and delightful photographs accompany every toy in the book.Children of all ages will adore these fun and imaginative soft toys.
Customer Reviews:
Cute designs for people with sewing/finishing experience.......2006-09-18
I'm a relatively new knitter and I bought this book thinking I could make a toy for my nephew. The toys are very cute and come in a variety of easier and more complex styles.
I had no problem with the knitting (except there were one or two minor errors in the pattern I tried).
Making up the toy was harder for me. People with experience with sewing or with finishing knitted projects could probably put together toys quickly and easily, but I had some difficulties. There are no diagrams showing how the pieces fit together, so I had to figure it out by trial and error from written instructions, and it was harder than I expected.
Also there are no instructions on how to seam the toys to produce the tidy edge shown in the photos. I was able to find such instructions instructions in other knitting books, but it would have been nice for them to be included here.
spotty information, but very cute designs.......2005-12-13
The patterns in this book are all knitted in flat pieces, on straight needles (usually US #3 with DK weight yarn). This means that there is a lot of sewing to do to finish them.
I've only started one of the projects, but I already found an error: half of Chart 1 for the cow is missing. (I've decided to fill in the chart myself, copying from the photo where necessary. Hey, it's only a cow spot.) The debbie bliss website (debbieblissonline.com) has errata from her patterns, but this mistake isn't on the list. The website has no contact information(!) but I've sent a note to the publisher, St. Martin's.
As another reviewer said, this book has somewhat confusing directions (the style takes some getting used to) and the lack of schematics can be confusing. On the cow, I learned that you have to join the back legs with the slanted, not straight, portions toward the middle. The directions are ambiguous about this point, but if you don't get it right you'll have to frog or dismantle a lot of knitting to correct it.
About half the designs in the book are teddy bears and bunnies (they come in different sizes and wearing different costumes). The other half include some very cute and ingenious designs - a reindeer, a camel with a saddle, anthropomorphic mice and rats, a monkey with a fez, several farm animals, and a "farm set play mat" that includes miniature versions of the cows, sheep, pigs, and piglets. The miniatures are about 4 inches long; the larger size farm animals are 12-16 inches long. (I'm looking forward to making some little sheep out of wool scraps!)
If you buy this book, join me in pestering the publisher about errata - without schematics or clear directions, it can be hard to tell when you've gone wrong.
Love the Ballerina Rabbit.......2005-06-03
I have just finished the ballerina rabbit for my little ballerina's 6th birthday. It came out excellent, and only took a few evenings to make. I substituted yarns with no problem and added buttonholes for buttons because I don't like the ties. Next project from this book will be the dalmation, changed to blue with white spots. It looks like it will tuck very neatly into my 3-yr-old son's arms. A tip: try using leftover matching yarn to stuff knitted animals; that way you won't have to worry about any white stuffing showing through.
definitely not for beginners.......2004-02-17
My main complaint about this book is that there are no graphics/schematics/charts to show the beginner what the individual pieces should look like, and some of the pieces are quite complex in shape, e.g. the top piece of the sheep. Woe to the beginner who encounters an error but is inexperienced and thus doesn't recognize it - I predict lots of frogging! I'm far from being a beginner, but I've had to frog twice on one toy!
My other complaint is the weird notation, e.g. "Inc 1 st in next and 3 foll 3rd row." HUH?? For goodness sake, just say, "Inc 1 st in next row. Knit 2 rows straight. Inc 1 st in next 3 rows."
Take a pass on this book and buy instead World of Knitted Toys by Kath Dalmeny.
So Cute!.......2000-09-05
This is a comprehensible, adorable knitting book that even I (i'm not very good) could make. The toys are SO CUTE!
Book Description
Craft is the first project-based magazine dedicated to the renaissance that is occurring within the world of crafts. Celebrating the DIY spirit, Craft's goal is to unite, inspire, inform and entertain a growing community of highly imaginative people who are transforming traditional art and crafts with unconventional, unexpected and even renegade techniques, materials and tools; resourceful spirits who undertake amazing crafting projects in their homes and communities.
Volume 01 features 23 projects with a twist, including sewing a light-up tank top, turning old shoes into great new knitted boots, felting an iPod cozy, embroidering your skateboard, making a jet-age garden, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Buy this magazine!.......2007-09-17
Pros:
* More interesting projects and "non-project" aritcles than Ready Made.
* I disagree with the reviewers who want more step-by-step how-tos... The editors trade inspiration for instruction a few times, to me this shows that they are assuming I am a creative, crafty type
* Healthy mix of "things I would like to try" and "who has all these materials laying around?"
* Lots of online resources, links, and advertisers--I like me some web surfing
* Great companion to Make, and I really appreciate that it doesn't scream "girl version"
Cons:
* Someone else already mentioned this, but it is a HUGE miss that the Jess H. robots on the cover aren't in the mag. I mean, come ON.
* Small format is good for carrying around, but this isn't really the type of mag that needs carrying around. Give me a bigger format and more diagrams
* Should come out more often!
Hurray for CRAFT!.......2007-02-03
The first issue of CRAFT is scrumtralescent! I can't wait for more! The ideas are fun and inspiring and make me want to get my craft ON. (Plus, I love the small, take-it-on-the-bus size.) Hurray for this great addition to the world of craftiness!
A must-read for any artist or crafter!.......2007-02-02
I was blown away by this innovative and captivating design and craft magazine. I am an all-around designer, artist and crafter always looking for my next obession. There were awesome ideas in here for any level of skill and really unique and cutting-edge things as well. I am hooked!
Craftastic!.......2006-11-20
This is a magazine for craft aficionados. The smaller size is perfect for crafters on the go and the paper stock and printing show that the creators care about details. The layout is clean and contemporary and the articles are short and sweet. The projects are innovative with simple instructions that even a beginner could follow. Even the ads are worth looking at in this fantastic addition to crafting culture.
Agreed with previous poster!.......2006-11-15
I agree with the poster below, what a rip off! I have been searching all over for the Jess Hutch booklet, and when the cover of this magazine showed the knitted robots and also the banner "Stitch a Robot," I figured I would pick the magazine up just for that... let me tell you when I turned to the page and it was a totally different robot that was CROCHETED, which I can not do... I was very dissappointed.
Total waste.
Book Description
Create lovable, handmade dolls and animals to treasure for a lifetime. Toys to Knit includes:
• Over 25 patterns for making a collection of soft, cuddly dolls, teddy bears, elephants, fish, kangaroos, soft blocks, and other knit toys for toddlers as well as grade-schoolers
• A whole wardrobe of patterns for doll's clothes such as sweet little tutus, skirts, pants, coats, sweaters, tiny hats and shoes, scarves, purses, wands, and other precious, must-have accessories that belong in every doll's closet
• A range of projects catering to knitters of all abilities
• Clear instructions and easy-to-follow charts
These adorable projects will delight knitters of every level and charm children and adults alike.
Customer Reviews:
Darling dolls but many errors.......2007-10-08
I picked up this book because the doll on the front cover looked just like my daughter and I thought it would be cute to make one for her. I am a fairly new knitter but thought the pattern appeared to be something I could tackle. I did find some errors in the instructions for the legs (very confusing for a new knitter). I also found it strange that there was not any type of gauge or swatch (I was taught to NEVER skip this step!), nor the finished size of the doll or any of the toys. Once I did finally get the doll made up, it did turn out to be very adorable in a retro sort of way (think the Island of Misfit Toys on Rudolph) and my daughter absolutely loves it.
I am now trying to knit up the wrap sweater, and the instructions are disappointing. I was hoping to make a set of clothes for her doll, but if the rest of the instructions are as erroneous or incomplete as the ones for the sweater, I'm afraid I won't get them done.
Don't bother.......2007-09-06
I had a similar experience to a lot of the other reviewers. Bought this book because the projects looked cute, but the instructions are terrible. Vague and chock-full of mistakes (were there no testers for any of these patterns?). A lot of these pieces could have been knit in the round with a bit of shaping, instead you have to knit a gazillion tiny pieces and then seam together "according to illustrations". There are no illustrations. Only a few really bad photographs - I mean, they're cute and all, but totally useless. There's a pattern for a cute looking fish with a bunch of scales that are knit and then sewn on "according to illustration" but in the photo, the fish is peeking out from the folds of a blanket, you can barely see a couple of scales.
In another pattern for an elephant, there are so many pieces to make individually that I've given up hope that I'll ever finish it. Even with many years' knitting and designing experience, it's more effort to fix these patterns than it is to just create one from scratch!
It's deceiving in its perceived simplicity. A novice knitter might leaf through the book and see that they only need to know how to knit and purl and do a simple increase and decrase, but it is easier to learn a few more shaping stitches than to suffer through the dozens of seams required to assemble the final product, especially since the incorrect instructions often lead to pieces that dont fit together properly. Very frustrating and a huge waste of $16.
cute patterns- but a challenge.......2007-06-30
I found a copy of 'tucker the monkey' posted online for free and knit it up in a few days for a friend's baby shower. I found that some of the directions didn't exactly line up as far as right side and wrong side rows but figured I'd just add a row here or there to make it work. I have only been knitting for about a year, but found it easy enough to follow. My complaint is the vague directions about some pieces being knit with one strand of yarn or two- and the gauge was totally off for the little scarf and vest, I ended up just making up the directions for the vest as I went along. However, all the vagueness and mistakes aside, he turned out wonderfully and was the hit of the party. Because he turned out so well, I bought the book and am looking forward to trying the other patterns, even if the omissions increase the difficulty.
Toys to Knit.......2007-03-09
Wonderful patterns from infant toys to toddlers and behond.
Instructions clear and accurate. The little mouse is adorable and fun to make.
This is the best knitted toy book that I have found!
Not worth it.......2007-02-25
This book is...well...There is no gauge, no yardage requirements, and no finished measurements. I was hoping to make doll clothes for my daughter's dolls she already has.
Also, the colors in the photos differ from page to page of the same toy. The pattern says "pink", but the pictures say 3 different colors as each photo looks 'off' from the previouse one.
Some of the toys are cute, but the author leaves so much unanswered about them that I'll just find another book, thank you.
Book Description
This captivating collection from Zoe Mellor taps into the current fashion for color and pattern, presenting a vibrant array of knitwear garments and accessories for toddlers and children up to six years old.
Customer Reviews:
Animal Knits: 26 Fun Handknits for Children and Toddlers.......2007-01-11
I think my grandaughter will enjoy wearing a sweater with one or more of the graphics displayed in this book but overall although a nice book with clean designs, nothing new or exceptional.
Great Designs; Hard to Find Colors.......2006-01-13
Zoe Mellor's designs are so wonderful because of the color combinations she uses. She writes what brand & type of yarn she used for the projects; but then just uses general color names -- NOT the manufacturer's name. Example: writes "green" , but manufacturer has multiple greens with different names. Also since the book was published, many of the colors (once deciphered) are no longer available...Great wonderful designs -- be prepared for footwork to find your own combinations of colors that will work.
Animal knits is wonderful.......2003-11-25
This book is filled with beautiful bright knits, so perfect for any young child. I have 3 little ones and as I looked through the book every pattern called out to be knitted. I can say the directions are detailed and easy to follow. There is a pattern in here for every knitter!
Tasteful Designs and understandable instructions.......2003-11-15
Very classy designs and good instructions especially if you did some knitting before. You'll definitely enjoy it if you like to work with colors. Good luck!
Book Description
Shall I knit you a hat to keep your ears warm?A delightful tale of holiday giving When Mother Rabbit knits a cozy winter hat for Little Rabbit, he likes it very much. In fact, he likes it so much that he thinks all of his friends need hats for Christmas. And he has some very creative designs in mind. While Little Rabbit gets wrapped up in the joy of giving, everyone is reminded that friendship is the best gift of any season.
Book Description
Glam up Fido or Fifi with these stylish, eye-catching knitted animal outfits and accessories! Your pets will be flawlessly dressed for any occasion thanks to everything from the laid-back Sunday attire to the glitzy party wear. Select from such fashion-forward items as a Striped Hoodie, Mod Parka, or Ballerina outfit for your pooch, plus a Scarf, Bandana, Corsage, Blanket, Fish Cushion, and Shoe Chews for both dogs and cats. There are also fetching hold-alls to carry small pups, comfy chairs for cat- or dog-napping, and exciting toys for everyday play. The projects are quick and simple, and come complete with helpful advice on measuring your pet, choosing alternative palettes, and adorable illustrations of dogs and cats modeling the garments.
A Selection of the Crafter’s Choice Book Club.
Average customer rating:
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Knit-A-Saurus: Cute & Cuddly Monsters (Milner Craft)
Donald Arthars
Manufacturer: Sally Milner Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Decorative Arts
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Knitting
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Stuffed Animals
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1863511261 |
Customer Reviews:
Textured Knits.......2007-06-25
I, too, bought this book for the cover sweater. I am knitting it now and discovered that altho the photo shows the chevrons coming together at the side seams, they will not do so. The charts themselves do not provide for that happening. In addition, there is an error in the left front chart. This is disappointing, to say the least. I logged on to the publisher's web site and could find no errata.
Pattern shapes fall far short of fashionable.......2005-07-23
I bought this book because I liked the texture of the sweater on the front. I was very disappointed to find that the book is full of straight-sided sweaters. There is not a fitted sweater to be found in the entire book! Regardless of how the type of sweater portrayed is meant to fit, every sweater knits straight up the side. Any clean-cut edginess that may be added to the sweaters by the texure is ultimately ruined by the shapelessness of the sweaters themselves. I vaguely considered altering some of the sweaters to have a more modern look, but I finally decided it's not worth it so I'm returning this book.
Nice addition.......2005-06-23
I've found Textured Knits to be a lovely addition to my knitting library. The sweaters are pretty, and while the printed instructions may appear to limit sizing, an experienced knitter can readily enlarge a garment by increasing needle size and yarn gauge. Most of these styles can be knitted in easily obtainable, inexpensive yarns, or if preferred, in higher end designer yarns. Either way, the end product should be stylish and attractive. If you're the type of knitter who likes to follow a pattern to the letter, I suppose you might not like this collection. But if you're comfortable trying out your own little modifications, as I am, you'll find many of these patterns enticing.
Narrow size range!.......2005-04-09
Any knitting book that can't be bothered to alter patterns for a reasonable range of sizes isn't worth the paper it is printed on.
Great patterns but not a big range of sizes.......2004-08-18
A good selection of lovely patterns, contemporary-feeling but classic enough to last, mainly (but not entirely) in the fitted cardigan category. I like the use of beads in some patterns, and the different stitch patterns used to achieve stitch texture. The book is high in production values, with good photography and a very Rowan- or Bliss- like feel. My biggest quibble is that the sizing is limited, only 3 sizes and they range from 34 to 38. Uses all Rowan and Jaeger yarns but most of the patterns are DK weight so it would be easy to substitute. Definitely worth a look if you fit in the size range.
Average customer rating:
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Cat Knits
Melinda Coss
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Knitting
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Textile Arts
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0312020260 |
Book Description
“Cute and attractive styles...will inspire knitters to pick up their needles.”—Booklist
With these 50 inspiring, cheerful, and comfortable knits from Family Circle Easy Knitting magazine, children will be well-dressed and set to go, no matter the season or the occasion. Every one is a designer creation, made with the latest yarns. Fall favorites include a brightly striped pullover and a zip-front cardigan. Warm up winter with a matching sweater and scarf set featuring an updated Fair Isle design. A little girl will feel like a princess in a sleeveless Snow White top with a sparkly sequined heart. Vests, dresses, even backpacks and purses: they’re all here. Color photos and concise instructions accompany every pattern, and a sectin explaining basic techniques and stitch details will get beginning knitters started.
Customer Reviews:
Great addition to my library!.......2004-03-09
What a fun book of patterns for kids . . . I only wish some of them came in adult sizes! Easy directions, fun and contemporary patterns, a definite knitting library addition!
Books:
- Ultimate Galactus Vol. 2: Secret
- Upholstery: A Beginners' Guide
- Venice & the East: The Impact of the Islamic World on Venetian Architecture 1100-1500
- Waiting for Wings
- Water Song: A Retelling of "The Frog Prince" (Once Upon a Time)
- Wristwatch Annual 2007 (Wristwatch Annual)
- 1,000 Greetings: Creative Correspondence Designed for All Occasions
- 1000 Glass Beads: Innovation & Imagination in Contemporary Glass Beadmaking
- 9 Heads: A Guide to Drawing Fashion (3rd Edition)
- A Pig in Provence: Good Food and Simple Pleasures in the South of France
Books Index
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Teddy Bears: Twenty-five Irresistible Designs for Knitted Bears
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