Mini Amigurumi - Book Review

Mini Amigurumi by Sara Scales

I was very happy to be sent this book to review as I do love amigurumi.   I am not a natural crocheter, but have been a knitter since a child and have taught myself crochet in the last few years.   Everytime I return to crochet after a few months break I have to more or less re-learn how to do it.  But I do enjoy crochet and I love amigurumi as I can crochet, crochet, crochet and often there is little sewing up (which I hate!).

This book has patterns for lots of mini creatures and hearts, and toadstools.  I thought I would try one of the simplest things plus I only had one colour of thread to use! 

The smallest crochet hook I had was 2mm, and the book does recommend 1mm and uses 1mm for its patterns. However, there is a really good and useful Techniques section which gives the photos of the sizes if you used different hooks and yarn, so you can use whatever size you want it just will not be as mini.   The mini things can be used in jewellery and do look very sweet as earrings, brooches or on keychains.

The one thing I would ask is that book writers and pattern writers please tell me where to put my hook to  make a stitch, and (forgive me if Sara Scales the author did and I just did not notice) I had to look it up on the internet.

Amigurumi Dog from Mini Amigurumi by Sara Scales

Amigurumi Dog from Mini Amigurumi by Sara Scales

Rear View of Amigurumi Dog from Mini- Amigurumi by Sara Scales

I did have to do some sewing up and it was not horrible at all as all I had to add were ears and a tail to my little dog. But I enjoyed the whole thing so much that I plan to make a little bear next and he has more things to sew on.  I am very happy with the results and the little dog is very sweet.  I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using such a small hook and thin thread.  Now armed with more thread I hope to make more. I can recommend this book as the patterns and great fun and the instructions easy to understand.  I think some previous crochet experience will be needed but not much.

Knit, Purl, Save the World - Book Review

Knit, Purl, Save the World   by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong

 

When I first browsed through this book I was disappointed that there were not more patterns using home-made recycled yarns.

Now what is that pertinent idiom? -  ‘never judge a book by its cover’!

On second, and further in depth perusals, it occurred to me that I want to knit more than bags using plastic bag yarn, or rugs made using t-shirt yarn. Therefore it would be nice to have an idea of what yarn there is available: from plants, from animals that is cruelty free and yes from handmade recycling.

But then again it is fine to have a book that recommends lots of eco-friendly yarns, but it is the patterns that are important for knitters and crocheters.  Luckily there are a broad range of lovely patterns in this book. I really like the pretty cardigans, and the socks and I was very happy when I saw the jute rug (I so want to crochet that rug). There are things for the body from top to toe, and for the home as well.

The authors are American, and so this book has USA terms for crochet, and the reader will have to check whether the yarns are available to other countries. There is a useful list of resources in the back, so it is worth looking there.

I like books that also have interesting bits to read. As this book is full of tips and facts, I am happy. 

 Knit, Purl, Save the World   by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong 

Published by David & Charles

Nordic Knitting Traditions – Book Review

The patterns in this beautiful book have been designed by the author Susan Anderson-Freed, based on traditional designs from places including Iceland, and Shetland, but as the author points out ‘in most cases, the original design is barely recognizable’.

 What is recognizable is the author’s love of colour, and the traditions of fair isle (and similar techniques) in creating lovely patterns.

You will find in this book hats, gloves/mittens, and socks and leg-warmers. Within these basic deigns are an array of patterns and colour combinations that are beautiful to see.

I haven’t tried any fair isle in years, but I do rather fancy the gorgeous tams and maybe a pair of mittens to match. Whilst I would not wear leg warmers with shoes, I think they would be great under a pair of roomy boots.

 

So, using the charts, and helpful tips and techniques in this book  by next Winter I may have warm and richly coloured accessories to keep me warm and smiling.