5 comments about Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love.

1. My daughters saw me looking through this book the day it arrived and they are just in love with so many of the completed items that my Christmas is going to be easy - so long as I find the time. I am knee-deep in the middle of two of the projects right now and have plans for more soon. Awesome book for a sewist with little girls (or nieces, grand-daughters, etc. - even a few boy-friendly projects).



2. I am new to doll making and I absolutely love this book! It is fresh and inspiring with so many different designs! My favorite it Margot... the topsy turvy doll. If you are looking for a book on doll making that is relevant for today's crafter/artist then this is a great book to add to your library!



3. Wee Wonderful is a very well rounded craft book. There is a real variety of items in this book; not just minor variations and tweaks to the same 'blueprint' to fill the pages. I love that the patterns in the back of the book do not require me to blow them up to use them. This happens all too frequently anymore.
   
   While the front cover shows only dolls, a good half of the patterns are not dolls (bears, elephant backpack, trolly car, giraffe, etc.) so you won't end up with a pile of dolls at the end of the book, if you choose to make them all.
   
   As with any good sewing book, there is a short section of basics which breaks down the process by explaining the sewing terms and showing illustrations of common stitches used in the patterns. It is a quick reference, and includes many 'specific to doll/stuffed animal' tips. Illustrations show steps well and directions are straightforward and concise.
   
   I own many sewing books, but this one in particular will get good use due to the diversity of projects.



4. 
   I love Wee Wonderfuls' blog so I was anxious to see the book. I was not disappointed. The little people in the book are so cute it was hard to decide which to make first. I went with the Sleepover pals; they turned out so cute and my granddaughter loves them. The directions and illustrations are great and easy to follow. One of the best things is that I will be able to make most of the creations without going out and having to buy new supplies; I'm able to use little bits and pieces that I have in my sewing room. I'm anxious to start on the the little pixie, she is so sweet. I think I will keep her for myself.



5. For some reason, I had it in my head that this book had tiny (wee) doll patterns. Now that I've gotten over the disappointment, I can say that this is a good book, and will stay in my collection.

5 comments about Make These Toys: 101 Clever Creations Using Everyday Items.

1. I was given this book as a gift and it sat on a shelf untouched for several weeks because I'm not one of those craft-crazy moms. However, during a play date where I saw 3 seven-year olds start fighting over a DS toy, I grabbed the book and in less than 3 minutes had all the kids focused on making mini-marshmallow poppers out of items I had around the house. They made their own toys and then played happily for the next hour making up various ways to use the poppers. The next day we made them again with the neighbor kids and then the next day after that another friend came over and my son immediately asked if we could make more toys. I highly recommend this book for those parents out there who are not as clever (like me!) as this author with simple household items. Another benefit is that I have started to recycle more stuff I used to throw out automatically. I now have a special bag where I deposit stuff like the rolls from used paper towels and rubber bands that the kids can go to when they want to make toys. This book also made me feel better about getting rid of about ten boxes of toys we had accumulated over the years that were clogging up our home. Having one bag of recycled household items to make into toys feels a lot better (and takes up much less space) than all those unused toys. When the homemade toys get used up (usually after hours of play) they go straight into the garbage. Less clutter all the way around!



2. I became acquainted with Heather Swain's work before she became a mother, when she was dealing with the pain of two miscarriages. The novel she wrote drawing on those experiences, Luscious Lemon, was so skillfully written, I've kept my eyes out for her work ever since. When I learned of Make These Toys, I bought a copy for my god children. Their mother is always looking for ideas and I know will make good use of the book. I'm going to buy several copies and have them ready to give as baby shower gifts for my other friends in the future.
   
   Make These Toys is not only full of great creative ideas, it is written in a fun, engaging style.
   I love her prose and also appreciate the historical fun facts, e.g., on the history of ballooons.
   
   Just as some people enjoy reading cookbooks even when they have no immediate plans to cook, this book is fun to read even if you don't have young children readily available. Furthermore, I don't think the ideas in this book are strictly for little ones. Next time my 19 year old has friends over, I'm going to show them how to make mini-marshmellow poppers!



3. Very clever use of everyday objects and materials. Its these kinds of activities that will spark your children's imagination and creativity. A great way to spend quality time with your kids.



4. Ever been desperate for something to do on a rainy day? I have two kids and this book has saved my sanity. Now I don't have to dread snow days anymore - I can pull out this book and the kids will be happily creating for the next few hours. And ALL of the projects are with stuff you really do have around the house - [which again, makes it perfect for a snow day ...]. Save yourself - buy this book!



5. If you've ever wondered how you might make time with your grandchildren more interesting, meaningful, and fun, pick up a copy of this book. The materials you need to help your grandchildren create a treasure to take home from their visit with you are likely already in your kitchen and desk drawers, and if not, they are easily obtainable and inexpensive to purchase. Do yourself a favor and use this resource to make a memory and help cement the ties that bind your relationship to your grandchildren. Some day, the little wine-cork deer they made at your house just might go with them to college to help remind them of where they came from, and the people who have been important in their lives.

3 comments about Knitting Mochimochi: 20 Super-Cute Strange Designs for Knitted Amigurumi.

1. I received my copy last week. I have knitted the No-Bite Bed Bug pattern. It is the cutest ever! The pattern is easy to read and follow. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves knitting cute little creatures. Knowing on how to knit on DPNs is a must. Can't wait to try out the other patterns.



2. This book is full of great patterns for people who want to knit cute little critters for gifts (or for themselves). I love the color images inside, and the instructions are all clear and useful, and easy to follow. I could have done with more pictures occasionally, but it offers enough detail to let you make all the patterns without any problems at all.
   
   I highly recommend this book.



3. I was in a bookstore, and hadn't realized this book had been released yet, so I was very pleased to be able to buy it. I've already started on the Feet Eaters pattern (the main pattern on the cover of the book).
   
   All of the patterns are incredibly cute, and the instructions for knitting said patterns are very clear, and concise. Lots of beautiful pictures to guide you along the way with construction for pieces that require it (such as the Feet Eaters).
   
   Makes me glad I picked this book, instead of the one I originally went to the store to buy (which was *not* a knitting book)...
   
   Good book for the money, and great patterns for toys and fun little things to decorate your home (or husband's desk at work) with.

5 comments about Felties: How to Make 18 Cute and Fuzzy Friends.

1. I took this book on a family vacation with all of my nieces and nephews. It was a huge hit! The kids ages 7 to 15 were making felties every day -- both boys and girls. This book is a great introduction to sewing and crafting. My one nephew, age 13, began making creatures of his own design -- mostly zombies! My nieces and nephews inspired my own daughter to just plunge in and make it, not worrying about perfection. It was wonderful. I highly recommend this book.



2. The book is cute. My toddler loves the pictures of the little animals and people. The patterns look easy to follow.
   
   My only reason for not giving 5 stars, however, is when I ordered the book from amazon it came in a bubble mailer and that does not protect a 30 page softcover book in the mail. I am glad I was not planning on gifting this item as it arrived dog eared and with a large dent in the middle of the edge.



3. This book contains a few very cute ideas an inexperienced crafter can build off of. It provides step-by-step instruction, but may benefit more by suggesting the use of a variety of different crafting medium to embellish a finished product. The projects use small beads and ribbon, but maybe more suggestions could be offered for alternate materials such as fabric trims, variety beads; (wood, porcelain, clay), fabric paints and textured materials. A great starting book, and I would recommend it!



4. I am a veteran crafter, and couldn't pass up this book. The projects are easy, adorable, and the book itself is a pleasure to read! Wonderful for beginners, kids, or an experienced crafter!



5. I ordered this book for my wife as a present since she's trying her hand at random crafts, and she ended up enjoying this book a lot. She's a beginner when it comes to sewing and things like that, but the instructions in the book were very easy for her to follow and she picked up on the techniques very quickly. The only problem she encountered was that some of the patterns go too far towards the center of the book, so you really have to fold the book down while making copies if you want to get the entire pattern. Once she got a few Felties under her belt, the rest weren't any problem. She also liked to change the colors of the patterns around to play with different looks for the characters. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for some fun patterns to play with, especially those who are beginners.

5 comments about Itty-Bitty Toys: How to Knit Animals, Dolls, and Other Playthings for Kids.

1. Book has lots of interesting childrens toys that are easy to knit with good clear instructions



2. What more can I say about this book that everyone else has not said. There is one feature that is often ignored by knitting book publishers. This book is spiral bound which makes it so much easier to hold my place when working a pattern. I have worked a couple of the puppets for my grandson and he loves them. I can't wait to start on the wiggly tailed pig.



3. The knitting directions for the toys in this book were easy to understand and follow.
   They produced unique and adorable toys that I use for baby shower gifts for the new baby and birthday/christmas gifts for the toddler.
   I especially loved the "reversibles" for little girls.........they are so proud when showing you how they work!!
   signed KNITTING GRANDMOTHER.



4. I love this book! The critters are adorable and the patterns are easy to follow! I have always had issues with other pattern books, but not this one. I have completed the bunny and now am on to the hippo! I intend to knit my way throught this book.



5. Susan is such an incredible knitting designer. Her patterns are easy to read, a dream to knit and so very partical in her applications. 5 STARS. ps. She is such a lovely person.

5 comments about Easy Crochet Critters (Leisure Arts #75266) (Vanna's Choice).

1. I had troubles learning how to do this the first time I tried. But I was determined to make it work. So using the internet I went to youtube to see if someone had a video on how to do it. I found one where a women made a cherry and copied that video several times.
   [...]
   With the help of this, I figured out how to make the animals and the instructions became clear and easy to do. So if you need help with anything in this book, I'd look on youtube. It also helped with the decrease.



2. My daughter wanted to learn how to crochet little animals, so she did a bit of searching on amazon and this was her first choice.
   Upon the book's arrival, she immideately got to work and made a lion for me- I thought it was pretty cute even if it didn't turn out like the picture (how she wanted it to look)! She told me that it was hard to understand at first but then once she followed the instructions of 'what 2sctog means' in the back of the book she was able to understand it easily. Her second animal was a giraffe and it more like the picture.
   
   Daughter's testamony:
   being a beginner your animal will probably not be perfect the first time around. i chose to start making amigurumi with the animal that was a little more tougher than the others, the loin, and the end result of mine was pretty horrible. my mom doesn't think so (being my mom and all).
   id recommend trying out the hippo or seal first. but be sure to read the tutorial in the back when you don't understand something.



3. I am really into crocheting, especially Amigurumi and had gotten this as a gift for a friend. I also received this book as a gift myself and love it. The directions are well written and self explanatory.



4. Easy Crochet Critters is a small, portable book with crochet patterns for the cutest animals. I've made 3 or 4 of them for my coworkers and everyone loves them, even the guys! My coworkers who don't have one yet are jealous. These animals are my first crochet projects and I had no problem reading the patterns. You do have to know the basic crochet stitches--this is not a "how to crochet" book, although simple, terse explanations are given in the back of the book. But after you are done practicing, this is an excellent first project book. Great value, perfect for making stocking stuffers!



5. _Easy Crochet Critters_ contains 10 patterns; an elephant, hippopotamus, monkey, giraffe, alligator, lion, seal, walrus, snowy owl, and penguin (I would contend that there are actually only nine distinct patterns. The snowy owl and penguin are the same pattern replicated, with beak and color changes). The finished animals range in size from four to eight inches.
   
   While Lion Brand Yarn's website contains countless free amigurumi patterns, there's something extra special about owning a book of patterns with glossy color photos, and not having to print patterns out! This book even features cute extra photos of the animals doing such things as fishing and housework.
   
   Probably my favorite thing about them is that, for all but one pattern, the head and neck are one piece. This cuts out the step of sewing the head to the torso piece.
   
   There are a lot of things you can do to personalize or adapt the patterns. For example, I made the Emperor penguin in wools, adding an orange band on the chest for a little more resemblance to its genuine counterpart, and felted it.
   
   They're tiny enough to create and own the whole zoo!

5 comments about Amigurumi Knits: Patterns for 20 Cute Mini Knits.

1. Like the majority of the reviewers, I love this book as well. I would like to add that I DO NOT have years & years of knitting experience either. I've only really been knitting for the past 2 & 1/2 years & I bought this book a little over a year ago. I have since made just about every creature in here at least once (I have made zero of the vegetables though). I personally, have had very little difficulty with any of the patterns I've made from this book, and yes there are a few minor mistakes in a couple of the patterns, but I never had any trouble spotting them & fixing it. The author does an excellent job explaining all the stitches & techniques in the beginning of the book. I had never worked in short rows before, but after reading her very clear instructions I was able to knit them up like an old pro. I've given many of these critters as gifts to folks ranging from infants to 40+ year olds & everyone loves them. Excellent, excellent book. I just wish the author would either print a second book or open her Etsy store back up so folks would have access to more of her awesome critters.



2. I love this book! I've made the peas, hermit crab, octopus, and jellyfish. I have been knitting for about seven years and found the patterns to be challenging and informative. Singh uses a lot of full color photographs to aid her patterns and they all turn out looking so life-like and endearing. I find it interesting how much she knows about the creatures and veggies and she uses biological terms in her knitting patterns which is fun and informative. I would caution a very beginning knitter against this if they want to do the more complicated patterns, but after a little practice with intermediate projects, this book is very easy to understand and execute and the difficulty of her patterns leads to the creatures being more life like. Highly recommended!



3. I've made 3 toys from the patterns (anglerfish, jellyfish, eggplant) so perhaps my judgment is skewed, but after reviewing all patterns: I think that even simpler patterns probably require a little bit more experience knitting/reading patterns. What's really helpful is being able to "read" your stitches, too- there are so many rows that it's easy to lose your place.
   
   Having said that, what's here is a lot of fun and very quick to knit up. It's nice to see not only a knitting alternative to the zillions of crochet amigurumi books out there, but one that's also a little more interesting. How many other books would have a praying mantis pattern!?



4. I am continually amazed and impressed with the way Hansi Singh sculpts with yarn. Her creations are so lifelike, and while they are certainly challenging, they're not as impossible as they look. You will learn so much about knitting challenging yourself with Hansi's patterns, and these make wonderful gifts. I love that someone out there is also obsessed with knitting sea creatures. I hope she keeps it up!



5. I was so excited when I found this book- the creatures look so cute! I couldn't wait to get it in the mail. The patterns look fairly easy but I haven't looked at them too closely because every pattern you have to knit in the round. It would've been nice to know before I bought it that all these things are made by knitting in the round. Something which I as of yet cannot do. I probably would've waited to buy it until I learned how to knit in the round but I'm still excited to give it a go after I've had some practice. A really big plus is the same size needles are used for every project so you don't have to buy a million different sized needles.

5 comments about Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques.

1. This is a wonderful guide to creating little felted critters. Good photos and excellent descriptions. I like the time spent with laying out materials and even measuring how much wool to use. I also like the suggestion of how to make the legs by wrapping thread. I can tell I will be spending time with this book when the weather gets nasty.
   The only thing that would make it better: a spiral spine so that it can be opened and lay flat for reference while felting.



2. I previewed this book at a bookstore and found both the step-by-step photos and directions lacking in information. For example, it does not explain how you connect a head to a body or how you get the coat of the animal to look seamless or create features. I am glad I did not buy it.



3. This book is so cute and sweet. The directions are clear and easy to follow and the suggested projects are perfect for children to follow too!



4. Great book easy to follow instructions both written and picture.
   
   Will certainly look for more lkie this one.
   
   Rgds
   Lesley



5. This book has beautiful pictures and gives 3 basic animal-forms, so you can use them to make as much animals as you want. Although the technique is more difficult than it looks on the photo's, I find this book a very good source of information and a musshave in my collection!

1 comments about Zombie Felties: How to Raise 16 Gruesome Felt Creatures from the Undead.

1. I just flipped through the book in the store, so, I haven't made any. The patterns are small and look pretty simple, and the supplies are easily accessible. The end results are adorable and disgusting, and, I mean that in a good way. I may just purchase it so I can whip up a few of these grotesque cuties for my more macabre friends..........
   
   Can't remember them all, but they include a zombie bride, day of the dead calavera, undertaker, vampire, zombie rabbit, surfer, thiller zombie, a kitty and a puppy.
   
   The final result is not child safe due to small parts. I know that kids like gross stuff quite often, but, more sensitive kids might be disturbed by these.

5 comments about Wool Pets: Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle.

1. A good starter book to get going on your new needle felting craze!
   
   I've made a few of the little animals from this book.



2. I just love all the projects in this book. The instructions w/photos help make the beginning felter (such as myself) more comfortable on getting started with these projects. I have another felting book, which I also like but this book with the photos gives me more of an idea on how much felt I should be using. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to start making thier own felted critters.



3. The pictures in this book are Great..the best yet ive found on needlefelting..I was quite surprised by how much detail they give for each project....I can jump in and just do any of the animals...they are very nice..with detial..I have 4 of these animal felting books and this one is the BEST.....B.W.



4. Last Christmas I met the author, bought the book and also bought a few of her kits for the holidays. Wow! What a fun and creative way to enjoy being housebound during the winter. It's really fun, easy and gratifying to make these little animals for ornaments or for gifts. Even my normally grumpy teenagers enjoyed making the projects. This is also a great thing to do with sick friends while you visit or old friends who can't needlepoint anymore. A wonderful present for young and old.



5. Beautiful, hardcover book. Excellent for beginners, especially (which I am!) Explains different types of needle felting tools and wools/fibers. This book covers just what it says - pets and small critters with a mermaid or two thrown in for good measure. No purse patterns, here :)! Many projects with very detailed color pictures for each step of each project. Starts with easier projects and builds up to small dolls at the end of the book. This book was an excellent confidence builder for a new needle felter, like me - it's given me confidence and skills to branch out and try my own designs.