Knitted Toys: 21 Easy-to-Knit Patterns for Irresistible Soft Toys

Rating:
Summary: Adorable projects for all levels
Review: I just received this book as a gift and I can't wait to buy yarn to make some of the projects. The book begins with a general overview of basic knitting instructions, and then it is set up in 3 sections: Skill Level 1, Skill Level 2, & Skill Level 3. There are 21 projects (actually 30, if you count each different finger puppet separately as well as the 2 different bunnies).

The projects are: Ball w/ Bell(5"), Penguin(9"), Duck(8 ½"), Bugs(2 ¼"), Farm Animal Finger Puppets(3"), Tropical Fish(9 ½"), Caterpillar Finger Puppets (with roll-brim hats)(3"), Fairy(10"), Turtle(9"), Princess(13"), Monkey(15"), Pig(6 ¼"), Zebra(12 ½"), two different size Teddy Bears(8" and 14"), Girl and Boy Rag Dolls (15" and 14"), Panda(13"), Rabbits(8" and 15 ½"), Clown(16"), and the project that I want to work on first is the Dog Door Draft Blocker(35 ½" long)...those long things you put in front of the door to block the draft from the outside.

I think these projects are great as gifts...for babies, children, even adults. You can make the lamb finger puppet for a friend that knits and the ball with a bell can be given to a cat or dog (as long as your pet isn't too aggressive!). I was also thinking about possibly making the duck to put on the shelf in my bathroom. The projects require you use knitting needles between sizes 2 to 6 (US). Most of the projects seem like they would knit up real quick, so it would be great as a weekend project or to take with you on a trip. I can't wait to start!


Rating:
Summary: The actual knitting is about the only thing that is EASY
Review: I think the projects are cute, in their own suspended reality way--I wouldn't say the dolls and toys are "beautiful" designs, but they are cute and sure to be loved. There are PLENTY of pictures of different angles of each project, which is very useful. The patterns don't seem to require many "tricks-of-the-trade," which means they are easy to knit, that is the acutal knitting and purling. I think many of the patterns could make better use of knitting-in-the-round to eliminate some of the otherwise MANY seams that these projects have. But then that wouldn't appeal to those intimidated by double-pointed needles; so if you like dpns, take the initiative and use them anyway, otherwise, just do what the pattern says and sew up ALL those seams, some very short and in/on tiny places ;p I also think I-cords would be better for the legs & antennea of the bugs & catapillar finger puppets, but you choose.

Gripe #2: This book is yarn biased: mostly Rowan & Jaeger. Plus all the yarn details are listed together at the beginning of the book, which means if you want to substitute yarns you have to make an extra effort (dirty rotten commerce controlers...) Plus some of the yarn weights listed are unclear, missing, or plain wrong: FYI the Jaeger Shetland used to make the adorable Dog Draft Cheater is really an Aran or Worsted weight, not "chunky" like the yarn index says. Can you imagine chunky yarn on US3 needles?! On the other hand, I was surprised to find that many of the yarns used are sportweight & DK which may not produce a thick enough fabric to keep the stuffing from showing through on the larger projects, you can even see this in some of the pictures; so stuff less than they did or consider using worsted instead, except on the bugs and finger puppets.

Bottom-line: The projects are cute, and I will knit them, but I think you need to be able/willing to think just a bit beyond the printed pattern.

Rating:
Summary: Appealing and easy projects
Review: Over twenty patterns for knitters produce fun toys and toy hangings in Fiona McTague's Knitted Toys: 21 Easy-to-Knit Patterns For Irresistible Soft Toys. Soft colorful yarns and a range of projects to suit mostly basic knitters are featured in Knitted Toys, but it's the color photos of completed projects which will grab the attention first. Rag dolls, pandas, teddy bears, and finger puppets: all are appealing and easy projects.