No comments about Tiny Yarn Animals: Amigurumi Friends to Make and Enjoy.

5 comments about Plush-o-Rama: Curious Creatures for Immature Adults.

1. Plush-o-Rama, abook for immature adults is an interesting book that would appeal to people that enjoy making crazy type [adult] toys



2. Finally a book of toys that include something for boys. Curiously original designs, this book has that something just a little left of center.



3. Plush monsters are wonderful. You can make dozens of mistakes while making them and at the end of the day you can pretend that they were all intentional. It doesn't matter. This book provides patterns and instructions for making 30 such monsters, some of which I think are very cute, such as Catzilla and the half-eaten gingerbread men, and some of which just don't appeal at all (in my opinion, the Pig/Duck is just creepy). However, the fact that I don't like all of the patterns doesn't bother me because this book is just as useful for providing inspiration and advice on various toy-making techniques as it is for giving instructions. After all, monster making is about making what you want to make, not about following a set of rules.
   
   Each pattern in this book is designed by a different designer, which is great because it means that there is more variety in the patterns that if they were all designed by the same person. In that respect, there are many similarities between this book and "Plush You!" Both books serve as galleries for soft toy designers. However, "Plush You!" failed by only providing patterns for a small number of the toys (the least impressive ones), while this book does not make that mistake.
   
   This is a very good book for beginners. Most of the toys are very easy to make and basic sewing technique instructions are provided for novices. In a number of cases the toys look like they may have been made from cut-up old clothes, so you might not even need to buy fabric. And remember, even if you do make a mistake, just pretend that's how the toy was meant to look. With toys as weird as this, no one will notice.



4. I just love this book! I haven't tried any of the projects yet but it just makes you feel happy when you see that smiling creature on the cover! Maybe I'll even try making one or two! I sent a copy off to my grand-daughters right away.



5. This is a great book for kids and adults some really cool ideas and patterns leads you to even more ideas of your own. Why pay high prices for those strange creatures in our imagination. Make it your own, make it yourself and use your choice of materials. (some of the pre-made dolls are made with shabby materials)

5 comments about Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Lovable Figures from Cast-off Socks.

1. One of the best manuals that I ever seen. It matches the re-use of cast-off socks with the ironic looking of the creatures. Reasonably, one source of insipration were Bill Watterson's monsters. You can feel the author's enthusisam just by opening that book. The instructions are clearly explained (me too, that I'm quite a problematic sewer, I succeeded in having my own creatures), and a space for creativity and self-expression is also offered to readers.



2. The first time I saw a sock monkey, I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen and immediately went out to buy a pair of socks in order to make one. The whole idea of making a toy that was that detailed, out of nothing more than a pair of socks, fascinated me. Once I had finished making my sock monkey, I was all ready to make some more sock toys. However, I'd already made a sock monkey and couldn't think of what I would do with a second one, which sort of put a stop to my sock creations.
   
   "Stupid Sock Creatures" is a book written for people just like me; people who like the idea of making toys out of socks, but who can't think of what they would do with a second sock monkey. It contains instructions for creating 8 different sock creatures, as well as advice on the art of sock toy construction (which can be used to design your own toys) and a gallery of other sock creatures that can be used for inspiration.
   
   Most of the creatures are very simple to make and would be appropriate as a child's first sewing project (that's not to say that they wouldn't also appeal to adults - I'm 27 and I think they're great). Basic sewing technique instructions are given and there are no paper patterns to deal with (most of the cuts are approximate and made by eye-balling the socks). Admittedly, the toys don't look as professional as the toys in some of the other craft books that I own (which is why I gave this book four stars, instead of five), but they have personality, and, to quote "Pulp Fiction", personality goes a long way.



3. Bought this book as a gift for my 30-something brother and he and his friends enjoyed hours of raucous laughter while using the book to create many of their stupid sock creatures. A good book to use as inspiration for an older child activity like in 4H or Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts as well. Brings out the inner artist, tactile creature, hidden silly in people.



4. I've owned this book for a few years now. My son and I totally love creating our own monsterpieces. The directions are easy to follow. First the author gives you general directions (and helpful tips) then he follows it up with a step by step if you want to copy one of his creatures. The materials are inexpensive and the end result is fabulous. I highly recommend for those who like to get inspired, learn the technique, and then run with their own creativity.



5. This book got me really going on hand sewing, my mom had only taught me the blanket stitch may years ago. They are all great monsters with huge attitudes. John teaches you the basics in very simple terms. Some of the monsters are easier than others, but they are all worth the time and effort. His simplicity allows you to mix and match and use your imagination. They make great gifts for kids and adults, but maybe a bit difficult for kids under 13 to create.
   I bought bigger socks and more stuffing quickly.....men's extra large cotton socks stretch very well and make giant monsters!

5 comments about Aranzi Aronzo Cute Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff).

1. I dont know how to use a sewing machine and the instructions in the book were super simple with great results.



2. In "The Cute Book", readers were treated to patterns for making small felt versions of many of the Aranzi Aronzo characters (if you aren't familiar with the Aranzi Aronzo characters, check out the Aronzo website, '[...] - they're sort of like the Sanrio/Hello Kitty characters, only with more personality). "Cute Dolls" is another book of patterns for making Aronzo character dolls (18 patterns in total), but this time, the patterns are for full sized (8 - 12 inch) dolls, most of which are made from jersey cloth (t-shirt fabric).
   
   As with "The Cute Book", the patterns are very easy to follow. The instructions are fully illustrated, making it so that you don't even need to read the words in order to make these dolls. The book is beautifully presented, with colour photographs throughout and the captions on each of the pictures are hilarious (for example "Make us cute or we'll be angry!").
   
   This is the second book in the Aranzi Aronzo "Let's Make Cute Stuff" series. People who enjoy this book should also consider purchasing the other books in this series: "The Cute Book", "Fun Dolls" and "Cute Stuff".



3. I have really enjoyed looking this book over, and have chosen more than one pattern to try. the patterns and directions are clear and concise.



4. This is a fabulous book for making cute two-dimensional dolls! Since the recommended fabric for these dolls is jersey knit- I use old t-shirts to make them! Recycling and crafting all in one! Most of the patterns in this book are recommended to enlarge on a photocopier- or you can make smaller versions without enlarging. These dolls are great to hand sew- making it a great little craft for all ages!



5. This is the first doll book I've been interested in. The instructions are funny, simple and easy to follow. I've made the spacey bear and the panda and both are just adorable. Planning on making them all! I wish the full size patterns were included (you have to use a copy machine to enlarge some of them). Happy crafting.

5 comments about World of Knitted Toys.

1. There are some cute ideas in here, but the major fluctuations in scale are just annoying. Also, none of the patterns are knitted in the round, which would make much more sense and you wouldn't have these big ugly scars on one side of every animal.



2. I have been knitting for about a year & found these patterns to be very manageable. I showed the book to my sister to see which animals my niece & nephew might want & she said, "I don't know about them, but I want the platypus!" I made it for her & she loves it. I'll make something for the kids next.
   
   There are a lot of seams to sew after you knit up all the pieces, but if you knit in the round instead of flat you can eliminate a lot of the tedious seam work.



3. This book is packed with adorable animals to knit. I am knitting the Kangaroo right now for a gift for a two-year old little boy, and it is coming out really cute so far. My recommendation is to take the pattern and write notes, line by line, to keep track of how many stitches you should have on various rows and what the number in Parentheses should be (it might say, "with the number in parentheses 1 less each time or 2 more each time). I wrote out line-by-line instructions for myeself and use a stitch counter and am doing well with this pattern. Her pictures are beautiful and she is so creative!!! A must have for any knitter who likes to knit toys.



4. This book is packed with wonderful patterns and projects. There is every type of animal in all range of sizes. Best of all the designs are wonderful and detailed so that you can easily tell which animals are which (other patterns I've seen you can't tell a dog from a bear). These are great! What fun for the knitter and the person receiving the knit gift of love!



5. As a doll and critter knitter from way back, I have a shelf full of knitted toy and doll books and loose patterns, but this one tops them all! What a great collection of well illustrated, patterns, clear and easy to follow. For those of us addicted to 4 dpn knitting in the round, most of the head-body and leg and arm directions are easily adapted to that method as. Patterns call for double knit yarn but also work well with sport weight yarn. I've learned a few new and very useful tricks as well. Somewhat experienced beginners should have no trouble turning out critters they'll be proud of, and the rest of us will knit critters we never expected to. I've only made 4 so far, but am well on my way to at least a year of knitting fun with this book.

5 comments about The Cute Book.

1. This book is great for what it is but I thought there would be a bit more variety. There are plenty of different types of little animals to make but they are almost all made of a tiny stuffed body and head with flat felt arms and legs. Sure they are cute, but I won't make more than one of these so it isn't worth the cost.



2. The title of this book is really appropriate. This is such a cute book! The instructions and illustrations are so clear, even a 5 yr old could follow them. Coincidentally, this is also the age I would recommend this book to. Anyone with small children who can follow simple craft instructions would love this book. My 4 yr old was so excited when we received it in the mail, immediately flipping through the pages and figuring out what he wanted first! LOL Actually, I suppose kids up to Pre-teen and burnt out adults who are looking for a simple "no stress" weekend craft project would like this too! All in all, it's just a silly, fun and CUTE book that really has no purpose but brightens up your day. =)



3. This is the first book in the Aranzi Aronzo "Let's Make Cute Stuff" series and the title says it all. This book contains patterns for making 19 different little felt Aranzi Aronzo dolls (if you aren't familiar with the Aranzi Aronzo characters, check out the Aronzo website, www.aranziaronzo.com - they're sort of like the Sanrio/Hello Kitty characters, only with more personality). Each doll is about 3-4 inches in height and they are very easy to make. I've made two of them so far, and each took me only a couple of hours. The book, itself, is beautifully presented, it is in full colour, with fully illustrated instructions (these illustrations make the instructions so easy to follow that you don't even need to read the words).
   
   People who enjoy this book should also consider purchasing the other books in this series: Aranzi Aronzo Cute Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff) (which contains patterns for larger versions of the Aronzo characters featured in this book), Aranzi Aronzo Fun Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff) and Aranzi Cute Stuff; as well as Lovable Mini-Dolls, which is not an Aronzo book but contains patterns for making Japanese felt dolls.



4. On the first day I had this book I made six mascots! What a fun and satisying book this is. You need only felt, embroidery thread, glue, and needle and scissors! My 8 and 10 year old daughters could make them and my 4 year old son loves playing with them. Wool felt or partial wool felt works better than acrylic felt since it's easier to cut and looks neater and less fuzzy than acrylic felt.



5. Crew currently making sock dolls and wanted a book to help me with how to attach arms and legs and ideas for clothes. I thought this was such a book that really the patterns aren't anything you could use as they are too small and the instructions aren't very good or complete. I don't really like the book and wish I could return it

5 comments about Softies: Simple Instructions for 25 Plush Pals.

1. "Softies" is everything that the similarly themed Plush You!: Lovable Misfit Toys to Sew and Stuff should have been. This book provides a range of soft toy patterns (mostly sewn, although one is crocheted and two are needle felted) from an array of soft toy artists with detailed instructions on how to make them (the problem with "Plush You!" was that the instructions and patterns were omitted). The patterns were designed by artists from all around the world, although many of them seem to be in the "cute" style that is commonly associated with Japanese craft books, even those designed by non-Japanese (not that there's anything wrong with that - I am particularly fond of Japanese-style crafts).
   
   The best thing about this book is that it is incredibly user friendly. It is spiral bound, and rather than having the patterns printed on the pages of the book (forcing the user to either photocopy or trace them, which can often result in the book being damaged), the patterns are printed on loose pieces of paper which are enclosed in a big envelope at the back of the book.
   
   Given the range of patterns in this book, it is likely that you will find at least one toy that you would like to make, which, as far as I'm concerned, makes this book good value.



2. I bought this book after seeing the bunnies; thought they'd be cute for my nieces for Easter. My husband looked at the book and wants me to make the whale (without the bird on its head) and the robot. I'd love to try the needle-felting projects and there are a few others that I'm sure I'll make. I am an advanced beginner sewer and I think I could make all but the most complex of the projects (the adorable plaid dog).



3. I don't actually own this book as of yet, but I can not wait!! Right now I am hooked on "Aranzi Aronzo Cute Dolls (Let's Make Cute Stuff)" by Aranzi Aronzo and Rui Munakata. I am sure that my niece and new nephew appricate getting a custom doll every time I visit!! These books are so great not only for what they have to offer but they inspire soooo much in the imagination. I have created my own patterns too. It is easy once you see how simple everything is constructed.... but still the books are sooo worth it since everything in them are SOO CUTE!!



4. first it's beautifully designed. the softies are varied and interesting.
   i am very happy with this choice of book



5. I bought this book after making about half a dozen sock monsters.....I went straight in the for the hard stuff (Double Scoop, Ice cream cone). This particular guy was a bit difficult to completely sew by hand...but it can be done. This book will challenge and impress you.

No comments about Wool Pets: Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and a Barbed Needle.

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

1. I am new at needle felting, but this book explains each step very clearly. The book includes photos and drawings along with very clear descriptions. They even show and tell you what you need for each product. This is a great book for anyone interested in learning this craft.

5 comments about Sock and Glove: Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-Off Socks and Gloves.

1. I love this book! The pictures are so whimsical. I have recommended it to several other crafty people that I know.
   The directions are very clear and the product - well, now I can create my own "folk art"!! At Easter time all the little people that I know got these zany looking rabbbits made from gloves...



2. I found this book very helpful in creating stuffed animals. The instructions are simple and easy to follow. There are also many various animals to choose from. I recommend it highly.



3. I LOVE sock dolls, and now i LOVE glove dolls too!This book is by far my most favorite book ever on making this type of doll. It is a must have for anyone interested in starting this craft.



4. This book is awesome. The toys are easy to make - some of them have been completed by my children aged 9 and 11 years old. There is only basic equipment required to make the toys and the stitching is easy. Step by step instructions of each toy and clothes to fit are also provided.
   
   A great gift for someone with young children or a baby on the way. I am going to make these for my friends who are expecting. They will make great cheap gifts for all - christmas, birthday etc. My children have enjoyed raiding their old socks to make new friends...



5. This book was prefect. I was novice sewer with only little sewing knowledge when I bought this book. It was worth a million bucks. The instructions were easy to follow and within two days of buying the book I was sewing each of my friends two or three little sock and glove animals.
   It's great for last second gifts, birthday presents, and Christmas gifts.
   Who doesn't want a cute, little cuddly friend?
   I made myself three.
   I liked the way the book was setup in story format. Instead of just instructions there was colorful photography and a storyline.
   I'd recommend this for anyone from beginners to experts. Even months later, after I've had much more sewing experience I enjoy using the book and making more stuff animals!