June 13
'500 toys to Knit, Crochet, felt & Sew' by Nguyen Le is such a cute irresistable book with funny, whacky and tasteful toys to suit every taste and whim. Like '500 crochet blocks', reviewed previously, there are suggested variations for almost all the toys with five projects, some of which are radically different and therefore increase the project count considerably. The suggestions do not have images to illustrate them like the main projects do, so you will need to use your imagination if you are a visual person. The toys are brilliant and I love the ballerina. I also love that the toys range from a tasteful ballerina to a sewn breakfast. Not that a sewn breakfast isn't tasteful. Obviously it's not in that way...moving on... There are 25 pages of helpful instructions at the start of the book. Templates, when needed, are included on the pages the project is on and you will need access to a photocopier which enlarges images to make them big enough. The book advises the reader to use 'Brown Sheep' yarn which is sold in America, but the great thing with toys is that you can use pretty much any yarn and, if you are not bothered about size, skip the tension swatch! Of course another great thing about making toys is that any yarn or fabric scraps you have left over from other large projects will be great for this book. Many of the knitted or crocheted toys only need a ball of yarn to make.
* sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *
Oct 13
When it comes to knitting for kids, it's definitely a case of so many toys, so little time! Well, here's a book to help you pack more fun into your knitting days, with patterns for 500 teeny toys... so you can make as many as is humanly possible! There are traditional toys such as a rattle (crocheted), as well as more contemporary ones including a racoon mask (felted). All the designs have easy to follow instructions.
* Knit Today *
Sept 13
This is a small format but tubby book filled with toys, 500 of them to be exact. As the title explains there are several ways of making them and a toy for all occasions and ages, as well as plenty of attractive and eye-catching ornaments to appeal to the adults. If the word toys makes you imagine just soft toys then think again, for in here are all kinds of decorations, playthings and even garments to make. The book starts by giving a helpful list of what you need for a basic kit to make the projects and why you need each item. There is a short refresher course too for those wanting to brush up on essential skills, whether casting on or the stitches you need to know for knitting, crochet basics, needle felting in one page and simple stitches. Find out how to read the patterns, tips on stuffing and age suitability as well as abbreviations. Then it is on with the patterns themselves which take up the bulk of this book. These are divided into sections not on how they are made, but on themes such as first toys (for babies), animals, play food, dolls, costumes, toy versions of everyday items and things to use for sports and fitness. Each section also has a useful part at the end giving variations on the items and at the end of the book the index indicates which project is made using which of the four methods, a nice touch. Projects are all laid out in the same manner with a full page photograph of the finished item on one side and instructions the other. Skill level would be improvers upwards, although most of the projects are delightfully simple. Choose from finger puppets, dinosaurs, a pirate, cuddly cupcake, knitted car, felt crown and more. Not sure about a favorite but the knitted donut makes a wonderful bun ring!
* Myshelf.com *
May 2015
As a crafter I love books that put everything together. This book using knit, crochet, felt & sew to put together a collection of 500 toys. This book is jam packed full of different fun and interesting toys to make. You don't get full patterns for all 500 but you are given a section giving full instructions and then instructions how to alter that pattern to make it into something similar.
The knit and crochet patterns are in written format and are easy to follow. The felt and sewing patterns include the pattern diagrams but these have to be increased by photo copying. There is a fantastic mix of toys that can be used for girls and boys. There is enough of a mix so that everyone should be kept happy. Some of the patterns can also be used as decoration around the house. They are fun and cute and with such a varied mix you are bound to find something you want to make.
The book is split into sections;
First Toys
Animals & Creatures
Play Food
Dolls
Costumes
Everyday Objects
Games & Fitness
There are just so many fun projects I don't know where to start. I love that some are educational, some are fun and then others help you to get your kids up and playing. I also love the fact that different ages have been covered. So many toy books focus on one age range but this book covers numerous years for you. I also love the face that in every section each of the mediums is covered.
No matter which type of craft you prefer you will be covered. I also love the fact that if you want to make something from the book and you don't know to there is a section of the book that teaches
you everything you need to know. It's a jam packed book full of fun, interesting and cute ideas.
You can read the full review and more http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2015/05/500-toys-book-review.html
* Crochet Addict UK *
May 13
This is a small format but tubby book filled with toys - 500 of them to be exact. As the title explains there are several ways of making them and a toy for all occasions and ages, as well as plenty of attractive and eye-catching ornaments to appeal to the adults. If the word toys makes you imagine just soft toys then think again, for in here are all kinds of decorations, playthings and even garments to make. The book starts by giving a helpful list of what you need for a basic kit to make the projects and why you need each item. There is a short refresher course too for those wanting to brush up on essential skills, whether casting on or the stitches you need to know for knitting, crochet basics, needle felting in one page and simple stitches. Find out how to read the patterns, tips on stuffing and age suitability as well as abbreviations. Then it is on with the patterns themselves which take up the bulk of this book. These are divided into sections not on how they are made, but on themes such as first toys (for babies), animals, play food, dolls, costumes, toy versions of everyday items and things to use for sports and fitness. Each section also has a useful part at the end giving variations on the items and at the end of the book the index indicates which project is made using which of the four methods, a nice touch. Projects are all laid out in the same manner with a full page photograph of the finished item one side and instructions the other. Skill level would be improvers upwards, although most of the projects are delightfully simple. Choose from finger puppets, dinosaurs, a pirate, cuddly cupcake, knitted car, felt crown and more. Not sure about a favorite but the knitted donut makes a wonderful bun ring!
* Myshelf.com *
