Wednesday 24 April 2013

Book Review - Mini Amigurumi

Book Review - Mini Amigurumi by Sara Scales Published by Guild Of Master Craftsman (GMC) Publications Ltd

(Cover image copyright GMC Publications Ltd)

Ready for a bit of cute overload? Love crochet? Then this is the book for you! I've mentioned before how I am a bit of a sucker for all things in miniature, I'm also a big fan of all things Japanese so looking through Sara Scales Mini Amigurumi book was a total treat. However, I would certainly not count myself a crochet expert, I can just about hook a line or two and make the occasional flower after a few false starts but that is really it. So I was keen to see if even a novice like myself could make something cute and dinky.


Look at those cuties! Amigurumi is the art of making crochet, or sometimes knitted, stuffed animals and figures, it started in Japan but has spread worldwide. This book looks at miniaturising Amigurumi and Sara Scales says in her introduction that she was looking to use them for dolls house work initially. She soon found other uses for them and she gives lots of tips on what to do with them including jewellery making. Ahhh if only I had her skill!

I did try to make some items, I went with the heart pattern first as it seemed the simplest, but alas my crocheting skills are not up to snuff and need a lot more practice. She suggests starting at a larger scale and scaling down, she gives examples of how to scale the yarn and crochet needle size which is very useful. I started at a middle size as they were the needles and yarns that I had to hand, but I do need to work at it!


The book itself measures 20.8 cm square and 1 cm thick and holds patterns for 30 super cute critters and items and I've already picked the ones I want to make when my skills have improved. There is a technique section in the back that shows you how to make your slip knot and do basic stitches and it is one of the clearest I've seen for crochet books. The pictures are very cute and as you can see quite enticing!


These kitties are top of my to do list!

Anyone who already crochets and wants to try something a little different I would say that this book is right up your street. If you are a beginner looking for a new hobby and happy to do a bit of practising I would also suggest giving this book a whirl.

The book is part of the GMC Publications Cozy series and can be found in Amazon.co.uk or over at Amazon.com.

Right, I'm off to do some more crochet!

Catch you later.

Kim

(Just so you know – this book was sent to me by GMC Publications to review. My views are honest, unbiased and unpaid, well other than a free copy of the book that is!)

[There are some affiliate links in this blog post, so if you buy through them I do get a small amount of money at no extra cost to yourself. Thanks for your support!]

4 comments:

  1. What a fabulous book...Full of wonderful crochet Makes... Hugs May x x x

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  2. I have two Amigurumi books. And I have crocheted some 'beasts', I love those little creatures. They also invite you to create your own ones ... be careful you might become hooked (lol)

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  3. My library has a new knitting group, who I think are doing some crochet too. Shall have to tell them about this book. Too cute!

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  4. Thank you for your lovely comments. From sara scales xx

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