Review: Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys

Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys: 
Magical Two-in-One Reversible Projects 

by Susan B. Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I had the opportunity to review this book thanks to NetGalley. 
As part of the review it made sense to actually make something from the book. It was a spur of the moment decision and the first pattern, "Happy Mouse Sad Mouse" was not only the easiest but the most accommodating for random yarn colors. I had loads of fun working on this toy. Especially when my daughter kept asking me about it as I was knitting away, trying to get me to hurry up. I had already told her it was going to be a toy and, yes, she could have it. 

So the easiest part was knitting the bulk of the body. 

The interesting part was picking up stitches for the arms/legs and the hands. 

The difficult part was knitting the piece for the nose and attaching it. 

The tedious part was weaving in all the loose ends and embroidering the faces on. 

I definitely plan on making something else from this book. 

It was fun (I know I said that already but it it really was)!

Here is the finished mouse...

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I also want to say that I wouldn't be creating and having so much fun if it wasn't for my wonderful friend and Local Needle Shop (LNS) owner, Cathy.

Here is the FaceBook page for the shop.

Review: Knit Your Socks on Straight

Knit Your Socks on Straight: A New and Inventive Technique with Just Two Needles; 20 Original Designs 
by Alice Curtis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Overall:
The pictures were good and useful. The pattern I used was clearly written and well explained. The techniques were not too complicated, and the novelty of knitting straight was enough of a hook (pardon the pun) that I was excited to try making a sock. This was also my first ever sock...

"Wrapped in Hugs" pattern
It was much easier to knit the sock not having to Battle with DPN's, I was just very hesitant about how easy or hard the joining would be at the end. I didn't pin like I was advised to as I didn't have pins and got a little lazy, but I think. Managed very well. This was a fun enough sock to make that I am actually going to make the right sock now. I wasn't sure if I was actually pin to make a pair or just one to show off. I made the large size and its a little big on me. Perfect for around the house or in boots, but not in sneakers.
I may try the baby booties next. If/when I do, I will append to this review.
(Reviewed on Ravelry)

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And finally a post that ISN'T a book review . . .

I have finally finished the first of my 15 items for my Crazy January Challenge. It is Lizzie*Kate's "Cinderella is Proof" and is too cute.  I also had my first WIP framed for the year in time for it to be entered into the Osceola County Fair where I have been told it received a blue ribbon. All of us from my LNS are going down there on Wednesday evening so I'll take pictures.  Then (yes there's more) the chart came in for the Scottie Dog models we stitched for JBW Designs. Mine was NOT picked for the chart itself but all of us that submitted a model were named on the chart. I thought that was so awesome! I am now concentrating on knitting another baby hat for Caps for Good Charity as they are due before the end of February.
Please check out the link for more information.

Caps for Good

I finally finished a knitting project. Yay! Granted it was a small one, but I knitted 2 hats (so far) for a charity called Warm Up America/Caps For Good. The goal is to knit caps for infants in some of the world's poorest countries to help them survive their critical first month of life.
This campaign runs through February 2011 and is a most worthwhile cause.
Here are my caps I made . . .

 

I didn't have a child hanging around with a head small enough for the caps to fit, so the baby doll had to suffer through the modeling session. Poor baby !!!!
If you are interested in participating in Caps For Good just follow the link and get involved.