Knitted Animal Friends: Over 40 knitting patterns for adorable animal dolls, their clothes and accessories

I pre-ordered the book because I couldn’t resist the picture on the front cover. Inside is a treasure trove of thirteen knitted personalities, complete with fabulous wardrobes. I just finished the first (just in time for a granddaughter’s birthday - no, I’m not sitting here with a bunch of cats, seeking to knit my own family, although that would be ok too) and, while it was quite a bit of work, the result is really worth it. The animals are more like puppets, 16 inches tall and great to hold or pose. The clothes all fit perfectly, even the shoes. I’m a fairly experienced knitter, so the knitting part was easy. The patterns call for knitting the body parts flat on straight needles and then sewing the seams. Next one, I might try knitting them on sock needles in the round because my seams are not an example of neatness. Beautiful book, great patterns, many helpful pictures and hints. The patterns are very detailed and lead to a well-finished result. I’ve knitted stuffed toys/animals before, but this one really stands out. Very, very nice!

I purchased the book in late 2020 and made George the dog. I wasn't able to find the exact yarn for his trousers at the time. I have since found an equivalent from the same manufacturer. I always purchase extra yarn for these projects as I ran out of yarn on the first pair of trousers I made for George. I use the yarns and colors recommended by the designer when possible so I can get a feel for the designer's original vision. I know many people choose to knit parts of these animals in the round and I did try this the second time I made 'George', however I prefer knitting flat and seaming, especially for the limbs. Since I knit with a very tight tension, I find it gives the pieces a better shape. I take breaks between animal projects. I find knitting such small pieces can be hard on arthritic hands. The book - I wish the print was larger and darker. Unfortunately for those of us with vision shortfalls, this can be quite challenging. It would be helpful if the book opened flat. One has to weigh down the pages in effect destroying the binding, to keep it open. There are some errors in the book, but these were minor and I found corrections in Ravelry just by looking at the specific animals. I would like to see more stitch counts on rows, so I know I'm on the right track. I'm one of those people who feel I shouldn't have to do any math when I look at a pattern. Spell it out for me. That's why I buy a pattern. I did see some posts noting the patterns are more complicated than necessary; in my opinion, I found them efficient. Who is this book for - I think anyone who can knit, purl, increase and decrease and has a local yarn shop close by or an intermediate/experienced knitter who is ready for something that may be something different than a typical sweater, hat or mittens. It's a learning experience, for any knitter. One does need patience and needs to be able to follow directions. Read the entire pattern before knitting the 1st stitch. Know that you'll improve with every stitch and every finished project. One thing I find really disappointing - impossible to reach the designer. What's the point of putting a contact email on a website if you're never going to respond. I get people get busy, but don't forget who supports your business. Overall, I enjoy these projects and obviously love the end result and will likely continue to do more of these projects from this book since I already have the yarn. My brother saw all of the projects I'd made and was absolutely in awe - of course I'm making one for him as a surprise.

Really enjoying this book and its fun patterns. My first attempt was with George the Dog. I used scrap yarn I already had to be certain I could understand directions, and complete. I did and now have ordered the suggested yarn for another George. As another reviewer mentioned they inserted a wooden dowel between body and head for stability. I did too. I used a 8" chopstick and worked great. I doubt the head will sit well without this added measure. I did use Knitpicks 100% cotton SHINE yarn on body and really like it. Its recommended for toys. Surprise will be that this is actually a larger finished piece in size than the cover photo on book appears. I also suggest you copy the Abbreviations page to refer to while knitting. And visit writers webpage www.boobiloo.co.uk to copy her tutorial pages for clearer instructions on some stitches. I needed these for the, PCDD stitch, and it became clear how to correctly master. Also get 16" circular needles in the sizes recommended. As well as set of double pointed and straights. I'm an experienced knitter but not top notch for difficult sweaters sizing etc. Yet I mastered George to my satisfaction. A must is to Block each body piece before stitching as the edges roll. The Mattress stitch works well for all items. Only item I can't locate is really good toy filling. I used the polyester and stuffed tight but am on a search for better material. Hope this helps. Enjoy this treasure of a book, its the most detailed clearly explained knitting pattern book I've E V E R had. Thanks to the creator, Louise Crowther.

This author is AMAZING. I have made several of these dolls and each one comes out so adorable that I have trouble letting them go. It’s also fun that you can make any outfit for any doll since their bodies are exactly the same size. Can’t wait to try all the patterns.

FINALLY I’m near to completing my third animal. George and Tilly are being loved by baby while I currently complete Dorothy’s outfit. Each detail has some stitch learning opportunities. Dorothy it’s her shoes … but I’ve learned to have confidence in the instructions and keep going. Miraculously the detailed instructions work out and the shape emerges. I’ve learned so much shaping from these patterns … not to mentioned the joy of the knitted dolls for the baby. In short these are very worth while projects. Good luck! AT LAST Several months later …I received all the materials and I’ve successfully completed GeorgeTheDog in time for baby shower. He turned out great! Changed review to 5 stars. I did run out of the dark blue color for his jeans and had to improvise with some old yarn for a couple of rows and missed out the pockets. I think I took the instruction to leave long strands to weave in rather too seriously. I’m much more confident to knit another of the animals now that George is leading the way. REVISED REVIEW OK it might be a COVID supply chain problem - I eventually was able to order yarn from E.T.S.Y. And multiple sets of needles so I’m looking forward to starting my project in a week or so. As I was reading the patterns it occurred to me that since I’m knitting for a baby it would be great if instructions had included discussion of using knitted knots instead of buttons and toys had embroidered eyes. I can look up instructions on the web but this is a safety tip/reminder if you’re giving the toy to a little one. ORIGINAL REVIEW This is a very nice book and I’m looking forward to knitting but I simply cannot find even on the web and from the manufacturer the colors of cotton the author recommends. Specifically for George The Dog I can’t find Catona Rosewood 258 or Catona Denim Dark Blue Mix 150. I can’t even find equivalents. Can someone advise? Can’t even get in touch with author or ask questions via Amazon listings.

The animals in this book are too adorable for words, but they are by no means easy, and I consider myself an experienced knitter. Nevertheless, I am on my second animal, George the dog, having almost completed Charlotte the Fox. Attaching the head on Charlotte was not clearly explained and e-mails to the author go unanswered. To keep the head from flopping around I inserted a small diameter dowel up into the head and down into the body. The author must have done something similar to get the poses that are in the pictures, that clearly was not a procedure on the book, however, so if the author reads this review, maybe she will explain. I do plan to make all of them eventually.

The instructions, photos, and knitting patterns are detailed and going row by row, doable. I am gaining confidence as I continue. The gauge using all author recommended yarns and needles, has been perfect. Have just finished the last body part for Tilly the hare I had about 3 yards leftover yarn A, but it was enough so I am very happy. About the Scheepjes yarn, I usually dislike knitting with cotton, but this yarn feels very soft, never splits (with my sharp pointy needles) and has enough give to spare my arthritic wrists. My only suggestion, the book paper weight is perfect but I had difficulty keeping the page open to my project. I’d pay $4-$5 more for a wire-bound version. I solved the problem by tearing apart all pages, trimming them, punching holds and putting them in a 3 ring binder. I am very happy with this purchase.

Not only are there beautiful patterns for the animals and clothing, but the extras such as detailed how tos are a bonus! Love them all. Only problem is which on do I make up first!