November 2023 MBR The Needlecraft Shelf

The Needlecraft Shelf

Yarn Cake Amigurumi: 15 Cute Creatures to Crochet
Jacki Donhou
The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946678, $24.99, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Yarn-Cake-Amigurumi-Creatures-Crochet/dp/1784946672

Synopsis: "Yarn Cake Amigurumi" by crocheting expert Jacki Donhou is a collection of 15 adorable amigurumi animals and creatures to crochet using multicolored yarn cakes.

Amigurumi is the art of using crochet to make toys. The varied and fun creations in this profusely illustrated instruction guide/manual range from Biscuit, the adorably cute little duckling, and Aggie, the punkish bull, to Garrick, the mythical dragon, and Jasper, the inquisitive puppy.

All 15 the projects are made using ombre yarn cakes, which have seamless fades of color hues, from light to dark and allow the readers to crochet lots of color, without the need to constantly change yarn. These creations will stand out among the sea of solid colored amigurumi designs, with their bold, transitional striping and flair.

"Yarn CVake Amigurumi" is comprised of 15 adorable amigurumi animals to crochet with Each animal measures 5 - 10in (12.5 - 25cm) in size, making them perfect for play or display. Of special note are the clear and 'user friendly' step-by-step instructions and photographs -- making each individual project suitable for beginner or intermediate level crocheting enthusiasts.

Critique: The large format (8.1 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches, 1.05 pounds) paperback edition of "Yarn Cake Amigurumi" from GMC Publications is an ideal, fun, and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft/Crochet collections.

Editorial Note: Jacki Donhou (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/jacki-donhou) taught herself to crochet as a hobby to pass the time alongside bringing up her three children, and she has been designing amigurumi and plush patterns ever since. Her passion is to bring something unique to the crochet and yarn community that children and adult collectors alike will enjoy.

Simply Knitted Socks: 25 Beautiful Patterns to Create
Christine Boggis
The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946708, $24.99, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Knitted-Socks-Beautiful-Patterns/dp/1784946702

Synopsis: "Simply Knitted Socks: 25 Beautiful Patterns to Create" by knitting expert Christine Boggis introduces her readers to a dynamic assortment of styles from baby booties that are perfect for beginning knitters, to twisty rib socks for the more experienced knitters.

Whether your interest is in creating unique socks to wear or to present to friends and family "Simply Knitted Socks: 25 Beautiful Patterns to Create" promises hours of stress-free creative fun and relaxation for knitters everywhere and is comprised of beautiful color photography throughout. Of special note are the step-by-step illustrated guides, measurement diagrams and useful tips, and easy-to-follow instructions for a wide variety of sock styles

Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated in full color throughout, this large format (7.9 x 0.7 x 9.9 inches, 1.4 pounds) paperback edition of "Simply Knitted Socks: 25 Beautiful Patterns to Create" will prove to be a fun and highly prized addition to personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft/Knitting DIY instructional guide/manual collections.

Editorial Note: Christine Boggis (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/christine-boggis) is the editor of Knitting magazine and the author of "JOMO Knits: 21 Projects to Celebrate the Joy of Missing Out".

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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Midwest Book Review