What a fantastic book. The toys have individual characters that are appealing. The knitted clothes can be mixed between all the toys. The author has kept sewing up to a minimum by creating seamless knitting for a lot of the items. My biggest endorsement is I AM GOING TO BUY THIS BOOK.

Knitted Animal Friends is a comprehensive tutorial book with patterns for knitting soft toys, specifically anthropomorphic animals and includes a multitude of clothing, accessories and alternatives for customizing each one. Due out 28th May 2019 from Sewandso UK, it'll be 128 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

One thing that struck me about the book on a first read-through was the incredible attention to detail. Everything from the photography lighting down to the typesetting contributes to a cohesive and appealing whole. The detail and quality of the photography are superlative. There are 13 base animals included, and they're all made to the same basic size, so their accessories are mix-and-match, leaving you with a -huge- number of possible permutations. Add in color differences and readers could literally customize a massive wardrobe for a lucky recipient.

The shaping details are clever and incorporated into the patterns. There book includes basic instructions toward the back, but I would not recommend absolute beginners begin with the dolls as a first project, especially if they're knitting in a vacuum. I would recommend starting with accessories first such as scarves or shoes before tackling the more difficult dolls, or at least have a local knitting guru on speed dial (I recommend having a local knitting guru on speed dial, anyhow)!

I do a great deal of charity knitting for the pediatric and neonatal ICU at the local hospital. I also do some knitting for a local shelter for older kids who find themselves in crisis . I'm always looking for new ways to customize the soft toys I knit and these are perfect. They are full of personality and sweet little details (like button holes for tails and ears). They're really well constructed with beautiful contour knitted forms.

I knitted a couple ears from two patterns, as well as a scarf and the French knickers (p. 108 in the eARC), and found them problem-and-error free.

Five very very enthusiastic stars. What a wonderful book!

This is a great and easy book for anyone who would like to knit some lovely animal soft toys for the little children in your life.
It starts with a basic body pattern with the addition of different heads or characteristics. There are thirteen animals from a fox, squirrel, ram, cat, horse, mouse, duck and more, with the knitted soft toys there are patterns for clothing and shoes, which again are "one fit all" and are beautiful and easy to make. All the instructions are laid out well, easy to follow and understood. The book itself is beautifully presented and photographed. A lovely book all round.

The animals in this book are super cute. The book is well organised, with sections such as tools and materials. There are detailed instructions, which are easy to follow, and techniques. Needles are given in UK and US sizes. The bodies of each animal are the same, with additional instructions for the parts that make the different animals. I can’t wait to start knitting.

Knitted Animal Friends
Over 40 Knitting Patterns for Adorable Animal Dolls, Their Clothes and Accessories by Louise Crowther is a book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary.
This book has the cutest knitted animals in it! It is not for the very beginner because it doesn't show you how to knit. If you already know how and can read a written instructive pattern then this is perfect for you! Each animal comes with a list of all the items you will need for the project along with the knitting pattern. There are tons of pictures throughout the book! Each animal has shirts, underpants, some have shoes, a purse, etc. It is all so adorable!
If I planned to give the doll to someone under 3, I would embroidery the eyes instead of using buttons and use Velcro instead of buttons on the clothes.
This is a gorgeous book! My favorite is the ram and the hedgehog!

Really beautiful book of knitted animals, with some more unusual ones, not just the usual rabbit or teddy. Lots of intricate detailing on the clothes, lace detail, even fairisle, gorgeous shoes etc. Good clear instructions, easy to follow. It would be really hard to choose which ones to knit, but maybe...knit them all!

Note: I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.

I love crafting for my kids, even though they might not always appreciate it. I love the idea of making toys for my kids, cuddlies and other things. When this book of knitted animal dolls came up for review I couldn't resist. These gorgeous dolls with changeable clothes and accessories are so cute, I am sure our kids would love to have one.

There are patterns for 13 different animals. The book starts out with patterns for the standard body parts (body (with three different fronts and a patch), arms and legs (with two different feet). Then for each animal the patterns for the head and ears is given, and for the clothes that the animal is wearing. Because all animals are based on the same standard body it is easy to mix and match all clothes and accessories. Lots of pictures are provided to show color placement, placement and assembly of different elements and other important details. At the end of the book the patterns for the shoes and shorts are grouped together because they are reused for several animals.

The book starts with a very short list of materials and tools, and a detailled list of used abbreviations. Experienced knitters can dive right in. For those who need a little bit more help, techniques are explained. This includes help with the assembly (with lot's of pictures, I love it) and the more complicated techniques (including picking up stitches, intarsia, fair isle and casting on). The book does not cover the basic knit stitches. The bodys of the animals are worked flat and seemed up, some of the clothes and accessories are worked in the round.

The patterns in this book are very cute, and I cannot wait to knit one with several clothing options for the kids. Because of the cuteness this is a five star book for me!

The projects in this book are absolutely adorable. I haven't had a chance to actually make anything yet, so I can't speak to the accuracy of the instructions, but reading through them they seem easy enough to follow. I am so excited to try some of the animals, but what I think I love most are all the little clothes and accessories - that little purse is too cute for words. This is a fabulous resource, one I'd recommend to any intermediate or advanced knitter.

Visually appealing throughout, this is a charming and beautifully presented collection of woodland toy dolls! The patterns and color selections are timeless and classic, it's really quite brilliant and they are all so darling.

The layout is organized and detail-oriented, and the patterns are clear and concise. This book is brimming with tons of information - notes, lists, tips, charts, motifs. There's also specific yarn information included if knitters would prefer to use the exact yarn brand and weight used by the author, while also including detailed information to help substitute the yarn as closely as possible if knitters wish to opt for their own preferred brand.

Each doll begins with a two-page 'feature' including an adorably written blurb full of personality for each animal that definitely makes TY Beanie Babies come to mind (and I love that more than words can express, instant nostalgia!), and a photo of the finished doll. The photos in this book are super nice, fresh, and comfy.

The author encourages knitters to be open to creativity while knitting by experimenting with yarn colors as well as mixing and matching outfits, or changing an animals gender to personalize the doll. She encourages selecting a cotton yarn for durability, softness, being non-allergic for most people, and includes recommended washing information which is incredibly thoughtful with children in mind, as well as a safety note regarding which types of buttons and eyes are safer for children's dolls, else they could pose a choking hazard.

Towards the end there's a lengthy section with charts and step-by-step information regarding making up the body, legs, arms, head, beaks and snouts, eyes, ears, manes, horns, and tails. If desired you could easily create other woodland and fairy-tale animals not included, like bears and frogs. There's also several guides with photographs on stitching, color-work techniques, and motif charts which includes cabling and lace detail work for all your fancy-pants woodland needs. The attention to detail, especially in regards to the wardrobe, is nothing short of stunning.

This book is lovely, timeless, flawless, and would make a great book for any knitter.


A few key features:

♥ 13 animal patterns (16 in/40 cm): George the Dog, Bella the Cat, Noah the Horse, Dorothy the Mouse, Charlotte the Fox, Archie the Squirrel, Holly the Hedgehog, Maisie the Pig, Stanley the Raccoon, Tilly the Hare, Amelia the Duck, Harry the Ram, and Louis the Owl.
♥ About 6 pages dedicated to each animal.
♥ A base humanoid pattern shared by all animals for ease of knitting.
♥ Various colorway pattern options for chests/tummies, spots, and feet with charts included, so you can customize fur patterns to your liking.
♥ A lovely selection of 13 outfits and 4 shoe styles that you can mix and match, as well as a pattern for french knickers which are just the cutest ever!
♥ Outfits include: stripy sweater, denim jeans, bandana, sweet sweater, skirt, shoe lace scarf, french knickers, denim dungarees (overalls), t-shirt, ruffle tunic, capri pants, shrug (shawl), linen stitch coat complete with a collar, dress (a few different styles), messenger bag, tie t-shirt, waistcoat, cable shorts, leaf pinafore (lace dress), cardigan (a few different styles), diamond sweater, striped shorts, striped dress, shopper bag, sailor sweater, cargo shorts, cable sweater, cable joggers (sweatpants), duffle coat, t-bar shoes, sneakers, mary jane shoes, and starlet shoes.
♥ Abbreviations you should be familiar with (a bit advanced): C3B, C3F, C4B, C4F, CDD, CN, dpn(s), K, K2tog, K3tog, Kfb, kw, LH, M1, m1a, m1l, m1pl, m1pr, m1r, P, P2tog, P3tog, PCDD, Pfb, pm, PSSO, pw, RH, Rnd(s), rpt, rs, sl1, sm, SSK, SSP, SSSK, SSSP, St(s), Stocking Stitch, ws, wyib, wyif, YO.

Lovely knitted animals to make you go aah. I found the patterns easy and straight forward and well written. I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, Netgalley.com and F+W Media. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review.

Knitted Animal Friends is a beautifully designed book filled with gorgeous photography. Clear illustrations and directions make the projects easier than expected. A perfect resource book for the knitter's library.

5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Knitted Animal Friends Over 40 Knitting Patterns for Adorable Animal Dolls, Their Clothes and Accessories by Louise Crowther
Thought this was a cool idea for a book especially because it'd make a perfect Easter gift.
Highly photographed and exquisite color combinations Table of contents and tools, materials and short intro
Essential notes is a must read for this book!
What I loved are the very fine detailed fronts of the sweaters/shirts on the characters: lacy and cabling like you'd make for a human being.
Has one section on standard body parts and how to make them step by step instructions, row by row and some illustrations.
Each animal has it's own chapter where the animal is actually named. There is a brief description about the animal and then the pattern.
Deimnesions are discussed, yarn types and how to make them.
Photos are shown along the way with importnat information to make it easier for you to assemble the animals.
I like that you are encouraged to change the colors of the outfits and mix and match from the given instructions.
Use your imagination! Detail is paid attention with accessories such as small buttons, purses, belts, etc.
There are so many I want to make as gifts and for charity.
I personally think anybody who can knit and purl could make these if you have the patience.
Like that they prefer cotton as it's easier to wash and dry. Small size 2 needles are suggested, pack your patience if you don't this size often.
Some charted designs are included.
Techniques and other useful information and about the author listed at the end.
Such a cool book!
I received this review copy from F+W Media via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#KnittedAnimalFriends #NetGalley

Knitted Animal Friends is a wonderful book bursting with beautiful patterns. These patterns have been so thoughtfully designed that the clothes can be mixed and matched. There are a lot of clothes, everything from jackets to dresses to dungarees. The best thing about this book is that there is plenty for boys as well as girls. A great book to have.

I have knitted dozens of animals and whimsical figures. "Knitted Animal Friends" is one of the best pattern books I've seen! It offers patterns for 13 cute animals and birds - a dog, cat, pig, fox, duck, owl, horse, mouse, raccoon, squirrel, hare, ram, and hedgehog - along with patterns for clothes and accessories, including various types shoes. The clothing is very stylish with cable stitch motifs, lace trim, colorful stripes, textured patterns, and decorative buttons. Each critter is formed from a standard elongated body -=long arms and legs. They are as cute without clothing as they are with it. Patterns and charts are clear and easy to follow.

I loved looking at "Knitted Animal Friends" by Louise Crowther. The animals are so cute and would make the perfect companion to the child in your like. It would be hard to chose which one to make first. And I am thrilled that the clothing would fit all the animals, so you can pick the outfit that you think perfect for the recipient of the animal.

These are the most charming knitted animals! I love looking at them and at their beautiful little clothes and accessories. They’re too hard for me, but I know some really talented knitters in my department where I teach. I plan to show my knitting colleagues the book, and maybe I can inspire one or more of them to knit animals as gifts for someone’s birth. Thanks for sharing it with me! It’s lovely.

Knitted Animal Friends is a beautiful collection of knitted animal toys with over 40 knitting patterns and tips on how to design these toys.
The book offers tools and materials for making these patterns (yarn, needles, buttons, stuffing etc). Also included in this book are the standard measurements for the body parts of the animals. Each chapter consists of a short profile of the knitted animal as well as the animal's body and outfit pattern. The book is filled with beautiful photos and the patterns are easy to follow. I would recommend.

Many thanks to Louise Crowther, SewandSo, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I didn't try to knit anything but the instructions look clear and concise. The photos are gorgeous. I'd certainly like to try to make one or more of these. #KnittedAnimalFriends #NetGalley

Knitted Animal Friends is filled with beautiful projects. The photos and detailed instructions will help any crafter. The animals have such cute outfits that can be mixed and matched between the animals. This may be a bit of challenge to beginners, but the author gives step by step instructions. This is a nice addition to any knitter’s library.

This is a gorgeously formatted and photographed book of knitting projects. There are plenty of directions including a list of tools and materials and a noting of abbreviations used in the instructions. As you can see from the book's cover, each animal friend is fashionably dressed and shows personality.

The animal friends would make a perfect (purrfect?) home made gift for a baby or adult with a soft spot for critters...or make some for yourself.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this lovely book of projects. All opinions are my own.