Customer Reviews

Itty-Bitty Toys: How to Knit Animals, Dolls, and Other Playthings for Kids

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you like to knit toys, you need this book in your knitting library, plain and simple. There is a huge variety of yarn weight, toy and pattern types in this book, and the adorability factor is off the charts. The section on knitting toys with sock yarn is one of my favorites, not only because of how cute the toys are, but because sock yarn is such a rich canvas for a knitter. (And for those of us who don't like to knit socks, how wonderful to have a fresh excuse to plunge into the sock yarn section!) The two patterns jockeying for top spot in my queue are the Hippo (in sock yarn!) and the Giraffe pictured on the cover, but there are plenty of others tugging at my needles too. One of the best toy knitting books out there.

June 25, 2010 Update: It's been several months since I first reviewed this book, and I wanted update my review to show that I'm still incredibly enthusiastic about this book! I've now made several toys from the book, and there are more on my summer knitting list. The patterns have all been well-written and so much fun to finish. I just really like Susan B. Anderson's aesthetic and instructions. The instructions are clear but concise, and they encourage confidence. This is the longest I've kept any knitting book on my "always handy" shelf or in my knitting bag, and I've made more patterns from it than from any other book. It's also fun because the finished toys always get rave reviews and amazed reactions when others see them. This is definitely money well-spent!

Original review (October 2009): I love this book! I load up on knitting books because I start projects in rapid succession and also because I like to dream about what I'll make someday, and this book is easily one of my favorite knitting books ever. The toys are fun, and I think they'd be appreciated by kids of any age (and even by the young-at-heart). The toys also seem original and fresh to me. The patterns are well-written and easy to follow. And the first toy that I started (New Sock Monkey) has been knitting up quickly this week, so I may actually finish one of the toys I've started for my 9-month-old! Overall, this is an excellent book and a really amazing price for the collection of toys you get. Oh, and there are five "reversible" toys that are really unique, at least among knitting patterns that I've seen.

Concur with prior reviewer on the chance to use the sock yarn on something that isn't a sock. I received the book this weekend and I still haven't decided which project to start with. I love the hippo and the giraffe but what really intrigues me is the section on reversible toys. The Lion that flips over and becomes an elephant looks like so much fun.

The book itself has lots of color pictures and like the author's prior books has a spiral binding that lets the pages lay flat. Since I haven't started a project yet, I can't comment on errata.

I have the entire collection of Susan B Anderson books and this one is just as wonderful as the others. All the toys in the book seem simple enough to knit even for beginners. The book gives clear instructions on how to knit with double pointed needles, explains knitting abbreviations with images for the visual learners, and it even gives you toy knitting tips. The toys are separated into chapters. There's the "Quick and Easy" chapter, "Sock-yarn toys" chapter, "Take-action Toys" chapter which incluldes toys that you bounce, toss, pull and push. There's also "Classic Toys Revisited" chapter which takes you back in time to the original toys, such as princess and the pea, and nesting dolls. And the last chapter which is my favorite the "Reversibles" toys.
You will absolutely love this book!

Whether you knit the toys for kids or for decoration around the house, Itty Bitty Toys is a great book to add to your bookshelf.

I love this book. I have made the santa and bag. I plan on making the mouse next. My 9 yr old grand daughter loves the santa and he will sit on a shelf of honor in the family room all year.

I am not so good at multi-needle patterns. The instructions were simply straight-forward and I had no problems with making Santa. I do enough knitting on a budget that I don't opt for the expensive yarns. I used Red Heart worsted weight yarn purchased at the local Wal-Mart and size 4 needles purchased at a flea market with excellent results. I used round beads for the eyes and pulled the threads taut for a little (needle sculpting) different look.

My biggest complaint about any knitting instruction pattern is the loyalty to a certain type or brand of yarn. I always try to adapt the patterns to use the yarn I prefer or have access to. This book adapts well.

I am pleased to see so many reviews on this book. Some of the patterns seem very simple, maybe too simple. But I also enjoy this approach because I can take any pattern and add my own touch to create something by my own hand and vision. I have already found a little golden book containing the story of The Princess and the Pea and will make this simple little doll. Many children enjoy a simple toy and again, I can fancy it up a little. The simplicity allows me a spring board of sorts for my own creativity.

The baby doll is the cutest I have ever seen in knit. I will have to make that for the fair project of the year.

I plan on attacking the bird/egg/nest set for Easter baskets. Those are a bit more challenging and more than cute.

I love all the sock yarns but don't make socks (as of yet anyway). So I welcome the idea of making a monkey or bear out of the stuff.

Lastly I would like to applaud the size and design of the book overall. The book is easy to hold in my lap and opens flat due to the spiral binding. It is easy to stuff in my rather small to go knitting bag. I actually covered the book in a school book cover to protect the pretty cover and hide my current obsession.

I have to admit to being a lazy knitter. On numerous occasions I've started a project without finishing it, either because I get bored or become frustrated by confusing instructions. But even so, I love this book. I just finished two koala bears, and I can't wait to start on a bunny. The bears were so cute as they came together that I couldn't put my needles down. (And, I'd never used double-pointed needles before, but the instructions are very clear.) The other thing I like is that so many of the projects are appealing. I rarely buy knitting books b/c usually I only like one or two of the patterns, but I can imagine trying about 75% of the toys in this book.

Love the book! I am currently knitting one of the dolls (never used double pointed needles but the instructions are well written and so far so good) that is so cute. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the projects in this book and am looking forward to using this book and recommend it.

I have purchased all of the itty bitty books and love every one of them. i have made the lamb and the bear from the itty bitty toys and they turned out unbelievably adorable. everyone i show them to, wants me to make them for their grand kids or friends so they can give them away as gifts.

the patterns are easy to follow and susan explains the pattern with careful detail. i actually have never knitted patterns that are so well written and easy to follow. it is so much fun to watch as the animal/toy begins to take shape and when you are finished, you have a beautiful gift to give to some very lucky child.

you can get free patterns from lions brand yarn...but believe me, the patterns from this book are well worth the price. i am so happy that i purchased it and i have been thoroughly enjoying making these little critters.

I just love all Susan B. Andersons knitting instruction books. The directions are clearly written, the illustrations or pictures make following the directions so easy. And, the toys are adorable - just the right size for little hands, all of which lend them to the development of imaginative play.

As usual, Susan Anderson has written a wonderful book. Her patterns are clear and easy to follow and such cute designs. Have already finished the little Christmas mouse and its adorable. I can't say enough nice things about all her knitting books.