100 flowers to knit & crochet

By Lesley Stanfield, published in 2009

Available on Amazon

The crochet and knitting patterns are pretty much divided 50/50. The first half of the book is knitting and the second half is crochet. Terms are British English, and the crochet patterns are presented both in writing and with charts. However, sometimes the written instructions do not correspond with the charts, so be sure to check both and compare with the picture... The book contains a flower directory where all the flowers are sorted by color (knitted & crocheted together) for easy reference:

There is also patterns for a few bugs and butterflies, and some fruits and vegetables:

My favorite patterns are all the leaves:

Amigurumi animals

By Annie Obaachan, published in 2008

Available on Amazon

There are 15 patterns in this book, presented both in writing and charts. Crochet terms are American. There is also a course of amigurumi-making, about shaping the parts and putting them together, which is very helpful if you are a beginner at designing your own amigurumis.

My favorite pattern is the sleepy cat:

I actually have two copies of this book, one in English and one in German. I bought the German version by mistake, because I seriously thought it was a different book. I was in a hurry and didn't look at the author's name.

The figures on the German cover are not even designed or crocheted by the author, but by another artist who is actually featured in the back of the book. I wonder if that is even legal. Not to be cruel or anything, but I think the quality of the "borrowed" amis are better than the ones in the book.

Super cute: 25 amigurumi animals

By Annie Obaachan, published in 2009

Available on Amazon

This is the second book by this author. The crochet terms are American, and the patterns are also presented with charts. I think this book is bettern than the first one, the animals are a bit more developed and the stitches more even. Still, I find it a little strange that some  of the animals, or even just parts of them, are crocheted "inside out", it gives the animals a more messy look.

My favorite pattern is the little hamster:

Beyond-the-square crochet motifs

By Edie Eckman, published in 2008

Available on Amazon

The book has patterns for 144 different blocks. Crochet terms are American, patterns are both in writing and charts. The blocks are sorted by shape: triangles, circles, hexagons, squares and other shapes like flowers, stars and hearts. There is also a section with lots of suggestions for how to use the blocks. 

My only problem with this book is that it is spiral bound, and a lot of the pages had stuck together when I got it. I nearly ripped the book apart when I tried to separate the pages...

Amigurumi Nativity

By Carolyn Christmas, published by Gourmet Crochet (2007)

Available here

Crochet terms are American. The only color picture is the one on the front cover, the rest of the booklet is in black and white. There are additional photos by each of the patterns. The human figures are made up by a basic body and head, with different attributes and clothes.

Petits Animaux en Perles

By Marie-Claude Burel, published in 2005

No longer available

My copy of this book is a downloaded version (shame on me!), because the original became unavailable just this Christmas. I had it in my Amazon shopping cart, but when I finally could afford it, it was gone :( If it ever becomes available again I'll definitely buy it.

Like the other book by the same author the layout is very practical, with the pattern/chart on the same side as pictures of the animal. The animals are presented with scientific names and a few facts, and they are sorted by class/type, like reptiles & amphibians, birds, rodents, insecteaters, etc. 

My favorite pattern is the pheasant:

Morsomme filtdyr

By Marianne Ilsfort, first published in 2003

This is a Norwegian translation of the Danish original (Filtdyr for børn). I got this book for Christmas a few years ago, so I have no idea where to get it, I suspect it is now only available at libraries.

The book has patterns for lots of fun and cute animals of felt and other kinds of fabric. The animals are pretty easy to make, and this is a good book for children. 

My favorite pattern is this lovely camel:

Filt i farger

By Tone Tvedt & Nina Tvedt Sliper, published in 2008

This book is about felting stuff from wool. It has patterns for all kinds of useful items, such as egg warmers, tea cozies, hats, scarves, slippers, bags and even tablecloths. There are also a few purely decorative items like flowers and Christmas and Easter decorations. The pattern templates are printed on a huge fold-out sheet attached in the back of the book.

My favorite pattern is this spring elf: