Grunnbok i strikking

"How to knit"

By Debbie Bliss, first published in 1999

Available (used) on Amazon

This is a Norwegian translation, and for some reason the publisher split the original into two separate books. Unfortunately I only have the second book, bought on sale a few years ago. I don't know if the first book is available in Norwegian anymore...

Since this is the second book, the patterns and knitting techniques are somewhat complicated and probably best suited for an advanced knitter. I think I need the first book before I can use this one... There are lots of explanations and illustrations for the knitting techniques, and there are also charts for color patterns and a few patterns for actual projects like sweaters and afghans.

Cute little animals

Patterns by Amy Gaines, published by Leisure Arts (2008)

Available on Amazon

This booklet contains 8 patterns for amigurumi animals. Crochet terms are American. Most of the animals are quite large (20cm or bigger) and would probably be suitable as cuddly toys for children if made child-proof (i.e. with securely attached limbs and embroidered details). The author also has an Etsy shop which is worth checking out :)

My favorite pattern is the smallest critter in the book, the cat:

Origami

By Rick Beech, first published in 2001

Available (used) on Amazon

This book has more than 80 projects for paper folding, making anything from purely decorative items such as flowers and animals, some practical projects like bags and boxes, and a few toys and animals with moving parts. There are lots of clear photos accompanied by written instructions that are easy to follow.

My favorite project is the peacock:

Dickensian Mice

Pattern by Alan Dart, published by SIRDAR

Available here

This booklet has only four pages of patterns, because all the mice are made up of two types of basic body, and then the clothes are what makes the mice different from each other. There are directions for 12 mice, but you can easily make up even more.

Strikkede leker

"Knitted Toys"

By Fiona McTague, published in 2004

Available on Amazon

The patterns in this book are sorted by difficulty, starting with level 1 and ending with 3. There are patterns for finger puppets, cushions, dolls and teddybears with clothes, simple knitted animals and a huge door-stopper dog.

My favorite patterns are these finger puppets:

Irresistible gifts to knit

Edited by Debora Bradley, published in 2008

No longer available

All patterns by British toy designer Alan Dart. This is a collection of 12 patterns originally designed for the magazine Simply Knitting. Since the book is no longer available, the individual patterns will be posted on Alan Dart's website. The book has patterns both for single character projects, like the mother hen with chicks, a hedgehog with a hot-water bottle ready for hibernation, and a pirate with a parrot. There are also larger sets, such as the Noah's Ark, lots of farmyard animals and a nativity set. 

My favorite pattern is the Noah's Ark:

Tiny yarn animals

By Tamie Snow, published in 2008

Available on Amazon

The crochet terms are American. The book contains 20 patterns for cute little animals. Some of them are made with the same basic body and head, but with different details, like a koala, a lamb, hippo, elephant and a dog. Other patterns are all different, including a fish, a fox and a turtle.

My favorite pattern is the lamb:

Amigurumi Two! Crocheted toys for me and you and baby too

By Ana Paula Rimoli, published in 2009

Available on Amazon

The second amigurumi book from this author. She also has an Etsy shop that is worth checking out :) This book has more toy patterns than the last one, which I think is because it was made while one of the author's children was a baby. There are stroller mobiles, a doll with clothes, counting toys, and a sea turtle with eggs and tiny hatclings. The eggs and turtle babies can be stored inside the mother turtle, how clever is that :) Plus there are also a lot of regular amigurumi animals and play food.

My favorite pattern is this family of sea turtles: