Knitted Farm Friends

In this genial guide, pattern designer Keen (Knitted Menagerie) shares how to knit stuffed barnyard animals. A brief overview of basic techniques explains knit, purl, garter, stocking, and moss stitches, and recommended materials included light worsted yarn and acrylic stuffing. The expected animals are represented (a cow, donkey, hen, pig, pony, and rooster, for instance), as well as some less obvious ones, including a highland bull, pheasant, and bumblebee, all of which stand upright and are outfitted in overalls or a dress. Eyes, nostrils, and other facial features are mostly added with embroidery; the rabbit’s nose requires satin stitches, while stem stitches comprise the bee’s smile. Pipe cleaners are recommended to give form to the ram’s and bull’s horns, as well as the bee’s antennae. Though the plush animals are endearing, they’re likely a bit complex for beginners. For example, recreating the pheasant’s distinctive plumage requires making facial markings, the two-pronged tail, and two pieces for each wing, which then need to be embroidered. Still, experienced knitters will get a kick out of this.”

* Publishers Weekly *

Toy designer Sarah Keen’s latest book includes 20 patterns for animals found in and around the farmyard, including the classic hens, pigs, cows and sheep, the more exotic alpaca, and farm visitors such as a buzzing bee and a cute fox. The characters have tons of personality, with different techniques used to create fur, feathers and little details like curly hair and trotters. Each farm friend is designed to be standing and can be dressed up in dungarees or pinafores, making them extra fun for children to play with. They are made using small amounts of DK yarns so would be excellent stash busting patterns. As well as the detailed patterns, there’s an extensive how-to section covering all the basic stitches and shaping methods as well as more advanced techniques such as intarsia. Favourite makes include the curly-tailed Pig, colourful Rooster and the Billy Goat, whose striking horns are created using garter stitch.

* Knitting magazine *

This book has 20 knitted patterns for farm animals including a pig, cow, ewe, ram, rooster, hen, pony, donkey, dog, cat, rabbit, billy goat, fox, alpaca, highland bull, goose, rat, turkey, bee, and pheasant. Each animal includes information you'll need such as materials, finished size, and tension. Each animal is detailed perfectly. You will learn how to knit a body, head, nose, legs, arms, and clothes. I thought the cow was adorable especially the skirt. Most of the animals had dungarees or a skirt. Also included were the techniques section where you learn the basics of knitting. Overall, this book was well done and I look forward to testing a few of the animal patterns out.

* Sweetly Made Just for You blog *

Exceptionally needlecrafter friendly in organization and presentation, "Knitted Farm Friends: 20 Adorable Animals to Make" is a fun, unique, and especially recommended pick for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections.

* Mid-West Book Revi