Free Downloads The Big Book Of Knitted Monsters: Mischievous, Lovable Toys
They're hiding under the bed. And in the closet. And anywhere else you've stashed yarn. They're friendly little monsters, and they're ready to come out and play!Popular designer Rebecca Danger presents 20 patterns for the most adorable monsters ever to climb off a pair of knitting needles. All are shown in two colorways, and most are done in two yarn weights, to help you pick the perfect yarn to suit your monster's personality.
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: Martingale (January 18, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604680091
ISBN-13: 978-1604680096
Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.2 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #489,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #131 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Toys & Models > Stuffed Animals #731 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Needlework #1206 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Knitting
I hesitated to write this review because I really love Rebecca Danger's designs in general, but I felt like some balance was needed to the previous very positive review. I have bought several of her patterns in the past and had high hopes for this book. The book contains patterns for a bunch of cute lil' monsters, but there's very little variation among patterns or between the patterns in this book and the patterns she's previously published. I also take issue with the title - I don't think 20 very similar patterns make a "big book" of knitted monsters. I felt like Rebecca Danger was trying to tell a story with this book, but I couldn't really understand what that story was.
Having made some of Rebecca Danger's wonderful independent designs before, I was eagerly looking forward to this collection of her work. I have not been disappointed, this book is the epitome of her quirky style and excellent professional design skills. From Angus the Attic Monster to Bea the Basement Monster, you'll soon have your whole house filled with squishy, lovable knitted friends.The 20 monsters (22 if you count the babies) in this book all share the personality and style I've come to associate with Rebecca's work, yet each one is unique and irresistible in their own right. When you consider the variations possible with yarn weight and color, as well as the possibility of combining different pieces from each design, this book alone could provide with years of knitting enjoyment.As with her individual patterns, the instructions for each monster are clearly and concisely written, and well illustrated with photos of important steps in the process. Patterns also contain a list of materials (yarn, needles, and notions) for each of the two example pieces of every design. Of course with Rebecca's excellent introductory talk about yarn/needle types and the included standard yarn-weight system chart, you can use your knowledge to create a monster in whatever size and color you desire.Several important techniques to these designs are illustrated in the beginning of the book, including one of the better demonstrations of magic-loop that I've seen. She does assume working knowledge of basic knitting and certain other techniques including kitchener stitch and 3-needle bind-off; but if you are a beginner she directs you to great free resources online to help learn the needed methods.I've already started on a monster for my home, and I'm sure there will be many more in the future. I suggest you pick up your needles today and get knitting, I say we should make Rebecca's monsters take over the world!
I've been knitting for about three years now. Pictures of items knit from her patterns are adorable. However, as one reviewer stated, they're very repetitive. After comparing prices on for the book versus Etsy where she sells them individually, I determined it was by far cheaper to buy the book than to buy 3 of her patterns to make monsters with mostly only difference in the head and limb construction. I don't regret the purchase specifically because it is less than what I would have paid had I bought three patterns directly. You'll learn how to knit in the round, binding off, seaming, and a teensy bit on shaping via increasing and decreasing the number of stitches. Those are great skills to get comfortable with.If you're not a confident knitter yet, this is a good buy. The monsters make quick, great gifts for people of all ages and she's got wonderful photos and lists web pages that will help you learn standard knitting techniques. I suspect there's many a person in an office job that would enjoy having a monster to personalize their space. One in a care package to a college student would also be appreciated.
I had high hopes for this book. I have found the author to be creative,imaginative, and her patterns are well written and easy to follow in the past. This is still true in her book. I was hoping to find patterns in this book to make gifts for boys, not the usual cutsie-pooh knitted toys I've done before, things like her wonderful robot patterns. Well, ok, the first monster was not like anything I've done before, and I think it would be something some of the guys would like. The background story was adorable and funny. The second seemed a lot like the first, with minor changes, and a different story. The third was very similar to it's cousins. And so on throughout the book. Basically, if you do one, you're pretty much done. The patterns are very repetitive. They are just a lump with arms and legs. Really! A better plan would be to let your child draw a picture. Then cut out a front and back, arms and legs, from felt and sew them together. Easy, simple,faster, cheaper, and I'm sad to say, more creative. I recommend buying some of Rebecca Danger's patterns from Etsy. There are much better ones from her than these.
I have had this book for a few years, and I can't tell you how much I adore it! I've made monsters out of this book at least 50 times, but every child I meet falls in love with them and I have ended up giving them away. Currently, I'm making some to keep for myself. They are wonderful, imaginative, and easy to make while watching TV or talking. I have dressed them in hats (on suggestions from some of my recipients) and the kids adore them and so do the adults! I have used them as samples for children's beginning knitting classes and they immediately make squares as their first projects to turn them into their own "monsters". I love how it is written and is still one of the most useful books I own. Thanks, Rebecca. Every knitter should have one!
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