I’m in a knitting mood. Reading the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society helped put me in the mood but it’s also a seasonal thing. For as long as I can remember I have a yen to knit when the weather gets really hot and humid — about mid-August. I think it’s something in my DNA. It doesn’t seem logical that someone would want to drape their lap with a hot, woolen piece of fabric NOW, but I do. I try to fight the urge by pulling out some socks or a scarf or maybe start a mitten.
The other thing that has me pulling out the knitting needles is my granddaughter, Q. I’ve mentioned her knitting before (see HERE). She began to learn to knit when she was eight. Her first project was a sock monkey. I am so glad she started with this project. Most first knitters are launched on their knitting careers with a scarf. A scarf is a good project – you just knit back and forth across the needles until you have about 60 inches and you’re done. Not the kind of thing to excite our eight year old Q. Fortunately, no one told Q that making a sock monkey was hard. (Q has a smart mom.) She just started in making one piece at a time. And here it is completed. I like the way she added a dress and a necklace.
My mother is the one who initiated the whole knitting experience throughout our family. She recently found a book she thinks Q will enjoy, especially if she wants to keep knitting toys. I agree with her.
Knitted and Felted Toys
by Zoe Halstead
Krause Publications, 2007
B+
The book is chock full of 26 different stuffed animals and dolls. They are cute and cuddly toys but also fun projects to make. Each toy is rated so you know how hard it might be before you start. Theyh are rated one star, two stars or three stars which equals to easy, moderate or advanced. Based on the project Q has already completed, she could do a two star project right now.
The projects are knit on two needles in several pieces such as the body, the legs and arms and the head. Then the pieces are stitched together and stuffed. There are instructions for felting but it’s not necessary to do that process.
I took some pictures of the pictures in the book so you would have an idea of some of the toys. Below is a picture which shows Leo Lion, Fairy, Poppy Pig and the Builder Ben. I like that their are boy dolls in here. That is rare. The pirate and the cowboy are especially cute.
Here are two of my favorites – the Mommy Bunny (see all the little bunnies in her apron) and the Pirate. The Bunny is rated two stars and the Pirate is three.
I think Q will find she has plenty of choices in this charming book. She can even do another monkey if she wants.
How about you – are you itching to get some creative projects going?
Knitted and Felted Toys can be purchased at Amazon
Q is just adorable and her sock monkey is fantastic! I’m very impressed. I have quite a few friends who have been knitting for years and have never made it past the scarf stage!
So adorable!! I’ve done tons and tons of knitting, but not animals. They look great.
These are so precious! Would love to snuggle against one in bed!
Q is adorable and obviously talented! I love the Mother Bunny too. I wish I knew how to knit. A scarf would probably be okay for me
This was truly a labor of love (for all of us). I was happy when “project sock monkey” was completed. Q is the fourth generation of knitters, and at least half of us love the planning, yarn buying, beginning phase, yet struggle with the completed project part! Maybe she takes after G-mom. Thanks for showing off her talent, we are very proud.
Very inspiring – but the hot weather is not good for me to do any knitting. I started a cardigan for myself a few weeks ago when it was cooler, but it’s too humid now for me to knit. Those toys look fantastic – I must look up the book. My granddaughter is 8 and learning to knit – but she hasn’t a lot of patience for it and when she drops stitches she loses interest – so well done Q (can’t think what her name can be!)
Awww those animals are so cute, I think I’ll get the book. Also the other book may be interesting as well. Thanks. I wait until it gets a little cooler to start my knitting…still slaving in the gardens at this time of year.
Great pictures and great patterns! I wish I had some small realations to knit toys for. I’ve just finished a cardigan for myself and a hat for Adrian and I’m now pondering which project to pick up next. Maybe I’ll see you on Ravelry one day Margot?!
Your granddaughter is very cute and the sock monkey is impressive! I made one in 7th grade but just stuffed the socks! I love the Mommy Bunny!
Your granddaughter did a great job on the sock monkey! The only sock monkeys that I have made were from socks. I have knitted blankets and one sweater. It has been many years though – I took up quilting instead.
I want a sock monkey. lol
I cant cordinate my hands to knit…so I crochet instead lol
I’m glad that Q jumped in with both feet! The sock monkey (and accessories) are adorable. Please continue to share her projects with us.
Years (decades!) after my Gram taught me to knit I’m still making scarves! I tried a sweater, and it was big enough to fit me and several of my children … maybe one day I’ll be brave enough to post a picture of it.
Wow.. she is adorable..and so is her knitting. I am always in the mood to knit. I have a knitting blog…. You can refer your grand daughter to it. It is rated “G”… (I think…) There is something about knitting a toy dog,dinosaur or bear that is just fun.